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Sirius retrofit in Canada

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Old 11-30-2009, 09:51 AM
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Hello All,

I have an '06 525i (Canadian car) and have been reading about retrofitting the factory Sirius radio (there's no sat radio prep in my car). It seems that several people on the forum have successfully done it by installing the Sirius tuner in the stock CD changer location - in the US. The trouble is, in Canada, BMW only began offering the Sirius option in the 2007 model year. Consequently, the Sirius tuner part number appropriate for my '06 car (65126948064 according to RealOEM) is not available from any Canadian dealers. Only the updated versions 65129192274 and 65129162994 are available. Furthermore, the dealers told me that even if I were to find the older unit somewhere (e.g. eBay), it still wouldn't work because the M-ASK head unit from '06 is different for Canada and the US, and the Canadian version doesn't support sat radio. So, the entire M-ASK unit would apparently have to be replaced, which I'm not prepared to do just to get sat radio.

Does anyone know how truthful these statements are? It seems odd to me that BMW would use 2 different M-ASK units for the Canadian and US markets.

If it doesn't work, I'll have to go for an aftermarket Sirius unit via the AUX input, with no iDrive integration

Thanks!
cinergi
Old 11-30-2009, 10:30 AM
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Originally Posted by cinergi' post='1065044' date='Nov 30 2009, 01:51 PM
Hello All,

I have an '06 525i (Canadian car) and have been reading about retrofitting the factory Sirius radio (there's no sat radio prep in my car). It seems that several people on the forum have successfully done it by installing the Sirius tuner in the stock CD changer location - in the US. The trouble is, in Canada, BMW only began offering the Sirius option in the 2007 model year. Consequently, the Sirius tuner part number appropriate for my '06 car (65126948064 according to RealOEM) is not available from any Canadian dealers. Only the updated versions 65129192274 and 65129162994 are available. Furthermore, the dealers told me that even if I were to find the older unit somewhere (e.g. eBay), it still wouldn't work because the M-ASK head unit from '06 is different for Canada and the US, and the Canadian version doesn't support sat radio. So, the entire M-ASK unit would apparently have to be replaced, which I'm not prepared to do just to get sat radio.

Does anyone know how truthful these statements are? It seems odd to me that BMW would use 2 different M-ASK units for the Canadian and US markets.

If it doesn't work, I'll have to go for an aftermarket Sirius unit via the AUX input, with no iDrive integration

Thanks!
cinergi

I would love to know this as well. I'm in Canada as well. Where abouts are you?
Old 11-30-2009, 01:28 PM
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My Ride: 2006 525XI, Jet black on Dakota beige. Premium and winter packages. I consider myself a purist and intend to keep my car absolutely stock and shiny. 2008 328I Convertible, Sapphire black on beige interior. Premium package, NAV, iPod adapter. Retired: 2002 325I, Titanium silver on black leather. Premium package. Absolutely stock and proud of it.
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Originally Posted by cinergi' post='1065044' date='Nov 30 2009, 01:51 PM
Hello All,

I have an '06 525i (Canadian car) and have been reading about retrofitting the factory Sirius radio (there's no sat radio prep in my car). It seems that several people on the forum have successfully done it by installing the Sirius tuner in the stock CD changer location - in the US. The trouble is, in Canada, BMW only began offering the Sirius option in the 2007 model year. Consequently, the Sirius tuner part number appropriate for my '06 car (65126948064 according to RealOEM) is not available from any Canadian dealers. Only the updated versions 65129192274 and 65129162994 are available. Furthermore, the dealers told me that even if I were to find the older unit somewhere (e.g. eBay), it still wouldn't work because the M-ASK head unit from '06 is different for Canada and the US, and the Canadian version doesn't support sat radio. So, the entire M-ASK unit would apparently have to be replaced, which I'm not prepared to do just to get sat radio.

Does anyone know how truthful these statements are? It seems odd to me that BMW would use 2 different M-ASK units for the Canadian and US markets.

If it doesn't work, I'll have to go for an aftermarket Sirius unit via the AUX input, with no iDrive integration

Thanks!
cinergi
I would probably go after-market. You can also use the after-market device on your home stereo, thus getting more mileage for your money. The standard Sirius receiver is pretty useless in the spring and summer if you do a lot of back road driving as the leaves on the trees prevent the satellite signal from reaching your device.
Old 12-01-2009, 07:59 PM
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Migo - I'm in Montreal.

I've found out some more information. The updated part number 65129192274 is a replacement for the old part 65126948064. The old part has been discontinued, but the new part should be compatible with my car (according to Circle BMW in New Jersey). I bought the part from a local dealer, and will install it this weekend, to be followed by coding at the dealer next Tuesday. I'll let you know if it works!

Porsche911targa - an aftermarket Sirius radio would no doubt be cheaper and less of a headache to install, but I just don't like seeing aftermarket parts in my car. The stock Sirius tuner, if it works, will integrate completely with the iDrive.

-cinergi
Old 12-01-2009, 08:12 PM
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Originally Posted by cinergi' post='1066134' date='Dec 1 2009, 11:59 PM
Migo - I'm in Montreal.

I've found out some more information. The updated part number 65129192274 is a replacement for the old part 65126948064. The old part has been discontinued, but the new part should be compatible with my car (according to Circle BMW in New Jersey). I bought the part from a local dealer, and will install it this weekend, to be followed by coding at the dealer next Tuesday. I'll let you know if it works!

Porsche911targa - an aftermarket Sirius radio would no doubt be cheaper and less of a headache to install, but I just don't like seeing aftermarket parts in my car. The stock Sirius tuner, if it works, will integrate completely with the iDrive.

-cinergi

Perfect let me know how it goes. I agree with the extra parts. I would rather consolidate if possible.
Old 01-02-2010, 05:54 AM
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Originally Posted by Migo' post='1066137' date='Dec 2 2009, 12:12 AM
Perfect let me know how it goes. I agree with the extra parts. I would rather consolidate if possible.
i live in florida and own a 06 525i and i just purchased a sirius tuner 65129192274 with bracket and want to install it. can you post your experience and instructions please.
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