I'm at the installer's now, and wanted them to put in an XM ExpressR.

While I've looked at these forums and note many issues with sat install when one did not originally order pre-wiring (or the system itself), I didn't realize that, apparently, there is no way to do this without using the wireless (which from what I hear sucks).

I have been sitting here in the installer's garage searching these forums with the installer for information on this, to no avail. He has also called friends/other installers who have told them that we're SOL. I have read about AUX input, but am not sure if that would solve this.

I called my local BMW dealer (autowerks in Minneapolis) as a last resort who told me that my car was indeed not pre-wired, and that there was absolutely no way for them (or anyone else) to retrofit satellite radio capability.


I really want satellite radio on my04 530i. I don't care if the i-Drive does or does not display the satellite--that's not the issue. The issue is that I apparently cannot install any after-market satellite radio that speaks directly to the antenna via wire. Unless I use the wireless--which I understand really blows, and works 10% of the time, I am SOL.

Is this true? I can't imagine BMW made it this hard--nay, impossible to do? Really?

If someone can chime in with experiences with the wireless, if I should even consider it (as it seems the only way I can get this done), I would appreciate it. I also can't believe that the BMW dealer can't do anything about this. (I am sure I have read that some other BMW dealers can do this, but it costs $1000 or more, which is just silly.)

Any help/pointers appreciated.

 

The Delphi roady xt,and the Delphi skyfi3 are the only plug and play radios .......All others require more $$$$