I'm shopping for loaded 2015 and 2016 F10's. I need to have my XM subscription in the car. I've come across this curiousity:
I shopped a CPO car and was told, despite original invoice/VIN of Harmon Kardon radio with satellite that BMW needs to "initiate" the satellite for $$ despite the satellite working w/o extra $$ (with trial XM subscription) when sold/leased new.

In my searches, some dealers of used cars provide car satellite ready, some even with trial XM subscription. Some --- like the dealer with the CPO car ---require some BMW fee/code setup/reinstall of original module (?). The costs for turning satellite capability back on ranges between $600 and $775.

Seems like a scam, at least shady. Anyone with knowledge, experience or ideas for me to get the equipment I'm paying for in my used F10 with its original capability w/o paying $775!?!?

Will the paddle shifters work, orvdo I need to pay a $775 fee for that option to work, too?? Haha

2015 535i M Listing. Radio will not accept XM subscription w/o $775 to BMW for some "code"!

 

I did not pay anything extra. I got 3 months XM trial automatically added. Then I got a note from XM to extend it for 3 additional months..

 

Sometimes the simplest explanation is the correct one. The dealer wants $X for the car. If you want the car and the XM, then it will be $X + 775. Take it or walk. No scam.

Now if it is a car you have already purchased, than I would take it up with the management, or with BMW.

 

You're not explaining very well. I'm shopping for an E93, and some of them have the XM radio already installed, getting it turned on is a phone call to XMSirius. There is nothing between you and BMW, with the possible exception that you are buying new, then the dealership is collecting a fee that XM charges to activate. You can make the activation call on your own.