Satellite Radio Prep.

[Mad Max]

Hi, My wife just purchased a '04 530i that came Sat. Radio Prep. $75. Does she have to buy a separate receiver from BMW, or is it intergrated into the AM/FM CD Player in the iDrive and just has to be activated from Sirius? When I'm in the iDrive I don't see any setting for Sirius Sat. Radio. Thanks

[billB]

Below is a list of FAQ from sirius website: Hope it helps
Q. What is the monthly fee for BMW customers?
A. Sirius Satellite Radio will be offered to BMW customers at the standard fee of $12.95 per month, with the first 2 months free (one year commitment required). There will be no activation fee for BMW customers if the receiver is activated at the center.

Q. Is there an annual commitment/contract?
A. There will be a one year initial commitment, with a 60 day service satisfaction guarantee. The hardware will be covered against defects in workmanship or materials for the length of the vehicle warranty, if installed at the time of initial vehicle sale. If installed after the sale of the vehicle, the hardware is covered by the remainder of the vehicle warranty, or one year, whichever is greater. However the hardware cannot be returned for credit or reimbursement if the customer is not satisfied with Sirius Satellite Radio.

Q. What is XM Satellite Radio?
A. XM is a competitor to Sirius Satellite Radio.

Q. What is the difference between XM and Sirius?
A. In short, Sirius Radio is a premium service that offers completely commercial free music on all 60 of their music channels. XM only offers limited commercial free programming. Sirius has 3 satellites in orbit, while XM only has two, resulting in a superior reception for Sirius Radio.

Q. Can I install XM Satellite Radio in my BMW?
A. BMW will only offer Sirius Satellite compatible receivers and will not be compatible with any other satellite radio technology.

Q. Can a Satellite Receiver be installed together with a BMW CD Changer?
A. Yes, the satellite receiver can be installed together with a BMW CD Changer, utilizing an additional adapter cable.

Q: How long will it take to install Sirius hardware and activate the service?
A. Installation time is approximately 1 hour on most models. Activation will take approximately 15 minutes, and will require credit card billing information.

Q. Will satellite radio work with Harman Kardon and/or standard BMW audio systems?
A. Sirius satellite receivers will work with both standard audio systems and Harman Kardon or DSP audio systems.

[Dirty_Tool]

Originally posted by Mad Max@Feb 6 2005, 01:39 PM
Hi, My wife just purchased a '04 530i that came Sat. Radio Prep. $75. Does she have to buy a separate receiver from BMW, or is it intergrated into the AM/FM CD Player in the iDrive and just has to be activated from Sirius? When I'm in the iDrive I don't see any setting for Sirius Sat. Radio. Thanks

[snapback]286895[/snapback]

You will still need a Receiver (retails for $350) and a mounting bracket kit (around $12) See your local dealer for the parts and installation.

DT

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by Dirty_Tool+Feb 6 2005, 05:25 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Dirty_Tool @ Feb 6 2005, 05:25 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-Mad Max@Feb 6 2005, 01:39 PM
Hi, My wife just purchased a '04 530i that came Sat. Radio Prep. $75. Does she have to buy a separate receiver from BMW, or is it intergrated into the AM/FM CD Player in the iDrive and just has to be activated from Sirius? When I'm in the iDrive I don't see any setting for Sirius Sat. Radio. Thanks

[snapback]286895[/snapback]

You will still need a Receiver (retails for $350) and a mounting bracket kit (around $12) See your local dealer for the parts and installation.

DT

[snapback]286915[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
Thanks everyone, Does anyone know were I can find the installation instructions for a '04 530i? I think I'll do it myself.

[kscarrol]

Originally posted by Mad Max+Feb 6 2005, 06:02 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Mad Max @ Feb 6 2005, 06:02 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

You will still need a Receiver (retails for $350) and a mounting bracket kit (around $12) See your local dealer for the parts and installation.

DT

[snapback]286915[/snapback]

Thanks everyone, Does anyone know were I can find the installation instructions for a '04 530i? I think I'll do it myself.

[snapback]286931[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

I am afraid this is not a DIY job. While installing the receiver is easy enough, the car needs to hooked up to the computer at the dealer to "activate" the iDrive components so that it is fully integrated. No way I know of to have this done other than the dealer. Should be 1-1.5 hrs of labor for the install and software work. As for the subscription, Sirius had been offering 1 yr free with the receiver bought through BMW on the E60. Just had mine installed 1st week of January '05 and when I called to activate the service I mentioned the 1 yr free and got it. No mention of a long-term commitment of any kind.

[Mad Max]

Originally posted by kscarrol+Feb 6 2005, 06:26 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(kscarrol @ Feb 6 2005, 06:26 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

Thanks everyone, Does anyone know were I can find the installation instructions for a '04 530i? I think I'll do it myself.

[snapback]286931[/snapback]

I am afraid this is not a DIY job. While installing the receiver is easy enough, the car needs to hooked up to the computer at the dealer to "activate" the iDrive components so that it is fully integrated. No way I know of to have this done other than the dealer. Should be 1-1.5 hrs of labor for the install and software work. As for the subscription, Sirius had been offering 1 yr free with the receiver bought through BMW on the E60. Just had mine installed 1st week of January '05 and when I called to activate the service I mentioned the 1 yr free and got it. No mention of a long-term commitment of any kind.

[snapback]286941[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]
Thanks very much for the info kscarrol! I guess I'll have to let them do it.

[kscarrol]

Originally posted by Mad Max@Feb 6 2005, 06:37 PM
[Thanks very much for the info kscarrol! I guess I'll have to let them do it.

[snapback]286945[/snapback]

You're welcome. Be sure and press Sirius about the free year, worked for me. And I did not have to give a credit card number either. We have XM at home and I actually like the XM music stations a bit better, but Sirius is still so much better than FM and I really like the integration with the iDrive and not having the extra mouse antenna on the trunk/roof.