XM or Sirius?

[ORANGEJUICE]

Im not planning on having this E46 for much more than 1 or so and don't want to spend the $ upgrading the system.

However, I wanted to know the difference between the two services of Satelite Radio.

Secondly, I'm a bit confused with the equipment options or how it integrates with a stock stereo and its sound quality.

jllphan?

RE

[mlomker]

I know this is an old post but I just installed the Soundgate adaptor that lets you put in the Pioneer 903XM radio unit in an `01 E46--the whole works plugs into the CD changer port in the trunk. The sound quality is quite excellent.

The catch is that only `03 and above cars can get the song playing/text information on the radio display. Changing channels is a little bit of a pain due to the interface on my older radio but I like it because it's a cleaner install than having a separate tuner in the passenger compartment--I'd rather have people look in and see nothing worth stealing.

I previously had Sirius at home and decided to try XM in this car. I'd say it's a toss-up for me, but a lot of people prefer XM because songs don't repeat as often--they tend to play a wider variety than Sirius does.

The reason I'm looking through the old list messages is because I'm now unhappy with the non-HK speakers!

[El Presidente]

I'dd reply too, just because this question comes up often enough if someone seacrhes first it should answer a few questions.

If you want the factory sat, then you'll have to go sirius. If you are doing an FM mod or have/will buy an aftermarket sat radio, go XM. They have a greater variety of music and the talk channels aren't too bad either. Sirius does have more talk though. The SQ on each should be the same.