Help with Satellite radio in Canada

[rutiger]

I'm in the process of ordering a 2006 650i. I'd love to have satellite radio as a factory install. Unfortunately, XM or Sirius is not available in Canada bound cars, as factory installs. The option is available on US models which I'm therefore assuming is done in Germany. I really want it to be integrated into the idrive as opposed to an aftermarket external display. Any suggestions?

[ademitt]

You can order the option prewired so that the OEM unit can be installed at a later date when the service is up and running in Canada. The prewire option is available as of September production.

[rutiger]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I'd like to pick your brain a little more though. Not sound like an idiot but what's an OEM? (I'm new at this, can you tell?) My dealer seems to be pretty clueless on the matter when I asked him about it. Do you know what I should tell him exactly? Are dealers generally aware of this?
Thanks again.

[SRFast]

Thanks for the info. I really appreciate it. I'd like to pick your brain a little more though. Not sound like an idiot but what's an OEM? (I'm new at this, can you tell?) My dealer seems to be pretty clueless on the matter when I asked him about it. Do you know what I should tell him exactly? Are dealers generally aware of this?
Thanks again.

You really need to speak to your BMW dealer about your options. Sirius Sat radio is scheduled to go live fall 2005 (http://www.siriusradiocanada.com/), but until it does go live, it is questionable what BMW will offer. A BMW OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) Sirius receiver can be installed POST delivery if the required prewiring is present. US buyers can order the Sat Radio prep ($75) and install the receiver later. BMW's without the prep kit CANNOT have the BMW OEM receiver installed. I have the BMW Sirius receiver installed in my E39 and it is great. No problems with the serive while I was in Montreal.

Good luck.....JL