Sirius Radio

I just bought my new 2010 X5 D this weekend and keep seeing that I should have Sirius Radio. Can anyone confirm if I should or should not have it? I don't see it in the Radio options. Thanks

if it is anything like the 2010, it is pre-wired but there is no receiver without the sirius option.

Originally Posted by kelownabmw

I just bought my new 2010 X5 D this weekend and keep seeing that I should have Sirius Radio. Can anyone confirm if I should or should not have it? I don't see it in the Radio options. Thanks

OK, did your ORDER the Sirius option on the vehicle?

Was it listed as an option on the window sticker?

Perhaps you are seeing "sirius capable" or "sirius ready"...

On the 2010 the Sirius radio is an individual option for $350. If you have it, it will be listed as a separate line item on the window sticker (it is not standard or part of a package in 2010).

If it isn't listed on the window sticker as Penquin explains, you can still add it. If the truck was made after Dec 09 you don't need any hardware, just an enable code from BMW. It will cost you, but you can probably get the dealer to do it for the $350 factory charge. Good luck.

Awesome, Thanks for everyone's help.

Originally Posted by NCAMG

If it isn't listed on the window sticker as Penquin explains, you can still add it. If the truck was made after Dec 09 you don't need any hardware, just an enable code from BMW. It will cost you, but you can probably get the dealer to do it for the $350 factory charge. Good luck.

Are you saying all new X5s come with the Sirius chip (=hardware, whatever) included and now it's just a matter of enabling it via coding? When did they start this - my 35 was made in Dec 09, and I was just told I cannot add Sirius since my truck is not pre-wired.

mdog, went through a similar experience when I bought my 2010 X5 4.8. Car was purchased in March with a late January build date. The build sheet said it was prewired for Sirius but the tech could not find the wires in the back to add the module. Found out that as of December 09 build date the X5's audio/nav system changed and they no longer have separate modules for the different functions. According to the tech it is all in there and you just use enabling codes to active. A couple of caveats. They may have different base systems for the different models, for example I have factory nav and the 4.8 have a different base audio system than the 3.0's (don't know about the 3.5's). Also the exact crossover date I am not sure of. If the dealer looks up the build sheet on your Vin and it says it is prewired you should be OK. Your tech may have said it was not prewired because he couldn't find the wires. Good luck.

Sweet! I've checked with the tech, here's the response:
"all the new cars equipped with "hard drive" based NAV have all the hardware installed already"

I have a 2010 X35d too. To confirm if you have sirius radio, click on the radio button next to your Idrive. Highlight satellite radio. Next, push your option button next to IDrive. Then scroll to "manage subscription". An ESN code and the sirius phone number will be displayed. You will need to call sirius while in the car and provide the ESN code listed on your screen. If you do not show any of this, then you don't have sirius, but I was told it was included on all 2010's, but was an option on the '09's.
Hope that helps.
John

Just to clarify, if "all the hardware is pre-installed", what does the $355 'satellite radio/w 1 yr subscription" buy you. In other words, if the hardward is there, can't I just sign-up with Sirius for 1 yr (~$120) and activate the radio. What am I missing?

Originally Posted by jman123

Just to clarify, if "all the hardware is pre-installed", what does the $355 'satellite radio/w 1 yr subscription" buy you. In other words, if the hardward is there, can't I just sign-up with Sirius for 1 yr (~$120) and activate the radio. What am I missing?

Thats actually an awesome question.

If you don't get the Premium Sound Package (satellite radio and 1 yr subscription included), then you have the the option of adding satellite radio for 350. All the 2010 models, including those built in late 2009 supposedly come prewired for satellite radio activation. Does that mean the receiver unit is already there and if you don't get ZPS or opt for satellite radio that you can activate it down the line, saving $230?

I'll ask my CA next time I talk with him.

Exactly! I asked my CA and he didn't have a clue. It seems to be a common answer whenever I asked them a detailed question. Let me know what you find out.

Originally Posted by jman123

Exactly! I asked my CA and he didn't have a clue. It seems to be a common answer whenever I asked them a detailed question. Let me know what you find out.

CAs are salesmen... asking them a technical question about how BMW integrates and activates electronic hardware is setting yourself up for disappointment.

Salesmen know "check this box on the order form" ... that's it.

My guess, if the Sirius receiver module + antenna is already therem the extra $235 is for BMW to activate the module (separate from the sirius subscription activation)


I am going to be surprised if it turns out there is actually an antenna and module in all cars...

A

I just spoke to the Service Advisor at my BMW dealer and they confirmed that my 2010 X5 D has the hardware and system to operate Sirius, but they have to order an activation code from BMW and it's $500.00 to activate... This is insanity...

Originally Posted by ard

I am going to be surprised if it turns out there is actually an antenna and module in all cars...

A

If the car has an "S693 Option" on the build order (this may be a 'hidden code' that rolls up under some other orderable code), it has a 'sirius capable shark fin antenna'...

I'd hold off on buying a code for $500.... someone will hack it, or some dealership will discover they can make good money selling them over the internet...

Hi everyone,

I just had my dealer service put in the code for Sirius on my 2010 328i conv. They charged me a whopping $570.00. Ridiculus price. So it seems that the cars do have the option without buying any hardware if you have the nav. idrive system in the car.

Anyone out there know that code?

Originally Posted by luvin my car

Anyone out there know that code?

It is called an FSC activation code. It is a custom code from BMW which incorporates the ID of the specific option along with your VIN to make an new 20 digit code.

I am working on IDing a source for codes. I found one for FSC nav map codes, which is about 50% of the dealership costs.