Satellite Radio

What is the best way to get satellite radio into a 2008 535 I? This car was built with the SAT Prep option.

Probably to buy one of those portable sat radios from Sirius. To buy a satellite receiver and pair it with your head unit will be a nightmare.

It is not very difficult at all if you have SAT radio prep already.

This means you already have the harness and antenna in place from the factory.

I do not use mine and will sell it to you If you are interested. You will need to install it in the trunk then pay the dealer to program it on or learn to program it yourself.

Many DIY type dudes can do it without SAT prep from the factory. It only needs power, a fiber optic
Connection, ( not that hard) , and you can use a cheap SAT antenna off the shelf. You don't need the BMW SAT connection that goes through the shark antenna.

Do you have sat prep or no?

If not (worst case), read link below. Overall, not so bad regardless.

http://forums.5series.net/diy-do-you...changer-60013/

if you have a smart phone, subscribe to siriusxm and download the app. then either connect to the cars aux input with a 3.5mm cable or purchase a bluetooth module that plugs into the aux input, and wirelessly stream the sirius content over bluetooth. cheap, easy, clean.

Why would you want to? I have it, and have had it in a few cars (currently on my 3 month trial on my 550). And nothing has changed, the music selection still sucks. They play about the same 10 songs I remember from when I had it on my SRT8 Jeep back in 2006-7. Who cares if they are commercial free when the music selection sucks so bad. Add the AUX if you don't already have it, and be much happier. I will not be continuing my subscription.

Originally Posted by schpenxel

Do you have sat prep or no?

If not (worst case), read link below. Overall, not so bad regardless.

http://forums.5series.net/diy-do-you...changer-60013/

Like I said, a nightmare.

Originally Posted by rube

if you have a smart phone, subscribe to siriusxm and download the app. then either connect to the cars aux input with a 3.5mm cable or purchase a bluetooth module that plugs into the aux input, and wirelessly stream the sirius content over bluetooth. cheap, easy, clean.

This is the best answer - although, be aware that the SiriusXM iPhone app sound quality is terrible. There's a lot of compression on SiriusXM anyway, and they ramp it up for the app, and I can't find anywhere to change a quality setting.

I can only use it for talk; the quality isn't good enough for music.

Originally Posted by Jay Arras

Like I said, a nightmare.

That really isn't that bad for the mechanically minded among us

I have a "Sirius SSC1" connected to a "Dice Mediabridge" in my e39. It all connects in the trunk (instead of the CD changer), hidden and you operate it from the headunit. Works nicely, I put the antenna on the rear deck behind the rear headrests.

It is time for me to renew my Sirius at $175 a year I think I will just use my iPhone instead.

Originally Posted by rube

if you have a smart phone, subscribe to siriusxm and download the app. then either connect to the cars aux input with a 3.5mm cable or purchase a bluetooth module that plugs into the aux input, and wirelessly stream the sirius content over bluetooth. cheap, easy, clean.

The thing is you have to have an actual radio with an ESN BEFORE you download the app.
You have to subscribe first 13/month and then you can listen online (via the app) for an additional 2.99/month. It sounds good, but don't forget about the money part which will send people in the other direction.
I don't think it's too bad as long as you listen to a bunch of channels and like different genres.
It's not worth it if you only listen to a few channels.

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

It is time for me to renew my Sirius at $175 a year I think I will just use my iPhone instead.

the "mostly music" package is what I have for 9.99 a month. I don't think I could live without it.

Originally Posted by theunderlord

the "mostly music" package is what I have for 9.99 a month. I don't think I could live without it.

Geez. They told me there was only one package LOL.

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

Geez. They told me there was only one package LOL.

Ya, they're ALL morons when you talk with them on the phone, but every once in a while you get someone who knows what they're doing.

I had hard time getting someone with clear english lol

Originally Posted by Kris@TSS

I had hard time getting someone with clear english lol

ya, it's all indians named 'greg'... lol.

Try during the middle of the day, central time.

Yes this car was built with the SAT Prep option.

Hi there-

Could you send us an email with your contact information to sxm_help@siriusxm.com, so we can help.

Thanks,
SiriusXM Digital Care Team

Originally Posted by BMW4RON

What is the best way to get satellite radio into a 2008 535 I? This car was built with the SAT Prep option.

Hi there-

Thanks for the feedback on programming. We've sent this along to our programming team.

SiriusXM Digital Care Team

Originally Posted by pjinca

Why would you want to? I have it, and have had it in a few cars (currently on my 3 month trial on my 550). And nothing has changed, the music selection still sucks. They play about the same 10 songs I remember from when I had it on my SRT8 Jeep back in 2006-7. Who cares if they are commercial free when the music selection sucks so bad. Add the AUX if you don't already have it, and be much happier. I will not be continuing my subscription.

Hi there-

Feel free to send us an email with your contact information to sxm_help@siriusxm.com, and we'd be happy to help answer any questions, and address your concerns.

Thanks!
SiriusXM Digital Care Team

Originally Posted by Jay Arras

Like I said, a nightmare.

Hi there-

Thanks for being a listener!

SiriusXM Digital Care Team

Originally Posted by theunderlord

the "mostly music" package is what I have for 9.99 a month. I don't think I could live without it.

SXM_Help - Can I email the same address about my subscription options? They did not offer me any other package but obviously the most expensive one.

Originally Posted by BMW4RON

Yes this car was built with the SAT Prep option.

I'll have to look up the instructions, but I'm assuming the "prep" option means all of the wiring is already in place.

If that's the case, it's cake to install.

Hi there-

Feel free to send us an email with your contact information to sxm_help@siriusxm.com, and we'd be happy to help.

SiriusXM Digital Care Team

Originally Posted by theunderlord

ya, it's all indians named 'greg'... lol.

Try during the middle of the day, central time.