More XM questions

I've read every post on trying to make XM work in a BMW. Here's my situation:

I have a 525i with premium package ordered that is supposed to be here next week --the dealer has been nice enough to give me a loaner since the delivery has been a little delayed. The build date is December, 2005, so I assume iDrive will be standard.

From what I have read, there is no easy fix to make XM work because of iDrive. That would leave me the option of paying for a Sirius dealer install (too expensive) or making something else work. My preference is XM since I already have a year paid subscription, but would move to Sirius if it made sense.

What options do I have? I know I could use one of the XM radios that use FM modulation, but I don't really want a radio stuck on the dash somewhere (not to mention antenna) and FM modulation does not produce the best sound anyway. I know there is supposed to be some aux RCA inputs in the glovebox, which might fix the sound quality problem, but not the ugly radio problem. From what I have read, Blitzsafe would have been the ideal solution, but it supposedly will not work with iDrive.

Any other ideas?

Reply » More XM questions

Have you consider the XM Commander that could install in your console cubbyhole by the e-brake. The display unit is quite small because the actual tuner unit is installed remotely. This unit would get hardwired to your AUX input. The display unit measures 3.75 in W x 4.3 in x H 1.25 in D

Reply » More XM questions

That may be what I end up having to do.

Sigh.....it would have been nice to tie it in to the existing radio display.

Reply » More XM questions

I'd just eat $300-400 and have the dealer install Sirius. Compared to the cost of the car - there just isn't a point of hacking in XM.

Reply » More XM questions

I would probably do that if the price happened to be in that range. I don't have an exact price yet, but I have been told it would be quite a bit higher than that.

Since I haven't taken delivery yet, maybe I have some room to haggle.

Reply » More XM questions

Just my 2 cents worth..........

I have XM at home (standard with DirecTV).
I have Sirius in my car.

Personally, I think the choices are MUCH better with Sirius.

I know there have been reports that the sound quality of Sirius is inferior.... but (in my area) I have not found this to be true.

I'm VERY happy with Sirius!

Page 1 of 3