| What's Going On? |
There are
51 guests on-line
|
|
|
|
|
|
Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i
Anyone have the sirius radio retro fitted from the BMW offering (not aftermarket)? I think the kit is actually aftermarket but is only compatible with the E-39 from 2003 on! I'd like to know how good or bad the system is, positives and negatives. I understand there is an antenna that has to be mounted somewhere on the exterior. Does this antenna look good and blend into the car? Has anyone installed this themselves?
| | Reply » Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i |
I installed the bmw sirius kit on my 00 M5, it's actually a mix of parts to make it work on an e39 with nav. THe sirius antenna is not too big, but it is pretty obvious. Many people mount it on or under the package shelf behind the rear seat. My reception wasn't too good, so i put mine on the back of the roof, just in front of the phone antenna. I can post a pic tonight, if there's interest.
It works really well, display on the nav screen, good sound quality etc. I listen to sirius probably 80% of the time i'm in the car now.
Mike
| | Reply » Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i |
Quote: I installed the bmw sirius kit on my 00 M5, it's actually a mix of parts to make it work on an e39 with nav. THe sirius antenna is not too big, but it is pretty obvious. Many people mount it on or under the package shelf behind the rear seat. My reception wasn't too good, so i put mine on the back of the roof, just in front of the phone antenna. I can post a pic tonight, if there's interest.
It works really well, display on the nav screen, good sound quality etc. I listen to sirius probably 80% of the time i'm in the car now.
Mike | Do you have more information about what parts, cost, labor, etc? Just like SidneyJ I have asked at the dealerships and they said it connot be done on a 2000 YM w/ Nav.  So more info will be a great!
TIA
| | Reply » Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i |
Quote: Do you have more information about what parts, cost, labor, etc? Just like SidneyJ I have asked at the dealerships and they said it connot be done on a 2000 YM w/ Nav. So more info will be a great!
TIA | Check out http://www.bimmernav.com/page6.html for info on the equipment you need. If your radio is a Sirius compatible unit (see part number) you should be able to just add the Sirius module and antenna.
If you have Nav, then you need to have the Sirius compatible MKIV nav computer also. I have MKIII and I'd have to replace everything except the display unit up front. I decided it wasn't worth the cost for the amount of time I spend in the car.
Incidentally, when I had my BM53 radio unit replaced under the "fm fade" issue I asked if they could replace with the Sirius compatible unit instead and they told me "you cannot have Sirius in any E39 with Nav" which is a totally false statement. Was I surprised at their response? Not at all, the SAs are usually unreceptive to new concepts and apparently aren't as passionate about their products as we are.
| | Reply » Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i |
Quote: Do you have more information about what parts, cost, labor, etc? Just like SidneyJ I have asked at the dealerships and they said it connot be done on a 2000 YM w/ Nav. So more info will be a great!
TIA |
I got my info and part numbers from www.bimmernav.com, as jvr mentioned. I had already upgraded my nav screen and my nav drive to the mk4 dvd system. I had to replace the radio unit (in the trunk) and install the sirius receiver and antenna. A 2000 model year requires an adapter to be fabricated to connect the new radio to the old harness. All is outlined on the bimmernav website. The install took me maybe 3 hours, and my soldering skills (to make the adapter) are not great.
Of course, if you ask your dealer, they'll follow the bmw line that it can't be done. It's odd, as 2 out of the 3 adapters needed are available from bmw (why they didn't make the 3rd? and make this a totally factory install, who knows). They also say you can't have bluetooth on an 00, but i do.....
Mike
| | Reply » Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i |
Quote: I installed the bmw sirius kit on my 00 M5, it's actually a mix of parts to make it work on an e39 with nav. THe sirius antenna is not too big, but it is pretty obvious. Many people mount it on or under the package shelf behind the rear seat. My reception wasn't too good, so i put mine on the back of the roof, just in front of the phone antenna. I can post a pic tonight, if there's interest.
It works really well, display on the nav screen, good sound quality etc. I listen to sirius probably 80% of the time i'm in the car now.
Mike |
Thanks.....I would like to see a pic of the antenna at your convenience. The recievers for these have been backordered for some time now anyway. Thanks again!
|
Page 1 of 2 |
1 2
|
|
|
Menu
Anyone install a Sirius radio retro kit for 2003 530i