is the sat radio too much money?

rai · 04-01-2008, 10:21 PM

I have a Acura which came with XM, we like it but paying for radio kind of sucks. I was going for Sirius in for the M3 but now I don't know it's amlost $600 plus every month payments.

Do people think it's worth $600?

thanks

Technic · 04-01-2008, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rai

I have a Acura which came with XM, we like it but paying for radio kind of sucks. I was going for Sirius in for the M3 but now I don't know it's amlost $600 plus every month payments.

Do people think it's worth $600?

thanks

No, it isn't IMO. Somehow BMW is creeping into the "nickel and dime" optional equipment business to make up for the free maintenance and free Assist for 4 years. Just following Porsche, I guess...

Just iPod/USB, Sirius and HD radio is a $1350 proposition, and still there is no upgrade in OEM amplifier or speakers, just peripherals...

rai · 04-02-2008, 08:36 AM

too bad BMW didn't offer a sound option package, like bluetooth in the premium package doesn't cost the $750 stand alone price.

I would like Sirius but it's also something like $140 a year so they get you comming and going.

I'm getting the ipod/usb and premium sound already

GregW / Oregon · 04-02-2008, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

No, it isn't IMO. Somehow BMW is creeping into the "nickel and dime" optional equipment business to make up for the free maintenance and free Assist for 4 years. Just following Porsche, I guess...

Just iPod/USB, Sirius and HD radio is a $1350 proposition, and still there is no upgrade in OEM amplifier or speakers, just peripherals...

Even Assist is not free; only with Premium package. Note that Sirius does include a one-year subscription. Wasn't worth it for me, though I got everything else.

Technic · 04-02-2008, 09:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Even Assist is not free; only with Premium package. Note that Sirius does include a one-year subscription. Wasn't worth it for me, though I got everything else.

Assist stand alone option is $750, however the free 4 years of service is some $960 value ($240 a year in 2004, if I remember correctly). And the Bluetooth is a $500 module at retail price, or $750 in a Assist/Bluetooth module. So at least this option makes some money sense.

However, a Sirius tuner in this vehicle price bracket should be free with a 3 months service trial, IMO. If a tuner can be bought for some $50 right now, it should not be too much of a cost for BMW to offer the sucker free, specially if they can negotiate some cost sharing with Sirius.

The same with HD Radio...

rai · 04-02-2008, 09:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Note that Sirius does include a one-year subscription. Wasn't worth it for me, though I got everything else.

with Mini (for a time don't know if anymore) they had sat radio was like $695 but was lifetime free subscription.

GregW / Oregon · 04-02-2008, 11:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rai

with Mini (for a time don't know if anymore) they had sat radio was like $695 but was lifetime free subscription.

That would be a good deal.

Technic · 04-02-2008, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rai

with Mini (for a time don't know if anymore) they had sat radio was like $695 but was lifetime free subscription.

That would make money-sense...

Jinxter · 04-02-2008, 01:28 PM

I think its worth it considerign Sirius offers a lifetime membership for like $499? if I'm not mistaken. And you can switch it to other cars as well.

AwesomeM3 · 04-02-2008, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rai

I have a Acura which came with XM, we like it but paying for radio kind of sucks. I was going for Sirius in for the M3 but now I don't know it's amlost $600 plus every month payments.

Do people think it's worth $600?

thanks

I think it depends on how much time you spend in the car. I don't drive mine every day, and when I do it's usually for short trips; that's why I opted for the iPod/USB. IMO, if you plan on driving it a lot, then Sirius is a must. I have it in another vehicle, one at home, and one at work...Howard Stern rules and the music channels are awesome, not to mention how awesome the NFL channels are.

rai · 04-02-2008, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AwesomeM3

I think it depends on how much time you spend in the car. I don't drive mine every day, and when I do it's usually for short trips; that's why I opted for the iPod/USB. IMO, if you plan on driving it a lot, then Sirius is a must. I have it in another vehicle, one at home, and one at work...Howard Stern rules and the music channels are awesome, not to mention how awesome the NFL channels are.

How is the NFL channels? I'm a Fantasy Football nut.

Do you have to pay extra to listen to NFL games?

AwesomeM3 · 04-02-2008, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rai

thanks we have XM on the MDX

How is the NFL channels? I'm a Fantasy Football nut.

Do you have to pay extra for games?

I am not sure how much I'll drive it probably 12K a year so guess that's a lot.

My brother-in-law has XM on his MDX too, and Sirius on his 335i Vert. The NFL channels are great if you like football. Sirius broadcasts every NFL game, actually they have two broadcasts for most games, one channel with the home team broadcasters and one with the away team broadcasters. All of the NFL channels are included, in fact, you don't have to pay extra for any channels, they are all included with your regular subscription. I never listen to terrestrial radio anymore; as long as I have my Sirius and iPod/USB I'm good to go!

badfish · 04-02-2008, 02:51 PM

I bought my Scion xB, an $18000 car and it came with a free tuner from Longo. Only Longo offered the tuner for free and it also came with a 9 month subscription. Yes, the tuners are cheap and I totally feel the nickel and dime game with BMW. But the tuner option for the Scion radio runs like $200-300. There is an aftermarket company called Soundgate that makes these control boxes for the universal tuners. I just checked their website and they make it up through the 2005 BMW radios. Not sure if they will make one for the newer cars, but it allows control through the factory radio with text and all.

See link here.

rvacha · 04-02-2008, 10:01 PM

I already have a huge music library so radio isn't worth this much money. Even if I somehow thought is was, I wouldn't get it right now anyway. We really have no idea what will happen after the immanent merger of XM and Sirius in terms of content and number of channels

gadget · 04-02-2008, 10:06 PM

I'm only getting if for Howard stern-

apw2607 · 04-03-2008, 01:14 AM

Getting it for BBC Radio 1 for me.

AwesomeM3 · 04-03-2008, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gadget

I'm only getting if for Howard stern-

It's worth it just to listen to Howard Stern. All of the other channels are a bonus.

rai · 04-03-2008, 09:11 AM

ty

I am getting the sirius. I had the order and was thinking of changing it out to save a few bucks. i do think it's high priced (maybe over priced) but like the whole car is high priced so what's a few more bucks.

I just wish BMW would have charged a normal price but I guess they know buyers have bucks or else they'd buy a Acura (etc.)..

searay · 06-04-2008, 05:33 PM

I'm new to the forum and just got an 2006 325i that the dealer told me was pre-wired for sat radio. When i took to my local BMW dealer to have it ordered they told me my car was not pre-wired. I'm raising H with the BMW dealer that sold me the car but doubt they will help. Do I have any options to get sat. radio (other than the bolt on the dash type)???`
Thanks, I enjoy the site.
searay

Davinhci · 06-04-2008, 06:46 PM

I have all my music on my Ipod and so to me I don't think it's worth it. I had it before and I was ok with it.

04-01-2008, 10:21 PM	#1
rai Captain Drives: M3 coupe with DCT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: maryland Posts: 634 iTrader: (0)	is the sat radio too much money? I have a Acura which came with XM, we like it but paying for radio kind of sucks. I was going for Sirius in for the M3 but now I don't know it's amlost $600 plus every month payments. Do people think it's worth $600? thanks
	Tweet

04-02-2008, 01:28 PM	#9
Jinxter Lieutenant Drives: 2008 BMW e92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Walnut Creek, California Posts: 490 iTrader: (0)	I think its worth it considerign Sirius offers a lifetime membership for like $499? if I'm not mistaken. And you can switch it to other cars as well. __________________

04-02-2008, 10:01 PM	#14
rvacha Captain Drives: '08 E92 M3 Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 745 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 E92 M3 [0.00]	I already have a huge music library so radio isn't worth this much money. Even if I somehow thought is was, I wouldn't get it right now anyway. We really have no idea what will happen after the immanent merger of XM and Sirius in terms of content and number of channels __________________ '03 X5 4.4i Blue/Tan '06 E90 330Xi 6MT Sparkling Graphite/Terra '08 E92 M3 6MT Jerez/Speed Cloth <-- Evil Twin

06-04-2008, 05:33 PM	#19
searay Registered Drives: 2006 BMW 325i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: Illinois Posts: 1 iTrader: (0)	sat radio --no pre-wiring--help I'm new to the forum and just got an 2006 325i that the dealer told me was pre-wired for sat radio. When i took to my local BMW dealer to have it ordered they told me my car was not pre-wired. I'm raising H with the BMW dealer that sold me the car but doubt they will help. Do I have any options to get sat. radio (other than the bolt on the dash type)???` Thanks, I enjoy the site. searay

06-04-2008, 06:46 PM	#20
Davinhci Colonel Drives: 08 M3 E92 & 08 E70 X5 4.8 Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Austin, TX Posts: 2,460 iTrader: (6) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	I have all my music on my Ipod and so to me I don't think it's worth it. I had it before and I was ok with it. __________________ 08 E92 AW M3 \| HRE P40 19" \| APE Air Filter \| BMW Performance Grills \| White Side Gills \| CF Mirror Covers \| BMW Performance Pedals \| F1 Pinnacle Tint \| V1 Hardwire \| Dinan Performance Software \| Gintani Exhaust \| H&R Sports Springs \| RPI Scoops \| BMW CF Spoiler \| Challenge Diffuser \| Lux H8 V3 \| LCI Tail Lights \|

04-02-2008, 08:36 AM	#3
rai Captain Drives: M3 coupe with DCT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: maryland Posts: 634 iTrader: (0)	too bad BMW didn't offer a sound option package, like bluetooth in the premium package doesn't cost the $750 stand alone price. I would like Sirius but it's also something like $140 a year so they get you comming and going. I'm getting the ipod/usb and premium sound already

04-02-2008, 02:51 PM	#13
badfish Major Drives: E92 AW M3 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: SoCal Posts: 1,043 iTrader: (0) Garage List 2008 M3 [0.00]	I bought my Scion xB, an $18000 car and it came with a free tuner from Longo. Only Longo offered the tuner for free and it also came with a 9 month subscription. Yes, the tuners are cheap and I totally feel the nickel and dime game with BMW. But the tuner option for the Scion radio runs like $200-300. There is an aftermarket company called Soundgate that makes these control boxes for the universal tuners. I just checked their website and they make it up through the 2005 BMW radios. Not sure if they will make one for the newer cars, but it allows control through the factory radio with text and all. See link here.

04-02-2008, 10:06 PM	#15
gadget Major Drives: 09 e92///M SSII DCT Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: US Posts: 1,194 iTrader: (0)	I'm only getting if for Howard stern-

04-03-2008, 01:14 AM	#16
apw2607 Major Drives: 2009 X5 35d Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Seattle, WA, USA Posts: 1,240 iTrader: (0)	Getting it for BBC Radio 1 for me.

04-03-2008, 09:11 AM	#18
rai Captain Drives: M3 coupe with DCT Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: maryland Posts: 634 iTrader: (0)	ty I am getting the sirius. I had the order and was thinking of changing it out to save a few bucks. i do think it's high priced (maybe over priced) but like the whole car is high priced so what's a few more bucks. I just wish BMW would have charged a normal price but I guess they know buyers have bucks or else they'd buy a Acura (etc.)..