Question about "Satellite Radio Prep"

[///M3AN]

Hey guys, quick question here.... Anyone have any experience getting Satellite Radio when the spec sheet says "Satellite Radio Prep". I'm just taking a wild guess here but that sounds like it has some wiring but needs more components? Gotta have my "80's on 8" yo!

This is on an 08 E90 M3.

[Dracon]

Yes. For an 08 model vehicle, you need to purchase the satellite tuner module.

It installs in the trunk, under the floor panel. Look on the left hand side and you'll see a bundle of wires one of which has a link connector.

[///M3AN]

Originally Posted by Dracon

Yes. For an 08 model vehicle, you need to purchase the satellite tuner module.

It installs in the trunk, under the floor panel. Look on the left hand side and you'll see a bundle of wires one of which has a link connector.

Cool, is it just plug and play or is there some programming the dealer will have to do for it to show up in the idrive?

[chris s]

I believe the "satellite radio prep" costs $495 at most dealers. That's what i was recently quoted.

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by ///M3AN

Cool, is it just plug and play or is there some programming the dealer will have to do for it to show up in the idrive?

You need programming by a dealership or a competent coder. It's pretty easy.

Plus you'll need to rearrange the fibre optic cables on the MOST block behind the rear seats.

I'll dig up the installation document and post it for you.

[Evolve Automotive]

This thread should help you:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...sirius+install

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by chris s

I believe the "satellite radio prep" costs $495 at most dealers. That's what i was recently quoted.

Most 2010+ models with Navigation already have all the Sirius hardware built into the navigation unit. The cost the dealership is asking is for the enabling code to activate the hardware inside the unit.

Models without Navigation, depending on build spec and build date, have to have the head unit swapped out for one with Sirius built-in *and* have the enabling code loaded.

2009 and earlier models only require the external tuner to be installed in the trunk and the VO updated to change the "Sat Radio Prep" VO code to the "Satellite Radio" VO code.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by ///M3AN

Hey guys, quick question here.... Anyone have any experience getting Satellite Radio when the spec sheet says "Satellite Radio Prep". I'm just taking a wild guess here but that sounds like it has some wiring but needs more components? Gotta have my "80's on 8" yo!

This is on an 08 E90 M3.

The link Evolve provided will work, you already have an antenna (integrated within the sharkfin) installed, that part is not needed.

You will need a Sirius receiver, which is NLA from BMW since they started integrating them within the head units. You only choice is second hand. I have a used Sirius module pulled from our race car build if interested.

[Dracon]

Here's the latest installation document for retrofitting Sirius into your M3. Contains all the parts (bracket, nuts, etc) required and explains the procedure for working with the MOST block for the fibre optics. The installation documents in the previously mentioned thread are a little dated (back in 2005-2006) but still good. I just personally prefer working with the latest documentation when doing these things.

My advice to you on working with the MOST block, **label/document all the cables in their existing positions**, while working with the MOST ring isn't hard, if you mess something up, you'll want to be able to return everything back to the way it was otherwise other components won't work properly.

Overall, the process is pretty simple. Even easier if you have a competent coder local to you to perform the VO change and activate the unit. Otherwise, it's programming/recoding time at your local dealer at about 2 hours labor.

[chris s]

so my 2011 x5 and 2012 M3 only need dealer coding???

[///M3AN]

Thanks a ton guys!

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by chris s

so my 2011 x5 and 2012 M3 only need dealer coding???

If they are both equipped with Navigation, yes. All 2010+ vehicles with Navigation have Sirius built into the Navigation system, it's just disabled by BMW until an activation FSC code is loaded. The navigation needs to be recoded *and* an FSC code loaded into the navigation (which you purchase from your dealer and they load into the vehicle).

If the vehicles are not equipped with Navigation, then it depends on the spec of the vehicle. You may need to swap out the radio head unit on cars without Navigation.

Recoding without the FSC code will not work, the satellite functions will be visible, but completely greyed-out until the FSC code is loaded.

[BPMSport]

Originally Posted by chris s

so my 2011 x5 and 2012 M3 only need dealer coding???

We can add Sirius remotely for you on both cars, and BMW Apps also if equipped w/ combox.

[dma550]

I am buying an 08 e93, and it has prep. Part of the deal was "satellite install at cost". It turned into them saying parts were $1300 and coding an additional $250. I think I just got the brush off!

It was my understanding that the module could be purchased used for $2-300 dollars, then the dealer install + coding ($250 sounds right), which I believe includes 1 year of your subscription. Are my numbers off here?

[chris s]

Originally Posted by Mike Benvo

We can add Sirius remotely for you on both cars, and BMW Apps also if equipped w/ combox.

Can u pm me details on cost etc?

[zybar]

Originally Posted by dma550

I am buying an 08 e93, and it has prep. Part of the deal was "satellite install at cost". It turned into them saying parts were $1300 and coding an additional $250. I think I just got the brush off!

It was my understanding that the module could be purchased used for $2-300 dollars, then the dealer install + coding ($250 sounds right), which I believe includes 1 year of your subscription. Are my numbers off here?

Did you ever get this completed?

If so, where did you get your unit and who did the coding?

Feel free to PM me if you want to go that route.

Thanks,

George

[dma550]

HI, yeah all set. Bought the unit here on the forums, installed it all myself, then had a local indy shop code. I did need the antenna module, although the wiring was in place there was just a blank under the shark fin.