I recently purchased a 2008 BMW 328i with an April 2008 in-service date that just recently expired on a lease. With the exception of sat radio, it has all I wanted and more. After a protracted conversation, the salesman told me that BMW no longer retrofits Sirius radios. The reason is that since Sirius and XM merged, the radios are no longer compatible with my vintage automobile. Additionally, a word about the “head.” Since I frequently use satellite radio, I was hesitant to purchase the vehicle, but it is in immaculate condition, has NAV, Bluetooth, and other amenities, and is certified, so I did.
My old car has an aftermarket ONYX XM radio, and it performs fairly well. Installing that one in the Bimmer is thus one alternative. I had two options: place it on a bracket or put it in the arm rest.
I read the thorough thread about installing a Sirius unit to replace the CD player, but that doesn’t appeal to me.
Anyone with knowledge on how to modify the vehicle with an OEM radio? For me, who could handle it?
BMW subscribes to Sirius, not XM, yet the material and music are essentially the same, just on different channel numbers.
Simply purchase the mounting bracket, the tuner, and have the dealer program or enable it. If the dealer claims it is not possible, they are most likely being stupid. Mine cost me roughly $500 in total. (Including a brand-new Sirius tuner that retails for $444 at the dealer; purchase it online from Tischer to receive a free year of service).
I recently bought a CPO E92 that was missing Sirius, but I had to have it. To be clear, I asked around and discovered that Circle BMW and Tischer BMW had Sirius devices in stock. I managed to get one, but there are more in the fresh stock.
Like you, I struggled to choose a car since I needed SAT radio. I conducted a clean install of the PnP device since I couldn’t see spending an additional $500 to add Sirius. If your 328 is SAT ready, which means the antenna is installed in the shark-fin and the wire finishes below the trunk deck, that is advantageous.
Since I recently installed the Dynavin HU, which would have rendered the OEM sat radio tuner worthless, my arrangement is advantageous over OEM. My Sirius is hardwired to the HU’s AUX port, and power is wired behind the HU using a relay circuit, allowing the power to stay on for the Sirius anytime the HU is turned on. When using 12 volt aux power, the tuner would stop working when the ignition was switched off, but the head unit would continue to operate.
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My 2008 328i convertible comes equipped with Sirius radio. I’ve used it for a very long time, but when I recently tried to tune to the PGA channel, I discovered that it wasn’t where it should be and that I can’t tune higher than 184. Since I haven’t tuned in to anything greater than 25 or 26, I believe that this is how it has always been. I have an ancient radio, according to Sirius XM, thus they can’t assist me. A year older than mine and equipped with a more advanced satellite radio, I drive an Acura. Did BMW therefore deploy outdated satellite technology? Is there no other option outside buying a new radio?
2008 328i with satellite added
2008 328i, my first BMW, just arrived. Terra/black inside with a black sapphire metallic exterior. Since that is what I’m used to, XM satellite radio would be nice to add. If not, Sirius will function. What do I need to acquire satellite radio, where can I get it, and where can I find installation instructions? My vin number ends with NL46212. Any assistance is much appreciated!
I followed the Sirius installation instructions to install Sirius Satellite Radio in my 1999 323i, and I later transferred it to my current 2006 330i. Both the 323i and the 330i have no problems with it.
Yes, $1500 is right because that is what my dealer told me when I purchased my “sat ready” vehicle. They had to build an extra trim piece and bracket (I believe?) to the trunk in order to place the sat module there. It was also programmed, along with everything else…
I was fortunate in that they honored the price they had first (and incorrectly) given me for the installation, which was roughly $500. I was able to do it even more affordably by using a discount.
I looked at XM choices beforehand…but couldn’t find anything that seemed to work. I wanted an OEM look (extra module, hooked into cig lighter = ghetto). Good fortune.
How to Find Your Radio ID
Press the MENU button on your radio and pick the Sirius menu. Access Advanced options to see the Radio ID.
There are various different types of radios that could be in your BMW. Discover your model below, then adhere to the directions.
2003–the present: To see the Radio ID while in Sirius mode, press and hold the SAT button for more than three seconds. From 2004 to the present, scroll to the right in Sirius mode until the Options screen opens. When you choose Manage Subscription, the Radio ID will appear.
Press the MENU button on your radio, then choose the SAT mode. On the screen, select Settings, and the audio Radio ID will appear.
Jaguar XK and XF: Select SAT Information from the SAT Options menu to see the Call Center number and Radio ID.
XJ: Selecting the More icon after selecting the Options icon will bring up the Radio ID.
2010MY: To display the Call Center number and Radio ID, select Settings from the touch-screen’s menu, followed by SAT information.
Choose Settings from the touch-screen menu. Then choose SAT alternatives, and after that choose SAT details. Along with the Call Center phone number, the Radio ID will be displayed.
Your radio’s audio menu should be selected before SatRadio. Select Service from the dropdown to see the Radio ID displayed.
Mazda Connect System (choice models from 2014 or later): Find the Radio ID (also known as the Electronic Serial Number, or ESN) by: The 8-digit Radio ID will be displayed if you choose “XM” from the list of audio sources and choose channel 0 from the list of available channels.
Select SatRadio after choosing Audio. Select Service from the submenu to get the Radio ID and Call Center phone number.
Any unactivated channel can be chosen by rotating the right-hand rotary button. After choosing a channel, the Radio ID will appear.
Select Radio, Satellite Radio, and Category on the Control display. The Call Center phone number and Radio ID will appear when you select any channel.
Volvo 2005-2006 MY: Select it by turning the Source knob to SAT Settings. After selecting Sirius ID with the Source knob, the Radio ID will appear.
2007-2009 MY: Select Sirius Settings by pressing the MENU button and swiping down. Select Sirius ID after that, and Radio ID will appear.
Can my BMW have SiriusXM?
All new BMW models with SiriusXM will get a complimentary 12-month trial subscription to the SiriusXM Platinum Plan. A 3-month trial subscription is included with qualified pre-owned1 and certified pre-owned (CPO) automobiles.
Your customers can enjoy the best entertainment available in their cars and on the SXM App with the Platinum Plan trial subscription. This includes music that has been carefully selected to be ad-free, Pandora stations, sports play-by-play, talk shows hosted by celebrities, news, comedy, Howard Stern, and more.
A large selection of podcasts, including SiriusXM exclusives, along with original discussion channels
Can XM radio be added to a vehicle without it?
To enjoy SiriusXM(r) and the benefits that come with it, you don’t need a brand-new automobile OR an aftermarket stereo; chances are strong that you can use a satellite radio adapter kit from VAIS to connect SiriusXM to your car’s factory sound.
We’re pleased to discuss additional ways you can use to add satellite radio to an existing factory stereo, so please don’t assume this blog article is all about us and our goods. We want everyone who wants SiriusXM radio to know that they can have it without having to buy a new audio.
Here’s what you need to know about each of the three typical ways to add SiriusXM to your car’s factory radio.