Starting with the 2010 models*, all BMW vehicles sold in the United States and Canada are SiriusXM-capable. This means that everything is set up for you to activate Sirius radio whenever you choose, even if it isn’t already installed. Decode your BMW’s VIN and look for the Satellite Radio Preparation option to see if your vehicle has the necessary hardware to enable SiriusXM (S693A).
Your car already has the satellite radio hardware; all you need is a BMW-approved activation code to update the software and enable SiriusXM. Dealers demand that you leave your car with them, frequently even overnight, for a fee of $500 or more.
You can get the same genuine BMW code from BimmerTech for for $299. Many of the most recent BMWs just require a coding file from us thanks to our ground-breaking USB coding procedure. Without requiring any BMW iDrive coding software, save it to a flash drive and insert it into the BMW’s USB port to immediately activate SiriusXM in your car. If not, we’ll send you an interface connection so you may use your Windows laptop (or a Macbook running Windows) to connect to your vehicle. In less than 30 minutes after your initial instant chat communication with our professional, the service is remotely activated.
Really, it’s that simple. It’s no surprise that our retrofit kits for SiriusXM satellite radio are among the most sought-after!
In This Article...
How to Install XM in a BMW’s Radio
A factory-installed XM satellite radio option is offered by 24 different car manufacturers. One of the companies is not BMW. All new BMW cars come with Sirius satellite radio as standard equipment. There are still various options available if XM is your chosen satellite radio provider and you have a BMW with Sirius or a BMW without a satellite radio.
Purchase a standalone SiriusXM radio, mount it on the dashboard, and run some wires afterwards.
There are many accessible, affordable satellite radio devices; even SiriusXM provides a few on their website. The majority of these devices essentially consist of a little box that you attach to your dashboard, and you’ll also need to run two sets of wires:
- The electrical system of your car will receive power from a single wire. This is typically a plug that attaches to your cigarette lighter.
- The second wire(s) will be connected to an FM modulator, which may be mounted within your vehicle or positioned behind your dash.
Although this image does not show a satellite radio unit affixed to the dash, it does show how clogged up a space may become with only a unit and a power line. Add one or two more wires, and the situation becomes chaotic.
The key benefits of this kind of setup are that it is inexpensive and that it is temporary. This is a viable option if you don’t want to pay the money or permanently install a satellite radio in your vehicle.
On the other hand, a lot of people don’t enjoy this configuration in the long run. First off, your car’s internal cables invariably become twisted and disorganized. Second, double-sided tape is frequently used to attach devices to the dash, and this tape can come off on a hot day. Third, this method depends on an FM modulator, which can have glitches (more on that below). Fourth, using the “box” on the dash is necessary to switch satellite radio channels.
But once more, it’s a very cheap option to upgrade your car’s SiriusXM system. It’s a sensible decision in some circumstances.
Can my BMW have SiriusXM?
Through a satellite, SiriusXM radio offers access to hundreds of original channels. SiriusXM offers a wealth of entertainment options, including music, sports, news, and humor. SiriusXM, which was previously an option, is now a standard feature on all BMWs from the model year 2021 and later.
If my automobile has satellite radio, how do I know?
- On your stereo, look for the SiriusXM logo. The SiriusXM logo may occasionally be added to the radio by the automaker to promote the vehicle’s SiriusXM compatibility.
- To find the SAT button, look. There is usually a SAT button located someplace on automobile stereos with built-in satellite receivers. The button, which represents the satellite, acts as a gateway to SiriusXM stations. The SAT button is often located among the AM/FM and DISC AUX buttons.
- Consult the owner’s manual. Checking your owner’s manual should only be done as a last resort because the other two solutions are significantly simpler. Most likely, the section on your car’s audio system will have the details you require.
With a BMW, is SiriusXM free?
A free trial membership to SiriusXM for six months and the All Access plan, which covers all of SiriusXM’s channels both inside and outside the vehicle, are included with every new BMW. You may take advantage of it with no cost or obligation.
Without an aux cable, how can I connect my Sirius radio to my car?
Put your FM Direct Adapter to use. The SiriusXM FM Direct Adapter allows a wired connection between your radio and your car radio if your car radio lacks a “AUX IN” or “LINE IN” jack.
Can my automobile have SiriusXM added?
You can add a new vehicle that has an SXM trial to an existing SiriusXM account if you already have one. Simply log in to the Online Account Center, go to the Get another subscription section, choose Car + Streaming, and then follow the on-screen directions. It is quick and simple, and your trial will not be lost.
How much does installing satellite radio in your vehicle cost?
You can listen to SiriusXM radio on your OEM radio with satellite adapter kits. A satellite adapter kit will function perfectly with the factory radio in your car if it is installed correctly. To change the volume and navigate satellite radio channels, use the controls on your factory radio or the steering wheel.
Without modifying or replacing your existing radio, you may add SiriusXM using a satellite adapter kit from VAIS. Discover the benefits of VAIS Satellite Radio Adapters.
It’s very easy. To utilize your factory radio to play SiriusXM stations, either place the adapter beneath the dash or plug it into a USB port. By purchasing a VAIS satellite adapter kit, you gain access to a network of dealers who can quickly and efficiently install it for you. A excellent kit that includes everything costs around $300, however discounts can bring the price down to closer to $200.
How can my XM radio be upgraded?
Create an account first. Please keep in mind that you’ll need your Radio ID or Account Number to finish the registration process. The order confirmation will contain the account number for subscribers with streaming-only plans. The order confirmation will contain the account number for subscribers with streaming-only plans.
If you’ve already registered, go to the My Subscriptions tab in the Online Account Center after logging in. Choose Change my subscription from the dropdown menu after finding the radio or plan you want to modify. With this option, you can change your plan’s level.
After accepting your new plan, go online or dial 855-MY REFRESH (697-3333) to obtain the activation signal so we may deliver the updated channel list to your radio. Keep your Radio ID close at hand.
What does “preparing for satellite radio” mean?
In all the BMWs I’ve owned and currently own, the term “satellite radio prep” refers to the installation of the necessary gear and wiring to receive satellite signals. Normally, when you purchase a new car, you receive x months of free XM music.
Is Sirius radio a free service?
The leader in satellite radio SiriusXM announced that starting today and lasting through May 15, North America will be able to stream its 300+ station lineup for free. Howard Stern, a host on SiriusXM’s Channel 100, who is speaking live from his house, made the announcement.
All ad-free music channels, live news, religious material, comedic content, sports chat, political content, and on-demand content are all included in the free offer. Beginning April 1, a brand-new #StayHome Radio station will include “positive, feel-good music” by musicians including Lizzo, Coldplay, Pink, and Bob Marley, according to SiriusXM. The Billy Joel Channel, Dave Matthews Band Radio Channel, and The Top 1000 Channel are all returning (with a new genre countdown every two weeks).
According to Jim Meyer, CEO of SiriusXM, “With so many individuals being requested to stay at home, we are providing our full streaming roster of music, entertainment, news, and information easily accessible to everyone.” In the days to come, we hope it will be a useful source of knowledge or entertainment, a plentiful mix of fresh live content, and a source of friendship that comes from the hosts on our numerous shows and channels.
Additionally, the app features SiriusXM video, custom Pandora stations that users can create themselves, as well as an on-demand library with more than 10,000 hours of previously aired programming, concerts, interviews, and audio documentaries.
What is the location of my radio ID number?
When you connect into the Online Account Center, you can discover your Radio ID under the Active Radios/Subscriptions section of the My Subscriptions tab if you’re close to a computer or mobile device but not close to your radio.
If you require more help, select Chat Support to start a chat session with an agent who will assist you with locating your ESN/Radio ID.