Sirus/XM Satellite Radio Issue

[Akirax]

I've heard that there is an issue in the new 2004 5 series BMWs between the NAV system and satellite radio, apparently you can't order both devices(prep kit/sat radio and NAV) if your car has to be shipped from the factory. Work is in progress to get the issue resolved with a software update expected Fall 2004. For those cars with the satellite prep kit already installed, the same applies, it won't work until the software fix/update has been loaded on the car.

Anyone here have a 5 series with a prep kit already installed? does it look/appear to be something that can be added(prep kit) after the fact without having to take the car apart?
One would think you could still order the car with the prep kit so that when the fix is available along with the unit, the dealer just plugs it in instead you CANNOT even order the prep kit because of the issue.

The 7 series supposedly isn't affected by this issue and 7 series owners get sat systems in April....

 

[Rudy]

You CAN get the prep kit and nav from the factory. That's the only way to be able to get the satellite radio installed once the fix is ready in the fall.

If you don't get the prep kit and you have nav, you'll never be able to get the integrated Sirius.

I'm pretty sure if you don't have nav, you can get a working sat radio now. The issue that they're fixing has something to do with antenna conflicts between the GPS satellite and the Sirius satellite.

BTW, there is no XM with BMW as far as I know.

 

[Akirax]

Thanks for the reply....

From what I am being told by every dealer and parts department I call is that they have a bulletin/memo that instructs them not to order the prep kit with navigation...

You are correct in that you can order sat radio without the nav option but not both...

I was in the process of ordering a 530i with sat radio (prep kit-option 693) and Nav and now that's on hold.

Try calling the dealers in your area and ask if you can order option 693(prep kit) and Nav from the factory?

As for the XM option(not that I want XM) I was told that they have both....
I do know 100% for sure that BMW has Sirius.

Here is another link I came across..

http://www2.autospies.com/article/index.asp?articleId=2752

 

[pargolf]

I recently bought a 545i with the NAV and what I though was the satellite radio preparation option. The dealer told me that my car is "wired" for satellite radio but I could not get Sirius radio now but I would be able to get it in the future. After reading your post, I looked at my window sticker which list the satellite radio preparation option but there is no price next to the option. Do I have the kit or not?

 

[Rudy]

You have the kit. Others I've talked to have both nav and sat prep. My car is on the boat now with both.

If there's a new issue that's causing dealers to not be able to order the prep and nav currently, I'm not aware of that.

 

[Akirax]

As I understand it, this memo came out last week...if you ordered your car well before last week (lets say by the end of feb) then there is a good chance you have the prep kit if you opted for it....

maybe one of you guys can tell me if the "build your own car" on the bmwusa.com site had the option of selecting the prep kit($75) or satellite option ($595) cause doing a "build your own car" does not show the sat option now....

thanks

 

[Rudy]

When I did a build your own on the site a few months ago, satellite was not available either.

I'm pretty sure it's never been on the site. Actually, until this year, I think Sirius was only a dealer-installed option (like the cell phone, etc.). Usually, dealer-installed options are not on the BMW website's build your own section.

 

[Akirax]

thanks.....I'll just keep my ears open for now...

I'll just have to hold off from ordering until some new information comes out...
I don't want to risk ordering the car with the option and its not there on delivery and then be told only cars with the prep kit can use the integrated sat radio with i-drive....

thanks guys...

 

[Akirax]

Sounds like those wanting sat and nav(including myself) on a new car will have to wait for 2005 models..

http://e60.doit.wisc.edu/forums/index.php?showtopic=668