Sirius Activation & Installation Questions

toicy4ya · 12-10-2012, 09:04 AM

Sup Guys,

I contacted Sirius today in hopes to get satelite radio activated on my car. I believe, my car is cable ready as i have the "satelite" option on my factory (navigation) head unit. However, when I select it it gives me a "ESN" number and refers me to call the Sirius 1-800 number. When I called I was initially informed that i did not need any additional equipment to get it satelite radio activated on my car. After further questions, the rep informed me that all i need is a "SureConnect" cable which costs $19.99 (see link; http://shop.siriusxm.com/xm/ctl10600...l1/sureconnect ).

However, based on my research on the forum, I see some guys buying a specific module. My questions are the following;

1. What do i need to active sirius satellite radio on my car? I own a 06 330XI, Navigation radio with a "satelite" dedicated channel. The car also comes equipped with the shark fin antenna. Not sure if that helps.

2. What if any additional equipment do i need? Where can i purchase it & how much does it cost (roughly)?

3. Where can I find an installation guide?

As a gift of appreciation the following are some Sirius deals, hope it helps!

http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer9 - Premier subscription. 5 months for $29.99
http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer8 - Select subscription. 6 months for $24.99
http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer7 - Select subscription. 4 months for $19.99
http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer6 - Select subscription. 5 months for $24.99

Thanks again

onebadmofo · 12-10-2012, 09:41 AM

If it gives you an ESN number then you have everything you need to use Sirius. Just call them again for a different, smarter rep.

bmiller085 · 12-10-2012, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onebadmofo

If it gives you an ESN number then you have everything you need to use Sirius. Just call them again for a different, smarter rep.

+1!

However, you can also do it directly online at Sirius' website. No need to call in. It will have you create an account, enter your ESN from the radio, choose your music plan and payment plan, and voila. Your radio will be working within minutes of your new subscription

toicy4ya · 12-10-2012, 10:14 AM

Thanks guys, I'm happy to hear that. I was about to order it online but didn't see the discount packages. I'll give em a call later.

onebadmofo · 12-10-2012, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toicy4ya

Thanks guys, I'm happy to hear that. I was about to order it online but didn't see the discount packages. I'll give em a call later.

After the first 6 months of "trial" call them back to cancel, they'll extend it again. Been doing that for years

toicy4ya · 12-10-2012, 03:07 PM

Thanks for the heads up.

So I called em up and got it activated. I have to admit I'm a bit surprised on the sound quality. I was expecting something closer to iPod quality. The sound doesnt sound as full. Is it just me?

onebadmofo · 12-10-2012, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by toicy4ya

Thanks for the heads up.

So I called em up and got it activated. I have to admit I'm a bit surprised on the sound quality. I was expecting something closer to iPod quality. The sound doesnt sound as full. Is it just me?

Unfortunately that's the way it is. It sounds a little better than FM radio but definitely worse than from iPod.

vashthe3rd · 12-10-2012, 03:33 PM

I currently have a subscription for a lifetime of sirius but it was for a previous portable unit. I was thinking of transferring the subscription to the car. It's been claimed that if I transfer the subscription to the car it will be permanent and I'll never have it on another device again.

If I don't even have a satellite option on my iDrive does that mean I'm not even equipped for satellite radio.

onebadmofo · 12-10-2012, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vashthe3rd

If I don't even have a satellite option on my iDrive does that mean I'm not even equipped for satellite radio.

Correct, it's not just software, there's a satellite tuner in the trunk.

thecadman99 · 12-10-2012, 08:52 PM

I have sirius and honestly I use my 3.5mm plug/pandora/iheart/tunein/slacker cell phone radio more than the sirius.

gpb · 12-11-2012, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thecadman99

I have sirius and honestly I use my 3.5mm plug/pandora/iheart/tunein/slacker cell phone radio more than the sirius.

I'm about the opposite. Phone in my pocket and I don't often bother with pulling it out to plug it into the car.

MB330 · 03-11-2013, 12:32 PM

I re-open this thread and hoping that someone could help me.
Back in 2006, when I purchase my car I opted for $75 options - sirius radio preparation.
Can I add now siriusxm to my media option?
Do I need re-program my car? Logically this sound right to me - but just need to confirm with more knowledge audience.

timmahh · 03-11-2013, 07:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB330

I re-open this thread and hoping that someone could help me.
Back in 2006, when I purchase my car I opted for $75 options - sirius radio preparation.
Can I add now siriusxm to my media option?
Do I need re-program my car? Logically this sound right to me - but just need to confirm with more knowledge audience.

The prep should have the cables installed, but you'll still need a tuner and you'll need to modify the fiber optic network so that it loops through the satellite reciever. After that is done, the dealer might need to perform additional programming to make the unit live, however you can install everything and still have a functional system even if programming is required. What you cannot do is modify the fiber network prior to installing the the tuner, as you will break the loop.

Verify the prep is there by opening the trunk cover that goes over where normal cars have spare tires. It should just be a small bundle of wires & a fiber cable, located to the left of the TCU/Bluetooth components.

MB330 · 03-11-2013, 09:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmahh

The prep should have the cables installed, but you'll still need a tuner and you'll need to modify the fiber optic network so that it loops through the satellite reciever. After that is done, the dealer might need to perform additional programming to make the unit live, however you can install everything and still have a functional system even if programming is required. What you cannot do is modify the fiber network prior to installing the the tuner, as you will break the loop.

Verify the prep is there by opening the trunk cover that goes over where normal cars have spare tires. It should just be a small bundle of wires & a fiber cable, located to the left of the TCU/Bluetooth components.

Thanks, Opra - You are the best!

I was thinking 200-300$ will be enough - but I see it will cost me more - it's cheaper to get portable device, that I can move between cars.
timmahh
Thank you very much for your help.

timmahh · 03-12-2013, 12:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MB330

Thanks, Opra - You are the best!

I was thinking 200-300$ will be enough - but I see it will cost me more - it's cheaper to get portable device, that I can move between cars.
timmahh
Thank you very much for your help.

If it helps at all, I paid $400 for a brand new unit from the dealer [originally bought one off ebay for $250 I think, but it turned out to be bad] - the new units come with 1 year "free" so to speak.. So that balances out the cost a little - I prefer factory integration of stuff though.

MB330 · 03-12-2013, 10:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by timmahh

If it helps at all, I paid $400 for a brand new unit from the dealer [originally bought one off ebay for $250 I think, but it turned out to be bad] - the new units come with 1 year "free" so to speak.. So that balances out the cost a little - I prefer factory integration of stuff though.

Did you install at dealer or your self?

marv2279 · 04-05-2013, 10:43 AM

I bought a used 2006 325ic. The satellite station info appears on the radio screen but no sound comes through the speakers. Had the antenna installed at the dealership and now must make another appointment for them to find the problem. Very frustrating

954Stealth · 04-05-2013, 10:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marv2279

I bought a used 2006 325ic. The satellite station info appears on the radio screen but no sound comes through the speakers. Had the antenna installed at the dealership and now must make another appointment for them to find the problem. Very frustrating

Do you have any audio or it just isolated to your SDARS?

Here's another thread that would be helpful to include here:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=336788

It contains additional info on prewiring, looping in the module and years/hu/module variations (trunk module vs. hu integration)

MrQuickR1 · 04-05-2013, 11:25 AM

I tried it for 3 months, cancelled, then they gave me a great deal to keep it. I told them it sucks, they play the same shit over and over on each station but for that price, I'll keep it on for traffic updates even though I have to wait until I am in traffic before it says...oh yea, stop and go traffic...fuckers lol
After this one runs out, I really doubt I will reactivate it. It's nice for a month but then you realize it's the same shit over and over. I also lose signal under over passes and on cloudy days, lose signal just driving under a highway sign.

12-10-2012, 09:04 AM	#1
toicy4ya Lieutenant 47 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330XI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Sirius Activation & Installation Questions Sup Guys, I contacted Sirius today in hopes to get satelite radio activated on my car. I believe, my car is cable ready as i have the "satelite" option on my factory (navigation) head unit. However, when I select it it gives me a "ESN" number and refers me to call the Sirius 1-800 number. When I called I was initially informed that i did not need any additional equipment to get it satelite radio activated on my car. After further questions, the rep informed me that all i need is a "SureConnect" cable which costs $19.99 (see link; http://shop.siriusxm.com/xm/ctl10600...l1/sureconnect ). However, based on my research on the forum, I see some guys buying a specific module. My questions are the following; 1. What do i need to active sirius satellite radio on my car? I own a 06 330XI, Navigation radio with a "satelite" dedicated channel. The car also comes equipped with the shark fin antenna. Not sure if that helps. 2. What if any additional equipment do i need? Where can i purchase it & how much does it cost (roughly)? 3. Where can I find an installation guide? As a gift of appreciation the following are some Sirius deals, hope it helps! http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer9 - Premier subscription. 5 months for $29.99 http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer8 - Select subscription. 6 months for $24.99 http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer7 - Select subscription. 4 months for $19.99 http://www.siriusxm.com/customeragreement/winbackoffer6 - Select subscription. 5 months for $24.99 Thanks again __________________ 2006 330XI BSM, Terra Cotta Leather Interior, ZSP, ZPP, ZWP, ZCV, Comfort Access, Adaptive Xenon, Steptronic, Logic 7, Nav w/ IDrive Last edited by toicy4ya; 12-10-2012 at 09:15 AM..
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12-10-2012, 09:41 AM	#2
onebadmofo Colonel 346 Rep 2,396 Posts Drives: 2008 E90 M3 Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (14)	If it gives you an ESN number then you have everything you need to use Sirius. Just call them again for a different, smarter rep.
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12-10-2012, 10:14 AM	#4
toicy4ya Lieutenant 47 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330XI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys, I'm happy to hear that. I was about to order it online but didn't see the discount packages. I'll give em a call later. __________________ 2006 330XI BSM, Terra Cotta Leather Interior, ZSP, ZPP, ZWP, ZCV, Comfort Access, Adaptive Xenon, Steptronic, Logic 7, Nav w/ IDrive
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12-10-2012, 03:07 PM	#6
toicy4ya Lieutenant 47 Rep 427 Posts Drives: 06 BMW 330XI Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	Thanks for the heads up. So I called em up and got it activated. I have to admit I'm a bit surprised on the sound quality. I was expecting something closer to iPod quality. The sound doesnt sound as full. Is it just me? __________________ 2006 330XI BSM, Terra Cotta Leather Interior, ZSP, ZPP, ZWP, ZCV, Comfort Access, Adaptive Xenon, Steptronic, Logic 7, Nav w/ IDrive
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-10-2012, 03:33 PM	#8
vashthe3rd Private 4 Rep 98 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Dallas, Tx, USA iTrader: (0)	I currently have a subscription for a lifetime of sirius but it was for a previous portable unit. I was thinking of transferring the subscription to the car. It's been claimed that if I transfer the subscription to the car it will be permanent and I'll never have it on another device again. If I don't even have a satellite option on my iDrive does that mean I'm not even equipped for satellite radio. __________________ 2009 Sapphire Black E92 335i - Sport - Comfort Access It has begun: JB4 G5
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12-10-2012, 08:52 PM	#10
thecadman99 Lieutenant 53 Rep 450 Posts Drives: e90 330i 6mt spt bk/bk Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	I have sirius and honestly I use my 3.5mm plug/pandora/iheart/tunein/slacker cell phone radio more than the sirius. __________________ 06 330i 6mt Spt- Eibach Springs, BMW Perf Susp, Supersprint Exhaust, BSW Audio RIP-94 325i 5mt 4d- M3 springs/susp, Z3 wheels, Chipped, Intake, Exhaust= FUN!
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03-11-2013, 12:32 PM	#12
MB330 Major 52 Rep 1,349 Posts Drives: 330i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Los Angeles, CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW 330i [0.00] 2006 E90 330i [10.00]	Looking for amswer(s) I re-open this thread and hoping that someone could help me. Back in 2006, when I purchase my car I opted for $75 options - sirius radio preparation. Can I add now siriusxm to my media option? Do I need re-program my car? Logically this sound right to me - but just need to confirm with more knowledge audience. __________________ '06 330i Monaco Blue/Gray/Walnut/ZPP/Navi/CA/AT -->ED 2006 '18 330i Estoril Blue Metallic/cognac/AT/Sport
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04-05-2013, 10:43 AM	#17
marv2279 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 2006 325ic Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: florida iTrader: (0)	sirius radio problem I bought a used 2006 325ic. The satellite station info appears on the radio screen but no sound comes through the speakers. Had the antenna installed at the dealership and now must make another appointment for them to find the problem. Very frustrating
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04-05-2013, 11:25 AM	#19
MrQuickR1 Second Lieutenant 41 Rep 284 Posts Drives: 2011 328i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	I tried it for 3 months, cancelled, then they gave me a great deal to keep it. I told them it sucks, they play the same shit over and over on each station but for that price, I'll keep it on for traffic updates even though I have to wait until I am in traffic before it says...oh yea, stop and go traffic...fuckers lol After this one runs out, I really doubt I will reactivate it. It's nice for a month but then you realize it's the same shit over and over. I also lose signal under over passes and on cloudy days, lose signal just driving under a highway sign.
	Appreciate 0 Quote