Satellite radio via Aux Adapter??

[Silva]

I have an '04 325 and know Sirius will work with my factory HK unit, but the $500 install is more than I'm looking to spend, and I like XM's programming much better!

FM modulation sucks, so I was thinking about getting an XM system that supported RCA Line-Out connections (link below), and connecting it to the BMW Aux Adapter. I'm thinking it would sound much better than FM Mod, and I could hook up my i-Pod!!!

Has anyone else tried this? How does it sound? It there a better way to get XM to work without using FM modulation?

http://www.xmradio.com/commander/index.jsp

Oh, and does anyone have the link to install the Aux Adapter yourself? How hard is it?

 

[MrElussive]

Many of the Sirius or XM receivers you can buy at a retail store and connect into your car, can be hard-wired to your car's stereo/speaker system. I am not sure if they can plug into the AUX port in your BMW. I think the answer to that question is specific to the unit that you purchase.

I think the cheapest way to get satellite radio into your car is by purchasing a "mounted-in" receiver or a receiver that plugs into a "car docking station" and then paying some fool to hard-wire or install it for you. I agree in that you should definitely not go with FM Modulation when putting the satellite radio in your car...just defeats the better sound quality advantage over standard radio if you stick with FM modulation.

I know this does not help you out much. Your best bet is to go to your local electronics store, such as Circuit City or Best Buy and see what units they have available. Different units provide different solutions, and it's important for you to see the units/receivers for yourself and decide which one suits you best. I can also assure you that the setup you are looking for is VERY common, and can be done with maximum ease, safety, and compatibility for your vehicle.

 

[Silva]

MrE, thanks for the input, and that's exactly what I did this afternoon...

For anyone who wants to have an the option of the i-Pod and still do satellite radio, the Aux Adapter does work with any unit that has RCA outs, just use a RCA to mini (headphone) adapter. It may not be quite CD quality with the wiring transitions, but still better them FM Mod.
BUT, for anyone who has an E46 with pre-wiring for a CD changer, there is a much better option that's cheaper!
According to both Crutchfield, Best Buy, and Tweeter, you can get the following and hook it up to your pre-installed CD changer wiring in the trunk:
XM universal tuner box ($50)
Pioneer smart digital adapter ($50)
Blitzsafe adapter ($50-70)
With this setup, you can play XM via your stock head unit using the CD changer controls. You lose the ability to see song names, but get incredible sound quality, and no stupid XM thingy stuck to your dash. The only thing in question: Can you save XM channels as presets on your head unit. Both dudes at the stores thought you could, but didn't know for sure. I'm hoping to get the parts and install in the next few weeks, I'll let you know!

 

[dpnguyen]

Definitely let us know how it goes. If successful, write-up a DIY w/ pix.

 

[Silva]

I had trouble tracking down the blitz adapter part number, so called their tech support. Turns out you can get the Mini/SLD 01 adapter from them and just use the Terk Universal tuner. This gives you FULL XM functionality through the factory head unit over the CD changer controls in the trunk!!! Its about $50 more than getting the simple blitz adapter, the SDA, and the tuner, but worth it for the presets, song/artist info, and the ability to use an existing CD changer, or add an ipod...

XM Tuner:
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/logjam/terkxmdirect.html

SLD 00 (for XM only)
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/logjam/blitzbmwminisld00.html

SLD 01 (for XM + CD Changer, or in future XM + i-Pod)
http://shop.store.yahoo.com/logjam/blitzbmwminisld01.html