XM Direct - very clean install for BMW's

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Susie520

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XM Direct is one of the newer and more innovative XM receivers on the market. The strategy behind the development of XM Direct is to target car companies who have Sirius contracts. How it works is: it tricks the BMW (satellite-ready) radio into thinking you're plugging in a Sirius unit when in fact you're using XM radio. The install is easy - just plug a few wires into a wiring harness found behind a panel on the left side of the trunk ... place the matchbook-size magnetic antenna on the outside of the trunk and you're ready to go (w/ an XM subscription of course). The best part is that the piece interfaces with your BMW radio and you can use your steering wheel controls to change XM channels! No ugly after-market unit needs to be installed in your car!

Website that sells it: (check out the screen shots of the installation process)
http://store.myradiostore.com/xmdireforbm.html?OVRAW=XM direct&OVKEY=xm direct&OVMTC=standard

Article:
http://www.fool.com/News/mft/2003/mft03111711.htm
 
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tnelson

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Satellite Radio Radio?

Thanks for the information. I checked out the web sites you provided. The myradiostore site provides info about the XM Direct kit for 03 3-series with satellite-radio-ready vehicles. I just purchased an 03 325i with nav system and HK radio. How do I know if this is a satellite ready system?
 
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Susie520

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tnelson said:
Thanks for the information. I checked out the web sites you provided. The myradiostore site provides info about the XM Direct kit for 03 3-series with satellite-radio-ready vehicles. I just purchased an 03 325i with nav system and HK radio. How do I know if this is a satellite ready system?
Click to expand...
Unfortunately, from what I have read so far it doesn't appear that there is an XM Direct to interface with Navigation. The website says they have a unit for "2003 3-Series Will work in all 2003 3-Series Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation". [xx(]
 
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NateS

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Susie,

My 2004 330i is about to go on the boat to come across the pond. My Dealer told me I could not get "Satellite Ready" in my 330i when I ordered it....will this install work with a standard HK Radio setup that comes in the 330i?

Thanks
 
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Susie520

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Nate,
Myradiostore.com lists the cars that the XM Direct will be compatible with:

2003 3-Series Will work in all 2003 3-Series Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation
2004 3-Series Will work in all 2004 3-Series Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation
2003 5-Series Will work in all 2003 5-Series Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation
2003 Mini Will work in all 2003 Mini Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles
2004 Mini Will work in all 2004 Mini Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles
2004 BMW Z4 Will work in all 2004 BMW Z4 Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles
2003 X-5 Will work in all 2003 X-5 Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation
2004 X-5 Will work in all 2004 X-5 Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation
2004 X-3 Will work in all 2004 X-3 Satellite-Radio-Ready vehicles without navigation
Works with above BMW DSP and non-DSP Audio Systems

I think this overrides what your dealership said. He/She is probably not aware of the XM Direct unit and how it works OR they may be trying to "force" you into thinking you can only go with Sirius and through a BMW install. I feel that the posted information above must be true for all radios in these model year vehicles OR the website wouldn't post the compatibility. I think this also infers that all 2003/2004 BMW's come with a satellite-ready radio STANDARD.
 
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NateS

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Thanks

[thumb] Susie,

Thanks,

I'm sure you're right about this.....I'm new to all this, first BMW and it's still in shipment here, so I have no experience at all. What I was able to research before ordering the car, I did notice my dealer was just plain wrong about some things, not overly impressed with their knowledge of the product.

I would like to get Sat. Radio installed when I can get the funds up.....

Thanks a million.
 
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samlee4444

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you just need $$$

JTravick said:
Does anyone know how to find out if your radio is Sirius ready? I have 04' 325i/ prem/sport package with HK sound system.
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2004 w/ nav is Sirius ready. You just need to buy the reciever and installation kit. Call your local dealership...it'll run around $380-$400 for the entire package (not including installation).
 
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cdotger

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From my understanding, I should be able to use this unit on my 2003 325i even though I am not "Sat" ready. I would use the wiring harness for the cd player and be all set. Am I missing something here?
 
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