BMW X3 Forum
BMW X3 Forum
Welcome to the ultimate BMW X3 community.
BMW Garage BMW Meets Register Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Post Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread
      05-31-2011, 10:47 PM   #1
Nick27
New Member
Canada
9
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: X3 35i M Sport Space Grey
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (0)

Is It Possible to Add Sat Radio after the Fact?

I didn't order Sat Radio originally because it was only available with the Executive Package at $2,300. Is it possible to add afterwords on its own?
Appreciate 0
      05-31-2011, 10:55 PM   #2
tuco44
Colonel
tuco44's Avatar
Canada
644
Rep
2,294
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Canada

iTrader: (0)

I was told you could add it after, but have not confirmed that yet.
__________________
2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange
Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
Appreciate 0
      05-31-2011, 11:48 PM   #3
Nick27
New Member
Canada
9
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: X3 35i M Sport Space Grey
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (0)

Thanks, if so, wonder how much it would be?
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 05:06 AM   #4
Nahoa
Lieutenant Colonel
United_States
45
Rep
1,876
Posts

Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Virginia

iTrader: (0)

I've done it here in the States. The combo of radio and labor was initially double the original cost. Thankfully, I was able to tack it on to other warranty work that dramatically reduce the labor.
__________________
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 06:00 AM   #5
mole7374
Private First Class
10
Rep
195
Posts

Drives: '11 X3 35i
Join Date: May 2011
Location: North Jersey

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick27 View Post
I didn't order Sat Radio originally because it was only available with the Executive Package at $2,300. Is it possible to add afterwords on its own?
Yes it definitely is as was noted...all cars are "pre-wired" for Sat Radio and the dealership just has to tack it on. I was told that it's like $500 (in the US) which somewhat makes sense b/c if you order from the factory it's like 375 which includes the first year of service.

Hey just a suggestion though...and this is just my opinion...check out using pandora instead of Sat radio...that is if you have a smart phone and can get the pandora mobile app. I literally pay $36 a year for service and create my own radio stations...without any commercials or DJs and the variety of songs is better than Sirius/XM. If you have BMW apps Pandora integrates directly into iDrive so you can select stations just like Sat Radio and I honestly think the quality of the sound is better as it's over 3G and not subject to satellite. Again totally my opinion but I made the switch to Pandora last January and I have never once turned on Sat radio in my other vehicles due to the fact that I have way more stations to choose from since I'm creating the actual stations. Check it out.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 07:54 AM   #6
Harplayr
Lieutenant
19
Rep
424
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i, F25
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

I used my $500 coupon from the X3 experience event to order Sat, roof cross rails and some other options. I think Sat is $375 plus labor. You should see it on the BMW website under accessories.

My dealer is having problems installing the sat because of some software glitch. They have a case number with BMW and hopefully in a couple of weeks everything will be straightened out.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 08:41 AM   #7
Kevin - Florida
New Member
Kevin - Florida's Avatar
2
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 - xDrive28i
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

Sirius Installed Last Month

My X3 was bought off the lot with the navigation package but did not come loaded with the software for the satellite radio. Last month I spent a Saturday morning at the dealership as they tried to install the software. My client advisor and the parts manager confirmed the price I found on the internet (see the attachment) but when I spoke with the service manager he stated that they should not have confirmed the $435 as the total install price because it depends on the amount of time spent by his technicians.

In the end, they only charged me $475 for the software and total install which also includes one year of Sirius for free.
Attached Images
File Type: pdf sirius.pdf (199.0 KB, 2213 views)
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 08:55 AM   #8
BXM3W
Private
United_States
3
Rep
98
Posts

Drives: 1999 RX
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MA, US

iTrader: (0)

When I asked my CA to provide me a quote I told him I only wanted the sat radio option only if it was necessary. In other words, could I not order the option and then call Sirius to order a subscription through them (I was planning to order a life time plan). He said I could do that and didn't need to order the sat radio option.

After reading these posts, it sounds like I do need something from BMW to make the sat radio work even though it is sat "ready". Is the CA wrong in this case? Do I need to add the sat radio option before I can get the service?
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 09:07 AM   #9
Harplayr
Lieutenant
19
Rep
424
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i, F25
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by BXM3W View Post
When I asked my CA to provide me a quote I told him I only wanted the sat radio option only if it was necessary. In other words, could I not order the option and then call Sirius to order a subscription through them (I was planning to order a life time plan). He said I could do that and didn't need to order the sat radio option.

After reading these posts, it sounds like I do need something from BMW to make the sat radio work even though it is sat "ready". Is the CA wrong in this case? Do I need to add the sat radio option before I can get the service?
Yes you either have to order Sat when they are building the car or order it as an after production accessory. “Sat ready” just means that the wiring is in place. They still have to install some parts and do some programming.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 09:07 AM   #10
Kevin - Florida
New Member
Kevin - Florida's Avatar
2
Rep
16
Posts

Drives: BMW X3 - xDrive28i
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Florida

iTrader: (0)

BMW3W,

I think you do need to have the software activated. The options for SAT radio on my X3 were grayed out and I could not choose them until the dealership installed the software coding. Just like Harplayr mentions, the technicians had difficulty in getting it working and had to consult with BMW but they were eventually successful.

I have a feeling that what you are being told is incorrect.

If you want to order SIRIUS as a non-dealership option you can always go to an after-market stereo shop but they will need to install a separate little screen on your dashboard and have wires in plain view for it to work. It will not work natively within iDrive without BMW software and the after-market stereo shops do not have access to iDrive.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 11:36 AM   #11
Nick27
New Member
Canada
9
Rep
28
Posts

Drives: X3 35i M Sport Space Grey
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Vancouver, BC

iTrader: (0)

Thx everyone for the info. Going to get in touch with my dealer to see what they say. Keep u guys posted.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 12:51 PM   #12
BXM3W
Private
United_States
3
Rep
98
Posts

Drives: 1999 RX
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: MA, US

iTrader: (0)

Harplayr - Kevin ,

Thanks for the info. Sounds like I'll need to check the box for sat radio when I finally order just to be sure.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 03:18 PM   #13
jlr_1304
Private First Class
jlr_1304's Avatar
Canada
8
Rep
170
Posts

Drives: none
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nick27 View Post
Thx everyone for the info. Going to get in touch with my dealer to see what they say. Keep u guys posted.
I'm very interested on your findings. Keep us posted. I would be very surprised if a canadian dealer would do it as it is hidden in the executive package...which has to be combined with the premium package (another 4000$).

BTW. pandora cannot be installed in a Canadian phone.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 05:57 PM   #14
tuco44
Colonel
tuco44's Avatar
Canada
644
Rep
2,294
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Canada

iTrader: (0)

I checked with my dealer and they will install Sat radio if I want it. The price quoted was $800. I have decided to skip it for now.
__________________
2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange
Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 06:21 PM   #15
Harplayr
Lieutenant
19
Rep
424
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i, F25
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by tuco44 View Post
I checked with my dealer and they will install Sat radio if I want it. The price quoted was $800. I have decided to skip it for now.
That sounds very high!
Shop around.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 06:33 PM   #16
AughrimFurey
Registered
0
Rep
3
Posts

Drives: X3 28i
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: Boston

iTrader: (0)

I used my $500 Difference event gift for the Sat radio. The dealer told me that the installation was included in the $375 price, so I held them to it (they tried to hit me up for me for installation cost AFTER the sat was activated).

Mine was the first they activated, so it took them a bit longer than normal to upload the software into the iDrive and activate the Sat ratio. I was not about to pay them labor costs to effectively train their technitions. I would ask if they have done this before so you don't get charged the extra time to learn the procedure.
Appreciate 0
      06-01-2011, 07:10 PM   #17
tuco44
Colonel
tuco44's Avatar
Canada
644
Rep
2,294
Posts

Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Western Canada

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by Harplayr View Post
That sounds very high!
Shop around.
Well, I'm not doing it; but that is Canadian pricing which is likely higher than US pricing; and I'm not sure I would want some aftermarket shop programing my BMWs computer. YMMV.
__________________
2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange
Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
Appreciate 0
      09-12-2011, 09:17 PM   #18
DDS2015
Major
Canada
383
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3CS
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Winnipeg

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2021 BMW X3  [0.00]
2023 BMW M4  [0.00]
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one and be told to

Anyways, I have a follow up question about adding sirius after the fact: Is it possible to do it as a DIY and then have BMW do the coding?

I'm trying to cut down the cost of the vehicle as much as possible, but I would still like this option. The only way you can get it on the 35i in Canada is in the executive package which is $2300. I can add the lumbar support as a stand alone option, but with the 35i I can't. This is the only other feature of the executive package that I want. If It's too expensive I'll just skip it though.
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2011, 09:06 AM   #19
Harplayr
Lieutenant
19
Rep
424
Posts

Drives: 2011 BMW X3 28i, F25
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Chicago

iTrader: (0)

Quote:
Originally Posted by DDS2015 View Post
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one and be told to

Anyways, I have a follow up question about adding sirius after the fact: Is it possible to do it as a DIY and then have BMW do the coding?

I'm trying to cut down the cost of the vehicle as much as possible, but I would still like this option. The only way you can get it on the 35i in Canada is in the executive package which is $2300. I can add the lumbar support as a stand alone option, but with the 35i I can't. This is the only other feature of the executive package that I want. If It's too expensive I'll just skip it though.
I think the hardware’s already installed in all X3’s and all they do is coding to enable the feature.
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2011, 10:35 AM   #20
DDS2015
Major
Canada
383
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3CS
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Winnipeg

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2021 BMW X3  [0.00]
2023 BMW M4  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Harplayr View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by DDS2015 View Post
Sorry to dig up an old thread, but I didn't want to start a new one and be told to

Anyways, I have a follow up question about adding sirius after the fact: Is it possible to do it as a DIY and then have BMW do the coding?

I'm trying to cut down the cost of the vehicle as much as possible, but I would still like this option. The only way you can get it on the 35i in Canada is in the executive package which is $2300. I can add the lumbar support as a stand alone option, but with the 35i I can't. This is the only other feature of the executive package that I want. If It's too expensive I'll just skip it though.
I think the hardwareÂ’s already installed in all X3Â’s and all they do is coding to enable the feature.
That's what I thought too because it already has combox installed, but it just doesn't make sense with the amount that they're charging for it.
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2011, 10:46 AM   #21
VikingOne
Private First Class
VikingOne's Avatar
United Kingdom
11
Rep
198
Posts

Drives: BMW G30 530e 2018
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Berkshire, UK

iTrader: (0)

There was some talk of http://dvdinmotion.com offering a DAB/SAT Radio enable option soon, but nothing showing on their website yet, drop them an email, their customer services is supposed to be good (makes a change in Europe).
__________________

Previous: 2011 X3 2.0d xLine
Previous: 2015 X3 LCI 3.0d xLine
Current: 2018 530e 2L M-Sport I-Performance
Appreciate 0
      09-13-2011, 10:56 AM   #22
DDS2015
Major
Canada
383
Rep
1,440
Posts

Drives: 2018 M3CS
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Winnipeg

iTrader: (1)

Garage List
2021 BMW X3  [0.00]
2023 BMW M4  [0.00]
Quote:
Originally Posted by VikingOne View Post
There was some talk of http://dvdinmotion.com offering a DAB/SAT Radio enable option soon, but nothing showing on their website yet, drop them an email, their customer services is supposed to be good (makes a change in Europe).
Thanks for the link!
Appreciate 0
Post Reply

Bookmarks

Tags
radio, sat

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off



All times are GMT -5. The time now is 10:11 AM.




xbimmers
Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
1Addicts.com, BIMMERPOST.com, E90Post.com, F30Post.com, M3Post.com, ZPost.com, 5Post.com, 6Post.com, 7Post.com, XBimmers.com logo and trademark are properties of BIMMERPOST