Can I subscribe to XM Satellite? Or does BMW require Sirius?

metrxman · 10-21-2002, 01:16 PM

I already did a search, and i'm still a little unclear. Since Sirius has that agreement with BMW, does that mean I have to go with them? Or can I try XM Satellite with just as much ease? Any have any comments on these services since the last post? thanks.

drgalleg · 10-21-2002, 01:56 PM

If you plan on getting an aftermarket deck, you can get whichever format you want - BMW can't stop you. However if you plan on using the interface kit to work with the stock headunit, then you'll be stuck w/ Sirius. I'm not sure they've come out w/ those interface kits yet - at least not that I know of for a 2002 model.

My take on XM vs Sirius - XM is like 3 bucks cheaper per month, but they supplement that by having commercials during the broadcasts. Sirius is more expensive, but completely commercial free.

If you decide to go aftermarket, then most likely your headunit choice will dictate which format you go with. Alpine has stuck w/ XM, while Kenwood has gone Sirius. Of course both formats have an FM modulator interface which allows you to receive the stations and broadcast over any style radio, but then that kind of defeats the purpose of satelite quality, right?

metrxman · 10-21-2002, 07:54 PM

Thanks for the info drgalleg. I'm thinking about satellite radio because my AM antaenna in this car doesn't work worth sh**. So its all in the name of sports talk radio.

10-21-2002, 01:16 PM	#1
metrxman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: MN Posts: 171 My Ride: '02 325xi SP, PP View My Garage	Can I subscribe to XM Satellite? Or does BMW require Sirius? I already did a search, and i'm still a little unclear. Since Sirius has that agreement with BMW, does that mean I have to go with them? Or can I try XM Satellite with just as much ease? Any have any comments on these services since the last post? thanks.

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10-21-2002, 01:56 PM	#2
drgalleg Registered User Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chicago Burbs Posts: 449 My Ride: '02 325Ci View My Garage	If you plan on getting an aftermarket deck, you can get whichever format you want - BMW can't stop you. However if you plan on using the interface kit to work with the stock headunit, then you'll be stuck w/ Sirius. I'm not sure they've come out w/ those interface kits yet - at least not that I know of for a 2002 model. My take on XM vs Sirius - XM is like 3 bucks cheaper per month, but they supplement that by having commercials during the broadcasts. Sirius is more expensive, but completely commercial free. If you decide to go aftermarket, then most likely your headunit choice will dictate which format you go with. Alpine has stuck w/ XM, while Kenwood has gone Sirius. Of course both formats have an FM modulator interface which allows you to receive the stations and broadcast over any style radio, but then that kind of defeats the purpose of satelite quality, right?

10-21-2002, 07:54 PM	#3
metrxman Registered User Join Date: Jun 2002 Location: MN Posts: 171 My Ride: '02 325xi SP, PP View My Garage	Thanks for the info drgalleg. I'm thinking about satellite radio because my AM antaenna in this car doesn't work worth sh**. So its all in the name of sports talk radio.