Satellite radio questions

Dr. D · 01-03-2013, 06:12 PM

I bought my '09 135i a few days ago. My previous car had Sirius and I have a subscription which lasts for some time; I want to get it connected with my 135i. The car has the package S639A, which is satellite radio prep. However, I can't get the satellite radio ID from the vehicle which Sirius says they need to activate the radio. The VIN isn't in their database. The car does have Bluetooth and I can call up the BMW Concierge service (though they couldn't help me).

OK, is the car equipped for satellite radio, or not?

In the trunk, directly behind the rear seats is a cable bundle running to a metal box on the right side. There appears to be space for another box in the center, or to the left.

Does the box to the right contain the satellite radio electronics?

Do I need another box which does next to it?

Am I going to pay a dealership ~$500 just for them to look up a number in a database?

Jaymax85 · 01-03-2013, 06:22 PM

I had an 09 as well, it depends on your build date but from what you are describing this is what you have to do:

That empty space for a box behind the seat is for the sirius module. You need to either buy one new or a compatible one used (recommended). You then need to configure the MOST bus cables behind the Driver's-side backseat armrest. There is a nice DIY for this on e90post. Finally you need to go to the dealer and program the car to accept the new module (btwn 1 -3 hrs labor). This is what I had to do to get mine working. I had a 3/2009 build date. The later models (2010) only required a code to unlock it because it was built into the radio.

I ended up paying 250 for a used xm module, I installed it myself and I paid 100 bucks to have it programmed at the dealer. I paid 1 hr labor because i have a friend at the dealer. Otherwise everywhere else was trying to charge me 3 hours even though I had the bmw install pdf saying it was 1 hrs labor to install and program. Dealers are crooks.

If you drop off the car at the dealer and tell them to do everything, the dealer charges 1300 for the receiver, fan, and bracket.. and ~300 for install and coding.

Dr. D · 01-05-2013, 06:44 AM

The build date on mine is 11/08 and the dealer is saying I need to replace the radio, too. What the heck did the sat prep package get me?

No Sirius for me.

Dr. D · 01-05-2013, 04:33 PM

After further checking, I have decided to skip getting the installed satellite radio, but get a separate radio. I had been thinking of getting one for use on my motorcycle; this gives me an excuse to do so.

Any pics of the SiriusXM Lynx unit in a 135i?

01-03-2013, 06:12 PM	#1
Dr. D Enlisted Member 4 Rep 46 Posts Drives: '10 135i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (0)	Satellite radio questions I bought my '09 135i a few days ago. My previous car had Sirius and I have a subscription which lasts for some time; I want to get it connected with my 135i. The car has the package S639A, which is satellite radio prep. However, I can't get the satellite radio ID from the vehicle which Sirius says they need to activate the radio. The VIN isn't in their database. The car does have Bluetooth and I can call up the BMW Concierge service (though they couldn't help me). OK, is the car equipped for satellite radio, or not? In the trunk, directly behind the rear seats is a cable bundle running to a metal box on the right side. There appears to be space for another box in the center, or to the left. Does the box to the right contain the satellite radio electronics? Do I need another box which does next to it? Am I going to pay a dealership ~$500 just for them to look up a number in a database?
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01-03-2013, 06:22 PM	#2
Jaymax85 Addicted to Speed. 711 Rep 2,375 Posts Drives: m3 zcp, macan GTS, f15 x5 Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: 'Murica iTrader: (5)	I had an 09 as well, it depends on your build date but from what you are describing this is what you have to do: That empty space for a box behind the seat is for the sirius module. You need to either buy one new or a compatible one used (recommended). You then need to configure the MOST bus cables behind the Driver's-side backseat armrest. There is a nice DIY for this on e90post. Finally you need to go to the dealer and program the car to accept the new module (btwn 1 -3 hrs labor). This is what I had to do to get mine working. I had a 3/2009 build date. The later models (2010) only required a code to unlock it because it was built into the radio. I ended up paying 250 for a used xm module, I installed it myself and I paid 100 bucks to have it programmed at the dealer. I paid 1 hr labor because i have a friend at the dealer. Otherwise everywhere else was trying to charge me 3 hours even though I had the bmw install pdf saying it was 1 hrs labor to install and program. Dealers are crooks. If you drop off the car at the dealer and tell them to do everything, the dealer charges 1300 for the receiver, fan, and bracket.. and ~300 for install and coding.
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01-05-2013, 06:44 AM	#3
Dr. D Enlisted Member 4 Rep 46 Posts Drives: '10 135i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (0)	The build date on mine is 11/08 and the dealer is saying I need to replace the radio, too. What the heck did the sat prep package get me? No Sirius for me.
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01-05-2013, 04:33 PM	#4
Dr. D Enlisted Member 4 Rep 46 Posts Drives: '10 135i Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: Reston, VA iTrader: (0)	After further checking, I have decided to skip getting the installed satellite radio, but get a separate radio. I had been thinking of getting one for use on my motorcycle; this gives me an excuse to do so. Any pics of the SiriusXM Lynx unit in a 135i?
	Appreciate 0 Quote