Satellite radio... Question

[Recdog11]

Sup guys,

So I relise I didn't get premium package... So no Satellite Radio.

Is there a way I could pay to have it activated.. Or is it a whole different radio?

I have the Harmon K. Option
Thanks!

[Terp335]

Originally Posted by Recdog11

Sup guys,

So I relise I didn't get premium package... So no Satellite Radio.

Is there a way I could pay to have it activated.. Or is it a whole different radio?

I have the Harmon K. Option
Thanks!

All of our cars are equipped with a tuner and antenna for sat radio. The dealer can code and activate, but they will charge you more than if you had activated during the build.

[r33_RGSport]

Recdog11 , why Sat Radio?
That industry is dying.
Streaming music is what everybody is doing these days.
Unless if you are in it for the news and games.

[Kzang]

Yah I have sat radio and never use it..

[Kenny's X5]

I'm with Kzang...have it but never use it. In fact, the last time I used it was when I was on a trip to NYC where I didn't know what radio stations were in the area.

[r33_RGSport]

I only able to find 2 channels that I can listen to from those hundred of channels they offer.
During my recent summer roadtrip, spotify was working perfect. Except when I was in the blank spot reception area.

[patrikr]

I must be in a minority, I almost exclusively listen to SiriusXM. NHL Radio, Howard Stern, about 10-15 music channels. I had their streaming package for a while and streamed it via Bluetooth from my iPhone but you can't beat the convenience of being able to control it via iDrive IMO.

[Kzang]

I have about 2,000 songs loaded on my iPhone 6S and use it to listen to all my favorite music when I'm driving around... I guess if you are interested in live talk radio or sports then Sat radio would be idea to have.

[MysticBlue]

Originally Posted by patrikr

I must be in a minority, I almost exclusively listen to SiriusXM. NHL Radio, Howard Stern, about 10-15 music channels. I had their streaming package for a while and streamed it via Bluetooth from my iPhone but you can't beat the convenience of being able to control it via iDrive IMO.

You're not the only one. I started using sirius probably 10 years ago. Once I started, I couldn't go back to radio. Can't do commercials, but it's always been as simple and easy to use as radio was... basically like the old preset buttons. I have half a dozen stations that I go to. I've dabled with Pandora, Apple, and Spotify. I use them sometimes at work, at home, or working out, but it just takes too much attention to use while driving. Like I said, Sirius is as simple to use as radio was. Nothing but music, and no commercials.

[Recdog11]

I was just really curious... I have a USB in her now... With tons of my music...
I don't have an iPhone

[cdninnyc]

Hate the quality, but I find I use it for NHL and talk radio often. I think it's pretty overpriced, but it's really nice to have on road trips where the cell coverage can be spotty.

[ano0oj]

Originally Posted by Terp335

All of our cars are equipped with a tuner and antenna for sat radio. The dealer can code and activate, but they will charge you more than if you had activated during the build.

Not true...I'm in a similar situation and talked to my dealer about it. I'd need to buy something called a CommBox which is around $400 without installation. I can't believe X5s dont have Sat radio as a standard option...

[RR-NYC]

Unless I'm listening to my iPod, I always use sat. Tons of channels to listen to and all virtually uninterrupted. Local radio is useless to me

[sdalpha]

I use the satellite radio whenever I'm not listening to music on my phone or via a usb flash drive. I use the satellite radio during the first year at least, since it is included; but, I do not renew the subscription. I also stream it on my phone during that first year when I'm doing something that I want some background music, i.e. washing my car, working out, etc.

The quality just isn't there, nor would I expect it to be. But when you're used to listening to FLAC or ALAC, satellite radio quality could be frustrating..

[MattBianco]

Have it, don't use it. Sound quality is unbearable.

InTune Radio is a BMW recognized app, and a great many of the world's stations are on it, free. Then there are the mainstream streaming services and HD FM. And USB. And the built in HDD.

Let me add that Sat radio is outright amateur level for classical and Jazz, where I use KDB (Santa Barbara) and Wyoming Jazz (Wyoming public radio) respectively. Pop / rock / news is good content, but similar ones can be received, including many commercial free via InTune.

[wearenh]

Originally Posted by ano0oj

...I'd need to buy something called a CommBox which is around $400 without installation...

Found it on bimmertech for $275 ... CLICK HERE

[stewy604]

I listen to my Sirius about 50% of the time, the other 50% is via iPod (usb) connection. I haven't played around at all with streaming services, and I would agree...this is where the industry is going.

[Doanster]

I'm with MysticBlue... just want to get in the car and listen to the "radio" without having to stream, get things connected, etc. I have an old iPod attached permanently in the console, but it gets used mainly on road trips.
Regarding the cost... I always insist on the "Five months for $25" deal each time I need to renew and have never been turned down. If one rep says it's not available, I say I need to cancel then, which mysteriously makes the offer pop up. Haven't paid more than that for the last six years and will do the same for the X5 next month.

[cit1991]

Yes it can be added. It's just a software update to add or unlock the functionality. All the hardware is already there.

I negotiated having it added when I bought mine. Took a couple hours (not sure why, maybe they just don't do it very much). Works well. And I go the first year free, just like if it were part of the new car.