Sirius problems

bobnaz · 03-18-2007, 08:02 PM

I've noticed when I start my car at least a couple of times a week I get the 800# and asking me to subscribe. I can wait a bit a start my car again and 1/2 the time it works just fine. It doesn't matter if I'm in my garage or in a open area. Anyone else...what was solution?

yetdog · 03-18-2007, 08:15 PM

If you start to drive around, does it eventually tune in after a minute or so? Or do you _need_ to shut the car off and back on? Have you tried just powering off the sat rad and then turning it back on?

1clean335i · 03-18-2007, 09:01 PM

Sounds like you need a new sharkfin antenna...

2009BMW335 · 03-18-2007, 09:16 PM

yea i have the same problem, doesnt really bother me all that much

yetdog · 03-18-2007, 09:25 PM

I used to have an odd problem where, if it was cold & moist in the morning (either rained or snowed), I would turn on the car, and the Sirius would be on the channel that it was on when I turned the car off, but there would be no sound. When trying to switch channels, it would seem like it was switching, for like 3 seconds, then bounce back to the original channel and still, no sound.

It seems to have gotten better, but I don't believe my dealer has updated any software or anything. It was never enough of a problem to have me bring it in.

MrSilver · 03-19-2007, 10:40 AM

Have the same problem from time to time.

I was told it has to do with acquiring the signal.

mburg · 03-19-2007, 11:47 AM

I have the same problem on occasion. One time I called Sirius, and they said all was AOK on their end, to turn car off and restart after a few minutes. Something about the computer needing to reset

Neurorad · 03-19-2007, 01:42 PM

My car did that last week; my 1 year free subscription expired, and I got intermittent signal for a few days. Then it went silent.

So I signed up for another year by calling Sirius.

Then I called again when I got into my car, when it didn't work. Needed additional automated activation using the phone touchpad.

Did you know you have free internet/online Sirius access, to listen at work or home? Just call Sirius to activate it.

SkipSauls · 03-19-2007, 01:55 PM

My car does this every now and then, and I guess I'm relieved to find out that it's not just my car...

Sirius doesn't seem to have nearly the ability to pickup signals as XM does in my pickup. I read an article recently about the differences in the way that the satellites, and I think XM is a bit better overall, but I like Sirius programming better.

Clem · 03-19-2007, 02:14 PM

Issues here too...

One night I got in and started to drive. I'm listening to music but I have no display. I change to AM/FM - display is fine. Switch back to Sirius - no display. Can't get Current, Category, nothing. Tried presets, manual tuning - no dice. I'm stuck on one channel and nothing I do matters. So I get home and shut it off. Restart - same thing. I try again a while later - damn thing works now!! Problem has never duplicated.

Other weird stuff happens, too. Sometimes I get in the car and I'm back on channel 001. Why? Also, I have presets 1-6 set and sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. When they don't, all of them send me too channel 001! Maybe it's a conspiracy to get me to listen to CH 001. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Maybe the thing is half broken.

My reception is far short of stellar. Many drop outs - far more than I'm getting with XM in my other vehicle.

yetdog · 03-19-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SkipSauls

My car does this every now and then, and I guess I'm relieved to find out that it's not just my car...

Sirius doesn't seem to have nearly the ability to pickup signals as XM does in my pickup. I read an article recently about the differences in the way that the satellites, and I think XM is a bit better overall, but I like Sirius programming better.

Actually, Sirius' satellites are better configured (as far as positioning) and cover a larger area. XM has to rely on terrestrial repeaters moreso than Sirius. Chances are, you live in an area that has a repeater, and therefore get a nice strong signal most of the time.

carjon · 03-19-2007, 02:50 PM

I have that problem occasionally and I find that I have to shut the car down for some period of time (15 minutes maybe) before it will come back. Almost as if the MOST bus has to re-set in order to present the Sirius serial number.
It is very annoying because I don't have time to sit there and wait. I've tried shutting the car off - getting out, locking, unlocking etc. and that doesn't seem to work, only time when the car is off. This happens in the same physical location where the radio usually works fine.

I also have the other problem that it doesn't work right away but comes on in a minute or so, but I assume that is momentary loss of signal.

SkipSauls · 03-22-2007, 04:31 PM

One "theory" that I have is that this problem may have something to do with Comfort Access, but it's just a theory. Of the folks having problems, how many have CA? If it was everyone then it would be a good way to help pinpoint the problem...

E90Fleet · 03-22-2007, 04:53 PM

I see BMW USA knows about this problem in certain cars

There is supposed to be a Service Bulletin issued very soon

If it is this problem, a hardware part may have to be changed under warranty

I will post the SIB as soon as its out

Casey 5 · 03-22-2007, 05:16 PM

Same problemo.

200Duece · 03-22-2007, 05:33 PM

me too. I have a PUMA case open and working on it.

beestroh · 03-22-2007, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E90Fleet

I see BMW USA knows about this problem in certain cars

There is supposed to be a Service Bulletin issued very soon

If it is this problem, a hardware part may have to be changed under warranty

I will post the SIB as soon as its out

Good to hear. I never bought into the "it does that when Sirius sends out updates" explanation.

For whomever brought it up... I have CA.

SkipSauls · 03-22-2007, 06:32 PM

I saw the post about progman 25 (or whatever it's called) and hope that the Sirius fix will cure this.

My theory about this possibly relating to CA is that it seems that the position of the key in my pocket may have something to do with it. If I make sure that they key is "vertical" and not jumbled together with the house keys, it seems to work. If I forget and it's all jumbled up, Sirius doesn't work. It's crazy if this is really the case, and I haven't tested it thoroughly, but there does seem to be some sort of connection.

rem · 03-22-2007, 11:33 PM

i don't have CA, so that's not part of the issue. it happens about 10% of the time and is annoying. what's even more annoying is, if i were to take it to the dealer, i bet they would not be able to replicate the problem....it's what they do when they don't want to acknowledge a minor issue. and it is minor to bmw. i accept that. the car is too much fun to get too worked up about it.

but i will call my SA and let him know about it. i'm already on their list of people they don't want BMWNA to call for a survey. ;-)

BzsBimmer · 03-22-2007, 11:53 PM

[QUOTE=Neurorad;783098]My car did that last week; my 1 year free subscription expired, /QUOTE]

We get 1 free year subscription?

donf · 03-22-2007, 11:53 PM

I have the same problem. But it goes away after 2 mins and I do not need to re-start the car... it just goes away and the Sirus channels work.

SkipSauls · 03-23-2007, 12:26 AM

I wish mine would go away after 2 minutes. I've found that I can't just stop the car and restart it, it seems that I need to leave it for a while. Very strange. I'm so hooked on Sirius that I rarely listen to old-fashioned radio, have never put a CD in the player, and haven't bothered with an iPod.

03-18-2007, 08:02 PM	#1
bobnaz BMWCCA/NASA 24 Rep 471 Posts Drives: E92 Coupe ZP/ZS/Dinan ECU+Exh Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Scottsdale AZ iTrader: (0) Garage List 1999 M3 [0.00] 2007 ZSP ZPP Step a ... [0.00]	Sirius problems I've noticed when I start my car at least a couple of times a week I get the 800# and asking me to subscribe. I can wait a bit a start my car again and 1/2 the time it works just fine. It doesn't matter if I'm in my garage or in a open area. Anyone else...what was solution? __________________ 07 335 Coupe ZP ZS DinanECU+Exhaust 06 330I (retired) 97 M3 (retired)Dinan Stage 1 01 XK8 Conv 98 Navigator 99 M3 (race car)IP,PS1,and CR-3
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03-18-2007, 08:15 PM	#2
yetdog Private 0 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Utica, NY iTrader: (0)	If you start to drive around, does it eventually tune in after a minute or so? Or do you _need_ to shut the car off and back on? Have you tried just powering off the sat rad and then turning it back on?
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03-18-2007, 09:01 PM	#3
1clean335i Perf BMW mag issue 147, 159 432 Rep 6,799 Posts Drives: Project Estoril Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (31) Garage List 2013 335i M-sport [0.00] 2011 X5 xdrive35i M ... [0.00] 2009 335i M-sport [0.00] 07' 335i Sedan [0.00]	Sounds like you need a new sharkfin antenna... __________________ '13 Estoril Blue 335i M-sport *Don't PM me!* Message me here- http://www.facebook.com/ProjectEstoril
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03-18-2007, 09:16 PM	#4
2009BMW335 Captain 38 Rep 674 Posts Drives: . Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: davie, fl iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 335i [0.00]	yea i have the same problem, doesnt really bother me all that much
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03-18-2007, 09:25 PM	#5
yetdog Private 0 Rep 61 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Join Date: May 2005 Location: Utica, NY iTrader: (0)	I used to have an odd problem where, if it was cold & moist in the morning (either rained or snowed), I would turn on the car, and the Sirius would be on the channel that it was on when I turned the car off, but there would be no sound. When trying to switch channels, it would seem like it was switching, for like 3 seconds, then bounce back to the original channel and still, no sound. It seems to have gotten better, but I don't believe my dealer has updated any software or anything. It was never enough of a problem to have me bring it in.
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03-19-2007, 10:40 AM	#6
MrSilver Judge Advocate General 102 Rep 1,128 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Buffalo, New York iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 e92 335i [0.00]	Have the same problem from time to time. I was told it has to do with acquiring the signal. __________________ '07 E92 335i "Over-Heating" and "Blowing Up" since 9-5-06 6MT, Space Gray, Gray w/ Dakota Leather, Dark Burl, ZSP, ZPP, ZCW Comfort Access, Sirius Satellite (Howard is not optional) '07 X3 3.0si - Black on Black, ZPP, ZCW, Step. - Wife's car
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03-19-2007, 11:47 AM	#7
mburg MBurg 65 Rep 237 Posts Drives: '22 230 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem on occasion. One time I called Sirius, and they said all was AOK on their end, to turn car off and restart after a few minutes. Something about the computer needing to reset
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03-19-2007, 01:42 PM	#8
Neurorad Major 89 Rep 1,224 Posts Drives: 2017 340xi Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Location, Location iTrader: (0)	My car did that last week; my 1 year free subscription expired, and I got intermittent signal for a few days. Then it went silent. So I signed up for another year by calling Sirius. Then I called again when I got into my car, when it didn't work. Needed additional automated activation using the phone touchpad. Did you know you have free internet/online Sirius access, to listen at work or home? Just call Sirius to activate it.
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03-19-2007, 01:55 PM	#9
SkipSauls First Lieutenant 45 Rep 361 Posts Drives: E70 X5 35d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longmont, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i Coupe [0.00]	My car does this every now and then, and I guess I'm relieved to find out that it's not just my car... Sirius doesn't seem to have nearly the ability to pickup signals as XM does in my pickup. I read an article recently about the differences in the way that the satellites, and I think XM is a bit better overall, but I like Sirius programming better.
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03-19-2007, 02:14 PM	#10
Clem Major 152 Rep 1,254 Posts Drives: 2010 E90 M3 AW/FR ESS VT2 Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: MD iTrader: (4)	Issues here too... One night I got in and started to drive. I'm listening to music but I have no display. I change to AM/FM - display is fine. Switch back to Sirius - no display. Can't get Current, Category, nothing. Tried presets, manual tuning - no dice. I'm stuck on one channel and nothing I do matters. So I get home and shut it off. Restart - same thing. I try again a while later - damn thing works now!! Problem has never duplicated. Other weird stuff happens, too. Sometimes I get in the car and I'm back on channel 001. Why? Also, I have presets 1-6 set and sometimes they work, sometimes they don't. When they don't, all of them send me too channel 001! Maybe it's a conspiracy to get me to listen to CH 001. Maybe I'm doing something wrong. Maybe the thing is half broken. My reception is far short of stellar. Many drop outs - far more than I'm getting with XM in my other vehicle.
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03-19-2007, 02:50 PM	#12
carjon First Lieutenant 7 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 328xi Sedan Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: CT iTrader: (0)	I have that problem occasionally and I find that I have to shut the car down for some period of time (15 minutes maybe) before it will come back. Almost as if the MOST bus has to re-set in order to present the Sirius serial number. It is very annoying because I don't have time to sit there and wait. I've tried shutting the car off - getting out, locking, unlocking etc. and that doesn't seem to work, only time when the car is off. This happens in the same physical location where the radio usually works fine. I also have the other problem that it doesn't work right away but comes on in a minute or so, but I assume that is momentary loss of signal. __________________ 2011 328xi black on black. Nav, connect, apps, Sirius.
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03-22-2007, 04:31 PM	#13
SkipSauls First Lieutenant 45 Rep 361 Posts Drives: E70 X5 35d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longmont, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i Coupe [0.00]	One "theory" that I have is that this problem may have something to do with Comfort Access, but it's just a theory. Of the folks having problems, how many have CA? If it was everyone then it would be a good way to help pinpoint the problem...
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03-22-2007, 04:53 PM	#14
E90Fleet Lieutenant General 1338 Rep 10,187 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	I see BMW USA knows about this problem in certain cars There is supposed to be a Service Bulletin issued very soon If it is this problem, a hardware part may have to be changed under warranty I will post the SIB as soon as its out __________________ BMW if you are reading, I need a job, Please.
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03-22-2007, 05:16 PM	#15
Casey 5 Second Lieutenant 8 Rep 256 Posts Drives: E90 335i,SPG,ZSP,ZPP,Step Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Chapel Hill, NC iTrader: (0)	Same problemo.
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03-22-2007, 05:33 PM	#16
200Duece Colonel 45 Rep 2,575 Posts Drives: '73 2002,'18 X5 35d,'17 328d T Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: A Whale's Vagina, Ca iTrader: (5)	me too. I have a PUMA case open and working on it.
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03-22-2007, 06:32 PM	#18
SkipSauls First Lieutenant 45 Rep 361 Posts Drives: E70 X5 35d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longmont, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i Coupe [0.00]	I saw the post about progman 25 (or whatever it's called) and hope that the Sirius fix will cure this. My theory about this possibly relating to CA is that it seems that the position of the key in my pocket may have something to do with it. If I make sure that they key is "vertical" and not jumbled together with the house keys, it seems to work. If I forget and it's all jumbled up, Sirius doesn't work. It's crazy if this is really the case, and I haven't tested it thoroughly, but there does seem to be some sort of connection.
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03-22-2007, 11:33 PM	#19
rem Enlisted Member 0 Rep 43 Posts Drives: e92 335i Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Houston iTrader: (0)	exact same problem here. i don't have CA, so that's not part of the issue. it happens about 10% of the time and is annoying. what's even more annoying is, if i were to take it to the dealer, i bet they would not be able to replicate the problem....it's what they do when they don't want to acknowledge a minor issue. and it is minor to bmw. i accept that. the car is too much fun to get too worked up about it. but i will call my SA and let him know about it. i'm already on their list of people they don't want BMWNA to call for a survey. ;-)
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03-22-2007, 11:53 PM	#20
BzsBimmer Major General 3431 Rep 6,818 Posts Drives: '23 G80 FO M3 & '23 G05 X5 M50 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Nor. Cal iTrader: (32)	[QUOTE=Neurorad;783098]My car did that last week; my 1 year free subscription expired, /QUOTE] We get 1 free year subscription?
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03-22-2007, 11:53 PM	#21
donf New Member 1 Rep 16 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 M5 Alpine White Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	I have the same problem. But it goes away after 2 mins and I do not need to re-start the car... it just goes away and the Sirus channels work.
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03-23-2007, 12:26 AM	#22
SkipSauls First Lieutenant 45 Rep 361 Posts Drives: E70 X5 35d Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Longmont, CO iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E92 335i Coupe [0.00]	I wish mine would go away after 2 minutes. I've found that I can't just stop the car and restart it, it seems that I need to leave it for a while. Very strange. I'm so hooked on Sirius that I rarely listen to old-fashioned radio, have never put a CD in the player, and haven't bothered with an iPod.
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