[ganderson]

I just picked up my 2008 328i this week and love the car but am already really missing my XM radio. I would really rather not install the roady unit on my dash but would prefer to integrate with the existing head unit. I'm having trouble figuring out if the Blitzsafe adapter and XM Direct receiver are compatible with MY 2008 and if so which version of the adapter I need to purchase. I have the stock radio (no premium package). Any suggestions?

[RodB]

You are aware that Sirius bought XM or XM bought Sirius aren't you? The two services will be fully merged by year's end. So, I would wait a while and see what changes will likely happen to the two systems, since they will really be one system in a couple months.

[EDK99]

Originally Posted by RodB

You are aware that Sirius bought XM or XM bought Sirius aren't you? The two services will be fully merged by year's end. So, I would wait a while and see what changes will likely happen to the two systems, since they will really be one system in a couple months.

I guess you aren't aware that the deal has not been approved by the FCC or the shareholders of XM and Sirius. The FCC should have a decision by the end of the year and the shareholder will vote in November. The deal is far from done. http://biz.yahoo.com/ap/071004/xm_si...vote.html?.v=3

[SteveMD]

Even if they merge, without paying extra, you will still only get the programming from your original provider.

I've been following the merger closely. I have a feeling it will go though (IMO of course).

[Gort]

Originally Posted by SteveMD

Even if they merge, without paying extra, you will still only get the programming from your original provider.

That sounds like a lose-lose for the consumer.

[finchman]

Sirius is better any ways.. XM blows.. IMO

[Kuma]

Does the blitz adapter work or not? I'm curious and it was the OP's question which turned in something else.

E

[rc51]

you know that your car is pre-wired for satellite radio, and you can buy the radio unit and have it installed in your car as if it were factory installed, right?

there are a ton of threads about this in the Audio section of this forum.

[combatcarry]

I know it is a matter of personal opinion. I am a subscriber of both XM and Sirius. I am also a shareholder in Sirius. At first I thought Sirius was better. But, Sirius doesn't have the variety of XM. I prefer XM.

Have you thought of adding a small aftermarket tuner in the ash tray? To do it you replace the ashtray with a sunglasses holder, and the little unit fits in there perfectly. I found a DIY on this forum and that is how I installed mine.

BTW. Did you steal my car!? That picture looks exactly like mine.

[ganderson]

Thanks to everyone for responding. I'm aware of the merger but am really wanting to get satellite radio in my car asap. I already subscribe to XM and have it in my wife's car as well in my office so I'd prefer not to sign up for a second service. While I did find other threads about this I didn't find anything that specifically mentioned the 2008 model year. I sent e-mail to tech support at Blitzsafe, which manufactures the adapter people have used to get the existing radio head to work with XM in previous models. For anyone interested I am posting that thread:

****************************


No it will not.


Thanks,

Victor Vasquez
BlitzSafe Of America
Technical Support Manager
201-569-5000
800-597-SAFE (US only)
Fax: 201-569-5042
E-mail: Victor.V@Blitzsafe.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Anderson
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 12:39 PM
To: Victor.V@Blitzsafe.com
Subject: RE: XM Radio for 2008 BMW 3-series


So, does that mean the current adapters will not work with the 2008 model?




--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

From: Blitzsafe [mailto:Blitzsafe@blitzsafe.com]
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 10:31 AM
To: Gary Anderson
Subject: RE: XM Radio for 2008 BMW 3-series



Gary,



Unfortunately we are not looking at designing an XM Direct unit for the fiber optic equipped vehicles at this time. We will be releasing an Aux audio input interface and an iPod interface in one.

Thanks,

Victor Vasquez
BlitzSafe Of America
Technical Support Manager
201-569-5000
800-597-SAFE (US only)
Fax: 201-569-5042
E-mail: Victor.V@Blitzsafe.com

-----Original Message-----
From: Gary Anderson
Sent: Friday, October 05, 2007 8:58 AM
To: blitzsafe@blitzsafe.com
Subject: XM Radio for 2008 BMW 3-series

Good morning,



I just purchased a 2008 BMW 3-series with the standard radio. I’d like to integrate XM radio with the existing head unit and am wondering if you can confirm that your product will accomplish this and if so, which version of the adapter I should purchase. The radio is high-definition capable and does not have the iPod in-dash interface. All the information I can find is related to older models. Thanks in advance for any assistance…



Gary Anderson

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by ganderson

I just purchased a 2008 BMW 3-series with the standard radio. I’d like to integrate XM radio with the existing head unit and am wondering if you can confirm that your product will accomplish this and if so, which version of the adapter I should purchase. The radio is high-definition capable and does not have the iPod in-dash interface. All the information I can find is related to older models. Thanks in advance for any assistance…



Gary Anderson

Just to clarify a bit further, the standard radio from BMW is not sold in cars in the U.S. Therefore, there is no head unit. Cars in the U.S. either have a Bordmonitor with iDrive or a MID (Multi Information Display).

There is also no iPod in-dash interface. There are two iPod interfaces, one attaches to the CD port of the MOST bus and the other is a factory only option that has its own port and provides a plug in the center console.

[ganderson]

I appreciate the clarification. I've found it somewhat confusing to figure out exactly what the available solutions are and I've only had my car for less than a week so I'm not all that familiar with all it's features and specifications. It's hard to believe there isn't a more straightforward solution out there yet.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by ganderson

I appreciate the clarification. I've found it somewhat confusing to figure out exactly what the available solutions are and I've only had my car for less than a week so I'm not all that familiar with all it's features and specifications. It's hard to believe there isn't a more straightforward solution out there yet.

You will probably uncover features and specs for months. There is a lot in these cars.

Regarding a solution for your original question, there really may not be and it's explainable because there are very few devices that can connect to MOST BMWs. It's not an easy bus to connect to or create apps for plus anything added to the MOST bus needs to be recognizable by BMW's software (this rules out most third party devices).

[calvino]

well I have Sirius but I also like XM

my solution XM sportcaster inside the sunglass holder.

it looks great the SportCaster LCD is the same amber that BMW interior

[purplewidow]

yeah sirius is way way way better than XM....and they might merge

[BMCoupe_782]

Originally Posted by calvino

well I have Sirius but I also like XM

my solution XM sportcaster inside the sunglass holder.

it looks great the SportCaster LCD is the same amber that BMW interior

I just recieved this as a gift for my new e92 328xi. Sorry for the ignorance, but I def like your setup and was planning to do that as well. Not sure how to set it up though, obviously not through the cassette adapter...do I have to use something else? thanks

[BMCoupe_782]

anyone who can help me out with XM radio setup would be much appreciated!

[tintivilus]

Originally Posted by BMCoupe_782

I just recieved this as a gift for my new e92 328xi. Sorry for the ignorance, but I def like your setup and was planning to do that as well. Not sure how to set it up though, obviously not through the cassette adapter...do I have to use something else? thanks

Originally Posted by BMCoupe_782

anyone who can help me out with XM radio setup would be much appreciated!

Help with what? Plug it into the aux input. If you want to hard-wire everything, stick your antenna on the back deck and tap power from the center console wiring and route your three leads (power, audio, antenna) to wherever you want to mount your receiver. There are DIY's detailing various options.

[Chuck_IV]

Originally Posted by BMCoupe_782

anyone who can help me out with XM radio setup would be much appreciated!

Taka e look thru this thread...

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16587

It refers to 2006 325's, so I don't know how the 2008's compare.

With the 2006's, you can use the existing antenna in the Sharkfin, for XM, so you end up with an extremely clean install. I used an XM Roady thru the AUX port and put it snuggly in my center console(not the greatest for changing channels, but you don't even know it's there) and wired it to the existing antenna in the sharkfin. Works great.

As for XM vs Sirius, we now have Sirius in our other car(Mercedes ML350) and comparing the 2, they both have their pluses and minuses. I can say, as a longtime XM sub, I miss Big Tracks and having MLB and (especially) NHL games available to me, when listening to Sirius.

[Tonye90xi]

Originally Posted by BMCoupe_782

anyone who can help me out with XM radio setup would be much appreciated!

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16587 (btw as you can see mine was an 07 335 so it this thread will work)

This is a lengthy thread, but follow it through. This is what I used to install my XM in the center console. You do not have to use your XM antenna. There is a wire that you can buy to link the shark fin to the XM unit.

In response to the OP, there is currently no fix for the Sirius to XM "conversion" Install an XM like Calvino did or put it in the flip box like I did, or mount it wherever you like, but you will need a regular XM unit.

[BMCoupe_782]

thanks for the help....these threads are definitely informative