I am getting some recall work done on my 2015 base in Oct and plan to have the dealer do it then. I am all for the clean look! Leah - Thanks for the reply.

I am willing to try the: http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...radio-retrofit if someone can tell me that it actually worked.

 

I don't have time to do it, or even try to figure out how to do it myself. I'd rather just drop it off and let someone that knows what they're doing handle it. I'm not familiar with BimmerTech, and not sure if they are a good place to deal with. I have no problem paying a little extra (to a point) to get it done, make sure its right, and have a hassle free experience.

 

You're welcome, and good luck getting it done! I like the clean look, honestly though, if it was older I don't know that I would spend that much on it. Honestly I can't wait to get it. I just got it two months ago. The car I was driving before didn't have a radio, so I forgot how awful regular radio is!

 

Leah - Thank you. You're doing it the proper way. On my 2008 MINI Cooper S, I installed it with the kit from Sirius and changing the channel was a hassle. If you're going to keep the car, it's much better to have it integrated into the existing radio.

 

I looked at a few radios and it seemed like it would be a hassle. The buttons and screen seemed so small, I couldn't imagine trying to reach over and change stations, etc.

 

I highly recommend taking it to the dealer and having it done correctly. What your paying for is the activation code from mini which is vin specific, 1 year subscription of service and 1 hour of labor which is the standard charge anytime a vehicle is hooked up to the programmer regardless if it takes 20min or 5 hours to complete. Had mine done on Tuesday and I couldn't be happier.

 

I guess if you don't have time....but other places Will do the exact same thing for under half the price. Honestly you are just getting some coding done. I find the $500 price ridiculous. We already know the code costs $100. So the rest is 20 minutes labour and markup. It is principle not money or time. Mini just charge you to turn the switch.

 

the dealer gets charged $300 for the code from MINI. The dealership doesn't just pull a price out of mid air. The code is the same as a part. Of Course there is always going to be some mark up but not as much as you may suspect.

 

Not sure where you got the $300 figure from. Everyone buys it from the same place.
So I guess all the places that do the same job for $200 to $250 must be doing it for love and losing money....and they throw in a coding cable for free!

 

I get the $300 figure from dealerspeed.net (Bmw parts, service and technical data)

 

Yea, must be for love and losing money!

 

What do you listen to on satellite? Where do you live? How old are you?

I listen to lots of podcasts, I even listen to a podcast for the news. If I'm tired of those I pull up loud Rock or classic Jazz albums, [Apple Lossless]. If there's a hockey or football game on, it's on AM.

I'm in the middle of nowhere, Canada, I'm in my mid-40s.

 

You can listen to whatever, they have a ton of different stations. I have a usb stick with music on it I listen to a lot, but sometimes get tired of it. Guess I would like a little more variety.

I'm mid-30s, in Louisiana.

 

One more time....has anyone actually done the: http://www.bimmer-tech.net/shop/bmw-...radio-retrofit on a Gen 3 MINI?

I have no problems doing my own install; However, I would feel a lot better if someone can tell me that it actually worked.

 

You'll love the upgrade; I know I've been enjoying the hell out of it.

 

I can't wait for it! I drove a rental car once that had it and I really enjoyed it. Ever since then, I've always had the thought of getting it in the back of my mine.

 

I'm certain you'll love it; it's been years since I listened to commercial radio stations and I don't miss them.

 

Just had my car done. The guy buys the code from BMW for $120. Took him 5 minutes and he backed up the entry so it will not get erased on any upgrade.
The whole thing cost $180 and he did some free coding too.
Sirius came straight on and has all the channels and displays the album art. Very cool. I did not have to phone to activate so I'm a happy "Free" camper!

 

hey guys, i need to revive this thread. so like 2 weeks ago we got out MCS and i found just today on the manual book there is a pamphlet that says free 1 yr sirius. but my car dont have this sat radio on radio menu.

i have the XL nav. i also code my cars. what VO should i add and do i need FSC code?

 

You have Satellite Radio Prep, you can add it, but you need to purchase the FSC and code. Bimmertech seems to be the best option in terms of price and ease of install since they can remote code or walk you through coding it yourself. Either way, it's not something you can do completely by yourself. You need to get the FSC code from someone that can sell you one.