Hey all, finally pulled the trigger and ordered the DICE kit and the XM sattellite kit from EAS. If anybody has any tips or tricks to make it easier or more slick install then I would greatly appreciate it. The only thing I'm really worried about is plugging the CD changer plug back in and taking out the dealer installed BMW iPod Interface.

 

Anybody? I'm also thinking of taking the iPod cable to the armrest. Any thoughts?

 

I believe we just spoke on the phone, the installation is very simple. Let me know if you have any questions once your order arrives.

 

Yep, that was me

 

Did it work? R u happy with the DICE kit?

 

Haven't gotten it in yet. Tried but got the HU out (which was really easy) and discovered that I needed a special amp removal tool to undo the OEM install. The tool should be here Wednesday so I'll post on here when I get it in

 

I'd like to install the XM in my factory radio. I had an old Delphi unit in my last car but the cable connections are no longer available--or so my installer tells me. Does the kit from EAS contain everything? I'm not too good with the terminology here but what do you use for a power source? What goes into the radio itself? And does the antenna sit on the dash?

I'd appreciate any help and need plenty since I am electrically declined.

 

I'm probably going to get it in tomorrow night. The XM kit from EAS does include everything. It hooks into the CD changer wiring in the boot and gets electricity and signal from there. The attenae mounts wherever you'd like. Hope that helps GRichard.

 

I guess I got the cheap version. No CD changer in the boot. Monroney Sticker says it is "satellite ready" whatever that means. Help!

 

Not cheap - smart. The CD changer is replaced most times anyway.

 

Not having a CD Changer is good. You're hooking up to the same wires it is. All US Minis have the wiring (as far as I've been told) for the CD changer whether they had that option or not. So installing is just a matter of taking off the panel at the left side of the boot and hooking up to the Changer wires that aren't currently being used. Please not that is in not compatible with the OEM iPod interface (see my threads on what a headache that is).

 

Thanks for that and I don't even have an IPOD. Lets see if I understand correctly. All XM wires hook up to the wires in the boot. Nothing has to be physically connected to the radio itself. And the antenna can be run, under the carpets I suppose to the dash where it plops down. Is that essentially it? If so, I can probably handle it. I cringed when you talked about needing and ordering a special tool.

 

GR, the special tool had to do with the OEM iPod adapter that was installed that conflicted with this system. You don't have that so no worries. XM does infact just plug into the wires in the back (which are already hooked at the factory to the radio headunit. The antennae can be put anywhere, dash but doesn't have to be run all that far. I'm looing for a place behind the rear seats to place mine.

 

Thanks very much. I think I'll try it.

 

Tom, Mind if I get a bit of info about how it is integrated into the in-dash? Does it use the scan button to tune between stations and relies soley on the presets to get you where you want, instead of the "direct dial" mode on, say, my old delphi?

 

Press and hold on the arrows will scan stations. Radio presets work as well.

 

And it will display all the station info, song title, artist, the whole 9 right on the factory display huh?

 

Correct.

 

Sold, sir! Thank you for your time!

 

I have a question about which XM unit to buy. I bought and installed the DICE ipod kit and mounted it directly to the head unit. It wasn't easy for me and I would like to avoid having to take the dash apart again. That being said, if I buy the XM kit for the trunk interface will it connect to the unused CD changer wires in the boot and that's it? Or will I need to take apart the dash again?

Thanks in advance.

 

Think we just talked over the phone. For XM, all connections are made in the boot area.

 

Thanks Tom. No, it wasn't me that you spoke to.

 

Sorry about that - the radio is untouched with XM installation.