Just took delivery of a 2008 Mini S Cabrio with upgraded HK stereo. I wanted Sirius installed but the dealer had to order it, but I have already included it in the deal (paid for it). Today in the news I see the merger is about to happen and I wonder if I should see if I can cancel the install and wait to see if I should get a satellite radio after the merger. I understand that the ala carte option (pick and choose stations) will only be available on new radios after the merger. My MA told me that they charge $950 for the Sirius installed with a one year subscription, but a lady he recently sold one to got a lifetime subscription when she activated with Sirius. Thoughts, opinions, advice?

 

i just think that if they start screwing everyone with hidden fees, that the "ipod" will become the new satellite radio.
don c.

 

Rest assured that service will deteriorate, the 'commercial free' music channels will steadily begin to acquire ads and the subscription prices will begin inching up soon after the merger. Mark my words.

 

thats why as part of the deal the rates are frozen for the next 3 years

 

My Alpine 9857 head unit is 'satellite ready'...IF I spend $90 for the car kit

http://www.crutchfield.com/App/Produ...00XMALP1&tp=87

and pay to have it programmed (you have to download software to activate it) and installed because I am technically challanged.

I'm really anxious to get this because until now, I've been struggling with my 'temporary' solution: a cheap Sportster XM tuner suction-cupped to the windshield with semi-concealed wires running to the head unit and a hand held remote control that does not always function very well. NOT a very classy setup.

If I go ahead with this, does anyone think it's possible I'll be stuck with some obsolete gear after the merger?

 

I don't know about your second question, but you do not have to "download" software. All you do is plug the equipment you buy from crutchfield/walmart or where ever to the back of your unit. It comes with a receiver/tuner with RCA's (go to back of Alpine) and an antenna that plugs into the tuner. Then you turn on your radio, turn to channel 0 get the radio ID, call XM, activate the radio...leave the radio turned on to channel 0 with clear view of southern skies for the tuner to "activate" and find the satelites. Really, its quite easy...not a whole lot involved.

 

I guess you didn't click on my link to Crutchfield?

It clearly states that you have to download firmware. Further, it does not support MAC.

 

OK maybe I'm misinformed, but I heard that when you get SIRIUS radio with the mini it is a lifetime membership..

 

MotorManiac........when you order the factory SIRIUS radio (a $1000 option), it comes with a lifetime subscription associated with the VIN of your vehicle.

 

Since you asked...I checked it

"you can reprogram this adapter to work with another brand in the future." This is the reason, this is not a brand specific XM tuner. Hence the need for a universal adapter and a reason to need to plug it into a computer so you can tell it what kind of headunit you are plugging it into. Just a way to make XM's hardware more compatible I guess. If you don't want to plug it in, get the older stuff that I used...it worked fine.

 

So does anyone know what is going to happen on these lifetime subscriptions? Are they going to merge the channel set of both into one grouping?

 

BUY STOCK
haha...

i think its still like $2 a share...
anyway i think it will make both radios better (even though i'm partial to serius)