[mreloc]

I know there is a thread on here about the dissapointment with Sirius in the e90. My question is this: how does sirius compare with xm? I had xm in a honda and thought the sound quality was fantastic! If I'm that much of a non-audiophile, and it's as bad as Sirius, maybe I'll be happy with the Sirius quality in the e90. Anyone have thoughts on this comparison?

[RyBMW]

I had XM in my Acura and it sounds fantastic. The Sirius in my E90 doesn't sound as good. XM sound quality is better but not by much. It also depends on which channel you are listening to. Some channels sounds better than other channels. This was the same for XM.
I listen to Sirius about 95% of the time when I'm driving. I can't stand FM radio. It seems like every 5minutes there is a commercial.

[LEDZEP]

Never had XM, but I've been happy with Sirius. To me it sounds really good.

[pharmb]

The sound quality on XM was much better than what I get with Sirius!

[StewtheBassman]

I will never have Sirius, but I love my XM! And the sound quality is good.

[thxbuff2001]

Is that true?
I thought it was just the sound setup of my E90 thats making my sirius reception sound bad. But come to think of it, when I play cds, its sounds great. My accord comes with XM and it can blast my E90 if listening with satellite radio. But if I was playing a CD, my accord can never match it.

[ward]

XM vs Sirius will have about the same sound quality

the difference is in the equipment attached to the service
my Sirius reciever I have at home sounds at least as good as CD quality (hard wired plug and play)

[LEDZEP]

Have you ever listened to Sirius on their Internet listening site with headphones? The quality is amazing.

[ward]

Originally Posted by LEDZEP

Have you ever listened to Sirius on their Internet listening site with headphones? The quality is amazing.

Plus the internet version is dumbed down a bit to help it stream better
the real version will have better quality

[E24]

I wish I had a choice. I love built in systems. Our 2003 E39 had integrated Sirius. My 2004 Jeep Grand Cherokee has integrated Sirius (looks like it's sold). When replacing the E39 with our 2004 Jaguar S-TYPE no integrated system was offered. I wanted Sirius because we were used to it - channels/programming, etc. but I was talked into XM for the Jag as the dealer was able to integrate the receiver into the ashtray - out of sight and out of mind. If you want to play it you can use the remote and never lift the ashtray cover - if you want to view the music information - simply lift the ashtray cover. I couldn't pass up this discreet type of install over some unit hanging off the dash somewhere. Both sound equally good to me although I personally prefer the programming on Sirius - I must be in the minority given their market share and I'm also in the minority because Stern isn't my cup of tea and is not a reason for my Sirius preference. Still I'm hemming and hawing with the E91 "on order" as I'm tempted to bite on the integrated Sirius system but would actually prefer to pass seeing I'm locked with XM on the Jag (and my wife will never sell the Jag) and just get XM installed on the E91 and stop the 2-provider nonsense. I just haven't seen anyone install an XM receiver on an E91 (or E90 for that matter) in a discreet fashion. If anyone has pics of an unobtrusive install - please share. Thanks.

[StewtheBassman]

E24, eventually we'll be able to have the modulator transmit directly to our radio, including the RDS system, so we can see the songs on our OEM radio....there is an Audiovox/Teck solution that is coming to market soon. I'll post here if there is any news I come across.

I've had the XM for a week now AND I LOVE IT!!!!!

[ward]

too bad sirius guts it's programming for canada

I'm sure you could figure a way around it, you'd just need a po box in the states

well worth it in my book!!

[StewtheBassman]

Originally Posted by ward

too bad sirius guts it's programming for canada

I'm sure you could figure a way around it, you'd just need a po box in the states

well worth it in my book!!

They have to. Canadian content and all that stuff. That's why I don't want it!

My Mom lives in FLA so I use her address.

[ksfrogman]

I just ordered my 330i and it is in production as we "speak." I requested the satellite radio option, but was never asked whether I wanted the XM Radio or Sirius. Do we have a choice? What usually comes with the car?

[StewtheBassman]

BMW has a deal with Sirius only!

[uofmtiger]

just haven't seen anyone install an XM receiver on an E91 (or E90 for that matter) in a discreet fashion. If anyone has pics of an unobtrusive install - please share. Thank

I think you can install one of the XM Commanders in the ashtray area, like you did in your other vehicle. There are instructions on how to remove the ashtray and the lighter in the DIY section. My thinking is that you could wire into the lighter for electricity and then run the sound to the aux input in the console without having any wiring on display. You may have a problem hiding the antenna, but XM (at least in this area) can pick up a strong signal on the back window ledge.