XM Onyx Installed

Cy3 · 04-12-2011, 04:06 PM

Afternoon - Just wanted to share some pictures of my recent addition of SAT radio to my base (read: garbage) stereo. Wanted to add SAT radio which if you want OEM is a $450 new headunit + coding labor by a dealer. Like the title says I went with the XM Onyx 1. Because of Price ($75) 2. Size - Fits perfectly in the sunglass tray 3. Color is selectable to be a pretty close match to rest of the dash lights.

My plan was to cut a hole in the bottom of the tray and route the wires under the center console. When i removed the rubber tray bottom there is already a starter hole, so you would only need to enlarge this by an inch or so in diameter. (If you lease, like I am, no worries - in the event they actually look under the rubber mat, its only a $15 part according to realoem). So, for me its a clean install and sounds very good.

The install routed the 3 main wires (antenna, power, aux) from the back of the unit, through the hole in the tray, and down under the center console. Two of the wire (power & aux) pop up through an access panel above the coin tray. You can notch this out and replace the cover at a later time, but i haven't yet just because the hole is hidden by the armrest when its down. Again if you go the route of notching it, and its a lease you're looking at $4-6 bucks to replace before lease turn-in. The last wire (antenna) continued along the center shaft, popped up the back seat and threw the 'extra' miles of antenna wire there while the needed amount went up the back pillar and along the rear shelf where the aerial antenna sits and gets perfectly fine reception.

It's held now by velcro but i may make a tent style brace for the unit for added rigidity - but for now is fine for me.

Nitroxide · 04-12-2011, 04:13 PM

Definitely not something I would install in my 1'er. Those wires and switching to aux and not being able to use the steering wheel controls would drive me nuts.

Cy3 · 04-12-2011, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nitroxide

Definitely not something I would install in my 1'er. Those wires and switching to aux and not being able to use the steering wheel controls would drive me nuts.

I know, i know, and totally agree. But my local stations are a joke, HD radio is worthless, and updating my Ipod all the time kind of gets annoying. I don't see the wires ever since the armrest is usually down. This is just A option for those that really want SAT radio and don't want to go broke in the process.

Begs to ask the question: Will i ever learn to just order a car the way I want from the factory????

Xios135 · 04-13-2011, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cy3

Begs to ask the question: Will i ever learn to just order a car the way I want from the factory????

Because if you find a car you like... you buy it. In my case I located a 2010 135 vert dealer demo with 5k miles on it for $32k. No BT, no Sirius, no nav. Sure I would have liked those things but if I ordered it new with these options I would have been pushing $50k.

Barry45RPM · 04-15-2011, 03:55 PM

What about this solution?

iTronic™SAT is a fully integrated, "same as factory installed" Sirius/XM Satellite Radio solution for BMW.

The iTronic™SAT solution works just like a BMW factory installed Sirius/XM system. It includes full channel information on your car's displays. In short, it is designed to work just like a factory installed system would. The unit simply plugs into the network connection that is under the cd changer in some cars or behind/below the glovebox in other models. Installation is straight forward and simple. It does not require any cutting or modification of the car at all, therefore does not void any manufacturers warranty. The unit is also completely hidden after installation. No unsightly boxes or displays, just like a factory installed system.

http://www.cartronics.com/

TheBurro · 03-14-2012, 09:18 AM

edit: nvrmnd

mrow · 04-01-2012, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cy3

I know, i know, and totally agree. But my local stations are a joke, HD radio is worthless, and updating my Ipod all the time kind of gets annoying. I don't see the wires ever since the armrest is usually down. This is just A option for those that really want SAT radio and don't want to go broke in the process.

Begs to ask the question: Will i ever learn to just order a car the way I want from the factory????

Why not use Pandora for music if local radio isn't an option. Pandora even has comedy now

04-12-2011, 04:06 PM	#1
Cy3 Private 1 Rep 91 Posts Drives: 2013 Audi S4 Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: NoVa. iTrader: (1)	XM Onyx Installed Afternoon - Just wanted to share some pictures of my recent addition of SAT radio to my base (read: garbage) stereo. Wanted to add SAT radio which if you want OEM is a $450 new headunit + coding labor by a dealer. Like the title says I went with the XM Onyx 1. Because of Price ($75) 2. Size - Fits perfectly in the sunglass tray 3. Color is selectable to be a pretty close match to rest of the dash lights. My plan was to cut a hole in the bottom of the tray and route the wires under the center console. When i removed the rubber tray bottom there is already a starter hole, so you would only need to enlarge this by an inch or so in diameter. (If you lease, like I am, no worries - in the event they actually look under the rubber mat, its only a $15 part according to realoem). So, for me its a clean install and sounds very good. The install routed the 3 main wires (antenna, power, aux) from the back of the unit, through the hole in the tray, and down under the center console. Two of the wire (power & aux) pop up through an access panel above the coin tray. You can notch this out and replace the cover at a later time, but i haven't yet just because the hole is hidden by the armrest when its down. Again if you go the route of notching it, and its a lease you're looking at $4-6 bucks to replace before lease turn-in. The last wire (antenna) continued along the center shaft, popped up the back seat and threw the 'extra' miles of antenna wire there while the needed amount went up the back pillar and along the rear shelf where the aerial antenna sits and gets perfectly fine reception. It's held now by velcro but i may make a tent style brace for the unit for added rigidity - but for now is fine for me. __________________ Current: '13 B8.5 Audi S4 Retired: '14 W212 E350 Sport \|\| '11 W204 C350 Sport \|\| '11 128i E82 \|\| '06 325i E90 \|\| '02 325ci E46 Last edited by Cy3; 03-23-2012 at 05:36 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-12-2011, 04:13 PM	#2
Nitroxide Banned 0 Rep 71 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Vancouver BC iTrader: (0)	Definitely not something I would install in my 1'er. Those wires and switching to aux and not being able to use the steering wheel controls would drive me nuts.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-15-2011, 03:55 PM	#5
Barry45RPM Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 219 Posts Drives: 2007 MB E550, 2010 128i Conv Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Ft. Lauderdale FL Area, USA iTrader: (0)	What about this solution? iTronic™SAT is a fully integrated, "same as factory installed" Sirius/XM Satellite Radio solution for BMW. The iTronic™SAT solution works just like a BMW factory installed Sirius/XM system. It includes full channel information on your car's displays. In short, it is designed to work just like a factory installed system would. The unit simply plugs into the network connection that is under the cd changer in some cars or behind/below the glovebox in other models. Installation is straight forward and simple. It does not require any cutting or modification of the car at all, therefore does not void any manufacturers warranty. The unit is also completely hidden after installation. No unsightly boxes or displays, just like a factory installed system. http://www.cartronics.com/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-14-2012, 09:18 AM	#6
TheBurro Private First Class 18 Rep 193 Posts Drives: 2009 135i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: San Antonio, TX iTrader: (3)	edit: nvrmnd Last edited by TheBurro; 03-14-2012 at 06:46 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote