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XM Direct BMW/Cooper Mini Smart Digital Adapter

The BMWXMD100 smart adapter will add XM Satellite Radio to your "XM Ready" BMW and Cooper Mini factory radio. It requires the XM Direct universal tuner box, which mount out of sight for a clean, installed look. If your late model factory radio displays the XM Radio logo, it will be compatible with this adapter.

Features:

Allows XM service to be seamlessly installed into the interface of satellite radio ready car stereo
Works with Universal Tuner Box to control XM channels using your existing factory car stereo
Doesn't change your car's interior
Installs easily
MSRP: $299.99 USD Available through BMW and Mini Dealers

There are several ways to get satellite radio in your vehicle. The two most popular in-car satellite radio products are plug-and-play tuners and dedicated in-car tuners. This guide will walk you through the basics of installing each.

You can also download a pdf of the BMW Sirius Users Manual.

You can also download a pdf of the BMW Sirius Install Insturctions.

You can also download a pdf of the BMW X3 Sirius Installation Guide.

Tools Needed (depending upon vehicle):
Tools Needed for Satellite Radio Installation

Note: Both plug-and-play and dedicated in-car satellite radio tuners require the installation of a satellite radio antenna. The satellite radio antenna installation process is virtually the same for both types of tuners, and will be covered in the last section of this guide.

Installing a Plug-and-Play Tuner

The most popular way to get satellite radio in the car is with a plug-and-play tuner. This is a removable tuner that can be played through both car and home stereos with the appropriate accessory kits.

Plug-and-play tuners must be mounted in the cradle, also called the docking station, found in the car accessory kit. Power and signal connections are usually made at the cradle.

A plug-and-play satellite radio car kit may include all of the following: a cradle, an antenna, a DC power adapter, a mini jack-to-RCA patch cord, and a cassette adapter.

There are two ways to mount the cradle in your car:

using the included mounting hardware
with an optional vehicle-specific mount

Accessory kit mounting hardware
The cradle's mounting hardware typically features an arm with an industrial-strength, self-adhesive pad on a backing plate. To install the cradle using the included hardware, first find a convenient spot on your dash to mount the cradle you'll want to make sure that you can reach it easily, and that the tuner isn't blocking any of your dash controls. It helps to have someone hold the tuner in place while you sit in the driver's seat to check the placement.

Once you're sure where you want to mount the cradle, swab the area with a cleansing pad (included in most kits), peel the backing off the self-adhesive pad, and stick the mount in place. Apply moderate pressure for a minute or so to ensure that the pad adheres correctly. Some vehicle kits also include screws for a more permanent installation, though you'll want to think carefully before drilling into your dash.

When deciding where to mount a plug-and-play tuner, be sure that you can easily see and reach the controls, and that the tuner will not interfere with other dash controls.

Once the mount is in place, slide the tuner into the cradle, make the appropriate signal and power connections (which we'll discuss on the next page), and you're ready to go.

Optional vehicle-specific mounts
Vehicle-specific mounting kits let you install select satellite radio tuners (or controller displays) in hard-to-fit vehicles without modifying the dash. These typically bolt to the dash frame and offer a backing plate for mounting the tuner's cradle (you'll still need the tuner's car accessory kit; you just won't use the included mounting hardware).

Vehicle-specific mounts bolt to the dash frame and provide a convenient platform for mounting a plug-and-play tuner.

There are three advantages to vehicle-specific mounts:

vehicle-specific mounts fit in convenient spots (selected by the manufacturer) that do not interfere with dash features such as climate controls and air-conditioning vents
vehicle-specific mounts are designed to blend in well
vehicle-specific mounts are bolted into place, so the installation is more sturdy and permanent-looking than standard adhesive-pad methods

Installation of a vehicle-specific mount varies from vehicle to vehicle. In general, though, you'll likely have to engage in some dash disassembly and reassembly. The instructions included with the mount will guide you through the process for your vehicle.

Once you've installed the mount, you will need to attach the vehicle kit cradle to the bracket. This can be done by matching the bolt pattern on the bracket with the small screw holes back panel of the tuner's cradle and using the screws that come with the mount. You can also choose to use the self-adhesive pad to attach the cradle to the mount arm, though this is less secure than using screws.

Power Connections for Plug-and-Play Tuners
Part of the appeal of plug-and-play tuners lies in the simplicity of its connections. Power, for example, is supplied through a DC adapter. You simply plug one end in the appropriate place on the cradle, then plug the other end into your vehicle's DC power outlet (cigarette lighter). Presto! You have power.

FAKRA connection

Antenna Connection for Plug-and-Play Tuners
The antenna connection brings the satellite signal to the tuner. The antenna connection is straightforward: the antenna's FAKRA connector simply plugs into the appropriate input on the cradle.

Signal Connections for Plug-and-Play Tuners
There are three options for getting the sound from your satellite radio tuner to your in-dash receiver:

cassette adapter
FM modulator
RCA patch cables

FM modulator (wireless and wired)
There are two types of FM modulators, wireless and wired. Many newer plug-and-play tuners feature built-in wireless FM modulators. All you have to do is tune your FM stereo to an unused frequency, engage the modulator on the tuner, and select the corresponding frequency. The tuner then "broadcasts" the signal wirelessly over that frequency; your receiver's antenna picks it up the way it would any FM signal. The drawbacks: the potential for interference, and the fact that you might have to change broadcasting frequencies as you move into new areas which feature stations on different frequencies.

Satellite radio tuner connected via wired FM modulator.

Wired FM modulators plug directly into the back of your receiver. One end goes into the receiver's antenna input; the antenna input goes into the FM modulator. The plug-and-play tuner then connects to the modulator via its audio output. As with the wireless modulator, the satellite signal is "broadcast" over an unused frequency. This type of modulator is less susceptible to interferance than its wireless counterpart, but you still might have to change stations.

To install a wired FM modulator, first find a good mounting location. Keep in mind that you will need to access your factory radio through its antenna input, as well as connect the satellite radio tuner to the modulator.

Most FM modulators require two 12-volt connections: one to a constant power source, the other to a switched (on/off) source. Since you have to remove your radio to get to the antenna input, you'll have easy access to the power and ground wires in your factory radio harness. If you don't want to splice into your factory wires, you can make the power connections at your fuse panel. Look for empty fuse holders and insert fuse taps. You'll also have a black ground wire that must be secured beneath a nearby screw that makes contact with bare metal on the body of the vehicle.

Following the instructions on your Crutchfield MasterSheet, remove your receiver from the dash and unplug the antenna from the rear of the unit. Plug the vehicle's antenna cable into the antenna input on the FM modulator. Next, run the output of the modulator to your receiver's antenna input (certain vehicles require an antenna adapter use the online Vehicle Selector or call a Sales Advisor to inquire about a specific vehicle). If this leaves slack in your antenna lead, tie it up so it won't fall down and interfere with the foot pedals.

Install the satellite radio tuner and make all of the audio connections at the FM modulator. Determine which of the available modulation frequencies is least likely to be shared by a strong local radio signal and set it on the hideaway box before you mount the unit (on some models you can change this setting on the fly).

Using the auxiliary input to connect a peripheral.

Using an auxiliary input to connect a satellite radio tuner will give you the best sound quality.

RCA patch cables (auxiliary input)
If your in-dash receiver has an auxiliary audio input, you can take advantage of the method that gives you the best sound of all: RCA patch cables. You simply need to run the cables from the cradle (they plug in here via a minijack connection) to your receiver's auxiliary inputs, and you're all set. You'll get the fullest bandwidth response, and you won't be susceptible to radio-wave interference.

Installing a Dedicated In-car Tuner

A dedicated in-car tuner works with a compatible, same-brand aftermarket in-dash receiver. The tuner plugs directly into the receiver's changer-input port using an included proprietary cable, and the antenna plugs into the tuner. The receiver controls all of the tuner's functions, while the single connection provides the satellite radio signal to the receiver, and power to the tuner. This wiring and control convenience make a dedicated tuner a viable and attractive satellite radio option.

The tuner box itself installs much like an external amplifier. The first thing you need to do is find a good location for it. Under the passenger seat is the most common location. However, you should take into account the fact that you need to run the antenna cable to the tuner, and the tuner cable to your receiver, so finding a spot convenient for both is ideal.

Under a front seat is the most popular location for mounting a dedicated satellite radio tuner. Cut slits in the carpet and you can run the wires directly to the receiver.

The tuner box has four mounting feet, one on each corner. Once you've found the spot in which you'd like to mount it, mark the location of the feet. You'll then have to drill holes for the screws (which are usually included with the tuner). Note: before drilling, check beneath the mounting location to make sure you don't puncture the fuel tank, fuel lines, transmission or brake lines, etc. If all is clear, drill away. Then all you have to do is secure the box in place with the screws.

To ensure neat cable runs that are out of sight, you might have to remove trim panels and pull up some of your vehicle's carpet. Though not difficult, this should be done carefully. Once the cables are connected, and the tuner is mounted, you're ready for satellite radio.

Installing a Satellite Radio Antenna

The antenna is a vital element of your satellite radio setup; without it, you can't receive the signal. The best place to mount the antenna is on the roof of your vehicle, as far from obstructions (such as roof racks) as possible. This will ensure the best possible signal reception and reduce instances of signal dropout.

Most new satellite radio antennas feature strong magnetic bases which secure tightly to your vehicle's roof. Some might also incorporate self-adhesive pads, but these are not as easy to remove and are generally not used unless the installation is, without a doubt, permanent.

The biggest challenge is running the antenna cable into the vehicle, and strategies for doing so vary depending on the type of vehicle in which you're installing the system.

Passenger cars
The most common strategy is to mount the antenna on the roof, then run the cable under the weatherstripping around the back window. This often allows you to run the cable into the trunk (without exposing it). From there, you can run the cable along with the existing wires into the cab of the vehicle, all the way to the tuner box.

You might have to remove some trim paneling and pull up some of your vehicle's carpet in order to run the cable unseen to the tuner box.

Pickup trucks
The most popular option is to mount the antenna on the roof, remove the third brake light (or bed light), route the antenna cable into the vehicle through this opening, then replace the light. In a few cases, this might require extensive panel removal in the truck in order to get the cable to the tuner box, but it provides an excellent, water-tight option.

SUVs
SUVs offer perhaps the easiest antenna solution. With the tailgate open, the cable can be run underneath the weather stripping, then under the carpet all the way to the tuner box.

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Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005 10:27 p.m. EST

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