2011 135i HU "too old" for Sirius software

kegobass · 10-31-2013, 10:55 AM

I recently purchased a 2011 135i (2 weeks) that had the base audio system. I was told by the sale guy that the car was pre-wired with satellite radio. I brought the car in today assuming it would be ~$400 to install the software.

I just received a call indicating my HU is the right model but the date on the model is too old. They said the only way to get satellite is to replace the HU with a newer dated one (same Professional HU). So they want ~$500 for the HU, plus $400 for the satellite software, plus labor which will end up costing me roughly $1200-$1300 when everything is said and done.

I plan on calling the sale guy to complain as I find it hard to believe the HU is so old (2 yrs) that it could not take the satellite software.

I was curious if anyone else has run into this situation.

Thanks,
Craig

pinmagic · 11-01-2013, 07:16 AM

Sounds like BS. Call another dealer.

rps · 11-01-2013, 07:29 AM

I've got an 08 with Sirius so yours should not be a problem. I also added Sirius to my 06 Z4 without a problem.

cheshirecat79 · 11-02-2013, 05:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinmagic

Sounds like BS. Call another dealer.

Agreed. They're either incompetent or they're trying to fleece you.

kegobass · 11-03-2013, 06:31 AM

The problem, as it was explained to me, was that my car was made in 2010 (model year 2011) and that's right around when Sirius and XM completed the merger and required BMW to use new headunits to be able to download the satellite software. I don't think they are lying about this but the fact that they sold me a CPO car and didn't tell me this and expected me to dish out an additional $800 bucks was just ludicrous.

Either way, after numerous calls to the sales guy and threatening to return the car, they only charged me for the Sirius installed $400 and ended up replacing the HU for free.

In the end, they did the right thing and all is good.

lo-tek · 12-02-2013, 06:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kegobass

The problem, as it was explained to me, was that my car was made in 2010 (model year 2011) and that's right around when Sirius and XM completed the merger and required BMW to use new headunits to be able to download the satellite software. I don't think they are lying about this but the fact that they sold me a CPO car and didn't tell me this and expected me to dish out an additional $800 bucks was just ludicrous.

Either way, after numerous calls to the sales guy and threatening to return the car, they only charged me for the Sirius installed $400 and ended up replacing the HU for free.

In the end, they did the right thing and all is good.

I was going to recommend these guys but it looks like you have it resolved:

www.bimmer-tech.net

They coded my 2012 Radio via a remote desktop protocol and skype. Odd but it worked

Big_B_135i · 04-25-2014, 12:31 AM

I am having the same issue. I bought a 2011 that said it was prewired for satellite. Then they told me at BMW that it was going to be more like $1500.00. I can't even find the wires in the trunk. Does anyone know where they are hiding? This sucks I have had XM since 2001 and, I am missing it.

10-31-2013, 10:55 AM	#1
kegobass Private 17 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	2011 135i HU "too old" for Sirius software I recently purchased a 2011 135i (2 weeks) that had the base audio system. I was told by the sale guy that the car was pre-wired with satellite radio. I brought the car in today assuming it would be ~$400 to install the software. I just received a call indicating my HU is the right model but the date on the model is too old. They said the only way to get satellite is to replace the HU with a newer dated one (same Professional HU). So they want ~$500 for the HU, plus $400 for the satellite software, plus labor which will end up costing me roughly $1200-$1300 when everything is said and done. I plan on calling the sale guy to complain as I find it hard to believe the HU is so old (2 yrs) that it could not take the satellite software. I was curious if anyone else has run into this situation. Thanks, Craig
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11-01-2013, 07:16 AM	#2
pinmagic The Only Sane One Here 61 Rep 1,135 Posts Drives: 135i Convertible Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Arlington, VA iTrader: (1)	Sounds like BS. Call another dealer. __________________ 2011 135i VERT SGM/SB/MOONLIGHT - ED - with every single friggin' option they offered.
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11-01-2013, 07:29 AM	#3
rps Captain 35 Rep 609 Posts Drives: 2013 X1 Join Date: May 2009 Location: Pace, Fl iTrader: (11)	I've got an 08 with Sirius so yours should not be a problem. I also added Sirius to my 06 Z4 without a problem. __________________ NB8S Past Garage: Z4, 135i. Present Garage: 2013 X Drive X1 2.8i.
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11-03-2013, 06:31 AM	#5
kegobass Private 17 Rep 85 Posts Drives: 2016 M235i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	The problem, as it was explained to me, was that my car was made in 2010 (model year 2011) and that's right around when Sirius and XM completed the merger and required BMW to use new headunits to be able to download the satellite software. I don't think they are lying about this but the fact that they sold me a CPO car and didn't tell me this and expected me to dish out an additional $800 bucks was just ludicrous. Either way, after numerous calls to the sales guy and threatening to return the car, they only charged me for the Sirius installed $400 and ended up replacing the HU for free. In the end, they did the right thing and all is good. Last edited by kegobass; 11-03-2013 at 06:33 AM.. Reason: added addt'l comments
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04-25-2014, 12:31 AM	#7
Big_B_135i Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: Black on Black, Stock 2011 135 Join Date: Apr 2014 Location: San Diego, CA iTrader: (0)	I am having the same issue. I bought a 2011 that said it was prewired for satellite. Then they told me at BMW that it was going to be more like $1500.00. I can't even find the wires in the trunk. Does anyone know where they are hiding? This sucks I have had XM since 2001 and, I am missing it.
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