I'm looking to add Sirius satellite capability to my 2003 H/K system. I don't want to use the little handheld tuners. I would much rather throw a box in the boot and attach it to the CD Changer wire like the XM kids are doing now. I don't want to pay the crazy money that the dealers are asking ($300 for a tuner?!).

So with all that in mind, has anyone here done this themselves? Did it work properly? Did you use a Soundgate or Blitzsafe adapter or some other type of adapter? Do you get full steering wheel control? Where can I buy the stuff that I will need to do this?

This is somewhat urgent, so if you could even point me in the right direction, I would appreciate it. Sirius is doing a deal right now where all you have to do is buy their antenna and start up Sirius service and you get a free tuner (Kenwood makes one that normally costs $150). It seems like a great way to save money, but the offer ends December 31st, so I need to act now!

Thanks for any help you can provide me with!

Maxwell

_________________

 

Anyone not watching NFL right now?

 

>>Anyone not watching NFL right now? :smile:

Just back from a short drive

Earl

 

My understanding is the Blitzsafe adapter/connector interfaces with the XM systems but NOT the Sirius. If you go to the Blitzsafe website, they only have listed XM systems that the Blitzsafe connectors are adapted for.

Might want to call Blitzsafe to verify that.

I'm using a Kenwood H2A sysem right now in my Cooper. I'm going to order the OEM tuner from Classic Mini tomorrow and the needed cables to interface with my HK system.

I haven't decided yet if I'm going to use th OEM antenna or just hook up the one I've already installed to my Kenwood system. Sure didn't want to spend another couple hundred on an antenna when I already have one. I'll find out when I call Classic.

Anyway, I've only had the Sirius for about 3 weeks. I like it EXTREMELY well. In fact, well enough to shell out another 3 or 4 hundred bucks to get the OEM system installed. (I'll be doing the install myself, that will save me a few bucks).

jerij

 

Do you feel comfortable with installing the OEM system yourself? From what I've found, it sounds like the install is more complicated than expected.

Let me know what sort of pricing you get from Classic MINI, as that is where I'm looking at purchasing the equipment now.

Thanks!

 

OK: Here's some more info that I've gotten. There are basically two different options if you want to install Sirius into your MINI.

1) Go aftermarket. Get the adapter from Soundgate (Part #KBMWSIR, costs $128 direct or about $100 retail) for the Kenwood tuner. Go to your local Best Buy, Circuit City or whatever and get yourself a roof antenna ($50-75), and then sign up for Sirius service ($12 a month or $132 a year). You'll get a free Kenwood receiver. If you have an H/K system, then you need to order an extension cable (Classic MINI has them for $10), and if you have a Disc Changer then you'll need another extension (again, about $10 from Classic). All total, you're looking at a cost of $150-$225 depending on where you get the parts and what your existing system is. (Note: this price has no "install kit" included--so, depending on what the tuner comes with, you may have to create your own system for holding the tuner snug inside the "cubby" in the boot. That could represent some sort of additional cost.)

2) Go with the OEM equipment. Get the tuner from Classic ($239). Get the install kit from Classic ($75). Get the HK extension and the CD Extension if you need it from Classic ($10 ea.). Get either the dual antenna from Classic ($100) or an aftermarket antenna ($50-$75 and absolutely necessary if you have the NAV system, since there is no OEM option for a NAV&Sirius combo antenna). You'll still have to sign up for Sirius service, so that's not included in either one of these bottom-line prices. All total for OEM, it would be $364-$434, again depending on exactly what your existing setup is.

Of course, these prices are assuming that you can do it all yourself. If you're looking for a dealer to install this stuff, I'm sure they'd be more than happy to work it out with you to install parts bought from Classic, or perhaps they would match Classic's prices (doubtful). Classic recommends 1.5 hours for a standard install, with an additional 25 minutes necessary for the H/K install. So you're looking at an additional $150-$200, assuming that your dealer can do it in that amount of time and assuming that they charge the fairly standard $100/hour.

I still don't know what I want to do. I really want to find out more about how this system is installed, and whether or not I am competent enought to do it myself.

Any thoughts?

 

Chi,

I just sent you an email before I read this posting. You answered most of my questions in the post above.

I went to my local BMW place today to see what their cost is and to see what they had in stock. They didn't have the HK cable, so I'm probably just going to order the system from Classic.

When I look in the compartment in the boot of the Mini, I see the 2 connectors for the CD changer that hook into the Sirius unit. My HK amp/whatever is there also but I'm not sure at this point what part of the HK cable connects where. I assume I'll find out when I see the cable and tear into everything.

Barring a major screw-up this install should be relatively OK.

I had thought about the Soundgate item but wasn't entirely certain my MFSW would work fully with the Soundgate unit. I know the stock item OEM will.

jerij

 

Supposedly the Soundgate item is totally clean. It will operate just like the OEM unit will. But I'm having the same feelings that you are. Having the OEM would be nice--and much better for resale and troubleshooting.

I don't see the cables for the CD connector. Are they sort of underneath your HK amp? in that fabric-wrapped wire bundle?

The H/K extension cable isn't for the H/K, per se. It's a cable that runs "across" the boot, extending the CD connector cables, so that you can put the Sirius box in your driver's side cubby, rather than the passenger's side cubby, which is already full with the H/K amp.

As far as whether or not you need to $75 "install kit"--I really don't know. I know that it includes the bracket which will be screwed into the inside wall of the cubby, and will hold the Sirius box, and that's all that I know are in there. If it's only a couple of screws and a bracket, I'd feel pretty stupid for paying $75 for it. I'm sure that something effective could be done with zip ties and velcro. I'm going to try calling a dealer and finding out what I can about the install itself. The parts guy at Classic didn't know what was in the mysterious install kit, but if pressed, I'm sure they could find out.

Cheers!

 

The 2 connectors for the CD changer are bundled with the wiring and wrapped with a small amount of masking tape. It looks like one connector but is actually 2 taped side by side. Mine are in the wiring bundle on the bottom of the HK amp.

I too was thinking the tuner went on the driver's side (I had seen that somewhere on the net). Now I understand why the longer cable is needed. However if I can fit my tuner in the passenger side, that's where it's going. Less to unattach from the car to route the cables. We'll see.

I ordered my setup from Classic today. I should have it by the weekend.

jerij

 

That's great news jerij. I'm looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the install process. If you've got a camera, you could take pictures of the process, and create the first Sirius install how-to, which would certainly be a benefit to a lot of folks (especially me!).

I've bought the relatively inexspensive Audiovox unit for the Sirius, which I'm going to install in my JEEP, and which I can move to MINI, home, and work when desired. I still want to get the trunk mount eventually, though.

Cheers!

Maxwell

 

I had Sirius installed on my '04 MCS at Sound Advice. They did a great job and it cost about $250.00 installed. Sirius is running a promo. on a free Kenwood tuner which makes it very worthwhile. The only disadvantage is that you don't get the Stream and Channel names but you keep the steering wheel controls. The sound is crystal clear and comparable to that of a regular CD. I am very satisfied with the product. Very good alternative. :smile:

 

I finally found a local shop that was able to order a Soundgate KBMWSIR interface for me. It should be in next week. In the mean time I'm going to purchase an antenna to get the free tuner. Possibly this weekend I'll see what I can fabricate as a bracket to hold the tuner in place.

I look forward to your install advice and how it went, jerij.

 

I bought the OEM kit for a couple of reasons. First, having the factory kit enhances the car's value, and if there were any snags I could go to MINI with them. I definitely did NOT want a magnetic mount antenna with wires run though window seals and such... the MINI Sirius antenna, while a bit strange looking, at least is a legitimate, permanent mount. And finally I decided I like the Sirius programming better anyway.

So far as the self-installation goes... it's certainly something you can probably do, but plan on spending more than just an hour or two to get the job done. The biggest pain is replacing the antenna: you definitely need a 22mm open end wrench to tighten the nut on the new antenna, since it's the only tool that will give you a prayer of getting the job done! Have patience, and someone to hold a light for you, too.

There are some shortcuts from the included instructions (you can get the job done without removing the rear seat and completely removing the right interior panel) and at least one caution that is NOT included in the instructions (NOT separating the right real pillar air bag cover safety strap from the rear door seal)

After it was all said and done, I was still happy with my choice to use the MINI kit. There is one small snag that I've referred back to MINI... the "AUX" selection in the mode list seems to have disappeared since I added the Sirius kit. If I unplug the Sirius receiver, it comes back. Probably some snafu in the Aux Input kit design.

Dan