This message is marked as Important.

Subject: XM radio integrated into nav system Author: DavidC (moderator) : member since December, 2003 : 12900 posts Posted on: 2003-12-28 23:22:36

For those of you interested in adding XM radio to your 7's, you probably already know about the RF option to feed the audio in through an FM channel. That approach works, but requires the use of a remote controller mounted in the front seat, plus FM modulation detracts from the quality of the digital signal coming from the satellite. There is another solution, though -- direct digital input with integration into the car's existing audio controls.

SoundGate has a new product that lets you interface the Pioneer XM receiver through the CD changer port, which also lets you feed the digital signal directly into the amp via the optical connection. The cost is roughly $200.

In order to have a totally concealed look, I mounted the XM antenna under the rear-window shelf and routed the wires back into the trunk alongside the main audio harness. The Pioneer XM receiver and the SoundGate interfaces for the DSP and the XM receiver were all mounted in the trunk next to the CD changer.

This allows the XM receiver to be controlled from the steering wheel and the navigation display, just as if it were a CD changer. It works beautifully and eliminates the need to install a remote controller in the front seat area. Because the car thinks its a regular CD changer, you don't get the XM text information (e.g., the name of the channel, artist and song). Having had the remote controller option in another vehicle, I can say that having the steering wheel and display integration is much better and easier to use while driving.


The SoundGate interface for controlling the Pioneer XM receiver. This effectively tricks the car into thinking that the XM receiver is a CD changer, allowing it to be controlled using the car's regular audio control (i.e., the steering wheel and console buttons). There's another SoundGate box for connecting to the DSP system, but the box was destroyed before I had a chance to photograph it.


The Pioneer XM receiver. I've heard that you have to have the original Pioneer XM receiver like the one pictured above in order to use the SoundGate device.


The Terk XM antenna was mounted under the plastic vent cover in the rear shelf.


The SoundGate DSP and Pioneer interfaces, sandwiched together with tape. These plug into the CD changer port and optical input to the amp.


Location of the components in the trunk. The XM receiver is the large grey box on the left. Above it, mounted sideways, are the SoundGate devices sandwiched together.

David Cecil
Lexington, KY
Titanium silver '01 750iL, 92k miles
Oxford green '97 740iL, 184k miles
Alpine white '92 750iL, 95k miles (for sale)
Charcoal gray '86 735i, 101k miles (for sale)

Visit e38.org for everything technical about your BMW
Do your Amazon shopping through BimmerBoard on AMAZON and support this forum!



E38 mods: Factory nav retrofit, widescreen display, XM satellite receiver in place of CD changer, custom Valentine1 stealth interface to instrument cluster, BimmerNav bluetooth, factory xenon headlights retrofit, heated seats x4 retrofit, StrongStrut tower brace, crystal clear taillights and corners, M aluminum pedals, stainless steel brake lines, billet aluminum throttle bushings, staggered 18'' M-parallel wheels with Kumho Ecsta LX rubber, quad brake lights conversion

Home | Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Glossary | Advertising Questions, comments, problems, please email webmaster@bimmerboard.com ©Copyright 2003-2011 BimmerBoard, LLC, All Rights Reserved. No content from this web site may be reproduced or copied in any form without the express written consent of BimmerBoard, LLC. The BMW name and logos are registered trademarks of BMW AG and BMW of North America, LLC.