'01 330i Sirius install

[Baer]

Quickly after selling my e36 with an aftermarket stereo and Sirius integrated and moving to an e46 330i, I realized how much Sirius makes my commute and driving that much more enjoyable. The problem is that my new to me e46 330i had an in dash cd player and the factory Harmon Kardon system but Sirius was not an option on 01's. However, there was a work around! Thanks to the help of a local e46 enthusiast I was able to source all of the equipment that I needed to integrate Sirius into my car. I sourced the following parts for the install:

04' BMW CD player (with mode button)
BMW Antenna Adapter: (allows 02-05 radios to fit 99-01 e46s) (part#61126913955)
BMW Sirius Module (part #65120398140)
BMW Sirius Antenna Kit (part #84110392099)

The install is consists of plug and play replacement except for when it comes to the placement of the antenna. After checking out a number of threads I decided to place it on the rear deck on my car. I had it on the paint on my e36 and ended up with small scratches from the magnet, making putting the antenna on the perfect paint of my e46 not an option. Below is my solution to integrate the antenna on the rear deck.

Removed the center cover and bolt from the center child seat restraint point:


Next I removed the child restraint bracket:


Then I fed the wire through the cover and into the trunk opening:

(trunk view of wire fed down through the center child restraint opening)


I then ran the antenna wire behind the trunk liner (left side) to the Sirius unit which is tucked in the left corner of the trunk.

Below is the finished product.



Reception has been perfect! Its great to have Sirius back in the car!

[James]

That install looks MUCH better than most retrofits I've seen where the trunk grows a black pimple.

[carstereopro]

Baer,

I coulda hooked you up with a Soundgate to Sirius adaptor as well. You could have added it to your existing factory radio.

I'm glad I saw this thread, I think you'll need an extra part for the ICELink if you still want me to pick one up for you.

[carstereopro]

Oooops, I forgot.


Nice install!

I always install the antennas inside the dash or under the rear deck liner. They'll transmit/receive through glass, cardboard, leather, plastic, cloth, and vinyl, but not metal.

[hotimportknight]

Wow, how well does that work with the antenna inside the rear window? does it seem to cut out on your even? I have mine on the trunk and never though of putting it on that mystery lump in my rear deck lid...