AVIC N3 + OEM Sirius for Mini Cooper...

MacGuru · 11-12-2006, 09:54 PM

I have a '06 Mini Cooper stock OEM radio (not Harmon Kardan) with OEM Sirius. Is it possible to use the existing OEM Sirius Satellite system with the AVIC N3? OR do I have to buy the Pioneer Sirius? If I sell my OEM Sirius system, is the contract transferable to the new owner? If this is possible, I would more than likely switch to XM and opt for the XM traffic. Thoughts?

Wiredwrx · 11-12-2006, 10:16 PM

Quote: Originally Posted by MacGuru

I have a '06 Mini Cooper stock OEM radio (not Harmon Kardan) with OEM Sirius. Is it possible to use the existing OEM Sirius Satellite system with the AVIC N3? OR do I have to buy the Pioneer Sirius? If I sell my OEM Sirius system, is the contract transferable to the new owner? If this is possible, I would more than likely switch to XM and opt for the XM traffic. Thoughts?

Ya, I have a thought. You would probably get a better response from an CAR AUDIO specific forum, or perhaps a Pioneer specific Forum.

You ahve several posts, and should realize that this place is about Carputer integration, specifically to avoid paying for overly expensive OEM units, like the AVIC.

While the AVIC might be a great unit (i have no way to know one way or the other) this is probably not the best place for you to ask.

Good luck.

Michael

Jahntassa · 11-13-2006, 01:43 AM

OEM Sirius will not work with anything but the OEM radio. And no, I don't believe it's transferable between vehicles.

MacGuru · 11-14-2006, 06:57 PM

Thanks guys. Sorry if I broke the rules. I've been a member for a pretty long time and truly appreciate everyone's advice and experience. That's why I turned here first.

Jahntassa: That really sucks considering I just subscribed for a full year of Sirius. I'll have to check with Sirius to see if the contract is refundable and/or transferable.

Don't worry, I'm working on a Mac carputer for the Mini Cooper! Check the MacCar forum after the first of the year.

Cheers. -m

Jahntassa · 11-14-2006, 08:12 PM

Your sirius contract may be transferable between units, just I don't think the OEM reciever can be transferred between cars. Did you sign up via Sirius directly? If so, if you buy another Sirius radio you can call them and tell them you need to change radios, and they'll just swap it on your account.

LaxPlaya8513 · 11-14-2006, 08:33 PM

^ pretty much, when you bought the car how long was the contract set for? you have to find the radio ID number and the account it was signed for, if you have that then you can transfer the account info over to the Pioneer Sirius unit. And you of course, as mentioned above, cannot use the OEM unit w/ the N3.

Dennis5587 · 11-14-2006, 09:15 PM

Just a question, if you're planning on having a carputer... why get the N3? if you use that for the screen, you probably can't use the touchscreen off it....

MacGuru · 11-14-2006, 11:27 PM

Jahntassa: yes, I signed up directly with Sirius. I've only had the car 2 months, so I have a lot left on the contract. As I said before, I would prefer the XM for the traffic feature. I'm sue I can always sell the OEM Sirius receiver to a fellow Mini owner.

Jahntassa: The N3 will serve my needs for now. Unfortunately, the N3 screen is not compatible with VGA, so I will stay clear of that. Besides, I want/need more real estate (screen size). My goal is to have another screen mounted on the passenger side (TBD). One of my ideas is to fabricate a sliding bracket that will hold a 13" laptop in the glove box. Anoter idea is to install an over-head/tilt-down touch screen monitor. Obviously this is a skecth on paper at this stage.

Jahntassa · 11-15-2006, 11:27 AM

So wait, did you prepay for a year or something? Typically satellite radio isn't contract based. More than likely if you want to ditch to XM for NavTraffic, Sirius will more than likely refund your subscription on some sort of pro-rated basis. Just make sure you give them a call sooner than later if you do try to switch.

I know I cancelled a Sirius subscription twice (don't ask) after a couple of months and it was no problem. My plan was on a month/month basis, but i'm pretty sure if you pre-pay, they'll refund what you haven't used.

MacGuru · 11-15-2006, 08:00 PM

Jahntassa: Yes, I prepaid for the year. I'm sure they'll refund prorated days. Ironically, I have DirecTV and the XM channels are on there. I've compared them both and I have to admit, Sirius does have better programming content.

The other drawback to Sirius is the Sirius sub par graphics. Even on my current OEM system Sirius pretty bland. You have to push a button to get song and artist info. Sirius need to 'seriously' look at their user interface.

I'm going to have the N3 installed this weekend. I may keep the Sirius, but I'm leaning heavy towards the XM.

Also, possibly meeting up with a fellow Mini owner this Sunday to listen to his set-up. He's running: 6"x9" are polk db690, 6.5" component db 6500, amp is polk/momo c400.4

Jahntassa · 11-16-2006, 10:17 AM

The programming differences between XM and Sirius is pretty much on the user. My wife prefers Sirius, I personally don't like how repetative they can be (on the channels I listen to) and the stupid DJ chatter.

The 'sub par graphics' you're referring to, if you're talking about your OEM system, are not Sirius's fault, that's BMW. Sirius has nothing to do with the actual interface in an OEM system.

The N3 will support either Sirius or XM (and I think, both simultaneously), so the choice is really up to you. I don't know if they offer NavTraffic without a fully activated XM Radio though, so in your case it might not be cost efficient to have both.