BMW SIB 65 19 15 Manual

SIB 65 19 15
XM Satellite Radio Reception
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B65 19 15 dated July 2016.
Whats new:
• Information section
• Reception Complaint reporting.

SITUATION

Due to changes by SiriusXM Satellite Radio broadcasting you may experience Satellite Radio cutouts in
different geographic locations since spring 2016. After a few seconds of reception loss 'No Signal' may be
displayed in the Control Display (CID).

CAUSE

As of April 2016 Sirius equipped head units receive their broadcast signal from the XM Satellites
constellation.

INFORMATION

Currently Satellite Radio is provided by SiriusXM for BMW customers. SiriusXM is the only company
currently broadcasting Satellite Radio in North America. Satellite radio was broadcast from two different sets
of Satellites using different earth orbits. XM uses geosynchronous (GEO) satellites located roughly above the
equator. This means that the satellite signal to some parts of the United States can come in at an angle as
low as 32 degrees to the horizon. This is different than Sirius Satellites in a Highly Elliptical Orbit (HEO)
which came in to the vehicle at a higher angle to the horizon. As of April 2016 Sirius equipped head units
moved to the XM Satellites constellation and now show the same location based cutouts.
SiriusXM is currently updating the repeater network to cover areas of low reception, but the general
disadvantage of geostationary satellites can't be compensated completely. Buildings, hills, trees, highway
sound blocking walls or any other obstacles might block the satellite signal coming from the south at a 32
degree elevation angle might cause audio cut outs in absence of terrestrial repeaters. Reception quality
decreases the further north you travel, as the angle of the incoming signal gets flatter. Adverse weather
conditions will affect reception. Sirius XM will increase the amount of Sirius and XM repeaters gradually to
improve situation in metropolitan areas.
When investigating Satellite Radio cutouts or a temporary loss of reception:
Please compare to a similarly equipped vehicle. Keep in mind the roofline of the vehicle, size of the
antenna (sharkfin) and location of the antenna on the vehicle will all affect the strength of the reception.
Sirius Satellites used up to April 2016
XM Satellites used from April 2016
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2018-12-13