XM Satellite Radio Reception. 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 is 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 currently come in to the vehicle at a higher angle to the horizon. As of April 2016 Sirius equipped head units will move to the XM Satellites constellation and will 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 and 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. Do not compare an XM equipped vehicle to a Sirius equipped vehicle. Replace no parts Customers should direct all reception complaints to one of the following: BMW Customer Relations department at either 1-800-831-1117 or customerrelations@bmwusa.com BMW Genius Hotline 1-844-443-6487 or to the dealers onsite BMW Genius Customers must provide the exact location (street address or Latitude/Longitude), weathe
