RamshakleZ

Is the Shark Fin pre wired? I ask because I have an external Sat Radio that I used to have in my previous car. I eventually plan to get the stock system for the IS - but in the meantime I'd love to use my external unit and use the shark fin as my antenna.

If it is prewired, where does the connection to it come out? What kind of connection is it... a harness that plugs into the stock system, an SMB type connection, or something else?

Bigrahizzl

iTrader: (8)

go here lexus-parts.com and check the installation for the XM radio, it has it there.

1022it

Just to forewarn you, XM radio is not anywhere near CD or even mp3 (128 bit) quality sound. some channels sound better than others, but i discontinued my XM subscription because the quality has decreased so much since the product came out. i am guessing the reason behind this is that they added more content in exchange for the higher quality sound.

i got XM radio installed in the summer of 02 if i remember correctly. it was one of the first units to come into the valley. back then, they were boasting about clear digital sound. digital revolution this and that... now some channels almost sound as bad as AM radio!

i would wait 1 or 2 years until HD radio is mainstream.

Bigrahizzl

iTrader: (8)

wow thats bad news to hear. Well lets see what other have to say about this.

Yay-Z

$700 wow!!!!!!!

THoon

If you are going to get XM, don't pay the $13. You can get 1 year for $77. Just google it for the promo code. Or just call and ask for the 1 year at $77. You might have to call a few times until one of the reps give it do you. I've done this 2 times already. I'll also try to sell you radio's at promo pricing. I got an $80 radio for just $5! That was with a home kit too.

ben_r_

Okay, bumping this thread as my driving situation maybe changing soon and I will be on the road for a little longer and am now seriously thinking about adding XM to my car. I have a couple questions though:

Is the XM display of song titles and artists hindered by the same lame toyota blocking that plagues the mp3 text feature? So while Im listening to XM and driving am I not going to be able to see the song Im listening to?

Also what are your opinions of the sound quality? As good or better or worse than mp3?

Thanks everyone!

Bigrahizzl

iTrader: (8)

Man i wanna get it too but not happy with the price they gave me to install it $600 bucks. Thats insane, but when i look at the installation manual it looks hard *** hell. Like taking apart everthing and stuff like that. Im not soo good with that stuff and if i do something like that i want to put it back just like it was. I dont im just too **** about how everything is.

ayu910

Yes, it does not display the title and song unless you push the "text" button in the XM menu.

Sound quality is ok much like MP3 but much better than Aux In for sure.

Old Oiler

You guys got a "deal" at $400, my dealer wanted $800!! I said forget it.

I'm thinking about the Dice HD Radio Unit.

Cheers,

Old Oiler

Old Oiler

Ben_r,
You're right, it does beat FM. I hardly ever listen to the radio unless it's AM talk.

I had XM for a 1 1/2 years and found it to be like satellite tv. There was way more stations than I would ever listen to.

The best thing I've done so far and I know a lot of the guys want iPod integration, but this Bluetooth transmitter/receiver from iskin is amazing. No I don't have it show on the screen, but, my iPod is completely cordless and I can hold it in my and, set it in the cup holder or whatever. It was cheap and works like a charm!

Cheers,
Old Oiler

ayu910

The intallation does take some time. I did it myself and took me around 2 hours with careful process each step trying not to brake any clips or repalce the clips if they are dagamed. Plus I make sure everything align per factory installation when assembling back together.

BTW, the link of XM Kit installation I found around here is for the GS350 which is not the right one. Here is the one for the 2007 ISX50
http://my.is/forums/attachments/f159...ll-6isxmst.pdf

sorry, can't attach this file here since it's bigger than 390K allowable size for this forum.

ben_r_

Well I ordered it from Sewell today. I pulled the trigger after finding out I could get a years service for only 77 bucks! Ill try to take a bunch of pics when I install it and make a DIY thread. Hopefully that will help persuade you to give it a try as I really dont think its going to be that difficult to do.

Bigrahizzl

iTrader: (8)

Thats good to hear. Well i think a DIY on this will be very helpfull and with pics even better. Yea and i hope when you post it upp it will make me install it myself, i mean its not like im going take it to the dealer ne way.

ben_r_

God I would hope not, I can tell you a million better thing you can waste your money on other than throwing it away on a damn dealer!