sjgIS350

So I ready the DYI thread on adding XM for the 07. Since I have an 06, the antenna part works a bit different. I ordered the XM kit from Sewell (had to call again for the antenna which they sent next day Fedex).

There weren't any instructions for antenna mounting..from reading the DYI I think you can pretty much put it anywhere on the trunk/rear glass..When I got the antenna, it has this oblong rubber strip with adhesive on the back.

What is it for? I doesn't seem movable on the cable..so is there some specific place the antenna/rubber strip are supposed to mount? Are there supposed to be specific antenna mounting instructions for the 06?

Evitzee

It looks like the instructions for the 2006 have been dropped from the Sewell website. They are different for 2006 in the way the antenna is mounted. There is a specific location that the kit is based on; on the right side of the trunk lid (X inches from top edge, and Y inches from side edge). When properly positioned the antenna lead is wrapped around the trunk edge and secured with the longish piece that is attached. Contact Sewell and tell them you need the instructions for the 2006, I wouldn't attempt the install without the right instructions.

mikes rx

iTrader: (14)

I cut out the rubber thing. Just carefully cut a slit on the top side to allow the wire to come out of it.

In terms of why it's needed: I think, when it's put in its "desired" location (on the right edge of the trunk in the middle), it helps hold it in place??? Couldn't tell you for sure though.

Also, in case you didn't know: I believe the antenna has an adhesive backing on it.

sjgIS350

Thanks mikes rx and Evitzee. I'm gonna call Sewell in the am

mikes rx

iTrader: (14)

I believe that the instructions for the 06 and the 07 are identical, the only difference being that the 06 tells you how to mount the antenna.

Like evitzee said, the antenna mounts in a particular place for best "overall" reception for the "majority" of the cars with regard to their location in the U.S., according to Lexus' website. In other words, your results may vary if your on the east coast vs the west coast, due to satellite location.

Assuming that the instructions for the 06 and 07 are the same, unless you're planning on mounting the antenna where the factory would, the instructions don't matter. Plus, I don't think that Sewell has the factory template to show where the antenna should go (although that doesn't really matter if you just look at the pic in the instructions).

But, IMO, the factory antenna location is ugly, which is why I was determined to find a better place to put it.

ecr527

I installed that same XM antenna on my 2IS. The template that came with my XM kit specifies that you mount the antenna on the right side edge of the trunk lid. I mounted mine in the middle of the trunk lid right in front of the third brake light. I used that long piece to stick the wire to the underside of the trunk lid.

unknown2

I have the PDF file for the 06 IS.. If you need it, PM me with your email...

But let me tell you something... I didn't like the way that Lexus suggest you for the external antenna (I'm talking about the 06).. It just sits on the trunk lid and it looks like a cheap aftermarket setup... I did it in a diffrent way... When you remove the trunk center trim (thats what Lexus call it), just go inside your car and remove your third brake light... To remove it, just pull it up and it will pop out.. Disconnect the 3rd brake wire to give you little more space... Before you connect (or run) the antenna wire to XM unit, just mount the XM antenna under the 3rd brake light... The antenna has a magnit and there is a peice of metal just under the light... The antenna sits with a little angle but it's on the car for more than a year now and no complain at all! Now, instead of routing the wire to the trunklid, just rout it from the 3rd light to the XM unit... A metal cloth hanger will help you alot! But make sure the cable will NOT get cought by the trunk lid...

If you do that, it will be 100% hidden and 100% functional!

Here is a picture aproximating how i routed the XM antenna...

sjgIS350

unknown2 PM sent

oblivionis

iTrader: (2)

I mounted mine in the bottom right corner of the back window. It is visible but not noticible. The reception is great.

unknown2

I've got couple requests but some of them they forgot to add their email.. Anyway, here is the links for the file... 2 diffrent websites.. Good luck!

http://www.megaupload.com/?d=KET6KV3U

http://rapidshare.com/files/66908777/06_IS_XM.pdf

sjgIS350

Perfect! Thanks for the files..

Interesting that the install of the tuner is exactly the same (as expected). The antenna per the instructions is a bit involved..I think I will take some prior advice and choose a more convenient location..Gonna try the rear package tray (no clue why they call it that) by the third brake light first..If that doesn't work, I will move it to the lower rear glass like oblivionis and others have done.

Also like Mikes rx said..you don't get the template and other stuff in part 86100-0W150 with the Sewell kit.

twitte

My dealer mounted my XM antenna on the roof near the top of the back window (see photo). When I had XM installed on my Porsche, I used LaJolla Audio and they actually hid the antenna between the front window and the front hood, under some of the black plastic. It works really well and is hidden completely. I would have preferred the same mounting on my Lexus, but it's a little late now.