Hi!

I am looking to put an XM or Sirius radio in my 03' LS430. I don't mind using an FM modulator, and am looking for a system that will easily move to my 2004 LS430 when it arrives.

Has anybody tried XM in their LS430. How cumbersome is the equipment and installation. I would have a heart attack if an installer scratches my interior wood trim!

drink300

 

Here are a couple issues your going to run into adding a XM unit with a FM modulator.

1) The antenna connection for the FM tuner in the LS430 trunk is not standard. It's a diversity antenna system and will require a technician splice into the antenna cable. I doubt anybody makes an adapter to standard antenna types for the XM's FM modulator.

2) Probably the best location for the XM antenna would be on the roof, running the wires up thru the existing antenna location. This means that the best XM antenna to use would probably be a Terk or Sony 'mouse style' antenna.

3) Type of XM controller/display and the mounting location in your LS430 would be another issue to consider. And it sounds like you really care about your interior. Larger control panel displays like Delphi's have been given good reviews for more text information, but finding the perfect mounting location could be a real challenge. Smaller displays like Pioneer's FM modulator XM unit with control panel would be easier to surface mount, but the text would scroll.

I'll be integrating a XM radio in my LS430, but having the XM channel information (text) displayed on the video navigation screen. This could be done with the GEX kit talked about on this forum and two other Pioneer components. It's going to be a tricky integration and I doubt any stereo shop would want to do it for you. I'll let you know my outcome and provide a few pictures.

 

Thanks for the advice, VideoNavi!

Considering all of the things you've said, I almost wonder if a unit that plugs into the tape deck might be the best? I knwo there would be a cord hanging there, but it is better than tearing everything up to get to the antenna or head AUX port.

Can't wait to see the pictures of your mods.

drink300
03' LS430 Parch/Ecru Nav-Lev w/Chromes

 

Any updates on this instalation?

 

I can't remember the exact name of the company (its something like Vasia or Vaisa) but they make a unit that allows XM radio to play through the factory Mark Levinson Stereo with Navigation.