DIY Factory XM Radio on your RX350
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DIY Factory XM Radio on your RX350
I installed XM Radio on my 2007 RX350 using the factory parts (Purchased from Sewell Lexus $299). The installation is pretty involved. You must remove the radio, glove box, door sills, seatbelt cover, rear seat (one side), most of the rear panels and the entire trunk floor. The XM unit mounts next to the factory amp under the rear seat. All the panels must be removed to run the wiring harness from the radio to the XM unit. (Why this harness is not ran from the factory I have no idea.) One plus was that I was able to hide the XM antenna in the hinge area of the rear hatch. The XM signal goes right through the plastic wing no problem.
#2
Now that you went through the process, do you feel it's just worth it for the average Joe to pay for the service?
Also, what do you think about the interface compared to an independent XM receiver?
Also, what do you think about the interface compared to an independent XM receiver?
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If you care about sound quality, I would use the factory parts (It sounds very good). If you are talking about the ad on XM units that transmit through the FM radio, in my opinion they don’t sound very good.
#5
Thanks!! I currently have Sirius and was contemplating dropping the $600 or so dealer charge for XM.
What do you think about the dashboard interface as opposed to an external XM receiver (standalone unit)?
What do you think about the dashboard interface as opposed to an external XM receiver (standalone unit)?
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Anyone have any thoughts on factory unit vs. VAIS Tech (aftermarket) unit and their respective DIY installation? From what I've read on other threads, the VAIS unit sounds much simpler, with only potential downside being roof (visible) mounted additional antenna.
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Hidden xm antenna
I installed XM Radio on my 2007 RX350 using the factory parts (Purchased from Sewell Lexus $299). The installation is pretty involved. You must remove the radio, glove box, door sills, seatbelt cover, rear seat (one side), most of the rear panels and the entire trunk floor. The XM unit mounts next to the factory amp under the rear seat. All the panels must be removed to run the wiring harness from the radio to the XM unit. (Why this harness is not ran from the factory I have no idea.) One plus was that I was able to hide the XM antenna in the hinge area of the rear hatch. The XM signal goes right through the plastic wing no problem.
#12
#13
Also, the XM signal is compressed, so it is not audiophile quality by any means. In fact, I find that talk radio stations particularly annoying, since it is very tinny sounding.