I wanted to see how people like the factory satellite unit

Especially how the limited display works, compared to newer units.

My main experience with satellite has been on vacations when the rental car had it, and the displays in these units had a much larger display.

I'm pricing adding satellite radio to my car, and the three main options I can see are:
Go to the dealer, have the factory module installed along with antenna. Cleanest method, no extra wires, $590.
Priced an aftermarket unit at a local shop. Small add on system, priced it with another third party system so it could be connected via the satellite button on my system (so I don't have to use FM transmitter), possible benefit of also being able to connect my iPhone too. $468.
Or go DIY, buy an inexpensive portable system, power it through the lighter, audio through the cassette. $175? Of course, there would be wires everywhere

 

Option 4 - buy the sat tuner and antenna and install it yourself in less than an hour for less than $300. http://www.g35parts.com/G35-Sedan-Fa...p/siriushp.htm

 

I see that the actual radio is $100 cheaper than what my dealer quoted me.

I just know that the last time I put in a radio, I old myself I would never do i again

It does open the option that I could find someone who can install it for less than the $196 that the dealer quoted. Which would seem to indicate they are projecting 2-3 hours, depending on their labor rates.

 

It's so easy to install. you can download the instructions from the g35parts website. Your car is already prewired in the trunk and the plug is there. The hardest part is installing the antenna.

 

Building computers don't bother me, but for some reason it is different for me to start taking things apart with a car. I can just see taking things apart, and finding out things don't work when I try to put them back together.

And what if it doesn't work? Is it the part, or the installer.

This is why I decided to go with the quote from the dealer I bought the car. I am having to take it in anyway to have the seat repaired.

This is where the dealer's part department upset me. Just 10 days after they gave me a (verbal) quote, I called to schedule an appointment. Just to have them bump the cost of the part by $125. I was just going to go with them because by both having them install the part, and purchase the part from them, if something doesn't work there wouldn't be any finger pointing.

I just went ahead and ordered a portable unit. There may be some visible parts, but I'll be saving over $400 from what I had planned to spend.

 

I have an OEM XM radio for sale that would work for your car. would take ten minutes max to install: https://g35driver.com/forums/audio-v...i-antenna.html