I'm about to buy my car, but it looks like I might have to install XM after the fact. Are all 2005 sedans prewired for XM, so all I need is the XM tuner and an antenna?

Also, for ease of use, I would like the XM antenna on the back parcel shelf/deck. I've done a search, but it looks like this hasn't been coverd in a while... maybe new products or techniques are out.

Is a ceramic tint completely safe for XM reception, or does it just downgrade it a little? What are the best antennas these days for reception? I have found all kinds of creative mounting points on the back deck of the sedan, but don't want to compromise reception.

Just want the most recent info...

Thanks.

 

I can answer most of your questions. i just installed the OEM sirius myself in my 05 sedan today.

1. So yes, the 05 sedan is prewired. Just pop out the plastic pins, peel back the trunk liner, and the wiring harness is waiting there for you.

2. All you need is the OEM tuner and an antenna. The cheapest I found it was at grubbsperformance.com; they also have the Infiniti official installation instructions.

3. I mounted the antenna on the shelf below the rear window, towards the back - works fine and is a heck of a lot easier than the OEM installation, which really is not a DIY. NB I don't have tint so I don't know what to tell you about that one.

4. If you mount on the shelf, the install is about a 4 difficulty on a scale of 1 to 10, maybe an hour and a half's work at most.

have fun,
wn

 

one last thing, there's been discussions of a true internal antenna that would mount on the window itself, but it hasn't materialized to date.

 

Yes, but that antenna is [allegedly] for Sirius only. If you want a hidden antenna for XM, get the Terk XMicro and place it underneath the parcel shelf. It works great for me!

 

Good info - thanks.

I guess I'll purchase the XM tuner from Grubbs ($285) but do I have to use that antenna? The Terk XM antenna on their site is $69 ?!? Is it special or different - doesn't it still require the 2-to-1 adapter for the inputs? Aren't they usually about $30 or so?

So I need a tuner, an antenna and a 2-to-1 input adapter.

I will be mounting the antenna on the back deck.

 

The Terk XMicro does require the 2-1 splitter, but the antenna can be found for $30. Here is one source with free shipping.

 

I bought and am awaiting pickup on Wednesday. They are going to dealer install Sirius today for $550. Sounds here like I can do it myself for about $335 or so.

My only question is does this mean that it works through the head unit? I don't want any extra adapters or controls in the cockpit.

Crutchfield said they couldn't do it thru the headunit so I figured it wasn't doable at all so I went the dealer install route.

Please let me know ASAP. I need to call and tell them to stop.

 

Yes, the OEM Infiniti XM and Sirius receivers work via the headunit, steering wheel controls, etc. This is their major benefit!!

Aftermakret units may have better displays, scrolling, etc., but are not integrated except via heroic efforts.

 

Thanks! Let's see if I have time to stop them.

 

Whoa! Maybe I wasn't clear. I though you *wanted* the integrated solution, to work with the Infiniti headunit. If so, then go with the dealer approach!!!!

 

He does - but it looks like they are adding around $200 for the install, and he is interested in doing it himself.