Well, thanks to a couple of My350Z.com members, I was able to go to the installers armed with information which helped them a ton, and got my antenna inside where I wanted it in the first place.

They told me (and it was mentioned on the XM web site) that the antenna HAD to go on the roof since it HAD to be placed on metal. It mentioned that the antenna used the metal of the roof for better reception (through induction). I was all set to have it done until I read another thread. I copied the pics of lauderdale75's install and took them with me.

The installers couldn't find any blueprints of the Z to help them as far as getting into the radio etc. I told them I wanted the "Brain" placed under the seat (they wanted it in the glovebox) and the antenna on the side of the rear strut. They refused to cut into the dash and I didn't want them to if they didn't feel comfortable with doing it anyway. That was the only difference between mine and lauderdale's.

Anyway, it went well and the reception is great. I love all the choices! I just took a 220 mile road trip (My HS football team travelled to Toledo, Ohio for an away game and as team doc, I always make the trip with them). It was great listening to crystal clear CD quality sound all the way there and back....not to mention all those breakin miles I racked up!

Here are the pics:

 

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Thanks again lauderdale75!

 

Looks great Bonz. Got mine done too. Glad that you decided to keep the antenna inside. I did the same. Looks nice and clean and works great.

 

Did anyone notice the station I have it tuned to? For XM-ers it is channel 41.

I love that station, it's set on #1 on my presets. Appropriate don't you think?

 

I have XM on my 4 runner and I love it, how is reception with the antenna inside the car?

 

Perfect as long as the antenna can "see" the sky it's fine.

 

My pleasure - Im glad I could help. The install looks very clean, and now that the antenna issue is no longer a concern -- I would love to see more people try it out, if they're so inclined. Its nice to have some variety in music, when of course, youre not listening to the sweet exhaust note.

-Lauderdale75

 

great lookin install!!!
i want xm
but my 95 maxima doesnt deserve it

 

I am now addicted to the XM comedy channel. It is 24 hours of nonstop comedy sketches and stand up from every type of comedian. The only downside is when you are at a light and in sight of others and you are listening to a really funny bit, you almost have to hold your laugh/smile cause people are going to think you're insane or something

 

Hey I dont know if you are still following this thread but does tinting affect the XM reception??

 

I don't know as I don't have any tint. I'm not sure if it would or not. I suppose as long as the signal can get through it would be OK and it isn't a "light" signal but a "radio" signal we are dealing with......... correct?

 

XM is wonderful. Lots of fun. Now I just hope that they get the replacement clarion amp in for me. The bass is killing me.

But anyway...I was wondering if the XM antenna can see thru the mesh screen that can be put on the rear window. I don't wanna tint the back window, because of the defroster. I did that to my last car and the tint started getting bubbles, and the defroster broke. Also, is the mesh screen fixed to the window with suction cups, or is it a roller kind of thng? Anyone knows?

 

Thanks for the pics. I'm picking up my Redline Touring later today and was wondering about the XM. I do have the Pioneer unit in my MB S430 (fits perfectly in the ashtray and thus hidden yet readily accessible) and it is a neat unit.

 

Sorry about not keeping up with this thread. I have tint and I don't not have a problem with reception from strut brace mounted ant.

 

Looks great on the strut bar. I might move mines there. Right now it sit on top of the roof.

 

Do you XM owners think it is really worth it (honestly)? I have been toying with the idea, but I heard that alot of the popular channels arent really commercial free? Do you have to sign a contract for a certain amount of time or is it truly a month to month subscription? I really dont spend too much time in the car, basically to and from work (40 min.) and a little running around on the weekends. The antenna inside took away one of my reservations, good idea! Thanks for any opinions and comments!

 

I originally got the XM because of the clutter of commercials on regular radio. The channels I listen to on XM have started carrying more commercials and chatter which seems to be defeating the whole purpose of subscription radio. You pay the fee every three months with an automatic capture from a credit card. I believe you can cancel at any time. I was thinking of installing in the Z but am rethinking it especially with the in dash 6 CD unit. The Mercedes has the trunk mounted CD player which is a pain to change.

 

You can set up the XM billing on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis. If you activate by phone there is a $15 activation fee. If you activate by internet it's normally $10, but I know right after Christmas it was waived. Not sure how long that deal will last, but the website should tell you. www.xmradio.com

JL