Satellite Radio Info - To OEM or Not to OEM

Well, I think I'll start off this post by saying... I want satellite radio in my car. I understand that there are people out there that don't and that is fine. I would also like to point out that I have an 2007 spec.B that is "XM-ready". ALSO, I am writing this post to compile a lot of information on this site, not to claim that I have come up with anything new. Assuming those three things are OK with you... read on.

Things I'm taking into consideration:

-Merger and what that means (Siruis vs. XM vs. waiting)

-Form Facter (as OEM as possible)

-Minimal to no fabrication

-Cost, would like to keep it under $300

Some things to think about:

-Can Siruis be installed into the OEM?

-How easy is it to install the OEM XM Radio yourself?

First things first...

1) The Merger

Press Release: http://xmradio.mediaroom.com/index.php?s=press_releases&item=1423

XM Customer Promise: http://www.xmradio.com/merger/news.xmc

Sirius Statement: http://www.sirius.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=Sirius/Page&c=FlexContent&cid=1172002269210

Here is what I take from these sites: You will be albe to continue using the services that you have, your radios will NOT be obsolete, however, if you want to take advantage of ALL that the XM/Siruis merger has to offer, you will need to get a new radio when that happens (which could be 1-2 years). Agreed?

The only thing that worries me a little bit, is that both sites talk about "combining stations that overlap." I'm really not sure what that is going to mean, but it could turn out to eliminate some of the channels after the merger, unless you get a new radio.

So... XM vs Sirius vs Waiting

This point is going to have to be revisited once I fully research cost and install options. But if I were to make the choice right now assuming everything was equal, I would go with Sirius. That's purely just going off the programming list (Howard, NFL, NHL, etc). I don't really feel there is much benefit to waiting, as I don't see any programming changes happening for 1-2 years. By then, I can get a new radio if need be. So the ideal option... Sirius working with OEM ( I know I'm dreaming).

2) OEM Radio Options (remember 2007 spec.B)

Posts discussing this:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=54983&highlight=Satellite

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=50364&highlight=Satellite

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47277&highlight=Satellite (has pics of OEM installed)

XM Radio Install PDF :

http://techinfo.subaru.com/html/ixSearchFree.jsp?text_keyword=&keyword=&publication_type=12&free_pub=13 (about half way down)

Well, looking here, it appears that installing a Sirius radio to the OEM Sat option of the 07's is perhaps something that will be done in the future, but not something that would be easy enough for me to figure out. Also, taking a look at the OEM Radio install PDF, I probably WOULDN be able to do that myself, but I don't really want to tear apart my entire dashboard for it. So it looks like if I want OEM, I need to go factory install of the XM. Here are some links to that (PN H621SXA000):

Google Search: http://www.google.com/search?q=H621SXA000

Subaru Parts Mall ($359): http://www.subarupartsforyou.com/cp_partdetail.php?partid=9009

Subaru Parts Outlet ($319): http://www.subarupartsoutlet.com/product_info.php?cPath=45_225&products_id=4935&osCsid=b0fff856badf9082f13d14f12871...

Subaru Pro Parts ($385): http://subaruproparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=663&osCsid=c6b4b8fe9b75e0532812ac00ad66cfd9

The install can cost anywhere from $75-$200 depending on the dealership. I got round number is about $150 as that is what most of the posts here say. Best price is still going to be over $400, after install. Over $300 if I do it myself... ugh.

3) Aftermarket Installs

Unfortunately... (well it's not really unfortunate) I have a spec.B, and that means no cubby install. So I only have two choices... below the temp guage or on a mount. I'm not really a fan of mounting it, unless it can look as clean as bosco's (pics: http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=44129&page=2)

Posts:

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=11379

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=34203 (pics of non-cubby install)

I am sure there are lot of great installs as well that can be found with that nifty search tool thingy.

4) Thoughts?

When you take into consideration, the cost, the programming, the look, the merger, and the moon phases ... I just can't see spending $400+ on an install that I personally am going to want to upgrade in 1-2 years. It would seem that an aftermarket install (with a nice mount), is going to be the best bet.

What do you guys think? Any good pictures of satellite installs on the spec.Bs? Other than the ones I linked to? I will continue to update/add to this post as I find out more information and when I finally make a choice.

(I was going to attach the pictures from the other threads here, but it was just easier to link to them.)

I also have a 2007 LGT Spec. B and IMHO the XM programming sucks. I have been a Sirius subscriber for about a year now and have satellite radio in my LGT along with my wife's Toyota 4Runner.

I also had concerns on how the mounting looked / set up with the non OEM Sirius setup. About 6 months back I needed a new windshield in wife's 4Runner and brought to glass shop who recommended a sweet install for the Sirius receiver.

They installed the received in the headliner using the overhead light as a power source. The antenna was installed towards the front of the roof and the excess wiring was fed through the sunroof opening.

Absolutely love it. Makes for a clean install with no hanging wires. I honestly don't know what all was involved in the installation process. I was told they would do for $40.00 cash and told them to go right ahead. Didn't stick around to watch the install. Did the same thing days after getting my Spec. B.

I'm heading out of town for a day or 2 but can post pics when I get back around Wednesday or Thursday.

I had the xm installed in my car at the dealer ( had them throw it in!!)

i like it, the only thing you see it the antenna on the top right corner of the windshield. works awsome. ive heard 07's are prewired so installation should not be to difficult.

They installed the received in the headliner using the overhead light as a power source. The antenna was installed towards the front of the roof and the excess wiring was fed through the sunroof opening.

 

Absolutely love it. Makes for a clean install with no hanging wires. I honestly don't know what all was involved in the installation process. I was told they would do for $40.00 cash and told them to go right ahead. Didn't stick around to watch the install. Did the same thing days after getting my Spec. B.

 

I'm heading out of town for a day or 2 but can post pics when I get back around Wednesday or Thursday.

I would love to see some pics of this. Sounds very interesting. For a $40~ install, if it's clean, it might be the way to go.

I had the xm installed in my car at the dealer ( had them throw it in!!)

i like it, the only thing you see it the antenna on the top right corner of the windshield. works awsome. ive heard 07's are prewired so installation should not be to difficult.

"Prewired" I think just means it has a connector for it. Check out the install PDF... you have to take apart almost the entire dash. Not something I really want to do. I wish I would have talked them into installing it when I bought the car.

if you reallly want sirius, dont hold your breath on the merger

 

There are alot of regulatory issues that many experts say will not be overcome.

So are you saying that Sirius will more than likely not be around after the merger? And you will only be able to get it if you are an existing customer?

Will see what I can do for pics. I'll try to snap a couple on with my cell today and post them. If they don't turn out will take with a better camera and post in a couple days.

Absolutely love my Sirius radio. I travel lots and simply couldn't live without it. Can't say enough good things. Great programming, Howard Stern, Maxim Radio, tons of music, sports, etc...

My understanding on the merger is that they are a long way out. Lots of hurdles still to cover and lots of opposition. Will be quite a while before any possible merger deal is approved.

No I am saying that if you get an XM deck now on an 07 thinking that it will be able to receive Sirius signals at some point, you may be SOL.

 

Most likely, Sirius and XM will continue if the merger falls through.

 

supposedly the 08 decks will offer either company.

I gotcha. Thanks for the clarification.

I'm thinking I want to go Sirius... I just can't find an install that I like.

Would be so much easier if I had a cubby. Damn that navigation!

Will see what I can do for pics. I'll try to snap a couple on with my cell today and post them. If they don't turn out will take with a better camera and post in a couple days.

 

Absolutely love my Sirius radio. I travel lots and simply couldn't live without it. Can't say enough good things. Great programming, Howard Stern, Maxim Radio, tons of music, sports, etc...

 

My understanding on the merger is that they are a long way out. Lots of hurdles still to cover and lots of opposition. Will be quite a while before any possible merger deal is approved.

Cool... can't wait to see them.

Sirius rules...get the portable until there's a better way

I'm still struggling on which unit to get and where to put it... I just wish 1) they made them smaller 2) I had a cubby. It would be a lot easier if I liked wires hanging everwhere, then I wouldn't have a problem.

You have an 07, right?

 

Maybe this was suggested already, but what about where the lighter is? Is it in the same place on the 07s like 05? Behind a door at bottom of center stack?

 

Or, what about mounting it sideways in the space where the ipod adapter is between the seats? I can't remember what that area looks like on 07s exactly.

 

Sirius all the way, XM blows, and I have a feeling if the merger doesnt go through, Sirius will be left standing and XM may go belly up

Yeah, that's where I want it... below the temp guages. I installed one into a Impreza the other week and it was pretty seemless, however my opening is smaller.

Attached are two pics. #1: My Interior, #2: Sirius Installed By Cig Lighter... I'm not a huge fan of that either.

I've been searching for different ones... but another problem I'm finding is that the new Sirius receivers need to have a dock attached to them... which can be good and bad. Good for wires, bad for space.

Sorry for the delay. Finally got some pics on a decent camera.

Love the install. Nice and clean. No wires. Out of the way.

Oh yeah and FYI - the receiver is the Sirius Starmate if I recall correctly.

I know...back from the dead.

Just looking at having the Sat radio turned on in my 09 SpecB. The guy at the local radio shop told me the dealer needsto install a card in the radio and it cost about $500.

Is that true?

Nope.

If you have the sattelite transceiver, about $300 from the dealer if you don't, you just need to activate it. At least I think that's the case.

Well the dealer said I should be all set if I get the Sat 1, Channel 1. Tho I don't see any antenna on the inside of the windshield. This is in the 09 SpecB.

I should may be say the car came with a Ipod cable installed.

GF's daughter says I need some ESN number to give to Sirius so they know what to turn on, or whatever they do.

I guess need to get off my butt and call sirius.

Hmmm..., don't know then. I thought all '07-'09 GTs and Spec Bs had the same radio, with '09 HKs having the different external amp and speakers. I think the ESN number is printed on the box, which should be attached underneath the radio. The antenna looks like the one in this thread.

I know my buddy at work has the same antenna with factory Sirius in his '10 Outback and SubaruPartsWarehouse shows the same Sirius part number for '08 and '09 as H621SXA100, they must not know that it works on '07s too.

Found this site works much easier then the warehouse site

http://www.subarupartsoutlet.com/product_info.php?products_id=5009

But thanks for the help.