Foxberry

I'm hoping those dealerships are correct and that whoever my dealer spoke to at the factory is just misinformed (fingers crossed).

s1ick

I called my dealer today in Minneapolis and they told me the release date is now March for XM. I also purchased it when I got the car in November. But I don't think they will know for sure until the day the parts arrive.

Foxberry

saske, any update? you still getting the xm installation tomorrow?

lexus_x_2

I ordered the XM fit kit for $99.00 and the XM Receiver for $199.00 today (February 2, 2006) from a Lexus Dealer in the Milwaukee area. It should arrive at the dealer tomorrow. I'm having a friend do the install.

Look for an update tomorrow.

Sv.Tequila

Is it going to be a sharkfin? or that little black box? THANKS

saske

Foxberry,
No update yet. I had my dealer check on it the other day and he said that the status is still showing as available. It didn't show up on Tuesday as expected so as soon as it arrives, I will get it installed. i told him that someone else called Lexus directly and that they said it wouldn't be available until March. He said that he double checked and that it should be here. We will see!

I'll let you know.

Sean

Lenscap

It cannot be the sharkfin. That is something that would require drilling a hole in the roof to have it wired. You will only see a fixed antenna such as a shark fin on a car factory equipped, and the factory installs are not available and no date has been set.

Of course, once the factory installs are available it is only a guess that the sharkfin used in Japan will come over here. It is possible another antenna system could be used that we do not yet know about. Then again, we may get the sharkfin (which I am hoping for).

marmont

agreed, i would only go for an XM/Sirus deal if i could get the sharkfin antenna.

also just a quick question,

Why did you chose XM over Sirus (or vica versa)?

Foxberry

Thanks Saske...I received a call from my dealership yesterday that they have the package in hand! They were pissed that they were told by the factory last week they couldn't get them until March. I'm bringing my car in first thing Monday morning for the install. Mine will be the first IS that my dealership (Ray Catena Monmouth in NJ) will be doing the sat. radio install in, so I am a guinea pig of sorts!

consult350

I agree. The "new antenna" on the inside windshield Lexus is bringing to the table will be nice to finally see.

saske

Glad to hear it Foxberry. I am hoping too that my install will take place on Monday. My dealer emailed me today and said that the units are in the Dallas distribution center and he doesn't know why they haven't been delivered to him yet. Looks like we are both going to be the guinea pigs! Did he say if the antenna is the same as the GS or where they are planning on installing it? I was curious because if it is going to be installed on the outside as opposed to inside, I was going to see if they could paint it GFM for me to match the body color. I doubt they will be able to do it, but it is worth a shot. Let me know!

Sean

consult350

Any link available?

Bichon

When you get it back, please post pictures of the install, especially the antenna.

Was the satellite radio negotiated as part of the new car purchase? If not, how much is Ray Catena charging for the parts and install?

saske

Hey Marmot,
I like XM over Sirius because of the technology that XM uses. XM also has many more terestrial (sp?) sites that make the loss of signal less likely, especially in areas with obstructions like taller buildings. XM's technology is a bit cleaner and they also offer 160 channels vs. Sirius's 120. This is from CNET: "As we mentioned in the XM section, audiophiles will probably be slightly less disappointed in XM than in Sirius. XM's treble is still cleaner, and its stereo separation is wider than Sirius's."
Just my two cents but it will come down your personal tastes.

For a more professional opinion, check out this link:
http://reviews.cnet.com/4520-6466_7-5068442-1.html

Sean

Langdell

I chose XM because of Howard Stern.