Has anyone gone back after the purchase and gotten the xm satellite radio option installed? If so, how difficult was it and approximately how much did it cost?

 

I don't have XM radio in my car, however, i've installed it into an IS350 (factory kit)... It seems to be very similar to the ES350... It took me about an hour or so...

See this file for the XM installation into the ES350...

Good luck!!

 

I added XM with a VAIS Technology XM module. Uses the new XM mini tuner which was placed in the glove box. No installation parts showing, only the XM antenna which I placed on the rear shelf. XM info shows up on the LCD or Nav screen and the steering wheel controls work as from the factory.

Basically plug and play, no cutting of wires. Took about 1 1/2 hours including removal of the trim pieces to access the radio, which was pretty easy to do. Less than half the cost of a dealer install as quoted by my dealer.

 

rlwetzel....did you plug the VAIS into the read of the stereo or in the trunck area, next tothe ML amp?

 

I paid about $250 for the radio and installation kit at the dealer -- it was part of the deal when I bought the car. It took a couple of hours to install. It's not hard - it's only necessary to remove some panels in the trunk. Unlike with some other Toyota/Lexus models, it's not necessary to take out the dashboard of the ES350. Make sure you get a copy of the instructions -- the dealer should print out a copy; or you can sign up at techinfo.toyota.com for a $10 one-day subscription and download it there yourself.

 

pschonig; The unit plugs into the rear of the radio. You unplug the factory wiring, plug the VAIS unit to the radio and plug the factory into the VAIS plug.

 

Still annoys me that Lexus did not / still has not made satellite radio standard on the ES350. My lowly Impala & Jeep came all set up with it, fully integrated in the sound system.