I installed the XM Radio kit from Lexus in my IS350 about a month ago and at times (often) the signal briefly goes out. No building or other obstructions are causing this particular problem.

The antenna is on the rear shelf so I'm wondering where other people have installed it and if they are having any reception problems.

Thanks!

 

I have mine on the rear shelf too, and every once in a great while my signal fades out very briefly. Nothing to major so no worries here.

 

XM satellite is located south of US in orbit. So any southern obstructions can interrupt the signal depending on where you're located in the CONUS. Example, if you're in Washington state even tall trees and buldings can interrupt the signal. In further south, depending upon the exact angle, if you're heading south, your roof might even block the signal. Going under bridges and parking structures will also cut out the signal.

I located my pickup beneath the rear panel so I don't have to see it. I ran it up along the side panel from the trunk and then removed one of the seat belt covers on the rear panel and shoved it as far centrally and rear ward as I could. The reception is pretty good and the unit is hidden.

I've heard that metalized window tint will hinder the signal. I had ceramic (Huper Optik) window tinting installed and this definitely does not block the signal.

 

Thanks for the feedback.

My wife has a GS300 (2006) and got XM Radio installed about a month ago and has no problems with reception. I noticed the antena, which is located on the back shelf like my IS350, is larger.

I wonder if I can purchase another antena? Not sure how universal the connections are between antenas.

 

I get some signal drop in low areas with tree coverage.

Does anyone know the secret code to access the signal strength menu for the XM module? I know most keypad equipped XM receivers get you this menu with entering 207XM.

This info would greatly assist antenna placement for different regions.

 

Since I was still having frequent problems with my XM Radio recption, I finally moved it from the rear shelf and onto the trunk (like suggested in the intall documentation) and the reception is great!

 

Thanks for this update. I saw an M3 with an XM antenna on the center of the rear trunk lid and it looked ok.

My XM drops from the rear shelf install are still bad so I am going the trunk lid route.