Dealer Frustration with SAT Antenna
 

I'm looking to have XM installed in my new IS350 and my dealer insists that they cannot use the shark fin antenna for the install. I've seen enough posts on this site to question that statement, so I called another dealer who confirmed it WAS possible to use the shark fin antenna. WTF!

Doesn't make me feel real good about going in for service.

The shark fin antenna is designed to be used for XM.
That first guy was stupid.

Agreed he was stupid, but would i trust him to install XM for me? Don't think so.

which dealer in Maryland? I was planning to do something similar, but now I wonder which dealer to go to. I was planning on using Rockville, but let me know if they were the dumb ones.

?MORE CONFUSION, or the final answer?
 

This is a message I rec'd from Sewell Lexus (lexus-parts.com):

"Brian, to directly answer your question, everything on our website is Lexus OEM (unless clearly stated otherwise). Since we're a Lexus dealership, all we have to offer is Lexus OEM parts and accessories. As for the common question of "will a shark fin work", the answer is no according to Lexus. Only the GS model offered this option for the 2007 model year. The IS has a shark fin already installed from the factory, but its sole purpose is for the lexus link and telephone, that is all."

I see that some posts on this thread have XM on the 07 with just the shark fin? or some additional antenna somewhere else, hidden away?

Dealerships that say no: Lexus of Towson, Sewell Lexus
Dealership that says yes: Lexus of Silver Spring- price $750 (the guy I talked to really didn't sound that confident though)

I just had XM installed in my 2006 is250 and a small antenna was placed on the outside trunk. I hate the antenna there and really wish I had the sharkfin. I guess it is my fault for not questioning the dealer before install about where the antenna is going.

I guarantee you the shark fin is for XM, I saw the install.
The connector on the cable from it in the trunk mates with the XM receiver.
No question about it.
Where do these Lexus people get there piss-poor info?

Is this a dealer install? Maybe Lexus has to say "no" for some reason?

Mine was a dealer install.

My dealer, Lexus of Mobile, I could swear told me that the Shark Fin on the IS was for improved looks, and to help the XM radio signal. = / I didn't even thing the IS could get Lexus Link.. but it wouldn't surprise if the ant. is there to assist in a signal.

FROM LEXUS WEBSITE FAQ:

Could you speak about the differing antennas available, and why Lexus chooses to use the trunk mount instead of the roof antenna?
Reception quality varies in the different areas of the country. From a continental US national perspective, the trunk mounted antenna provides the best XM satellite radio signal reception for sedans. For SUVs, the antennas for XM are mounted on the roof. Installation of antennas in areas other than those recommended by the manufacturer could lead to a degradation of satellite signal and poor reception. The Genuine Lexus satellite radio kits include wire harnesses specific to each model that allow for the recommended installation placement of the antenna.

The sharkfin antenna IS used for the XM radio. You have to read the installation instructions carefully. There is a new fit kit for the 2007s. The new fit kit part number is 86100-0W220. You can use the old fit kit, 86100-0W150. Heres an excerpt from page 3 of the instructions,

1. Kit Conversion
(a) If using Mounting Kit P/N: 86100-0W150:
(1) Remove antenna kit from main kit.
Remove 1 Lock Tie from antenna kit and
add to main kit components.
(2) Discard remainder of antenna kit.
Vehicle shark fin antenna will be utilized.

Essentially the only difference between the fit kits, is the new one has an extra wire tie and no antenna.

Enjoy your new XM!

Thank you Gwong!!
The SHARK FIN antenna is for the XM receiver on the 2007 ISX50

2007 XM w/Shark Fin Installation Instructions
 

Here's the .pdf for the 2007 XM install with the Shark Fin antenna.

I've found that the Internet sales guys from Sewell Lexus/Lexus-parts.com are very busy and often incorrect with their info. They've got great prices, and a good selection, and Ryan and Darrel are good guys...but seem to be overworked.