Anyone have any suggestions for an XM radio for a 2003 LS-430? Appearance is very important, so would the use of one antenna from the link system or a dual antenna like BMW has.

 

I'll be using a Terk XM3 Low-Profile XM Roof-Mount Antenna or Sony XM100 antenna on my LS430, just forward of the factory antenna location. These are the smallest XM antennas I've found. The Antenna Specialists XM-20 is low profile, but it's a pretty big black disc that looks out of place. A few people say you could simply place a XM antenna on your rear deck (probably people in southern states closer to satallites), but I'm not sure how that would work in a LS430 with our integrated rear window antenna wires.

Also, I've done a test comparing the sound quality of the Sony FM modulator vs. using the cassette tape adapter and tape adapter sounds much better.

 

To VideoNavi

What is the best unit to use in conjunction with the antenna you suggested, and how would you mount the radio in the vehicle. Would you put it in one of the gloveboxes which would not be convenient, or elsehwre?

2003 LS 430 Ultra LOADED!!

 

Another LS430 owner put a Delphi unit inside the center console. I also imagine you could fit either a Pioneer or Alpine controller into the center console or ashtray/cell phone storage compartment. I'll be making my own install a little more complex by integrating a Pioneer GEX-P900XM to display text on the navigation screen.

Make your XM radio selection on controller usage/looks and if the LED segmants are green! IMHO green LED's matche the 430s interior dash the best.

 

I didn't get the factory radio to display text on it but this is a pretty stealth install. I even have the audio tapped into the factory system directly so there are no wires hanging around and it is not fm modulated. No noise, pertfect sound.

Scott@lajollaaudio