XM Radio
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
XM Radio
I just had the XM satellite radio installed in my '04 LS. I didn't get it originally because I didn't like the appearance of the external antenna (my personal opinion - not criticizing anyone who has one) and thought Lexus wouldn't install one without it.
It turns out that the dealership has installed them for awhile with the antenna inside the center mounted rear brake light. Their input was that they've never had a complaint about reception and I have a lot of confidence in them so I said o.k.
It cost about $850 for the parts and labor but the results are great. I do lose the signal in one area on my commute (for about a minute), but I lose my cell phone signal there as well. My guess is that I would lose it there with the external antenna also. The other place is when I pull into my garage but that makes sense since the signal is blocked.
The sound is great and I love picking what I want to listen to without commercials.
It turns out that the dealership has installed them for awhile with the antenna inside the center mounted rear brake light. Their input was that they've never had a complaint about reception and I have a lot of confidence in them so I said o.k.
It cost about $850 for the parts and labor but the results are great. I do lose the signal in one area on my commute (for about a minute), but I lose my cell phone signal there as well. My guess is that I would lose it there with the external antenna also. The other place is when I pull into my garage but that makes sense since the signal is blocked.
The sound is great and I love picking what I want to listen to without commercials.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: California
I never liked the appearance of the external antenna myself. Never thought of mounting antenna on the inside rear dash.
What Dealer installed this for you?
Did they actually put the antenna INSIDE the center mounted rear brake light so it is not visable?
I called my local dealer and they said they have never installed the antenna anywhere except on the trunk. I asked if they could install it inside the rear brake light and they said they could try but the antenna would work better if it was next to the brake light so the brake light cover would not block the signal.
2004 LS430 Ultra
Flint Mica/Blk
What Dealer installed this for you?
Did they actually put the antenna INSIDE the center mounted rear brake light so it is not visable?
I called my local dealer and they said they have never installed the antenna anywhere except on the trunk. I asked if they could install it inside the rear brake light and they said they could try but the antenna would work better if it was next to the brake light so the brake light cover would not block the signal.
2004 LS430 Ultra
Flint Mica/Blk
Last edited by nickshubin; Nov 9, 2004 at 07:03 PM.
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
The name of the dealer is Nalley Lexus in Smyrna, Georgia (outside of Atlanta). The tech that did the install is their lead tech and he told me he had done several this way and had never had anyone complain. With respect to posting a picture, I'll be glad to but it won't show anything since nothing is visible. The antenna is inside the center brake light and is not visible either inside or outside the car.
I've had the XM system for about a week now and am very happy with it. I've only driven it around the Atlanta area but am taking the car on a business trip to Charleston, SC. I'm interested in seeing how the reception is on the trip.
I've had the XM system for about a week now and am very happy with it. I've only driven it around the Atlanta area but am taking the car on a business trip to Charleston, SC. I'm interested in seeing how the reception is on the trip.
Driver School Candidate
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: California
Thanks stanatl,
After receiving your last post I made an appointment with my local Lexus dealer to have XM satellite installed in my 04 LS. They said they had never installed the antenna inside the center mounted rear brake light before but would try. I picked up the car this morning, the dealer said everything went great and that the antenna fit inside the brake light. The car looks the same, no sign of any installation on the rear deck or inside the trunk.
Drove to my office, called XM Radio and had 120 channels within 10 minutes.
Dealer Name: Longo Lexus, El Monte CA.
I will update later on problems with reception if any.
2004 LS430 Ultra
Flint Mica / Black
After receiving your last post I made an appointment with my local Lexus dealer to have XM satellite installed in my 04 LS. They said they had never installed the antenna inside the center mounted rear brake light before but would try. I picked up the car this morning, the dealer said everything went great and that the antenna fit inside the brake light. The car looks the same, no sign of any installation on the rear deck or inside the trunk.
Drove to my office, called XM Radio and had 120 channels within 10 minutes.
Dealer Name: Longo Lexus, El Monte CA.
I will update later on problems with reception if any.
2004 LS430 Ultra
Flint Mica / Black
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Pole Position
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 364
Likes: 1
From: Georgia
I don't have specially tinted windows - just the normal as received ones from the factory. I have never tried the XM with the rear sunshade up. I will try it later today and post the results.
I drove the car back and forth from Atlanta to Charleston, SC and the reception was great all the way. I think I had one minor interruption when i went under a new overpass. Only lasted a couple of seconds.
I drove the car back and forth from Atlanta to Charleston, SC and the reception was great all the way. I think I had one minor interruption when i went under a new overpass. Only lasted a couple of seconds.
