I installed Sirius for a grand total of @$85, by modifying the existing ash tray area and using a Stratus 5 Radio and some antenna adaptors.. was not hard at all I really shoulda taken some pictures..

Total Parts needed:

Stratus 5: $36.00
http://electronics.shop.ebay.com/ite...86Q2ec0Q2em282

Sirius Professional Vehicle Install Kit SIR-PVK1: $27.95
http://www.amazon.com/Sirius-Profess...0262923&sr=8-1

Metra Antennaworks 40-EU30 European FM Antenna Adapter: $19.99
http://www.myradiostore.com/

If you have the ACM installed you could get by without the FM Antenna Adaper and just use the direct connection through the ACM..

Basically you remove the ashtray, I dont smoke anyway so I have no use for it, remove the center console, remove the ash tray holder (held in with some clips and two screws), I then modified the holder by drilling two holes in it to mount the radio firmly and removing the left retaining clip for the removable ash tray. The stratus 5 then fits neatly in the cut out.. you will also need to drill or rout out a 3/4" hole for the power cord to fit through.. It all makes much more sense with the holder out and the radio held in place.. Once installed the radio is inset where the ash tray used to be and the lid still closes.. I rarely change the channel so looking at it is not a big issue to me but if I do want to see what is playing I simply open the door.

I decided to go this route after looking up the Factory Sirius Option and seeing how it was installed, they use the same FM Modulated Antenna input to hear the sound. I'll go snap a picture of it installed. I also installed the antenna for the satellite in the lower right hand corner of the dash that way its not seen from the outside but can still pick up the sats through the window.

 

Antenna on Dash:



Radio with Cover Closed:



From Eye Level (you cant make out the station)



Closer



Close Up (note the cut out on the left hand side, next time I take it apart I am going to drill a hole so the antenna wire on the right does not show.. )

 

I used the antenna that came with it, simply put a piece of double sided 3M moulding tape on it and stuck it to the dash..

 

here's mine, XM not sirius tho

 

one more

 

Drive it to Mississippi and I'll be glad to help you install it.

 

Good looking installs guys!

 

couple questions on this topic....

1.) wouldnt you actually need 2 antenna adaptors to use the Sirius FM Direct adaptor? 1 to convert the factory plug to the aftermarket to go into the FM Direct piece, and a 2nd antenna adaptor to go from the Aftermarket connection from the FM Direct piece to the radio....

2.) someone mentioned something about not needing an antenna adaptor if the car has an ACM....what exactly is the ACM (audio control module??? lol) and where would it be? I would like to avoid using the antenna adaptors if possible.

I already have the unit mounted, I went the simple route and used a suction cup mount in the lower left corner. I channel surf a lot so I wanna be able to easily view it.

Thanks for your time!!

 

ACM - Audio Connectivity Module - primary use is to connect iPod, but it has RCA audio inputs as well.

 

factory installed sirius radio but am having trouble aquiring a signal...antenna is on the roof above back window.

 

Does anyone know if the antenna adaptors for an X-type would be the same as that for an S-Type? I found an ebay auction for both antenna adaptors for like $20 shipped. They are for a 2001 S-Type and I have a 2003 X-Type.

Thanks!!!