I have XM satellite in the MDX. Reception in Vancouver is quite poor when you go out of the city. Lots of cutting in and out. I also lose reception in the city.

I have a BMW with Sirius in it and drive the same places as the MDX. It nevers cuts out.

Is the poor reception in the MDX relative to the BMW due to:

1. Germans design better satellite receiving circuitry than the Japanese?
2. Sirius has better coverage than XM (I though they were the same company???)?
3. All of the above?

Please let me know. It is driving me crazy and I am about to book a service appointment and ask for a new radio.

 

Do you drive near tall buildings or trees?

 

Yes I do, but no problems doing this in the Bimmer.

 

In urban areas the satellite radio companies use local broadcasting to overcome the shadow problems that arise from buildings, trees, mountains, etc. The satellites are on the equator so the further north you are the bigger the shadows cast by obstructions. Sirius may have a better local broadcast system then XM in your area.

Jim