I want to install a XM satellite radio/add-on in my 02 TL. What is the best way to do this? Is it better to install an entire new radio that includes satellite or install a component that attaches to the existing radio. Whatever the route, I don't want something that looks like shit with exposed wires etc. Any ideas or advice??

 

well, if you want to step up to better sound in general then do the aftermarket radio that has a build in XM controller (like alpine or if you want sirius then go kenwood, even though it sounds like poop).

i will say though that my cousin wanted XM in his 2004 mustang mach 1 but he didnt want to have wires all over the place and what not, much like yourself. so he and i went to best buy and bought the radio and just tried to do as professional an install as possble. the only wire showing is from the FM transmitter in the cigarette lighter. you can see about 2 inches of it before it goes behind the dash where we hid it. then we velcro'ed the controller to the dash, and we were done. you can install aftermarket without having wires all over.

i will say that personally i thought the sound quality through the FM transmitter was excellent, although some people may disagree. it's all a matter of personal preference. for foolproof sound though, you want to use an aftermarket deck. i am honestly not sure if a blitzsafe can be used to hook up XM. maybe someone else here knows.

SSTS

 

Hello All,
If you are still running the stock BOSE system, you can use the tape deck as opposed to modulating the FM signal. This is to the most elegant solution, however, it is a good bit better than modulating the FM. In addition, you will not have turn off the modulator every time you want to listen to FM/AM. I have an Alpine XM system which I am quite happy with. However, with the recent addition of the NFL Home/Away broadcast perspectives, and a channel hosted by Eminem(important to some), the lowering the rate to $9.99 a month, makes the argument for Sirius a compelling one especially if keeping the stock H/U in that XM tends to have better aftermarket manufacturer support.
Cheers,
Jstadt

 

Get the PIE or Blitzsafe adapter and connect it directly into your OEM deck. None of this FM/cassette crap.

 

I just bought a FM Modulator from Circuit City for $50 and i bought a mount, no wires showing at all. Looks clean. if you buy a new head unit (XM compatible), your gonna also have to buy a XM tuner, whick is around $150.