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Lexus ES 350 XM and Sirius

116 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2009 at 7:19 AM

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What is this discussion about? Lexus ES 350, Audio, Sedan


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#47 of 116
XM satellite radio antenna placement by dave4449
Jun 22, 2006 (1:39 pm)
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All of the postings discussing the best (or preferred) placement of the antenna for the XM satellite radio prompted me to seek an official decision. After searching the FAQs on the Lexus website, here's what I found out:
Subject: Satellite Radio Antenna Placement.
FAQ: "Could you speak about the differing antennas available, and why Lexus chooses to use the trunk mount instead of the roof antenna?"
Lexus reply: "Reception quality varies in the different areas of the country. From a continental US national perspective, the trunk mounted antenna provides the best XM satellite radio signal reception for sedans as does the front window mounted Sirius antenna. For SUVs, the antennas for both XM and Sirius are mounted on the roof. Installation of antennas in areas other than those recommended by the manufacturer could lead to a degradation of satellite signal and poor reception. The Genuine Lexus satellite radio kits include wire harnesses specific to each model that allow for the recommended installation placement of the antenna."
FAQ: "Can the antenna be placed somewhere else, other than the trunk?"
Lexus reply: "From a national reception quality perspective, we cannot recommend that the antenna be placed anywhere other than the installation instructions specify. Installing it elsewhere could lead to a degradation of the satellite signal and poor reception. For sedans, the XM antenna should be installed on the trunk lid, while the Sirius antenna should be installed behind the rear view mirror on the front windshield. For SUVs, the antennas for both XM and Sirius should be installed on the roof."
#48 of 116
Re: Factory Installed XM [dave4449] by meadoel
Jun 22, 2006 (3:57 pm)
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Replying to: dave4449 (Jun 20, 2006 2:32 pm)

The information I posted wasn't in response to an inquiry. It was an unsolicited email FROM Lexus. I subscribe to a Lexus mailing list where they send me spam once every few weeks. Any dealer who tells you this isn't happening is either un-informed or lying.
 
You can find an archive of their mailings here: http://www.lexus.com/pursuit_archive/?s_ocid=Pursuit:0606:Main:Archive
 
The email was from "lexuslexuscommunications.delivery.net"
The Subject line was "Lexus Pursuit: Partnering with XM(R) Satellite Radio"
 
Here's the relevant text:
 
We're proud to introduce an exciting new addition to our vehicles—available XM® Satellite Radio [1]. At Lexus, we focus on carefully crafting every facet of the driver and passenger experience. And now that same level of precision extends to in-vehicle entertainment.
 
This October, we're raising the bar on car audio again by offering factory-installed XM Satellite Radio [1], allowing drivers to access and enjoy more than 170 channels of music, talk, sports and specialty programming—all with unmatched digital clarity, and easily controlled through their vehicle's existing audio system. The 2007 LS [2] is the first Lexus that will offer this option, but soon all our vehicles will offer the choice.
 
There was also this interesting tidbit:
Another benefit of XM service is the available XM NavTraffic® [3], the nation's first satellite traffic data information service. XM NavTraffic enhances the Lexus voice-activated HDD Navigation System [4] with continually updated traffic information in many of America's largest cities. With more information at your disposal, you can avoid traffic congestion, accidents, road construction, and find the best route to your destination, in real time. All of which means you can get there faster. Though we'll certainly understand if you'd rather take the scenic route in your Lexus.
 
Our partnership with XM Satellite Radio [1] is just another example of Lexus' passionate pursuit of the perfect sound
#49 of 116
Re: XM Questions [thaishark] by dp5
Jun 22, 2006 (7:27 pm)
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Replying to: thaishark (Jun 18, 2006 5:30 am)

I have the exact car that you have ordered and I added the XM radio. Yes, the sound is substantially lower and requires you to increase the volume when switching to XM. No, it is not a problem. Having all of the programming options available through satellite radio is still well worth the additional money.
 
I sometimes think our generation is a bunch of whiners. It is not difficult to turn the volume up and down when switching from different audio inputs. If you decide to get XM, I think you will be very pleased with it overall.
#50 of 116
Re: XM satellite radio antenna placement [dave4449] by svw
Jun 22, 2006 (8:05 pm)
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Replying to: dave4449 (Jun 22, 2006 1:39 pm)

Thank you so much....it's good to see the official word on this. Though I wish the antennae could be mounted 'inside' the car, I've gotten past the placement on my trunk and I am enjoying the talk shows and music.
#51 of 116
Re: XM Questions [dp5] by thaishark
Jun 23, 2006 (4:08 am)
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Replying to: dp5 (Jun 22, 2006 7:27 pm)

Thanks for the reply, I am leaning towards getting it anyway and your right, turning the volume up should not be that big a deal, although it would be nice if Lexus fixed this. But that seems unlikely in the short term anyway.
#52 of 116
Upon further listening.... by scman
Jun 23, 2006 (12:08 pm)
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Having XM in the ES-350 for over a week now, I can definitely recommend this option. While it is true you will have to adjust the volume, the sound quality is better than FM overall. The bass response and tonal clarity of the ML sound system really shows XM off to it's best. You won't regret it.....
#53 of 116
Re: Upon further listening.... [scman] by thaishark
Jun 23, 2006 (3:12 pm)
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Replying to: scman (Jun 23, 2006 12:08 pm)

I was wondering if you have the antennae mounted inside or out?
And for anyone else who have the antennae mounted on the back deck as opposed to the trunk mount, what part of the country do you live in?
From reading above i see Lexus' recommendation is the trunk mount but i would prefer it mounted inside if there is not going to really be a reception issue.
 I live in the NE near Philadelphia.
#54 of 116
Re: Upon further listening.... [thaishark] by zekeman1
Jun 23, 2006 (3:18 pm)
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Replying to: thaishark (Jun 23, 2006 3:12 pm)

Mine is mounted inside the back window on my ES350 - no problem with reception.
 
It's mounted next to the defroster vent on the dash on my 05 Avalon LTD - no problem with reception.
 
Used to live in D.C. area with antenna mounted inside back window in an ES300 - never a problem with reception.
 
If you want it mounted inside near the back window (or on the dash next to a defroster vent) just tell them to install it there and quit wringing your hands!!! If they say install instructions say you can't do it that way, have it installed elsewhere - it CAN be done and lots of people have done it...the dealer is just jerking your chain and wanting to have it his way!
#55 of 116
Re: Factory Installed XM [meadoel] by dave4449
Jun 23, 2006 (5:04 pm)
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Replying to: meadoel (Jun 22, 2006 3:57 pm)

Thanks for the feedback. Interesting. Is the issue at hand an example of "One hand not knowing what the other is doing" in the case of Lexus? Or, in the case of prospective buyers, is it an example of "It's better to have only one clock. With two or more clocks, you'll never know what time it is." Anyway, I'm planning on waiting several more months anyway before making a purchase. Even with Lexus's vaunted track record as being just about the most reliable automotive builder, I'm awfully leery about buying a new model early in the production cycle.
#56 of 116
Re: Upon further listening.... [zekeman1] by maximafan
Jun 23, 2006 (7:44 pm)
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Replying to: zekeman1 (Jun 23, 2006 3:18 pm)

Lexus is probably following what XM has
  suggested is the best placement of the
  antenna. I have the Roady portable receiver
  which I play through the cassette player in
  my Maxima. I remember when reading the
  installation instructions from XM, they did
  recommend placing the antenna on the outside,
  either on the trunk, directly in the middle
  (I used to have mine installed on the trunk
   and it ended up causing a lot of scratches
  due to it being a magnetic antenna, and the
  car wash people would just swipe at it when
  drying the car off.) I have now moved it
  to the right front on the roof(by the right
  passenger door). No problems.
   
  Anyway, I recall the XM installation
  instructions saying that installation of the
  antenna on the inside of the car, i.e, dash
  area, rear deck area would diminish
  reception. So that's probably why Lexus
  "insists" on this type of installation.
  But it's good to hear no one is having
  reception problems with their antenna
  installed inside.

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