I was wondering if anyone had any good ideas on adding XM or Sirius satellite radio to my new 2006 E350 Mercedes. I live in the mountains in Arizona and my radio reception is really poor which is my only negative about the new vehicle as my other 4 new ones since I lived in the mountains had few issues with reception. You could tell I was on the hairy edge before, but the MB just doesnt cut it.

I wanted to add an integrated satellite radio but my dealer says not possible and that had to have been put in the car at the factory. Sounded pretty silly to me, but others have confirmed this to me.

So, I was wondering if anyone knew of any 3rd party solutions besides the standard FM broadcast method. I am fearful that wont be much better than my radio reception since I live just north of the mexican border and my Ipod FM broadcast suffers interference from their less regulated broadcasts.

Thanks...

Mr Papa

 

I had my local radio shop install a XM unit in my 2002 S500 today. It is very clean and they used a FM modulator. The modulator installs directly in the antenna port so the reception is very tight, unlike most ipod modulators which broadcast from inside the vehicle somewhere and are usually very weak. I have used hardwired fm modulators in the past with no problems or static whatsoever. pm me if you want pics of my install.

 

get the original mercedes sat radio kit - full integration and definitely retrofitteable (no matter what your dealer sais)

greetingz,

 

So MBenzNL, you gonna be in the AZ (phoenix, tucson) area anytime soon? Or could you provide more details? No one here seems to want to touch this...

Thanks for the info...

Mr Papa

 

We added Sirius Starmate. It's connected to the aux input in the glovebox, but I also tried the fm modulator and cannot tell any difference in sound quality .I wasn't willing to spend $1000 for a car that I leased for 27 months.

 

I have to agree with Steve. He supplied the power/DB2 wakeup loom as well as the antenna lead for my install of Sirius to my 2002 C320.

He also supplied the upgrade to my COMAND for SAT.

 

I also agree with Steve. I have an '06 C280 that did not come with Sirius from the factory. I went directly to the outside contractor that my dealer uses and had him install the factory kit. We mounted the antenna on the hood underneath the windshield washer grille. Completely integrated and works perfectly. IMHO, it was worth the money as I like a clean ****pit without any add-on stuff.

 

The official M-B wiring solution for 2006 E-class will be available in about 2 weeks.

 

hmmm... sounds like it certainly is doable... I just cant find anyone in my area that has a clue on how to do it... I cant find anyone who can order the MB original sat kit... I was hoping Steve would post back - guess I will head over to his site and send email...

Toolboxjesse: do you have any links or further info on this kit? where will one be able to buy it? Will this be something the dealer can do? I assume this official kit means integrated?

thanks all...

Mr Papa

 

What kind of money are we talking here to retrofit Sirrus to an 05 E55 at a dealer? I would only want to do it if it is fully integrated with the Command system.

 

You are looking at 800 to 1K for a dealer install, of course fully integrated, steering wheel controls and all.

 

The MSRP of the Satellite Radio kit is $679. On 2006 cars that are not prewired the wiring kit is about $85 MSRP. Any dealer who charges you more than 2.5 hours for the installation is ripping you off, but hey, that's what they do.

Most of the parts you need are readily available, same as the 2005 kit. The additional required parts will be launched in 2-3 weeks.

 

can you please call me at 305-992-5509

 

Joe,

Are you happy with the job Mike Bowers did on the Sirius install on your '06 C280? Where did he wind up mounting the antenna?

 

Barry,

In my opinion, this is the best upgrade available. The antenna was installed under the hood, and the reception is perfect. It works exactly as if it were installed by the factory.

Anyone interested in this upgrade should call Mike Bowers-who is a certified Mercedes Mechanic and Authorized Installer. His number is 954-328-1073. He really knows what he is doing. I think he is probably one of the very few people in the states that has the capability to do this. Trust me, I made many calls and noone could do this. Even if it means taking a long road trip to meet up with Mike, It is definitly worth it.

Joe

 

This is the guy in Florida?

Mr Papa

 

He's in South Florida - Ft. Lauderdale area. That won't do you much good in Arizona. Perhaps you could call him and get the details on what he does and then take that info to your local installer.