trioxin

So I'm looking at purchasing a comand unit and wondering if it's compatible with XM radio.. as far as showing channels and whats playing? I see the sat button but not sure if that means sirius.. or either... also would I just buy a xm receiver and antenna?

rob13572468

sat button is for sirius radio... you need to get an oem reciever and antenna and everything will show up on the command. also keep in mind that XM and sirius are the same company now and share most channels and content.

AmazinglySmooth

As far as I can tell, SXM does not yet have integrated billing despite having nearly the same line-up. So, if you have XM already, you will need a new Sirius account. They may integrate in the future, but there is no official word on it. I'm holding off activating my MB's sat service until they integrate billing and offer family plans with either radio type.

trioxin

When you say OEM receiver and antenna are you talking the kind you can get down at best buy.. little receiver box and antenna kit for sat ready cars? or is this an OEM receiver and antenna specifically designed for our mercedes?

Barry45RPM

OEM means Original Equipment Manufacturer, in this case MB. The Satellite radio receiver used in our cars is one designed specifically for this car. The aftermarket receivers in stores are designed for SAT ready radios meant for many cars dashboards. They use a different means of integration and SAT info display. Our in-dash "radio" is really just a dumb display unit for instruments installed elsewhere in the car.

trioxin

Thanks for the input.. makes it a little easier to decide... I really miss Xm in my car.. and super annoying there is no aux port. So it looks like it could cost hundreds if not a thousand to get an aux port or sat radio in the car.. ... Also no option for a2dp sucks... I guess I'll try the cassette adapter again... snake the wire around and try to get it in the ash tray area... sound quality is actually really good.. just annoying not having things all integrated...

Barry45RPM

I have seen on lins some aftermarket electronics outfit that makes an XM unit that integrates perfectly like the "factory" Sirius unit. Try to contact these guys...

http://www.cartronics.com/iTronic.html

trioxin

Hey thanks for that link... looks like it could be just what I'm looking for if it will work for a non comand head unit.

wigging

I installed one of these and works fine through the comand. Only issue is getting good reception from the aftermarket antenna, its magnetic and thr trunk deck is plastic. I hear there is an oem sat antenna that is installed inside the trunk deck lid (inside the liner) that work great. anyone know part number?

but yes, you can get satellite through the comand...

mtrevelino

Wigging,
Did you install the cartronics unit behind the command? Also, did you yourself run the antenna wire to the trunk? How hard was it to run the antenna lead to the trunk? I am thinking on getting the Cartronics unit for my 2006 e320.
Thank you,
Mike T.

AreL11

Mike T,

I tried to buy one of these for my 06 w211 and got the run around from that company about compatibility. Might be worth asking a lot of questions before you buy to make sure they've corrected the issues.

mtrevelino

Thanks AreL11! Did you ever get one installed? If so, what did you go with.
Mike T.

AreL11

I didn't. I realized the only way to do it was the factory way and I don't really want to drop $1k on it. My car isn't pre-wired for it so there are a bunch of extra hoops to jump through. I have the factory ipod connector in my glove box so I just use that. I do miss not having SAT though.

BagMan

If you have the ipod integration kit, do you lose the aux input for anything else?

I ask because I am taking delivery of a 2006 e500 that has Ipod integrated, but I would like to add Sirius also. I prefer not to use the factory sirius because of the cost.

Thanks!

AreL11

You cannot use the ipod and the aux input. It's one or the other.

BagMan

Thanks. One more thing. I have a Harman Kardan Drive + Play 2 that I can use to control the ipod with Audio going to the aux input. This unit also adds another selectable aux input so I can switch between the ipod and an aftermarket sirius unit.

I'm considering removing the CD changer and putting the sirius radio in the cubby behind the retractable control plate and putting the ipod controller in the ashtray.

Seems like it should work.

How hard is it to remove the ipod integration kit and the CD changer??