allenjdmb

I've looked through the forums here about Sirius retrofits, but haven't found anyting much that applies to R230. Anyone used the facotry bos, and head unit, but used another placement for the antenna? It is an 05 with the newer style head unit and the "sat" button. Other thoughts? Any info is appreciated.

joec1101

I have an '04 and I had the dealer add Sirius to it. I had them use all the factory Sirius components that integrate with COMAND, but I had them install a hidden antenna under the hood vent instead of the trunk mount unit. It works just fine - no problems with it.

allenjdmb

tell me more about your antenna location and performance--anyone out there done an 05 up SL like this?

joec1101

Performance is just fine - Sirius has kind of a weak signal, so it does drop out under bridges, trees, etc., but it performs equally as well as my other vehicles with Sirius that have the factory antennas.

allenjdmb

Can you give me a little more info on the antenna? By hood vent you mean the vented area near the windshield? And where is it mounted? Do you know what brand antenna it is (Maybe it's on your reciept). Thanks again for any help you can offer.

RDL0100

I have a 2005 SL600 that has the Sirius antenna mounted in the opening near the windshield washer on the driver's side. Don't know what the brand was. I asked the dealer I bought the car from to add Sirius and hide the antenna and they acted like they had never heard of such a thing. I simply went to another dealer in town, and they installed the whole thing, with no problem. Reception is fine, at least as good as my ML 500 that has a complete factory setup for Sirius.

joec1101

Yes, it's under the passenger side hood vent near the windshield. I believe it's a Terk antenna, but my installation took place a few years ago and there may be other brands out there as well by now. The antenna wasn't made specifically for the R230 - it's just a universal antenna for Sirius systems that can be used on any vehicle. I would check with a local stereo shop as they probably will have the best selection/knowledge of antennas available for Sirius.

Rafdaddy

If you have an 05 you are very likely prewired for the factory install. I learned the hard way that you must use an 05 to 07 Sirius unit. 2004 uses a different technology and only works in a 2004 SL. First year for satellite and has only Sirius and no XM. After install you will need to go to a MB service location to have the STAR system to reconfigure the ring so that it reads the SADR.

After a long time in searching I found that there is a guy that knows everything about these installs and sells the needed components and install instructions. Here is a link to his eBay site. I highly recommend him for all communications solutions in your SL including Blue Tooth and others.

http://www.ebay.com/sch/cellguy85/m....88.m1543.l2654

Hope this helps.