930chas

Has anybody installed satellite radio themselves? I searched and there are tons of threads regarding dealer installs, but I hate anything involved with a dealer so would like to try this myself. I have an '04 with the sat button on the command center, so I believe I am prewired, just need to figure out what is involved with the install. If anybody has tackled this and has some pointers, it would be much appreciated. Thanks.

Taximan1

Bump. I'll be watching this.. Factory Sirius is one option I WISH I had.... Those FM transmitters are awful.

milepostnate

I did it myself. It was a piece of cake, with help from members on the forum. I bought the SDAR receiver from a forum member, and installed it easily in about 2 hours. I was being very careful, and really triple-checking my work. If I had to do it over, I could probably do it in 45 minutes.

If you look at the parts required, it seems like a lot, but I didn't need any of them. I had a Sirius antenna from a sportster that I used instead of drilling through the trunk that gets great reception. Also, I installed the SDAR on the bracket of the air-ride. Literally, I didn't buy any parts other than the SDAR and you can't tell. I have attached pictures that shows how easy this is, and so you can see where my antenna is.

In this picture, it shows how I drilled 2 holes in the bracket for the air suspension and mounted the SDAR to the back of the bracket. There are 2 red squares around the holes I drilled in the bracket. Additionally, the arrow shows where the fuel pump relay is on a bracket, which I simply bent backwards slightly.


Here is where my antenna is installed on the back deck. Stealthy, and it gets good reception. I may take some time to move it closer to the edge of the window.

930chas

EXCELLENT!! Thanks so much for the post and the pictures. I am going to give it a try tomorrow. If I have any questions, I might shoot you a PM or two if that is ok? Thanks again.

milepostnate

No problem.

milepostnate

Here are the official instructions to install the SDAR. I only used this to get ideas of where and how to mount the SDAR, and how to access the fiber ring.

I really spent a lot of time fretting about the fiber ring, but finally dove into it. Literally, you take the empty fiber at the front of the box and move it to the back. Then you disconnect what is there already hooked up, and insert the one that was disconnected. If you have light, it is hooked up correctly. It sounds a lot harder than it is....

Download link for Instructions to install SDAR

Good luck!

930chas

Nathan, thanks again for your help. I don't know if you received my text, but I got everything hooked up and working. So nice to have Sirius in the car! Your help was definitely appreciated.

milepostnate

That's great. I am glad I could help.

If I am close someday, i will take you upon the beer.

Post some pics of your car. I have a 2004 also.

Where did you put the antenna?

milepostnate

I am glad I could help. When did you get your car? Post some pics.

Also, where did you end up putting the antenna?

930chas

I again followed your lead and mounted the antenna on the rear deck. No way in hell I was drilling holes in the trunk lid. So far, the signal has been rock solid.

Here are a few pictures of mine. I actually got it last week. I am definitely wet behind the ears.

griza

Looks great...What rims are those? sizes?

930chas

Thank you. It is definitely a sharp looking car! The wheels are Radenergie r10s in 20".

Rafdaddy

Appreciate all of the info that you provided but the install SDAR link has been deleted. Any chance you could put it back up again? It would be really helpfull to us technically challenged. Thanks

alex9512

I just acquired a 2004 SL500 and believe that it is factory wired for satellite radio (sirius). I would like to install the sirius unit from the factory. However, I can't find any information as to where the connectors are hidden or when the unit should be mounted. All the links that would have helped are out dated. Is there anyone that can simply let me know where to look?
Thanks in advance.

Strigoi

You may have better luck asking in the R230 section. This is the W211 AMG section and the cars are quite a bit different than yours. I doubt it'd be in the same place.

https://mbworld.org/forums/sl-class-r230-17/

jettskiman

Hey this instruction link goes to some Lending website. Can you send me a link to the pics and instructions for the SDAR?
Thanks in advance.

rock1906

Hi

i am trying to add satellite access to my 2005 Mercedes sl500 and I would like get your sdar instructions sent to me email is rdavis06@bellsouth.net.

Thanks

rock1906

Hi

i am trying to add satellite access to my 2005 Mercedes sl500 and I would like get your sdar instructions sent to me email is rdavis06@bellsouth.net.

Thanks