Looking for an easy XM antenna install...

[Destination: Moon]

Hi,

I need to install an XM antenna for my after market receiver in my 35d. Anyone got a good suggestion on this job? I wanted to run the cable up along the windshield but need to pull the decorative strip that runs along the right or left side of the windshield. Can I pull the strip and replace it easily? Other ideas are welcome. Thanks!

[AwesomeM3]

On my last SUV, I ran the Sirius antenna to the rear of the vehicle and attached the magnetic antenna on the roof. I didn't have to remove any molding and the reception was perfect.

[MilanF07]

Mine sits on the passenger side corner of my dashboard. Absolutely no need to run the antenna outside of the car. Reception is great, and the need to wire the entire car is completely eliminated. That is my suggestion to you.

[02fireman]

on my MINI a few years ago, I used a cable that ran to the antenna plug in the trunk. All (USA) BMW's come prewired. It was the same for sirius as XM and worked fine. I can't remember where I got it. Check out the MINI forums. Just use the built in antenna.

[Destination: Moon]

Originally Posted by 02fireman

on my MINI a few years ago, I used a cable that ran to the antenna plug in the trunk. All (USA) BMW's come prewired. It was the same for sirius as XM and worked fine. I can't remember where I got it. Check out the MINI forums. Just use the built in antenna.

That would be the best answer by far! If anyone can tell me how to connect to the pre-wired, factory antenna I would be one happy boy

[02fireman]

Originally Posted by Destination: Moon

That would be the best answer by far! If anyone can tell me how to connect to the pre-wired, factory antenna I would be one happy boy

On the E70 the antenna is wrapped up behind the left rear panel. Run the wire from your XM reciever to the pink connector and you're done. Now you will have to tap into power and audio input (in your center console).

Try this place. They can get you the right cable
SB9SBJ-174-5: Coaxial Cable, SMB 90 degree (right angle) plug (female contact) to SMB jack (male contact), RG174, 5 foot, 50 ohm (MINI Cooper Sirius/XM satellite antenna extension)

[Destination: Moon]

Originally Posted by 02fireman

On the E70 the antenna is wrapped up behind the left rear panel. Run the wire from your XM reciever to the pink connector and you're done. Now you will have to tap into power and audio input (in your center console).

Try this place. They can get you the right cable
SB9SBJ-174-5: Coaxial Cable, SMB 90 degree (right angle) plug (female contact) to SMB jack (male contact), RG174, 5 foot, 50 ohm (MINI Cooper Sirius/XM satellite antenna extension)

Thanks 02! I took a quick look and did not see a pink connector. Is it just hanging there free? I looked in the left (driver) side trunk panel. The Audio amp is back in there but no pink (or any) free connection that looks like the XM antenna coupling.

[berniec]

Originally Posted by Destination: Moon

That would be the best answer by far! If anyone can tell me how to connect to the pre-wired, factory antenna I would be one happy boy

just tap into the antenna connection from the shark fin which in the X5 i dunno where it is, likely in rear inside the cargo door, and run it to where you want to mount the XM tuner. i did this in my 2008 M3. the sirius antenna works fine w/ XM signals, the frequencies are close enough.

XM Satellite Radio at MyRadioStore - Antennas & Extensions - Adapters, Splitters, and Extensions - 15-Foot MyRadioStore Antenna Extension

[Destination: Moon]

Originally Posted by berniec

just tap into the antenna connection from the shark fin which in the X5 i dunno where it is, likely in rear inside the cargo door, and run it to where you want to mount the XM tuner. i did this in my 2008 M3. the sirius antenna works fine w/ XM signals, the frequencies are close enough.

XM Satellite Radio at MyRadioStore - Antennas & Extensions - Adapters, Splitters, and Extensions - 15-Foot MyRadioStore Antenna Extension

Thanks. The link is helpful. As for the rest... I am not about to remove the headliner to trace the wire. ANYONE know where to pick up the factory sat antenna connection???

[King]

Originally Posted by Destination: Moon

Hi,

I need to install an XM antenna for my after market receiver in my 35d. Anyone got a good suggestion on this job? I wanted to run the cable up along the windshield but need to pull the decorative strip that runs along the right or left side of the windshield. Can I pull the strip and replace it easily? Other ideas are welcome. Thanks!

You probably knew this was coming, but why not go with the clean install of the oem sirius/xm module? I'm sure it's a little more expensive but at least you don't have an ugly looking thing hanging off your windshield and an odd looking antenna somewhere...just a thought!