Hey folks, I know this belongs in the Interior Mods section, and I'm sure our moderators will do their jobs and move it (as they should). However, I initially raised this topic in the 2005 Mustang section, so I thought it was appropriate to follow up here...

I just got XM Radio installed on my 2005 Mustang GT. It's seamlessly hard-wired into the car's Shaker 500 stereo system! I chose the XM Commander unit because it had great features and blended in well with my IUP interior. I agonized over whether I should cut a hole in the dash above the glove box and mount the controller with the supplied faceplate, but soon discovered that it would have meant cutting into a $1,500 dashboard assembly. I learned that the section I considered cutting was not separable from the dash; it was the main part of the assembly!

The installer did a great job tucking the wire out of the way and routing the antenna wire to the back package tray.

At the time of installation, there were no direct-line adapters for the XM receiver, so we went the FM modulator route.

RECEPTION IS GREAT!

Check out these pix and how well the XM radio and antenna blend in with the interior!

 

looks good...

 

I may be moveing my antenna. That is the best antenna install I have seen.

 

Thanks! Yeah, and it only took a few minutes to route the wire. You'd be amazed at how quickly that interior comes apart. It's installer-friendly.

The reception is perfect. It certainly goes to show you that you can keep the antenna inside and out of the elements!

 

Mine is mounted on the trunk deck where it meets the rear window. I think I can move it to the interior rear deck in 10 minutes tops. Thanks for the pics. I'm headed out to do that right now....Another advantage of haveing it inside would to keep vandals from snatching it.

 

does anyone know if any aftermarket company is working on a way to plug an xm or sirius radio into the aux input on the shaker?

 

I like your set up Chris very factory looking ,the antena looks great in the back corner of the rear deck and you found a good spot for the key pad

 

Thanks, Louis and Craig. You can read the display very easily while driving. The unit comes with a remote, but you really don't need it since the keypad is literally at your fingertips. I spent a while trying to figure out where to place the controller, and had some very good suggestions. But I decided to go the simple route and just place the unit on the dash with some low-profile double-sided tape. I can easily remove it without damaging the surface. Even if the surface is marred, the cost to replace that portion of the dash is only $30 give or take a buck.

I really wish Ford integrated a "SAT" button into the Shaker 500. If the unit were satellite-ready, it would improve the quality of the audio and simplify installation quite a bit. What were they thinking? I don't know of any possible use for the "AUX" button so far.

Does anyone know what "AUX" is useful for?

Please forgive my dirty floor mats!

 

That looks very good and clean. I have MX in my other car and was think about adding it to the Mustang. You might have just convinced me!

Just got back from Circuit City and the system you have was $169 + tax + 50 for the installation. I guess I would get a break in my monthly payments since I already have XM in another car?

 

Hey Rich, I can vouch for this system. Trust me, it's a great setup. I got the same exact price. Except, I bought it from Circuit City online so I could get airline miles on Continental. Worked out to more than 500 air miles. They add up quickly!

Seriously, I have become a satellite radio addict. XM gives tons of choices. Sirius is fine too. In fact, their programming mimics XM's in many ways, with a few exceptions. And if you get XM, you also get free online satellite radio through your computer.

Wish I had stock in this enterprise...

 

Congrats on a great looking install, Chris!! Very sharp! I like the fact you kept the antenna inside and off your paint.

BTW- I bought stock in XM and sold it when I doubled my money!

 

You're not using the AUX then? Just an FM modulator?

 

Yeah, I'm using the supplied FM modulator. It is connected to the receiver on one end and your radio on the other. You tune the radio to one of several recommended stations on your FM "dial" and turn on your XM controller. It broadcasts the satellite signal using the empty frequency. If there's a way to use the "AUX" button, I'm all ears, brother! Simpler is better...

For now, this method works fine. They say there is some signal degradation, but I can live with it until Ford offers an alternative head unit with satellite readiness.

Thanks for your comment, Tom. Yeah, I was kind of particular about how I wanted the unit installed. Fortunately for me, the shop was so busy that they performed the installation outside. I was able to watch the installer do his job and offer my input. It took about 90 minutes from start to finish.

 

clean install, but XM?

 

Uh oh.....he wants to start a Sirius vs XM debate!

 

Uhh..right. XM rules!!!

This would definitely have to be the subject of a new thread!!

 

Long story short: I'm cheap. When XM and Sirius were offered in my Audi, I chose XM because it was a few bucks cheaper and seemed to have similar programming.

I purchased a three-year contract and only had my Audi 14 months into that contract. When I purchased the Mustang in late April, I still had more than a year and a half left on my XM contract. So I figured it would be easy to deactivate the service to the old receiver and activate the service to the new one.

XM has since raised it's rates, so I think both are about the same cost. Somebody will have to check that for me. Honestly, I think it would be like splitting hairs. The point is I'm happy with XM for now. If Ford offers a head unit that only features Sirius, I will probably switch. Even though my install went well and I'm happy with the way the controller looks, I would still rather be able to use the radio to control the satellite reception. As I said earlier, simpler is better. I'd always prefer to leave the stock wiring harness in place than hack into it to get an accessory to work.

 

Wow! Great install! Was just shopping around online this morning for Satelite - do you know if all kits (XM of Sirius)automatically come with the FM modulator?... I was just wondering a few minutes ago how the heck you hook it up to the Shaker!

 

Delphi Roady 2 has built in FM modulator. Check here https://xmradio.metrononline.com/xm/main.aspx
for comparisons

 

Where did you mount the tuner? Do you still like it? I'm thinking of getting one for my '05 GT.