Sirius in 2004 Mercedes Benz

[WitneyCat]

Has anyone had Sirius installed in their 2004 Mercedes? Specifically, we have a 2004 E320.

The Mercedes-dealer-installed, factory Sirius is being quoted at $650 (includes a year subscription), plus $600 to install. Seems like a rip-off, when you can get an after-market system for about $200 (wireless FM modulation)--but does this work as well?

Apparently, the installers are wary of installing an after-market wired system due to the fiber optics ramifications.

Any suggestions and/or information would be greatly appreciated.

Susan and Charlie

[Salmoneous]

$1350??? Ha, that's funny. I don't care what the problems are with fiber optics, there's no way I'd pay anywhere near that much.

I'm curious, is it Mercedes installers that are wary, or guys at a decent mom&pop aftermarket shop?

Keep in mind that the Sirius sound is good, but not perfect. If you only get 98% of the potential quality, it's not going to sound that different from a perfect install. No effing way I'd go with the $1350 option.

[STEELERSRULE]

$1350!!! THAT IS NUTS!!!! I think if you want Sirius, or XM for that matter, you would be better served getting one of their PLUG&PLAY units for around $200 for both home and car kits. These are REALLY easy to install on your own. No drilling or any sort of modification to your car to do this.(At least in my case. I installed DELPHI's XM TUNER myself easily in my 1999 Ford Explorer XLT)

I like the plug and play units the best IMHO. The fact of the ease of transfer from car to home is a wonderful advantage to these receivers.

Salmoneous,

I was wondering if you have any of Sirius's Plug and Play units? I currently have the DELPHI XM Plug and play unit for both home and car. On the car version, I use the Cassette player as the connection. My question is I noticed the Sirius AUDIOVOX version of the P&P uses a wireless FM transmitter to send it's signal to the receiver. On the side of the stand for the unit you decide what frequency you want the signal sent too. Does this connection sound as good as my current set-up? I wouldn't think there would be a major difference. If I closed my eyes and you played both, would I tell the difference between the Cassette connection and the Wireless FM Transmission?

The reason I ask is because I am considering changing over to Sirius. Only because they seem to be trying to move ahead as far as content is concerned. I love sports and considering now they have NFL, NBA, NHL, they seem to be pushing ahead while XM just seems to be sitting on it's hands.

I will give XM about another year though. I know he is not the most popular guy, but I am a loyal Howard Stern listener. If he decides to jump to satellite(hopefully XM, but strong possibility he won't. Be great if BOTH carried his show. I find this DOUBTFUL though) I will go with whoever carries his show.

[dandrewk]

Steelers: I can speak from experience from using both cassette and FM modulation for my iPod.

FM is much, much better fidelity. But it depends very much on the modulator. For the iPod, one modulator I had was awful. The one I have now is much better, as good as FM fidelity.

I would check at the XM website, or someplace like circuit city, for a good modulator for the Delphi. Generally, you get what you pay for. Look for one that says "digital" tuning, and offers several (more than three) different selectable frequencies.

Another advantage with modulators: You can use them in your home. XM in any radio or receiver, anywhere.

[GreySkies]

I'd bite the bullet and spend the money on the factory equipment.

Several years ago, when I wanted a CD changer installed in my Mercedes, I first looked at aftermarket changers and interfaces to work with the factory stereo. I really didn't want a changer that did FM modulation as I think that's an inelegant solution and would seem out-of-place and a bit down market in a Mercedes.

I started researching changer interfaces and started reading about incorrectly wired interfaces blowing up the original factory stereo and/or the CD changer. I ended up buying the Mercedes changer. It took about two minutes to install (just plugged into a pre-existing socket in the trunk) and I haven't had a single problem in six years. For me it was worth the piece of mind having the M-B name on it.

[El Loco Mofo]

Belkin has a very nice digital FM tuner.

[JamesMH]

Go for the factory installed option, the reason why it costs so much is because its at a Mercedes.

If you spent over 45K on the car, spend a little more and get what you want, ALL aftermarket addon options are junk. I'm sure you stereo is pretty darn good in that car, don't make it sound bad by adding FM modulation.

[WitneyCat]

We're going to go ahead and have the Mercedes dealer intall it next week. Price will be $1,000 rather than the originally quoted $1,200. We decided it's better to go with the integrated unit that displays on the existing screen. This will be our second Sirius car--we had it installed in our 2003 LS430 last June, although it's a Kenwood aftermarket unit because the 2003 Lexus was not pre-wired for satellite.

Thanks for the info.

[KevinYee]

I have a 2004 E500, and will be doing the OEM Sirius install in a couple of weeks. No way I'd do a modulator type install. The OEM install will integrate with your COMMAND system, and song tracks/titles will appear in your center display, as well as on your LCD display. Steering controls will also function with the OEM install.

The major drawback to the MB OEM install is that they will drill a hole in your trunk lid and mount the antenna smack dab in the middle of your trunk. It's not color matched, so you'll have a black antenna sitting there from now on. There are alternate ways to do the antenna mount, such as putting it under the rear deck, near the subwoofer, and that's method I'm going to try first.

[sirius_rich]

Here is a picture of the Mercedes factory Sirius display in a CLK cab. Mercedes Factory Sirius (http://community.webshots.com/album/128980085UsFgnF)

[nubz69]

Originally posted by dandrewk
Steelers: I can speak from experience from using both cassette and FM modulation for my iPod.

FM is much, much better fidelity. But it depends very much on the modulator. For the iPod, one modulator I had was awful. The one I have now is much better, as good as FM fidelity.

I would check at the XM website, or someplace like circuit city, for a good modulator for the Delphi. Generally, you get what you pay for. Look for one that says "digital" tuning, and offers several (more than three) different selectable frequencies.

Another advantage with modulators: You can use them in your home. XM in any radio or receiver, anywhere.

yeah cause you want circuit city to work on you MERCEDES BENZ!!!! LOL

[nubz69]

Originally posted by GreySkies
I'd bite the bullet and spend the money on the factory equipment.

Several years ago, when I wanted a CD changer installed in my Mercedes, I first looked at aftermarket changers and interfaces to work with the factory stereo. I really didn't want a changer that did FM modulation as I think that's an inelegant solution and would seem out-of-place and a bit down market in a Mercedes.

I started researching changer interfaces and started reading about incorrectly wired interfaces blowing up the original factory stereo and/or the CD changer. I ended up buying the Mercedes changer. It took about two minutes to install (just plugged into a pre-existing socket in the trunk) and I haven't had a single problem in six years. For me it was worth the piece of mind having the M-B name on it.

Just so you know there are companys (ie blitz) that make interfaces to plug in aftermarket cd changers into the mercedes benz system. I have used these on many cars and they work great. I have never had nor heard of a radio blowing because of this. I also work for a company known for quality car audio installation (tweeter). I wouldn't be surprised if the electronic kmarts out there (best buy, circuit city) have this happen though.


I would say that you should go with the factory option. The reason is that there is a huge loss of sound quality when using an FM modulator. This is something you may not notice with an mp3 player due to the poor source material but you will notice it on sat radio.

[WitneyCat]

Just to follow-up on my original post, we did have the Mercedes dealer do the installation a month or so ago for $1,000. It sounds fabulous, and the integrated COMAND screen is so much better than the after-market unit we have in my husband's 2003 Lexus LS430 (which was not pre-wired for satellite).

As an earlier poster said, it's best to bite the bullet and spend the money for the Mercedes install.

Susan

[sirius_rich]

Glad to hear you are happy. That would have been the way I would have went. Do you have any pictures to share?

[Ron Tobin]

BMW gets $595 for Sirius installed on the 2004 5 series. That price includes installation, activation and 14 months programming. It's also a bit pricey, but not as bad as Mercedes. The dealer installed Sirius integrates nicely with the command screen on the 2004 models.

[sirius_rich]

Originally posted by WitneyCat
Just to follow-up on my original post, we did have the Mercedes dealer do the installation a month or so ago for $1,000. It sounds fabulous, and the integrated COMAND screen is so much better than the after-market unit we have in my husband's 2003 Lexus LS430 (which was not pre-wired for satellite).

As an earlier poster said, it's best to bite the bullet and spend the money for the Mercedes install.

Susan

You peaked my interest in Mercedes Benz and Sirius. I did a little surfing on their site and ran across this very informative video clip. Very well done piece, but of course, what else would you expect from Mercedes?

Mercedes and Sirius Video (http://www.mbusa.com/brand/models/tech_demos/tech_demo_pop.jsp?accCode=3004)

[Jeff Ray]

Another option for certain Mercedes owners. Some have AUX in jacks in the glove compartment. I self installed an XM MyFi into 2003 E500 Mercedes using the AUX in. So unit plays through the car stereo but does not show the selections. Cost was $4.99 for the 1/8 patch wire. Works fine, sounds a lot better than FM modulated. Antenna is on dashboard, not outside.

Jeff in NYC