Is the XM option worth getting?

[nfr5111]

Hi Folks-
New Titan owner as of tomorrow, I formerly had a 2002 Frontier that had the stock stereo with an added Sony XM receiver which I traded in with the truck.

Since I am not picking it up tomorrow, I have time to possibly add the XM option to the Rockford stereo system already in the truck. I have waded thru some of the stereo posts already, and some seem to be not so happy about the 400 upgrade. Since I am already an addicted XM subscriber, its going to be installed one way or the other, I am just looking for options.

Opinions PLEASE!!!
thanks

[eakes]

If you like a nice neat package (and your wallet can stand the cost), go with the Nissan XM. However, I would suggest waiting for a few days after you have started using the vehicle before making a final decision.

A good option for an XM receiver is the XM commander which can be added rather easily - expecially if you have a little do-it-yourself capability.

I say wait because after hands on experience with the Rockford radio you may decide something else needs to be done relative to the radio/speakers and you could include an XM receiver in the 'change package'.

The present Rockford and mid-level radios in the Titans have serious design problems in my estimation. I have found the Rockford radio in the Titan is worse than the stock AM/FM/CD radio found in the Frontier line. The radio front end has a serious noise problem. The effect is that a strong local FM station is received as though it is a distant weak station.

I took delivery of my Titan this past saturday. The Rockford radio in it will be history in a few days as soon as I finish a floor tile project for a friend and have time to pull it out. I had a replacement dash panel with the 2-din cutout included in my trade deal because I knew I would replace the radio before I bought the truck.

[CROSBYTITAN]

I installed the unit myself , and it sounds great! I have no complaints. It took about two hours to do it myself. I only spent 375.00 on the system tru the Internet.

[nfr5111]

thanks guys. I was playing with the stereo while on my test ride and in the lot, checked a lot of stations and everything seems fine for now. If the stereo holds up I don't see modifying it, at least not anytime soon.

I was pondering the XM Roady, but I am not sure I am crazy about it. I might go with the standard Pioneer setup if I don't have Nissan install it directly.

I am actually buying an Altima from them also for the wife, so I am hoping they step up and treat me real nice at the dealership, since I haven't signed for the Altima yet.....LOL

[Steve04SE]

Originally Posted by CROSBYTITAN

I installed the unit myself , and it sounds great! I have no complaints. It took about two hours to do it myself. I only spent 375.00 on the system tru the Internet.

I agree 110%, the factory XM RF is a tremendous improvement and worth it AND the steering wheel controls will function whereas w/ an aftermarket they will not.

[nfr5111]

Ok, so the dealer is saying they don't do the XM as a option, they say its already set up for XM and all I have to do is buy the antenna.......does anyone have a part number or option number to throw at them and make them realize XM can be added on their end??

They are proving to be idiots already......

[smoke_armada]

I got mine here:

http://www.infinitiwholesaleparts.co...cPage_11.chtml

and installed myself. Not impossible with a buddy's help. I've got the
Armada myself though and install is slightly diff for the Titan.

Good luck.

[bestatchess]

Originally Posted by nfr5111

Ok, so the dealer is saying they don't do the XM as a option, they say its already set up for XM and all I have to do is buy the antenna.......does anyone have a part number or option number to throw at them and make them realize XM can be added on their end??

They are proving to be idiots already......

I think what they mean is that it has the NBUS cable that goes from the head unit down under the driver's side dash. You will need to buy the antenna and the XMReceiver.

[WIS-key]

Originally Posted by nfr5111

Ok, so the dealer is saying they don't do the XM as a option, they say its already set up for XM and all I have to do is buy the antenna.......does anyone have a part number or option number to throw at them and make them realize XM can be added on their end??

They are proving to be idiots already......

Most dealers are pretty clueless. My salesman was reasonably well-informed - or would find out an answer if he didn't know. He was able to get the correct part numbers from Nissan for the XM option and ordered them for me. I decided to install it myself, rather than pay them 3 hours labor to do it.

I seriously doubt that there's an XM receiver in your new Titan, just waiting for an antenna. (I could be wrong.) My KC LE was born on 2-Apr-2004, and there was definitely no XM receiver under the dash. It was pre-wired for XM, however.

If you bought the Rockford package, you're "pre-wired" for XM. (I think that's also the case if you got the non-Rockford 6 disc changer, as well.) To get the "official" XM setup, you'll need the antenna-less receiver package, the mounting bracket, and the "through-the-glass" (TTG) antenna. Some people hate the TTG antenna, but it's really not that obtrusive. Plus, I've got another 4 foot antenna on the tailgate for my amateur radio transceiver, so I'm used to seeing antennas on my vehicles.

Some people have skipped the TTG antenna and used the standard "boot heel" antenna (go look at a factory Sirius- or XM-equipped Maxima), or even the new micro antennas that you can buy at the local Best Buy or Circuit City. (The micro antennas will require a splitter to work with the OEM XM receiver.)

Anyway, if you get the correct parts, and can follow directions/turn a wrench, you can have the kit installed yourself in about 2-3 hours.

I should have taken pictures with my digital camera when I was installing it and turned it into a "how-to". Oh well - if anyone is within driving distance of central NC and wants some help installing. You bring the, ahem, adult beverages and I'll help with the installation. Oh, yeah, we'll save the adult beverages for AFTER the installation.

-Rob

[Titanman]

I put XM in my other car and haven't listened to the "regular" radio since. I love it. Miss it in the Titan though. I probably should have gotten the Roady or one of the portable ones to move between the car and the truck.

Mike