I'm just wondering how the Sirius attaches into the system. Is it just a single box that the "CD Changer" wires connect to, or is there some sort of adapter box necessary?

Thanks!

 

There is a tuner box that interfaces in the boot where the CD changer connection is...There is also a combo Sirius/radio antenna that replaces the stock radio antenna...You need the HK and CD changer extension cables (if you have the HK, which i got from Classic...Luckily, I had an experienced Mini/Sirius friend who was very good at taking the rear apart...There are some areas where caution is needed, like proper torque of the rear seat belt tensioners/anchors...I was surprised at how involved it was, and after having seen it done, dont know if i could do it myself.
Best,
matt

 

So basically it is an "all-in-one" type box (not like the newish XM Commander/Blitzsafe Adapter thing). I'm just wondering why this is such a complicated install. Is it absolutely necessary to take everything in the back seat apart to do this install, or could it be done a little less cleanly but with more ease of install?

(To see what I mean about a less involved install, please look at this XM Commander/Blitsafe install instruction: http://nickpresley.com/xm/)

 

Yep, the receiver is a "one piece" device... the CD changer cable plugs into it, and there is a connector on the receiver for the CD changer extension cable (not included) if you have one. There is a separate ALC module in series with the cables to the antenna, but it is small and just attached to the mounting bracket with a wire tie.

After doing the job, I've decided that you do not need to remove the rear seat (although once you figure out how to do it it's no big deal). They tell you to do this so you can completely remove the right interior panel... as it turns out I just opened the back of the panel and was able to get the job done. Something they DON'T tell you is to NOT separate the rear window seal from the pillar air bag cover... there's an attachment there to keep the cover from becoming a projectile if the air bag deploys.

The most difficult part of the job for me was replacing the antenna. It's very close quarters in there, and difficult to get a wrench on the nut that secures the new antenna. You end up doing most of the work through opening where the alarm sensor goes (under the square cover just forward of the rear door). Be sure to have a 22mm open end wrench on hand... it's the only tool I found that I could use to get onto the nut.

Dan

 

Thanks for the insights, Dan. I would really appreciate it if some time when you've got some free time on your hands, you could give a thorough write-up of exactly what it takes to do the job--or at least what the bare minimum is that one can get away with, i.e. what panels actually need to be removed, where wires should be run, etc. I'm not personally planning to replace the antenna, since I'm a NAV user, and it's not possible.

Cheers!

And if someone with a digital camera ever comes along and does this job, posting that info on here would be a real life saver for a lot of people!

 

Ditto on the pics. They would be nice. Especially any(more) info on just what I don't have to remove. I already caught the bit about being careful removing the airbag panel on the rear(?).

My system should be in tomorrow or Monday. I have enough digital camera equipment that I should be able to get a decent "how to" together. I'm like you though Chi, I don't want to screw anything up and want to remove as little as possible to get the job done.

I don't have Nav, but do have HK.

jerij