I have the Harman Kardon system and want to install the XM Direct Radio Kit. I've seen photos that illustrate the XM Inteface to be placed in the right hand compartment of the boot.

I don't have much room with the H/K amp in the right hand compartment.

Any suggestions?

thanks,

 

It fits, but it is a tight fit. I put one of the modules (the Blitz-safe) module up inside the fender, and the actual XM kit fits in at a funny angle. The door keeps the package secure and in there...

 

thanks for the info. Are you happy with the XM Setup?

 

quite, the signal quality and easy of use are great. My only complaint is that the artist/song text does not scroll (the unit just cut's it off). Otherwise, I'm a satisfied customer! It was really plug and play, no issue when installing it...

 

I also wedged my XMDirect box between the door and the H/K amp and I noticed I had a buzz/rattle. I eventually took the seats out and the side panel off and attached the XMDirect box up behind the rear seat latch point and now the rattle is gone.

Also, there is a MINI harnessthat can be bought that will extend the sat radio plug from its current location on the right over to the door on the left if you want to. That is what the dealer uses to install the Sirius box on H/K cars. I kind of wish I had done that as it looks like much less stuff to remove.

 

Thanks to ZFXR, I got the same unit and am very happy overall. I have the same issue with the tight squeeze. I first wrapped the big box with a clean towel and zip tie it on then stuffed it in. No buzzin for me.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...mp;topic=26379

 

I too just bought the XM receiver and hooked it to the antenna lead into my HK. Mostly static. The HK has an IPod link in the glove box, but no disc changer or aux setting. What to do? I hear of this direct link on these threads, somebody please educate me on this, I drive my Mini S for my job and crave clear, consistant signals for those long, never boring sales trips. I see several unused pin connections on the back of the HK but got no documentation on it when I bought it used. Help?

 

Is the stock HK system XM ready and what XM unit is the right one for the application?

 

No, the HK unit is NOT XM ready. The BMW dealer in Nashville was at a loss and offered a direct link for Sirius but the car would need to go in and have a fiberoptic cable installed in the headliner then have the HK unit reprogrammed??? They mentioned $650.00 for the cable alone. I don't think so. I tried hooking the XM supplied antenna clamp to the back of the HK unit in the dash, where the cable plugs in. No good, mostly static, probably because it is shielded? I have yet to try the ugly method of clamping it directly to the antenna on top of the car and snaking the cable in through the hatch. I remember doing that temporarily and the sound quality seemed the same as hooking on the back of the unit in-dash. This is frustrating. Does anyone know about this "reprogramming" of the HK unit? As of now, the MODE selector simply goes between CD, Radio, and IPod. Could "XM" or "AUX" be added? For less than a whole new XM ready unit?

 

Do a search for Blitzsafe (was referenced in post #2). They make an adapter that connects to the CD changer harness in the trunk that tricks the stock HK into thinking it's a factory Sirus unit. You then plug in the XM Direct to it. No FM modulators or AUX jack connections. Can control it through the MFSW too. Takes about 30 minutes to install with no tools required.

Total cost should be less then $200.