I recently bought my first Element - a used '05. So I was driving around yesterday, and I got 'curious' about the ((XM)) button on my radio. I hit it and I hear music. So now I have a question:

I don't have a subscription to XM. How does the XM reception work? Did the previous owners have it and I just happened to get lucky, or did I stumble into a preview mode or something? How does an XM subscription match up to your car radio (code or plug-in)?

Thanks.

More than likely its an existing subscription tied to your radio.

XM runs on subscriptions per radio unit.

XM Radios all receive Channel 0 (zero) which is the radios ID and Channel 001, the XM preview channel.

Bob

XM is having a "Free Listening Period" of some of its more popular channels through May 31 as a way to entice people to activate the service.

XM is having a "Free Listening Period" of some of its more popular channels through May 31 as a way to entice people to activate the service.


I thought it was weird that i havent renewed my subscription but i was still getting a few channels.

I bought a used 05 and got 3 free months.

If you purchased your E from the dealership, it is possible that the free 3 month trial period was reactivated. Once it runs out, you will be restricted to three music-less channels. If you decide you like the service, set the channel to 001, write down the radio code (which is unique to that unit) and head to www.xmradio.com to sign up. Alternatively you can call them and subscribe to the service. Its ~10 bucks a month right now.

As for the reception question: it works with direct satellite feeds as well as ground relay stations. You'll find that there are very few 'deadspots' including sitting under overpasses for more than 2-3 seconds and random places with tall buildings.