Is there a Factory XM Radio option for the E!ement?

http://partscheap.com/PDF/Element03/2003%20Element%20Keyless%20Entry.pdf

go read instruction #4.

I never seen a Factory XM Radio from HONDA... I want one if there is one.

I was going to toss the stock radio for an ALPINE CD/MP3 player with XM Radio. $275 for the radio and $200 for APLINE XM Reciever.

XM is now standard in Acura RL and TL, available for S2000, and for 2004 standard on all Accords with leather.

However, the headunits on such cars are going to be different than the one in the E -- they allow for the display of XM information (channels, artist, song, etc.) and at least in the Acura it looks like this is a video-style display. So in the existing E, it is more than a matter of popping in an XM tuner.

The E, however, is blessed with the AUX input. Some circuit cities are selling the roady for $100. Get that, and a five dollar stereo-mini 1/8 cord, which is usually in the computer aisle at the CC/BBs, and you're good to go! I've got my SkyFi in the E, I did go for an aftermarket mount (an extra twenty bucks) below the shifter... other threads show different options for mounting. The Roady is about the size of a cassette tape and is one awesome little unit.

47+ views and 1 reply?

Someone please give me some info. Thanks. -Nam

This topic has at least 4-5 threads, some of which are as recent as last week, when some E-owners installed the XM Roady. For example, see this thread:
http://www.elementownersclub.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=4267&highlight=xm+radio

XM is not yet an OEM option for the Element.

I thought my reply was pretty good :-(

Basically, you may find the honda XM tuner box somewhere but it won't do you much good with the current E headunit, which is not XM ready. But because of the insanely easy direct-connect AUX option, your E is "roady-ready" without the hassle of installing a new headunit and a tuner box. That's your best bet. Factory XM on the E will probably happen next year, just a guess, since Toyota offers XM on the Scion, and Honda owns a chunk of XM and is getting aggressive with the rollout...

I am leaning towards the Alpine Radio. $280.00

http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-vxm3IoPG50B/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=62700&I=500CDA9807&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

http://akamaipix.crutchfield.com/products/2003/500/h500cda9807-f.jpeg

Nam,

Before you make a decision, compare the XM display with that of the SkiFi and the Roady. My first XM was a Sony and my husband still has a Pioneer, and the XM display on both is very limited in scope. A newer model like the Alpine that you're thinking about may have a better display than the older in-dash units, but you should still check. Both the Delphis have bright displays with lots of room for text (like full song titles).

Also, as I noted in an earlier post, the XM-ready units like my Sony, are just adapted for XM, not designed for it. I never did figure out the XM-presets on the Sony.

Just some points to consider...

If you have your heart set on Alpine, you really can't go wrong with that, Alpine makes very nice equipment. I've had Alpines before, and still do in my non-E car. By all accounts the Alpine XM sounds great. However, the EX sound system is fantastic, and the Roady may be a better solution for you.

In addition to that Alpine headunit, you'd need an Alpine XM tuner box. The headunit is XM-ready but cannot receive/decode the XM signal by itself. So add $150-$200 for the XM tuner if you're lucky, Crutchfield wants $250:
http://www.crutchfield.com/cgi-bin/S-uiiDd9Kch4y/ProdView.asp?s=0&c=3&g=79900&I=500T020XM&o=m&a=0&cc=01&avf=N

Antenna is another $30 if you know where to look.

There is also an issue with availability of that Alpine XM tuner unit. Note Crutchfield is out of stock until November 15. All the separate XM tuner units are apparently discontinued in favor of a universal XM tuner unit that XM will make/distribute and which will be compatible with all the various XM-ready headunits (no you won't need a Sony tuner to work with a Sony headunit, Alpine tuner to work with alpine headunit, etc., and it will also be much less expensive). While this is going on there's apparently a shortage of those branded tuner boxes. (It's also highly likely that early next year there will be XM capable headunits, no more need for separate tuner box.)

In contrast, the Roady is a hundred bucks, complete, and you can "install" it yourself easily. So -- Alpine solution is maybe 280+250+30+installation, and the Roady is 120 at full retail+five bucks for a stereo mini jack cable. And just like the Alpine, you get great direct-connect sound, no modulation or tape adapters to futz with. In an older car with a crappy radio, the Alpine headunit alternative may be the way to go, but with the E EX sound system, my vote would be Roady (or SkyFi, which is what I've got). There's nothing wrong with the Alpine, it's just not as practical in this car.

Thanks for all the responses. Does anyone have pictures of the SkiFi and the Roady installed in the E?

Right now... I am just looking at all the available options.

I have always been a fan of Alpine units.. b/c of their ease of use and high clearity. I do realized there Apline requires you to buy their XM Reciever.

And my friends also told me of the future universal XM Tuner box coming out. I hope the new Universal box don't lose Alpine Quality.

The thread I mentioned above has pictures of my SkiFi install (page 2) and at least one other (page 3). I'm sure I've seen recent pics of the Roady too, so try searching the boards.

Here's another option for XM, due out later this month:
http://www.xmradio.com/commander/

XM says: The XMCommander works with all AM/FM car stereos regardless of make, brand, or year.

Honda does offer the XM for some of their models, however the element is not one of them. It comes in the Accord Coupe and Accura.

Go with the raody. It is sweet. I am actually considering getting rid of my 6 year old pickup a few years earlyier than I would like to get ehe element, partially for its practicallity, and partially because of the AUX input up front where I can plug in the roady. Honestly, I will probably wait until 2005 and see if it becomes a standard feature on the E. But seriously, I have thought about it. The roady XM unit is awesome.

I just activated the XM radio in my car (2002 Acura RSX - type S) and am loving it so far. Great clarity and sooooo many great stations. My CD's will hardly ever get played now. My unit is a Pioneer (came with the car) and only knock I have is the display (as previously posted by someone here).

One other option that the XM radio representative that came to our dealership recommended is this. Through the website for XM radio (xmradio.com I believe) you can get XM radio for your home and also buy a "roady" attachment for your car. Then you can take your XM with you everywhere. I have not seen this yet and can't vouch for it's quality though.

I'm like the guy in that XM commercial. I have the Skyfi, and I pop it out of the car cradle when I get to work, bring it to my office, and put it in the boombox on my desk. My CDs are seeing much less play time!

Kristi

How's the reception when you out in nowhere land ??

[quote:e42bf477ba="Tony Soprano"]How's the reception when you out in nowhere land ??[/quote:e42bf477ba]

You have to keep in mind that this isn't the standard 'broadcast from a tower' type of radio. So your reception isn't based on how far away you are from a metropolitan area. Since the signal comes from a satellite in space, everyone is approximately the same distance from the 'tower'. This is one of the selling points - you can travel across country and listen to the same station for the entire journey. No more searching the FM band for a good station as the one you are listening too fades into the static. And, if I'm not mistaken, the XM signal is digital which does not suffer from the static and noise you get from a traditional radio broadcast. But to answer your question directly, you probably get better reception in 'nowhere land' because there is less likely to be any interference from the surroundings.

In fact, reception is better on the open road than in the concrete jungle. I don't know what Sirius does, but XM augments the satellite signals in cities using surface transmitters. The only place I run into problems in the sticks is under heavy tree cover. And tunnels.