Xm Radio Mount

[rswansbro]

I am looking to install an XM radio into to my 2004 RX330. Best Buy tells me to purchase a mounting bracket from www.bracketron.com and then bring it to the store for installation. Is this the best thing to do? Suggestions?

[cduluk]

Which XM radio? I think the solution will be based on the size and shape etc...

[rxpx40]

Excellent early post. My wife is interested in XM radio for her '04 RX330 and I will be encountering the same issue. The last thing I want to do is make holes in the interior of this car. Her stock stereo is having intermittent problems with the CD drive and I would like to investigate possibly installing XM radio for her. I don't know anything about manufacturers or features. Any information will be very welcome.

Chris

[1990LS400]

VAIS seems to be the industry leader in providing integrated sat radio solutions for 2001-up Lexus vehicles without the need for external devices mounted on a bracket. VAIS solutions are probably more expensive than the Best Buy route but I tend to cring when I think about someone at Best Buy touching a car.

VAIS has integrated XM solutions for 2004 RX330's with and without navigation. Check them out: http://www.vaistech.com

VAIS solutions are "plug and play". Installing a VAIS solution likely involves pulling the radio out of the center stack but that is usually pretty easy to do on just about any vehicle made by Toyota.

If you want to go the external sat radio route, Pro-Fit has three different brackets for the 04 RX330: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/

I've used Pro-Fit brackets to install phone cradles and portable GPS devices in both our 98 Camry and 00 LS400. Installing a bracket does not require putting visible holes in your dash -- the mounting holes and screws are always hidden.

Here are some instructions for mounting a a Pro.Fit Legend bracket in an 04 RX330 which also show how to remove the radio: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Adobe/MV-50-03-L-p1.pdf

[rswansbro]

This is excellent advice. I was not aware of the VAIS option. My RX330 has navigation and Mark Levinson sound system and I would welcome an integrated system whereby an external mount is not needed. I understand that the VAIS system works with the current radio... Is this correct and where do I go to get the system installed?

VAIS seems to be the industry leader in providing integrated sat radio solutions for 2001-up Lexus vehicles without the need for external devices mounted on a bracket. VAIS solutions are probably more expensive than the Best Buy route but I tend to cring when I think about someone at Best Buy touching a car.

VAIS has integrated XM solutions for 2004 RX330's with and without navigation. Check them out: http://www.vaistech.com

VAIS solutions are "plug and play". Installing a VAIS solution likely involves pulling the radio out of the center stack but that is usually pretty easy to do on just about any vehicle made by Toyota.

If you want to go the external sat radio route, Pro-Fit has three different brackets for the 04 RX330: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/

I've used Pro-Fit brackets to install phone cradles and portable GPS devices in both our 98 Camry and 00 LS400. Installing a bracket does not require putting visible holes in your dash -- the mounting holes and screws are always hidden.

Here are some instructions for mounting a a Pro.Fit Legend bracket in an 04 RX330 which also show how to remove the radio: http://www.pro-fit-intl.com/Adobe/MV-50-03-L-p1.pdf

[1990LS400]

Yes, VAIS solutions will work with your current radio and display XM station information on your nav screen. I'm sensing that you are not a "do-it-yourself" person like many of us on this forum. Some Lexus dealers install VAIS products although you will pay a premium to buy the product through the dealer and have them install it. You might try asking VAIS for installer recommendations if you don't want to ask your Lexus dealer.

I've pulled radios out of Lexus and Toyota vehicles a number of times, removed interior trim, routed wires and have developed a comfort level .... but it really is pretty easy to do if you can follow instructions and have some basic tools -- a trim removal tool, screwdriver, 10 mm socket wrench. The people who install these types of products aren't brain surgeons. Installing a VAIS interface looks easier than many since it should be plug and play -- no wire cutting and splicing involved.