I recently purchased a 2005 XJ8L and had an audio dealer in Columbus, OH install my Sirius. I have a lifetime subscription so I needed to just have them hook up the car unit that now mounts to the windshield with a suction cup, in addition I lose a lot of volume compared to standard radio or a CD? I have read about installing this unit in the ashtray (I can't stand this on the windshield) but I don't have enough posts yet to view pictures of installs nor do I have any idea what it should cost to have this done. The audio dealer that installed what I have did not want anything to do with the ashtray install. Another audio shop I found in Cleveland (E&A) suggested I purchase another complete ashtray assembly from a junkyard or ebay. There are a few on ebay for about $79 - $85 and they want another $100 to install. Not sure why they want me to buy another ashtray. Any experiences or recommendations out there? I do not have the time or the ability to try this myself.

Thanks

 

The ashtray is a logical place to put it from an ergonomics perspective. This is where Jaguar installed them for owners who ordered their new XJs wth Sirius.

Also if you search this site you'll see pictures of some who installed it under the ashtray door. I like that approach.

My dealer installed my Sirius in the center console between the seats. It's out of the way and never in plain sight. Plus I can pull it out and place it in the cupholders where it's easy to navigate as I'm driving. The way the armrest shuts there's plenty of room for the wires to snake out of the console into the cup holder area without it getting clipped.

 

Does anyone have pictures of their installs?

 

When I was shopping for my car, 2006 Jaguar S Type-R, I saw a satellite radio installed in the ashtray. I bought a different car and I can't find an audio dealer who knows what I am talking about. Can anyone identify the type/brand of satellite receiver I need?
Thanks,
Rick

 

I have a Sirius ashtray install in my 04 XJ8. What you're looking for is a Sirius Direct Connect unit and Sirius tuner. These are 2 separarte pieces. The controller mounts in the ashtray and the tuner is hidden behind the dash. Very tidy and not at all bulky. The ashtray insert is removed to accommodate the install but the ashtray door remains intact and can be closed normally. In addition, this particular controller comes with an auxillary cable that allows you to connect an IPOD/MP3 or phone. In my car, that cable is routed through the console cubby so nothing is visible unless I take the cable out to use the aux. input. Only drawback to this setup, and Sirius connection in general unless you have the Jag Audio Connectivity Module, is that the Sirius input to the audio system is through the antenna connection and therefore sound quality is more like radio and less like CD.

 

While I have not installed the audio connectivity module this link will walk you through it.

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...ctivity+module

You would need a direct input into the car audio system that this unit provides for the Sat Radio to give you the CD quality you are looking for. It's a lot of work as you will see after reviewing this post.

 

I recently installed my ACM, and I thought it was going to be a lot harder. The trick is just hiding all the wires in a proper way. It took about 2 hrs.

 

I think all your answers are here:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...atelite-16192/

I have installed Sirius in all 5 of my Jaguars. Each time its easier than the last. I did move the reciever closer to the ashtray door on my last install so its not quite so recessed.