Well, after a couple of weeks with plain old FM, I finally got my XM back. I went with a Pioneer FH-P800BT. This unit has the standard AM/FM/CD, plus the WMA/MP3, etc. It also has Bluetooth Music, Bluetooth Phone, and iPod connectivity...and of course, the whole reason I got it...XM. So, it took me a weekend, and I still don't have my steering wheel controls yet, but I can do without that for now.

The verdict?? So far I love it. It has great sound on all modes. XM works like it should, and has a lot more screen area for viewing information than my last one did. My wife's iPod (iPod Touch) connected flawlessly and is controlled via the radio. I have not tried the MP3 or WMA stuff yet. Not, the coolest thing so far is the Bluetooth hands-free phone. This thing works just like it did in my Chevy with the OnStar. I believe it to be totally hands-free (after you activate the phone), just like OnStar, but I haven't figured all that stuff out yet. Once you have your party dialing in though, it works fantastic. I have the mic up over the instrument display. Going 70 down the highway, my wife could hear me like I was talking to her right into the phone. And I could hear her through all 4 speakers. Waay cool. And when she hung up, my XM came right back. I got some reading to do, that's for sure.

Anyway, a big thumbs up for this stereo. It look good, fits like it was made for it, and works fantastic. Here's a couple of pics.

<a href="http://s326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/edjunior1/?action=view&current=DSCN0445Large.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/edjunior1/DSCN0445Large.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

<a href="http://s326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/edjunior1/?action=view&current=DSCN0446Large.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i326.photobucket.com/albums/k422/edjunior1/DSCN0446Large.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

 

Hi I recently put the same stereo into my expedition but I am unable to find out how to hook up the system to get it to dim at night. I would appreciatte any help. Thanks,

 

I did not hook mine up to do that either, so I can't help you there. Sorry. Mine is not so bright at night as to be a bother, so I haven't bothered with it.

 

I am thinking going that route with my 08', one with a gps and xm but really dont want to drill a hole in the roof, is the roof mounted antenna required or are there other alternatives?? im not really up to date on the aftermarket stuff !

 

Bill, the antenna for the gps should just be a magnet that you can put anywhere within reach of the wire.

 

I went with a Kenwood DNX6960 for me. double din.

Has all the nice stuff with it as well, as garmin gps. I routed my antenna to sit on the dash. right in the corner by the windshield on the drivers side. Same color as the dash and you don't notice it at all.

 

thanks for the info... time to start shopping!!

 

I had my antenna routed through the drivers door up to the hood vent where I had it in my '03, but it didn't quite work out under those grills. So I just moved it out and have it at the corner of the hood closest to the drivers door. It is barely noticeable there as well and works great.