Xm radio for interstate

[morley8000]

I took delivery of my interstate in July. It’s a 2021 on a 2019 chassis. I have the full infotainment center with big screen but I do not have Sirius XM radio. Anybody know if you retro fit it integrated into the infotainment center?

[swilly43]

Look at your AS build sheet. That should tell you what equipment is installed. Alternately google you radio/entertainment unit and see if xm is included. It would surprise me if it isn’t included. If not, just about anything can be added

[Boxster1971]

Not sure if Airstream got that option on your Interstate. They usually have it but who knows with all the issues around Sprinter deliveries this year.

I recommend you check with the dealer who sold it to you. There might be details on the Airstream build sheet as swilly43 mentioned.

The Sirius XM, satellite radio is Sprinter Option code E1S. Details in attached image. It can also be part of the C03 Premium Plus Package.

To determine if your Sprinter has the E1S option you need a copy of the Mercedes Data Card associated with your VIN. Since you Interstate is built on a 2019 Sprinter you might be able to get the data card info from this VIN lookup site:
https://www.vindecoderz.com/EN/Mercedes-Benz/SPRINTER

[morley8000]

Thanks for the useful reply’s. I’m unable to get the data card from the website. The vin is not registered. I’m going to talk to a Mercedes dealer and see what info they can give and what options I have if not fitted

Thanks again

[TravisH]

Your radio will usually have a preview SiriusXM channel if equipped.

If not the radio may also have some mention of SiriusXM. It would say it right on the face plate. If not you may need a new head unit. I'd be surprised if not as even $100 decks are SiriusXM ready.

Then you'd just need to by the module and antenna of your choice. ~$50-$100 depending.

[85MH325]

OR... you can just use your current subscription (I presume you have one) and stream on your phone and send it to your radio via bluetooth. My T1N AI radio doesn't even have bluetooth, but it has a USB connector, and a lightning cable works great.

[nvestysly]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

OR... you can just use your current subscription (I presume you have one) and stream on your phone and send it to your radio via bluetooth. My T1N AI radio doesn't even have bluetooth, but it has a USB connector, and a lightning cable works great.

That's essentially what we do. We pay for the low budget SiriusXM package ($4.99 + tax + fees = ~$6) in our truck then use streaming at the house or in other vehicles. Streaming music doesn't seem to use much data.

If you do decide to upgrade and add a module consider Crutchfield - their customer support is second to none!

[Boxster1971]

Originally Posted by 85MH325

OR... you can just use your current subscription (I presume you have one) and stream on your phone and send it to your radio via bluetooth. My T1N AI radio doesn't even have bluetooth, but it has a USB connector, and a lightning cable works great.

I noticed recently the the SiriusXM app is now on Apple Car Play, assume it is also on Google Play. This also eliminates the need to have a SiriusXM radio. Only negative is you need cell data. As an added positive you don't need that antenna on the roof shown in the image I posted above. That will be important for me when I want to cover the roof with solar panels.

[emelaich01]

If it turns out your Interstate isn't XM capable, call Sirius and see if they'll send you a refurbished XM adapter. Our EV didn't come with either Sirius (or AM) but Sirius sent us an adapter with all the necessary cables, antenna, etc. at no charge. We currently have subscriptions on two vehicles.

[preedtx]

In the Audio section it shows:

512554 Tuner Sirius XM Tuner

Not sure where or how it fits. Anyone have an idea?

[morley8000]

So here’s what I’ve found out so far. Spoke to Mercedes service advisor. The 10 inch info center should have XM radio but Mercedes have been building vehicles with any parts they can get and I may have European screen. There is no factory application to adapt to XM radio. There maybe third party modules that can integrate into radio but they know of none and it’s probably to soon for the new system. I do have a mobile XM radio but I can’t connect it to sound through the radio. There are no jack plugs in the new Sprinters, USB C sockets. I managed to get a 3.5mm adaptor to USB C but when in Media it will not recognize the XM radio. I’m now searching for a 3.5mm to Bluetooth adapter to see if that works.
I only have one leather armrest on the passenger door. Nothing on the drivers door so I guess Mercedes are just shipping Sprinters with any spec they can??????

[Beemerman]

We have an “early” 2020 with the 7” screen......suits us fine, was not going to let a screen size defer the purchase of a NEW 19’ TB sitting on the lot !!!!
Aside fm FM tuner on MBUX (replaced Fusion) ALL music/audio is either Bluetooth (my favorite) or Apple Play connected to the center dash phone cubby.
Works fine, sounds better now that I’ve put a towel over the terrible center dash speaker.....separate thread on that issue somewhere on this forum !!!

[gator.bigfoot]

I have the XM radio built into mine, but I don't use it as I have multiple vehicles where I move the XM radio to. Unfortunately the model of my radio has the built in apple connect (which I also don't use) so it ties up the aux port. I've tried special cable adaptors to no avail. So now I use an adaptor that sends a signal to the FM receiver. It's not great, but it works. Bluetooth would have been better. But the radio doesn't have that feature. I also can move the radio into the AS where I have a docking station. Mercedes doesn't make anything easy. Everything is complicated. My wife's Mercedes has a dedicated Aux port so this would have been easy on hers, but she hates radio.

[morley8000]

Update: I tried a Bluetooth adapter with my XM radio but it won’t connect to the Mercedes media. It’s looking like my only opportunity is to stream from my phone.