OEM satellite radio cheaper?

Nissan just started offering an add-on Sirrius radio tuner for the Sentras. It's so new that some dealers don't even know that it exists. The unit is made by Clarion, but is listed under a Nissan part number. Does anyone know if the Clarion DSH920S is the same part? I can get it from a stereo dealer for around $200, but Nissan part is almost $500.

BTW- I realize that I can buy an aftermarket headunit w/ satellite radio, but I'm building a stealth system to avoid theft.

The local dealer for me told me the unit was $346.00, and you had a choice of either XM ( B8046-CR001 ) or Sirius ( B8046-CR011 ). It wasn't in the parts book. But, they found it in "Accessory Bulletion" i.e. e-mail. There is a sticker in you driver side doorjamb that says if your car was pre-wired for it. For MY04s you need a serial of 730963 or later. But, by the time you by the receiver, ~$200, and the antenna, ~$100-150, from an audio dealer you will be looking at around the same price. As far as I know the Clarion DSH920S is just the receiver. You will still need the antenna for it.

~Monk

Thanks for the part numbers! I checked the website that I usually buy Nissan parts from and they have either for $330. That sounds a little better than $500. As for the serial number, are you talking about the last 6 numbers of the VIN? If so, mine is 729xxx but the car is less than 1 month old and the radio has the "SAT" button.

Does the pre-wirring use an aux input or an FM modulator? Considering you gen get an add on package for XM, complete w/ antenna, RCA outputs and FM modulator for only $136, I would skip the "convenience" of the pre-wiring and save $200, instead of giving it to the dealer/nissan.

The one Monk mentions for $346 is not a new head unit, but a kit that will work with the factory stereo. You can check it out at http://www.leeauto.com/parts/sentra.html and there are installation instructions available there also. The kit comes with the tuner and antenna for your choice of Sirius or XM.

If you get a new head, it will only be Sat Ready. You will still have to get the receiver and the antenna. If you don't want to change the head, get an external receiver like kenwood or sony and use an fm modulator, if the head unit doesn't have aux inputs for audio. That will be the easiest way to add XM without having to change the head unit. The pre-wired systems in the 04s are just Sat Ready headunits thus the receiver hooks directly into them.

Thanks for the help. Since I don't want to have anything visible, including an aftermarket satellite radio control, I'll probably just go with the Nissan add-on tuner. I prefer to get all of the features that I want with the least equipment possible. Now I just have to find the best price...