I have a 2010 Mazda5 and would like to move a lifetime XM subscription from another vehicle to this one. Everything I'm reading is that the Mazda5 requires a Sirius radio module to be installed, which we do not have. Now here's the real question: XM and Sirius are now a single company on paper but for hardware (i.e. the module mentioned above) are they still very different? Is an XM module available instead? Does the radio really care where/how it gets its information or is there some proprietary 'stuff' that separates the two?

I know that the lifetime XM subscription will allow 3 changes to radio ID (i.e a new vehicle or replacement head unit) for a $75 fee, but I'm not sure if going from XM to Sirius is possible. Anyone know? I'd be curious if anyone knows technical details too. I'm a handy guy and wouldn't be against cutting wires and working with a 3rd party wiring harness if that's needed.

Thanks!

 

Well, it seems that XM and Sirius are different animals. If the Mazda5 works with Sirius, then that's what I'll need. My XM lifetime subscription won't work in this case with the factory installed radio.

A portable/handheld XM unit wired into the radio will work though... Not as streamlined and sexy, but still do able.

I guess I answered my own question.