2006 M45 Poor XM Reception

[FlawleZ]

So I've had my '06 M45 for a little over 3 years now and I recently paid to have the XM activated again and for whatever reason the signal frequently drops and picks back up while driving. I've used it in the past with the free trial and didn't have any issues with it but it's been a little over a year since last used. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Does the antenna degrade over time?

[Ilya]

Hmm, it shouldn't. The only time I have drops is when I go through heavily wooded areas (canopys) or tunnels.

[steve_c]

I've got an 06 with Sirius from day one. Most of the time reception is OK. Sometimes, it is great. Other times, blotchy. Heavy rain, clouds, snow, tall trees, valleys, etc. all hinder performance, but at times I can have clear skies & clear line of site from horizon to horizon & still get poor reception.
All that being said, very rarely does it get to the point where I have to shut it down for an alternative listening option.

[kmiles]

I think it also depends on where you live. I'm on the west coast, south of Seattle. I thought it was just my car, until I bought my wife a Lexus last year. She loses Sirius XM reception in all of the exact same places - typically when we are west of heavy trees or right next to a hillside. My theory is that the satellites are positioned to just barely cover the land to the coast - and that's it. I believe that our angles to the satellite are that tight. I also lose the signal when downtown Seattle with all of the tall buildings.

[dback]

I have noticed that mine drops out at the same point on a local highway. It has a clear view of the south sky but it is near some very large radio antennas which are used for air traffic control. Other than that the performance has been consistent.