[Red Rado]

I am looking to replace the stock head unit in my 08 Siverado. Has anyone done this and retained their factory XM unit? I plan to install a Pioneer AVHX-4700BS. I know I'll need the right cables, I'm just trying to avoid putting in an additional tuner and antenna. If you have, which head unit did you choose? I want better sound while adding Bluetooth and retaining my steering wheel controls.

 

[RayVoy]

I am no longer a radio "expert", but it may be the speakers that you are not happy with.

 

[Red Rado]

True, I am also thinking about upgrading the speakers. The main thing I want is Bluetooth.

 

[4silverado]

I would talk to MotoCarr. He is very knowledgeable on car audio.

 

[MotoCARR]

Just use the GMOS-LAN-012 wire harness when installing the radio, it retains all factory options

http://axxessinterfaces.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=1

It looks intimidating but it's not that complicated

 

[Red Rado]

When I looked that up via Crutchfields site, it says it's not compatible with my 08 Silverado. Mine has Onstar, XM, and steering wheel controls. They recommend a scosche GM-23SR. Any idea if that's right?

 

[MotoCARR]

Essentially the same thing. I just went for the axxess part because that's mostly what I have used. Both will get you where you want to be . If I read it right, the Scosche part may do steering wheel controls as well.

http://www.metraonline.com/part/GMOS-LAN-012

Also to note, pretty sure you will need to retain your factory steering wheel controls in order to be able to control the satellite radio. If you don't have steering wheel controls I don't know of a way for you to be able to control it.

 

[Red Rado]

I'm getting conflicting information from Crutchfields. I think the axxess part is the one I need after all, along with their steering wheel adapter. The scosche part they recommend says it won't work with Onstar in the description.

 

[MotoCARR]

I've always had good luck with Metra/Axxess parts, and generally use Scosche when I'm in a pinch. Both put out good products, but Metra usually has a the more "refined" product.

 

[dobey]

Unfortunately, the GMOS-LAN-012 factory XM retention mechanism requires your new stereo to support an AUX input.

I've found the better solution is to remove the factory XM module, but retain the antenna, using the latest Sirius/XM in-car kit that your stereo supports. This uses the actual XM feature of XM-ready head units, and gets you some possible upgrades over the stock XM module depending on the year of your vehicle. It also still "looks" stock without adding a separate antenna, and gives better integration with the aftermarket stereo system.