posted
I've installed an Alpine 7941 in my BMW 328. I noticed that the stereo reception took a hit, but I thought I may have done something wrong, so I pulled it and double checked my wiring and all was cool. In a BMW forum, I read that this ia a common problem with BMWs because the factory HU actually has electronics in it that drive the antenna.
Question. How can I rig my own antenna? Should I look into boosters or are those a waste?
I was thinking about getting one of those window antennas and running it into the headliner.
Any thoughts....
------------------ '98 BMW 328iS PPI, Alpine, Focal, Boston Acoustics, Audio Control
Posts: 3 | From: Atlanta | Registered: Dec 2000
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posted
"I read that this ia a common problem with BMWs because the factory HU actually has electronics in it that drive the antenna." is this elctronic just to get the antena up?? then you could juse the amplifier remote to controll this. i seriusly doubt that they have any more electrolics than that in the anntena....but if nesesary, i could find out this.... but over to the question: the electronics in the antenna could be a antenna amplifier, then you youst have to find the acc to this one... do it by looking at the antenna... should be a wire there if it has an antenna amplifier (booster)... if you have to bouy a seperate booster...... I realy dont have good experience with them...
posted
I know VW had that and metra sold an adapter to make it work, because they sent the power signal down the antenna wire at the same time and the adapter split that so it would power up the booster, you may look into this unit and se if you can make it work for you
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Posts: 515 | From: Omaha NE, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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posted
Dumb quesion but s it a rising antenna and if so does it still rise?
Like I said a dumb question but KISS
Colin
------------------ Warning SPL in my car exceeds government health guidelines, civilians are advised to proceed with caution. Failiure to comply may result in serious injury or death.
posted
yeah, I've done a few vw's that have an amplified antenna stock. the bimmer may have the same situation.....is there another wire that runs right along side the antenna wire?
------------------ Power without control isn't performance. It's dangerous. The Eclipse.... My old car
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Yep, there is a smaller guage wire coupled with the standard antenna. It has what lloks like a 1/2 size coax terminator on it. The wiring conversion kit I bought doesn't have a connection for it, nor does it even mention that it exists. Bummer.
So it sounds like I may be able to get away with running a reception booster (like the $15 Radio Shack version). For that much money, it's worht a try. I'll update this post when I do.
------------------ '98 BMW 328iS PPI, Alpine, Focal, Boston Acoustics, Audio Control
Posts: 3 | From: Atlanta | Registered: Dec 2000
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posted
the poor reception is because of bmw's 3-channel FM diversity antenna used in the 3-series. has anyone been abled to add an aftermarket stereo while still keeping factory FM diversity antenna feature?
Posts: 21 | Registered: May 1999
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