I have had several E30 Sedans, coupe and convertibles and I would like to share a permanant fix for your power antenna problems. First, locate a 98 Z3 convertible or coupe and see if 2 of the 3 parts listed below are available. The rubber grommet is cheap and worth getting brand new. Or you can get these parts from your local BMW parts shop. You will need:
Part #: 65-21-8-375-160 x 1 (antenna rod)
65-21-8-389-698 x 1 (grommet)
65-21-8-375-159 x 1 (antenna base)
First remove your tire jack, and loacte the area of the factory antenna. You will have to pull back the interior upholstery to expose the area of the oem antenna wires and housing. Remove all existing antenna hardware, unplug wiring harness and screw off antenna cable. If you have them keep the mounting bracket and ground screw. I clean the hole that is used for the antenna with a good cleaner wax just to prevent rust in that area. Part # 698 is a rubber grommet that you will have to gently push down into the exposed antenna opening. I use a little marine lube and a micro flat head screwdriver. Pay attention to the angle of the groove cut out in the grommet. If it is seated properly, it should pop and flatten out a bit. Next locate the red wire (hot) and splice a female connector into the existing red wire. The red wire is the only wire you will need to power the antenna. It attaches at the base of the Z3 antenna housing. Look carefully you will see a male end on the base. Attach the red wire there. The white wire you will not need. I usually cover the white wire and tape it securely so that it does not touch metal. Next splice in a larger ground loop and connect your ground to the factory location with the oem screw. Gently push part #159 up into the rubber grommet and seat it threads up into your grommet base. Part #160 is then screwed down thru the grommet into the base. Screw on your antenna cable coming from your HU .You may be able to fashion a bracket from angle iron. Check your local
home improvement store. Or make one from abs. Use the factory oem locations to secure your antenna base. The parts are $125.00 to $150.00 total. The antenna base is ampilfied so it seeks your am/fm signal. The whip antenna rod is flexible and can be removed during auto car washing. No more antenna motor failure. No more dead battery from failure. No more motor gears grinding. Economical. The Z3 antenna gives a clean updated look. Turn on the am / fm band on your stereo and enjoy. Anybody got any cupholder ideas let me know.
G.
04-18-2009, 11:55 PM
Linear Mode
