Again, apologies for copying Zoso's work, but it's too good to let go! Please let me know if this isn't cool, I'll delete if necessary.318i Repair -
Antenna Mast Replacement When I bought my car in March of 2004, the stereo was missing and the antenna would not go down all the way. When I finally installed the new stereo, I found out that the antenna was definitely jammed and a new mast would be needed. This is a common problem that people will sometimes remedy by buying a replacement, non-telescoping, "floppy" antenna from Pep-Boys. I chose to fix it back to the stock configuration and spent $25 on a new antenna mast from EAP4Parts.com.
Not only did my antenna mast not retract fully, but it also would wobble from side to side. I finally peeled back the trunk lining and took a look at the antenna mast motor. The previous owner had rigged up some system of chained zip ties to support the motor. It took me a whole minute to cut out his creation and to put a new screw and nut to properly support the frame where the antenna mounts.
Tools/Supplies Needed:Thin wrench or pliers
New Antenna Mast (both silver tipped and black tipped ones available)
New Antenna Grommet (Part # 65 21 1 376 008)
Click on the thumbnails for larger pictures.
Unscrew the old antenna using a small, tin wrench or a pair of pliers. Who cares if you scuff up the black paint on the base of the old antenna.
Have a friend turn your radio on to extend the antenna mast. As the antenna mast comes up (or partly up if broken), keep pulling with moderate force and the antenna mast will disengage from the motor. Take note of the orientation of the white, nylon cord as it comes out of the motor. For mine, the cord had teeth that were facing to the middle of the motor. Some people have antennas with no teeth.
Once the antenna is out, take this time to replace the antenna grommet. It is only a few dollars. Pry the old one out and pry new the new one in.
Slide the new antenna into the hole in the same orientation as how the old one came out of the motor. Have a friend turn the radio off and feel for the motor to grab the nylon cord. As it does, feed the antenna into the motor.
Screw the antenna into the base. If using pliers, use a piece of cloth or something to prevent scratching up the new base and antenna.
Note: I replaced my antenna at the same time I replaced my rear shocks, springs, and rear shock mounts. The picture shows the trunk liner peeled back. You do not need to peel back the trunk liner to do this job.
Difficulty:
1/5
Disclaimer:[FONT="] I am not a professional mechanic. Information this page should be used at your own risk and discretion. Different models and model years may be different than my 1991 318i. Read: If you screw your car up following my instructions, sorry. Isn't it sad that in this sue crazy world you have to put a disclaimer on your web page? [/FONT]
Topic: Zoso's Power Antenna Repair (Read 6082 times)