Help! Antenna SUCKS! Need a new one :(

[adam12hicks]

So my car didn't have the factory power antenna when I bought it.  Someone had pulled it out and replaced it with a $5 wal mart special.  It's since fallen through the hole and I'm antenna-less.  Car is so nice that I can't stand the hole letting in rain, etc.

What's my best bet for a nice non-power antenna for this thing?

THanks!!!

[tjts1]

Disconnect the 2 wires to the rear window defogger. Take the wire going to the antenna and connect it to the driver's side of the rear window defogger. How you plug up the antenna hole is up to you but the reception with the defogger is 10 times better than even with the stock antenna. You will lose defogger function but how often do you use it anyway?

[Cobra Jet]

I'm sure if you look back there in the trunk, I'd bet the factory harness w/ connector for a factory power antenna is there (probably taped up out of the way), so you could install a factory power antenna!

M42 Member bmwpower on here is parting out an E30 325, he has the factory power antenna if you are seeking one (and I believe it was working 100% when removed).  I think he may even have the correct exterior grommet that mounts to the hole on the driver's side 1/4 panel...  contact him via a PM if you're interested.

[xwill112x]

yea it would be tapped up...might have to dig for it but its there..

all E30's (not including m3's) came with all the wiring harnesses for everything..

if you dig around in the dash...you find un-connected harnesses and you'll think WTF

but back to the point...yea it should be there..should be tapped somewhere out of the way...just look for it.

[bme30]

i removed my power set up.. mainly because it just didn't work anymore...  instead of replaceing it with an oem or aftermarket set up.. i'm just having the hole welded and the antenna wire attached to the chassis.. that should make a pretty good reciever.  well when i'm not listening to my ipod...

[Royalratch]

i removed my power set up.. mainly because it just didn't work anymore...  instead of replaceing it with an oem or aftermarket set up.. i'm just having the hole welded and the antenna wire attached to the chassis.. that should make a pretty good reciever.  well when i'm not listening to my ipod...

Dude! What are you doing - stop!

Don't do that. Just get a power antennae from here or eBay and fit it. There is no loom for power antenna - all you need is some RF cable for signal and regular gauge cable for power run from your stereo, under the carpet to the trunk.

The RF signal cable will be run to your stereo and terminated in whatever your stereo 'antenna in' uses. The Power cable runs to the relevant pin in your ISO loom connector or 'antenna up' connector - this powers the mast up or down as you switch the radio on or off.

I've snapped a fair few going into a garage with the radio on.

You can get them in chrome or Black - I have a black one to match my Shadowline trim.

[Royalratch]

How the hell do these people arrive at an M42 forum to sell their spam junk crap? What the hell are you on?

[ose30]

You will lose defogger function but how often do you use it anyway?

Twice a day; every morning and every afternoon

[Royalratch]

True.

In the winter I use it about twice a day too.