1998 M3 new radio install

1998 M3 new radio install - bad reception

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jmiller0666 - 21 Aug 2007 17:42 GMT

I installed it my self and it works great with the MP3 cds and the
iPod in the glove box. BUT whatever I connected to for the antenna (in
the rear glass I think) is miserable. I get two stations if I am
lucky. What are my options for getting the existing set up to work.
Its a nice alpine head unit but everything else is the HK sound system
from the M factory. Do I need to buy more stuff like a replacement
antenna? The old HK unit was better but not by much.

Thanks for the help!

JM

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Dave Plowman (News) - 21 Aug 2007 18:15 GMT

> I installed it my self and it works great with the MP3 cds and the
> iPod in the glove box. BUT whatever I connected to for the antenna (in
[quoted text clipped - 3 lines]
> from the M factory. Do I need to buy more stuff like a replacement
> antenna? The old HK unit was better but not by much.

Dunno the exact installation on your M3, but I'd guess it might need the
original amp/matching unit for the aerials - and this may not interface
with your new head unit. Or it could be that it can, but was powered from
the old head unit.

Personally, if you don't mind the look I'd fit an active 'bee sting' roof
aerial at the back - it will be an order of magnitude better than those
crappy screen aerials.

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*I'm pretty sure that sex is better than logic, but I can't prove it.

Dave Plowman dave@davenoise.co.uk London SW
To e-mail, change noise into sound.

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Gino - 21 Aug 2007 18:35 GMT

Two things spring to mind to start with:

1) Have you wired up the power feed from the radio to the aerial amplifier
correctly?

2) The aerial coax end that plugs into the head unit can be a bit fragile
and easily damaged.

>I installed it my self and it works great with the MP3 cds and the
> iPod in the glove box. BUT whatever I connected to for the antenna (in
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> JM

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Fred W - 21 Aug 2007 20:10 GMT

> I installed it my self and it works great with the MP3 cds and the
> iPod in the glove box. BUT whatever I connected to for the antenna (in
[quoted text clipped - 7 lines]
>
> JM

Your car has a diversity antenna embedded in the rear window, correct?
If so, the OEM radio had two antenna inputs, both of which are amplified
by a small antenna amp near the rear window. There is a power wire that
you need to hook up to a switched 12V from the aftermarket deck. Most
head units have a wire for this for use with power antennas, which you
won't need sinvce you have none. Run that power to the antenna amp and
then use either of the two diversity antenna lines or get a Y adapter
and combine the two lines before connecting to the head unit.

Signature

-Fred W

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Floyd Rogers - 21 Aug 2007 20:25 GMT

> jmiller0666 wrote:
>> I installed it my self and it works great with the MP3 cds and the
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> either of the two diversity antenna lines or get a Y adapter and combine
> the two lines before connecting to the head unit.

Also, you should check the connections between the amp and the
antennas that are in the c-pillar; they get corroded or loose.

FloydR

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