I have a 2009 Cooper S Hatchback (R56). Regular boost radio. Has bluetooth and SAT wiring (now all installed). Anyway. I have HORRIBLE FM reception (i.e. 1 or 2 channels max in Metro Orlando, FL). Something is wrong. How should I troubleshoot what is failed? I don't know how to get to any of the antenna, antenna amplifier, or radio connections. Any way of testing components or how to get to any of these parts would be appreciated.

 

there is a campaign to replace antennas , they break internally. Wifes 2011 MCS was
just replaced for free.

 

I'm out of warranty.... ?? Acts like antenna because I have switched the mast with no improvement.

 

The FM antenna is not the one on the roof. it is built into the rear window glass. The "rubber duck" antenna on the roof is for AM, and the satellite antenna is built into the antenna base.

 

Where might I find connections to the FM antenna to make sure it is connected, and/or where is the FM antenna amplifier, and what power connectors are there. Something is wrong. I called the dealership-- no free campaign on the antenna.

 

If it helps, I just checked and AM reception is also just as miserable. I can only pick up 2 stations across the entire band. That might aide in troubleshooting?!

 

Bueller? Bueller?

OK, I found the antenna amplifier and two traps under the rear hatch plastic.

The traps have continuity. I cleaned all the contacts-- no improvement.

There are 4 plugs on the amp.

1. 3 wires going to the window (FM) antenna grid. Black plug, red/yellow/black wires. Black is connected to ground.
2. White plug with one thin black wire. I assume antenna/signal "in" (AM)?
3. White coax plug -- Has something to do with AM (see below).
4. Black coax plug -- I assume the same as the white one but for FM?

Anyway-- I can unplug any plug from the amp or traps... it makes no difference in reception with one exception-- If I unplug the white coax plug the AM "gain/volume" goes down. But it does not affect signal aquisition.

I don't measure any voltages anywhere. I assume that is problematic too.

Can anyone help? I guess schematics for these cars are kept in Apple Computer's proprietary vault?!

MC

 

Can anybody identify where the different plugs go/do? Which one(s) is power? Which goes to the FM connection on the Boost?

 

More info. (and I could still use help)... Things I have learned:

The black Euro antenna connection is the signal going back to the head unit. If I hook up an FM antenna directly (bypassing the antenna amplifier), my reception is great. So, I definitely have a problem with the antenna connection or the amplifier.

I think the white Euro antenna connection goes to the AM mast on the roof. Can anyone verify?

The black flat plug goes to the window for the FM loop antenna. The window loop has continuity with a meter, but it does not with the plug. Maybe an issue.

The white flat plug with one wire on it is a mystery. It appears to maybe be the power for the antenna amplifier? I measure 3 volts on it. Is this right, or should it be 12 volts? Does anyone know? Maybe an issue as well.

Getting closer....

MC

 

VERY CLOSE NOW! Problem is amplifier not getting power. There is a plug with a single black wire. I believe X13174. If I jumper power to it, everything comes alive. Where does the other end of this wire go?! I measure 3V on it, but obviously that is not enough. Maybe a bad connection or a bad component on the other end. Since there are no schematics for this car it seems, I could really use for somebody with reference manuals to help a brother out.

 

http://www.bmw-planet.com/diagrams/release/en/ has diagrams.

 

Thanks but Windows is blocking the Java applet from running, and I can't figure out how to allow it. It's always something!!

 

From what I can find - it looks like the wire goes back to the head-unit of the radio. I ASSUME it gives +12V when powered on. I am only reading +3V indicating a problem in the head unit or a bad contact. I really don't want to tear the dash down to hunt it, so is there a convienient ignition switched power source in the back hatch somehere (wipers/door locks) or nearby that I could just tap to?

 

Here's what I got. Check that fuse first..

What wire/pin are you reading 3 volts off of?

See .PDF attached.

 

Thank you Dan--
I have checked fuses, (but not #30 specificially). I will give it a go today. My diagram is not quite like that, and the wire colors are different. I have found bits and pieces, and let me recap the best info. I have now:

There are 4 plugs on the amp.

1. 3 wires going to the window (FM) antenna grid. Black flat plug, red/yellow/black wires. Black is connected to ground. I think this is X13389
2. White flat plug with one thin black wire. This is the power in, and the problem. I think it is X13174 (Circuit A421?) +3V here. Should be +12V.
3. White Euro coax plug. To AM antenna. I think it is X13365
4. Black Euro coax plug. This is the amplified signal going back to the head unit in the dash. I think it is X13344

I've checked fuses 5, 23, & 45.

 

Yea, my diagrams... may not be 100%, but they do match my 2013 for the most part.. OnDemand kinda has sucky info for most BMW cars..

 

Checked Fuse #30. Nope -- just a hole where the wiring for fuse 30 goes.
I think I found a switched source of power on the rear hatch. I will probably just splice in and call it finished!

 

I lied. No switched power in the hatch. I will eventually fish the other side of the wire at the headunit. Or, I will have to plumb a wire through the loom into the body. But, at least I have the problem figured out. And, it didn't cost anything but time...

 

I've got the same issue...2007 r56 with 3volts on the black wire going to the power input of the diversity module, I haven't jumped 12v to it yet, to make sure that's the issue. However assuming it does in fact need 12volts, do you know where the other end of this wire terminates?

 

Wow! Finally I've found not one, but TWO people with what sounds like my radio issue! I've also got an '07 R56 with no FM reception. Been driving around for a couple weeks now with my dash trim, interior panels and rear seats hibernating in the garage. Has anyone found the source of that wire? Italianguy63, did the jump to 12v work for you long term (if you didn't get the wire source info, of course).
Thanks for that diagram, danjreed. Doesn't match my '07 but its more than the squat I've gotten from my posts! Nice work!

 

I have the same issue on my 07 MCS! I guess this ended up becoming a dead thread...especially considering the Italian guy has not logged on since 3/2014

 

I have the same issue in a 2010 R56 LCI. Poor FM reception (as in one crappy station)

Any luck just putting 12v on the amplifier?