I have a 2006 R53. Pretty much stock. Since getting it, the stock radio reception has pretty much sucked. I plan on getting a new radio (to give me bluetooth ability). That said, how can I make this one sound better while I am using it (and hopefully help the new one with better reception)?

First issue: the stock antenna was clipped. I have since replaced and it's gotten a little better. I wasn't getting anything before. This weekend, I decided to pull the motion sensor thing down and see what's up there (based on another thread) - and voila .. nothing - except a piece of cardboard and the underside of the roof. According to the other thread, the motion sensor hole allowed access to the bottom of the antenna mast - but it doesn't as the hole sits forward of the antenna mast.

I also know the car has an antenna booster (could be the problem?) but no idea where it is.

Any ideas / help is appreciated.

 

Beuhler.

 

Realoem.com for parts location

 

You'll have to pull down the headliner in a 2006:
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...enna-base.html

On your other question, search for the topic "diversity antenna".
https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ml#post1343274
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/show...diagId=65_0802

 

Thanks for the info guys - in order to figure out what is not working (and to try avoid ripping down/breaking the headliner), where would I look / troubleshoot the antenna system?

 

More input - it seems if he's been sitting in the cold, there's nothing but static - NO stations. As he warms up, radio stations start to come in - but still nothing great.

Ideas?

 

No one?

 

I would trace all the line and make sure the connections are tight, the warm up thing and then signal seems like a connection that is just a hair off.

 

Broke open the dash today.

I unplugged and replugged the 'antenna' - far right of the image. With it out, nothing but static. With it in, little bit of static (which has been common). The particular station I was trying to pull in is 20 miles away.

As has been typical, sometimes the one station is clear and other times not. Sometimes I can pull in other stations that are further away clearer - but everything is intermittent and nothing is consistent.

From here, the cables all go into the loop and up under the dash. BTW, I know the wiring nut is not on, it was off for the image.

Where should I check next?

 

Where does the antenna cable go from the back of the radio? Does it go into the headliner and then to the roof antenna? Where is the booster? Stupid radio still doesn't work.

 

We have a bit of the same problem with Hallie's mini. when we got it the previous owner had installed an aftermarket radio and butchered the wire harness. He didn't even install the mounting bracket correctly. We couldn't get any radio stations at all. Knowing it's a BMW I figured that the antenna had a different hookup and figured it wasn't plugged in. Upon checking (and finding the wire mess) I discovered that I was correct. I ordered a adapter cable ($5) and got the antenna working. But do still have the same problem that you are experiencing. Station 20 miles away we can't get. Others we can. When you come into town they all go fuzzy. Must be something here In Brunswick. I have this happen in my Ford as well.

 

I experience it to a degree with stations in the other cars too - but it's really bad in the Cooper (can't pull in FRE). At some point, I will be getting a new radio (so I can bluetooth it to my phone for hands free) - but there's kind of no point at the moment until I figure out the antenna issue. I have had the radio out and taking the antenna off, it's all static. With it back on, it's a little better but still bad.

 

When you get the new radio make sure you get the wire harness adapter for both the antenna, and the wire harness itself. It will save you a lot of hassle. Plus it allows you to wire the radio up on your workbench instead of in the car. Plug it in and boom! your done.

 

Yeah - I been doing a bunch of research. The radio (and kit) will be coming from Crutchfield.

 

Any ideas from the gurus here?

 

Anyone here messed with the path from the radio to the antenna - that can help me fix this radio's reception?

 

Beuhler? Beuhler?