318ti rear mount radio antenna

[susteve]

Hello to everyone checking this. Just got a '96 318ti. From information on this forum I have already contacted a BMW dealer to get the radio code to get it on after a battery switch. Have also found useful knowledge on the 1.9 m44 engine.
However, I can not find this: The coax from the radio to the antenna booster mounted inside the left rear quarter panel has a screw type connector into the base of the booster.... What kind of connector is that? I would like to fix / replace the antenna assembly without splicing and I really do not need the OEM booster / antenna (already looked and found the links).
If I could find the mate to that connector, I could easily find or fabricate an adapter to a motorola antenna connection.
Anyone know? Thanx in advance!

[aceyx]

BNC?

[ATF]

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...17&hg=65&fg=30
Maybe you could point out what you're talking about from there. I haven't really poked around the antenna much. I think you're talking about the connection between #1 and #4

[susteve]

Thanks to both of you. Aceyx - not a BNC (Oh I wish )
ATF - I've seen that diagram. It is the actual antenna cable. Not the radio unit end, but the booster end. I'm gonna take a pic or two and put them up because mine does not match the diagram. The cable in the diagram seems to be backwards with the radio end closest to the antenna booster...

[bullmand]

I know the part you're talking about. It looks very similar to a standard F-pin male coax plug with the screw on collar, like TV cable. I doubt it's the same thing but if there's such a thing as an F-pin to Motorola adapter that might be all you need. This may end being of some use if you're going to bypass the booster and use an aftermarket antenna.

[susteve]

That could be the ticket. My local RS had no such animal. Might have to order. Thanks for the info.
Since I took the pics and doctored them up, I'll go ahead and post it. The antenna booster as pictured here:
http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...17&hg=65&fg=30

Has the power input for the booster and the connector for the antenna cable:
http://www.geocities.com/stevecurtis...antbooster.jpg

I'll check out the Radio Shack option also.

Thanks to everyone!

SC

[aceyx]

Looks almost like a standard F-type except that the male/female parts are switched.

[susteve]

Thanks for everyone's help. Through some Radio Shack odds & ends and a little creative engineering, I have an antenna picking up lovely commercials and conspiracy talk.
I spent the time to confirm my ownership of an iPod.

[fieldhb]

Originally Posted by susteve

Thanks for everyone's help. Through some Radio Shack odds & ends and a little creative engineering, I have an antenna picking up lovely commercials and conspiracy talk.
I spent the time to confirm my ownership of an iPod.

Hi, Someone recently broke my antenna off.
Thinking it was just the antenna and the grommet ( about 30$ from Pelican.)
I ordered the parts. Then when I went to install them, it looks like I need to replace the whole booster.

Well I would rather just replace it with something similar to what you did.
Could you tell me the model of the Motorola antenna and where you bought it at ?
I can go to Radio Shack and get the other parts also. My connectors look exactly like yours.
Do you have a picture of the finished product ?
Thanks very much in advance.

[mohaughn]

I've got a complete antenna assembly if you need it... I usually sell stuff for 25-50% of new cost depending on condition, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with mine.

[fieldhb]

Originally Posted by mohaughn

I've got a complete antenna assembly if you need it... I usually sell stuff for 25-50% of new cost depending on condition, and there is absolutely nothing wrong with mine.

Thanks, I guess I would need the whole base unit.
the part that screws on to the top of the base broke off and now I just have a little wire sticking out of the top of the base.
I guess you can PM me for price ?

[susteve]

fieldhb -

Here's the funny thing. I just replaced that antenna with another. It seems getting the car washed was a hassle as the antenna was set and un-removeable. Replaced it with a telescopic model from Advance Auto Parts.
When I did the first one, it was a bit of a rush. New antennas come with a mile of cable. Too much. Cut it and spliced with the original cable inside the qtr panel. I slid a bit of heat shring over the housing first, slid that really thin single wire inside the internal housing about 2 inches and twist wrapped the braid. Slid the heat shring over and fired it to shring tight. Then, stupid me, realized I could have just put the quick conectors there. I used the type with the tabs and twist-lock. There are any number of ways and connectors available to pull it off.
The key is test it before you put everything back together. I have a digital receiver and it works great. The heat-shrink is good as it keeps moisture out of the splice.
It's late - I'm tired. Hope that made some sense.
BTW - I see someone has the unit in question available. Either way you go - good luck and remember, terrestrial radio is still free!

[fieldhb]

Hi, you say you replaced it with a telescopic model from Advance auto parts.
Do you mean that you are leaving the antenna booster out of the picture ?
When you say telescoping, is it motorized or manual ?
If motorized, are you using the power that used to power the booster to make the antenna go up and down ?

[susteve]

Yep - booster is out. What I should have done was put the BNC connectors where the original cable met the booster box. That was always the issue was finding a connector to fit the original cable. Never could find one so I just cut the old connector off and spliced the old cable with a new section. If I remember, it was kind of a tight area to work in so I spliced a longer section to lengthen it so it was easier to get to. I put the BNC connectors on at that point as there is an adapter that goes BNC to standard antenna plug. The AAP antenna is a standard telescoping model - non motorized.
I replaced the stock radio with a DUAL digital radio model and the lack of the booster hasn't been an issue at all.

[ti4me]

Howdy, Do you still have the antenna assembly available? Mine is missing everything (just purchased the car) the booster, antenna, etc... I do have XM in the car now - just want the nice looking stock antenna setup on there... Thanks, Jon (ti4me)