Lousy Am Reception - BMW Forum

Z Bimmer · 04-06-2005, 03:54 PM

Lot's of am static, worse near power lines. Can window tint be the culprit?

Z

rsn48 · 04-06-2005, 05:20 PM

I've put out a request here if anyone has improved AM reception, with no response. My understanding - coming from some one here on the forum - was that a service bulletin was put out about it, but I keep forgetting to ask at the dealership. To me, it sounds as though the radio has no antena which AM needs.

Z Bimmer · 04-06-2005, 07:22 PM

According to the book the antenna is incorporated into the rear window defroster. I know that mid-80s and later Porsches with the antenna in the windshield have an am booster, but I can't find anything regarding that on the Bimmer...
Z

Dirty_Tool · 04-06-2005, 09:44 PM

The BMW's do have an antenna grid in the rear window and yes any metallic tint will definitey affect reception. There have been a couple bulletins posted by BMW 1 regarding replacing the antenna booster and another with just general troubleshooting procedures. Your best bet is eliminating any metallic window tint and if that doesnt fix it then take it to a dealer and have it checked out.
Good Luck,
Dt

jefft325i · 04-06-2005, 10:21 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Z Bimmer@Apr 6 2005, 02:54 PM
Lot's of am static, worse near power lines. Can window tint be the culprit?

Z

[snapback]326914[/snapback]

Very common problem - I finally had enough w/ mine and took it into the dealer. They replaced the AM antenna amplifier and it works just as it should.

exjarhead328 · 04-07-2005, 08:09 AM

Jeff, what kinda dough are we talkin' here, or did it happen to be covered? LOL

exjarhead328 · 04-08-2005, 01:16 PM

Is this a load or what? I just called the dealer and he had heard of the antenna amplifier deal, but said the new amp only helps if the old one has gone bad. In other words, if at one time I had good am reception and then lost it, the amp went bad. I've never had good reception so maybe the amp went before I bought it? Any way, he said the reception was bad because there is no AM radio in Germany and they're not set up for it. Where the hell is Von Braun and Einstein when you need them!!!

ghead

Z Bimmer · 04-08-2005, 04:35 PM

I'm told by my local dealer that there is no am antenna amplifier in my car... 2002 325Ci...

Z

Dirty_Tool · 04-08-2005, 08:50 PM

is it a convertible?

Z Bimmer · 04-11-2005, 01:41 PM

No, it's a coupe...

Z