Radio aerial improvement or upgrade?

TriumphZ3

Dedicated Member
Joined
Aug 2, 2023
Points
39
Hi y'all, haven't been on for a while (1998 Z3 going very well!!) but I've noticed that the radio reception is terrible. I may live out in the sticks but all other vehicles get good reception, and if the sun even goes behind a cloud the Z3 loses the signal. This is the factory-fitted black bendy aerial on the rear N/S wing, connected to a modern Pioneer head unit which has always worked very well in my other previous cars. Is there any way of improving reception? I've cleaned contacts including unscrewing the aerial and cleaning the threads. Any ideas?
 

colb

Zorg Guru (V)
British Zeds
Joined
Nov 25, 2012
Points
178
Location
Newport, South Wales,UK
Model of Z
Z3 M43 1.8 (1999) and Z4 E85 2.5 (2003)
Its an amplified aerial and not the best in the world. Used spares are expensive from the Breakers, mine broke and couldn't find any alternative types that would fit. Had to go down used route for an oem one, replacement worked fine but expensive. Ensure your gromet is in good condition on the oem one if its gone hard and splitting, replace it from BMW there cheaper than ebay sellers.
 

Zephyr

Zorg Guru (III)
Supporter
Joined
Aug 10, 2022
Points
136
Ive had a Pionner in the past and I remeber it had a "local" setting hidden in the fm menu.
it was supposed to better the signal. Have you tried it if yours has it?
No idea if it boosts or clears the signal but mentioning this just in case it works
 
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