Aerial Base unit replacement

[AGT1953]

Hi, I am getting really poor radio reception in my 1998 Z3M Roadster. Now I have cleaned up the aerial mounting thread etc, with very little improvement.
So I am thinking it may be the base unit on the way out!
How easy is this unit to replace on my car & is this likely to be the culprit?
A new base unit seems to be quite an expensive part and before buying I thought I would ask on here for your thoughts.
Thanks,
Andy in Glasgow

 

[Aceman]

Have you checked power is getting to it as it is an amplified base ?

 

[Brian H]

It is an amplified base as Aceman states, I have also seen bad aerial stalks believe it or not, all that bending over the years does not do them much good. Early on in my Zed ownership I also found this problem.

Some food for though?

 

[AGT1953]

Hi, thanks for your prompt responses!
I am just beginning this voyage of discovery and yet to explore either of your suggestions! Just annoyed at this stage at the poor radio performance compared to the actual car!
So, I will check that the unit is powered & consider a replacement mast prior to the base unit.
Thanks chaps,
Andy.

 

[phil.a]

buy a sports exhaust the radio will not bother you then

 

[AGT1953]

Got a sports exhaust - perhaps that is why I can't hear the radio.
Never thought of that!!!
Andy

 

[AGT1953]

Hi All,
Ok, I remove the side panel for a wee look and find this bit of kit!
I expected to find the aerial & the amplifier unit but that is behind this thing.
It appears to have fluid in it - as I am very new to Z3's I cannot work out what it is!
Help??

Andy.

 

[Brian H]

Hi All,
Ok, I remove the side panel for a wee look and find this bit of kit!
I expected to find the aerial & the amplifier unit but that is behind this thing.
It appears to have fluid in it - as I am very new to Z3's I cannot work out what it is!
Help??

Andy.

Hydraulic pump/fluid reservoir for the roof mechanism

 

[AGT1953]

Hi,
Many thanks for the information - I assume you have to move this before accessing the antenna amplifier unit?
Just noticed, you are in Killin - must have passed close to you last Saturday on our way to Arisaig along the A85 from Stirling!!
My flickr page with some snaps:-
https://www.flickr.com/photos/agt1953/sets/72157657055635125

Regards,

Andy.

 

[Aceman]

Yes Andy just unbolt from its mount and move it to one side, there is sufficient slack in the hydraulic pipes to allow to do this then you will see the base of the aerial and the power connections.

 

[AGT1953]

Hi,
Many thanks - will have a go at this tomorrow and check out your suggestions.
Regards,

Andy.

 

[Brian H]

Just noticed, you are in Killin - must have passed close to you last Saturday on our way to Arisaig along the A85 from Stirling!!

Regards,

Andy.

Closer than you think Andy, I'm not quite in Killin but just near the chain-link dinosaurs

 

[AGT1953]

Alrighty then!
I think I know where you be.

Andy.

 

[joepig]

hi,I would suggest if you are removing the aerial base unit and have the factory fitted alarm and the radio code that you disconnect the battery,the siren will sound but you can turn it off under the bonnet,i caused an alarm system fault because I didn't disconnect it,quite right these units do seem to be expensive