Stubby Antenna Revisit

toplessrydr · 03-29-2012, 09:26 PM

Do the stubby loose any signal reception capability? Anyone have the dealer and aftermarket stubby they can chime in? Are you happy with yours...besides the sporty look. Thanks.

rfx45 · 03-29-2012, 09:38 PM

Radio and nav/sat radio antenna are different and I don't lose reception of any sorts with my stubby antenna.

GaryRudolph · 03-30-2012, 12:57 AM

Supposedly FM/AM is reduced, but haven't noticed myself (in Los Angeles).

ChuckB · 03-30-2012, 01:20 AM

The stubby antenna is only for AM Radio unless you have a Japanese model, where it handles the Cell Phone reception.The FM Antenna runs across the rear bumper [a large folded amplified dipole]. NAV/GPS antenna is in front of the mirror, as is the DAB antenna.

rfx45 · 03-30-2012, 01:23 AM

And the satellite radio antenna is the bulge on the top of the third break light.

Wiles · 03-30-2012, 07:22 AM

The antenna for the other stuff Sat, FM are independent. I wish BMW had a AM radio Antenna Delete option, and fenders with no holes

egtownsend · 03-30-2012, 07:30 AM

I bought the stubby antenna from BMW, and I haven't had any problems. I don't usually listen to AM, though.

ZheHbKa · 03-30-2012, 08:31 AM

AM is the only part that is affected, not that much if u r in a big city

toplessrydr · 03-30-2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChuckB

The stubby antenna is only for AM Radio unless you have a Japanese model, where it handles the Cell Phone reception.The FM Antenna runs across the rear bumper [a large folded amplified dipole]. NAV/GPS antenna is in front of the mirror, as is the DAB antenna.

Thanks ChuckB. I never knew that. That would solve my issue. It doesn't take much to get AM signal anyway.

toplessrydr · 03-30-2012, 04:28 PM

Thanks all. Great feedback and info.

jparnes1 · 03-30-2012, 08:58 PM

What tool is most commonly used to unscrew the antenna?

rfx45 · 03-30-2012, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparnes1

What tool is most commonly used to unscrew the antenna?

toplessrydr · 03-30-2012, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jparnes1

What tool is most commonly used to unscrew the antenna?

It's not difficult. You just twist it by hand counter clockwise. If it's stubborn or seized.....or you have weak hands, a pair of channel locks will do the trick as well. Just make sure you wrap the antenna with a couple layers of cloth before you put the plier to it. A little WD40 or anti-seize spray will help as well.

juhap · 03-30-2012, 11:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfx45

tranquility · 04-06-2012, 09:29 PM

I'm still OEM, including the antenna, and am wondering what BMW could have done if they didn't go the cheap route and installed this monstrosity: could they have integrated the functions into that 'hump' on the brake light?

Besides the nasty aesthetics, whenever I wash my car, I'm always concerned about poking my eye out since the antenna's so damn long.

SHADOW4 · 04-07-2012, 06:26 AM

There is an short OEM antenna.

drem · 05-14-2012, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SHADOW4

There is an short OEM antenna.

Where did you buy the shorter antenna? I want to replace mine too. Are there even shorter versions? If so, is the FM reception worse? I only use FM.

rfx45 · 05-14-2012, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drem

Where did you buy the shorter antenna? I want to replace mine too. Are there even shorter versions? If so, is the FM reception worse? I only use FM.

That particular antenna is only for AM receptions so it shouldn't affect FM reception.

ZheHbKa · 05-15-2012, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rfx45

That particular antenna is only for AM receptions so it shouldn't affect FM reception.

+1

i have a 2 inch antenna and never felt the difference, looks way better

E36ic4Me · 05-15-2012, 10:32 AM

I just ordered my OEM Short Antenna last night.

Lackey · 05-16-2012, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drem

Where did you buy the shorter antenna? I want to replace mine too. Are there even shorter versions? If so, is the FM reception worse? I only use FM.

Look for a short stubby from Citroen/Fiat, 2 1/2 inches, perfect fit, part #250680641242. GBP 4.60, S&H (U.S.)1.50 total: 6.10. Works great. Got mine from: parts@jarigbyechorley.citroen.co.uk or try EBay, or a dealership.

SHADOW4 · 05-16-2012, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drem

Where did you buy the shorter antenna? I want to replace mine too. Are there even shorter versions? If so, is the FM reception worse? I only use FM.

BMW, you have the partnumber on the bag. I belive it's an combined FM/AM antenna on EU cars, might be wrong though as I know there are many antennas both here and there on the car. Will check FM signal while removing the antenna next time .

BMW also have a stubby antenna but it has no style, just a piece of rubber

03-29-2012, 09:26 PM	#1
toplessrydr Private 5 Rep 58 Posts Drives: '09 E89 35i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Stubby Antenna Revisit Do the stubby loose any signal reception capability? Anyone have the dealer and aftermarket stubby they can chime in? Are you happy with yours...besides the sporty look. Thanks.
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03-29-2012, 09:38 PM	#2
rfx45 Lieutenant 39 Rep 560 Posts Drives: E89 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW Z4 [8.50]	Radio and nav/sat radio antenna are different and I don't lose reception of any sorts with my stubby antenna. __________________ *2012 Z4*
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03-30-2012, 12:57 AM	#3
GaryRudolph Private 10 Rep 60 Posts Drives: 2012 Z4 sDrive35is Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Supposedly FM/AM is reduced, but haven't noticed myself (in Los Angeles).
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03-30-2012, 01:20 AM	#4
ChuckB Lieutenant 17 Rep 448 Posts Drives: 2020 X2 2.0i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Hockenheim, Germany (APO) iTrader: (0)	The stubby antenna is only for AM Radio unless you have a Japanese model, where it handles the Cell Phone reception.The FM Antenna runs across the rear bumper [a large folded amplified dipole]. NAV/GPS antenna is in front of the mirror, as is the DAB antenna.
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03-30-2012, 01:23 AM	#5
rfx45 Lieutenant 39 Rep 560 Posts Drives: E89 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: CA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW Z4 [8.50]	And the satellite radio antenna is the bulge on the top of the third break light. __________________ *2012 Z4*
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03-30-2012, 07:22 AM	#6
Wiles Private First Class 53 Rep 178 Posts Drives: Z4 3.5i MSport manual, 2020X3M Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Midwest USA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW Z4 [0.00]	AM only in the US and Europe. The antenna for the other stuff Sat, FM are independent. I wish BMW had a AM radio Antenna Delete option, and fenders with no holes
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03-30-2012, 07:30 AM	#7
egtownsend Private 16 Rep 50 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 550i Join Date: Apr 2011 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	I bought the stubby antenna from BMW, and I haven't had any problems. I don't usually listen to AM, though.
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03-30-2012, 08:31 AM	#8
ZheHbKa Lieutenant Colonel 77 Rep 1,793 Posts Drives: the Wind Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 BMW 335 Xi [10.00]	AM is the only part that is affected, not that much if u r in a big city __________________ 2014 F30 335 X-Drive \| 6-MT \| Alpine White/Coral Red \| ZMM ZDH ZDA \|
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03-30-2012, 04:28 PM	#10
toplessrydr Private 5 Rep 58 Posts Drives: '09 E89 35i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: California iTrader: (0)	Thanks all. Great feedback and info.
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03-30-2012, 08:58 PM	#11
jparnes1 Colonel 242 Rep 2,387 Posts Drives: 2016 340i, 2012 Z4 35i Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: NY iTrader: (1)	What tool is most commonly used to unscrew the antenna? __________________ 2016 340i XDrive, EBII/black, 6 MT, M Sport, Track Handling, Cold Weather, Tech, Lighting, Driver Assistance Plus. 2012 Z4 35i, ED 2/24/2012, Melbourne Red Metallic, Black Leather, Carbon Trim, 6MT, M Sport, CW, PP, PS, NAV, CA.
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04-06-2012, 09:29 PM	#15
tranquility sportscars only 3244 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	I'm still OEM, including the antenna, and am wondering what BMW could have done if they didn't go the cheap route and installed this monstrosity: could they have integrated the functions into that 'hump' on the brake light? Besides the nasty aesthetics, whenever I wash my car, I'm always concerned about poking my eye out since the antenna's so damn long.
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04-07-2012, 06:26 AM	#16
SHADOW4 Lieutenant 44 Rep 486 Posts Drives: Tanzanite M4 2018 Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 E89 35i [0.00]	Short vs stubby There is an short OEM antenna. Attached Images
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05-15-2012, 10:32 AM	#20
E36ic4Me Private First Class 3 Rep 98 Posts Drives: Z4 & M3 Convertible Join Date: May 2012 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (0)	I just ordered my OEM Short Antenna last night.
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