Radio

[dkrace67]

Hi,
Just curious. When I purchased my '98 323is the radio was intermittant. Tape deck worked fine, but reception was come and go. I purchased a "new" radio on EBAY (as well as the factory CD changer for the trunk). Now everything works (radio, tape, changer) but I get really poor reception. I.E. - some of my favorite stations that are normal to strong in my other vehicles are very weak or non-existant in my favorite ride. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there anything else to replace (antenna booster or something)? Am I doomed to listening to CD's all the time?
Any advice, or insight would be welcome. Word of warning, if you suggest something like "this is common for BMW and I should go aftermarket" please convince me that I won't be sorry. I DID investigate aftermarket radio's before purchasing stock BMW, but with each person/store I talked to, I was told something different (i.e. - you can't go aftermarket without replacing ALL the speakers cuz they are self amplified...blah blah blah). Also, if an aftermarket will drop right in, will it still work with my changer or will you all see those items on EBAY a week after I buy aftermarket?

Thanks guys,
(I apologize in advance, sometimes I can be long winded...)

 

[kpytoi9]

i had the same problem. I went aftermarket and got an alpine 7894. It fits right in and hte buttons are orange just like the dash, so it looks like is factory. The sound is much better than with the stock radio and the reception is great. Also, I hooked it up to the factory amp so there was no problem there. As for the cd changer, there might be a converter to make it work. IF not, then sell your factory cd changer and get an aftermarket one. Just my thought.

 

[carcus]

Hi,
Just curious. When I purchased my '98 323is the radio was intermittant. Tape deck worked fine, but reception was come and go. I purchased a "new" radio on EBAY (as well as the factory CD changer for the trunk). Now everything works (radio, tape, changer) but I get really poor reception. I.E. - some of my favorite stations that are normal to strong in my other vehicles are very weak or non-existant in my favorite ride. Does anyone else have this problem? Is there anything else to replace (antenna booster or something)? Am I doomed to listening to CD's all the time?
Any advice, or insight would be welcome. Word of warning, if you suggest something like "this is common for BMW and I should go aftermarket" please convince me that I won't be sorry. I DID investigate aftermarket radio's before purchasing stock BMW, but with each person/store I talked to, I was told something different (i.e. - you can't go aftermarket without replacing ALL the speakers cuz they are self amplified...blah blah blah). Also, if an aftermarket will drop right in, will it still work with my changer or will you all see those items on EBAY a week after I buy aftermarket?

Thanks guys,
(I apologize in advance, sometimes I can be long winded...)

I got rid of my stock BMW radio....bad reception, slapped in my Kenwood, still not the best reception. Am thinking about Sirius right now. The BMW antenna does not seem to work the best. Plus the antenna grommet tends to rot. Antenna booster might be a solution. I like listening to the radio....even with the MP3 player....just not sure if I want to subscribe to sat radio if I can get radio for free. You are not the first to say the BMW has crappy radio reception. I am going to replace the stock antenna first....will let you know what happens.

 

[tsupler]

Worth Checking

Years ago I worked at Crutchfield and owned pretty much every radio made. I would hesitate spending big bucks on aftermarket,there just isn't that much diference. Unless your looking for the child like boom boom bass you won't gain much. I would make sure your anteanna is plugged in properly, what you describe makes me wonder if it is. I also would verify your antanna cable is in good shape, as well as the attanna itself.

 

[Tigas Bud]

Maybe this is a problem with newer models? My '94 factory radio pulls in FM stations from 40-60 miles as well as those close. It does sound like a antenna connection problem or tuners in the newer rides are lacking. BTW how many ways can you spell antenna?