Poor FM reception Cassette to CD53

[amancuso]

I swapped out my Cassette radio for a CD53 to gain Aux in capability. My cassette had 2 cables for the antenna diversity, but the new radio doesn't have the small input for the diversity. Since doing this swap, my FM reception has been really rather poor. Is there any way to remedy this?


Thanks.
Al.

[Alpina540i]

The 2001 + radios got rid of the small coax diversity cable in favor of completely internal diversity switching in the antenna amplifier located in the rear pillars.

The new antenna amp has no small coax input as the old did.

You need newer antenna amplifiers, without this the stock setup reverts to only the primary FM antenna.

-Anson

[ND4SPDLSC]

Excellent explanation and oddly perfect timing as I'm assembling the parts for the same retrofits. Thanks!

[amancuso]

The 2001 + radios got rid of the small coax diversity cable in favor of completely internal diversity switching in the antenna amplifier located in the rear pillars.

The new antenna amp has no small coax input as the old did.

You need newer antenna amplifiers, without this the stock setup reverts to only the primary FM antenna.

-Anson

OK So basically I can grab the antenna unit out of a 2001+ car and it should plug right in?

[theshadow92]

Bump. Exact same issue after upgrading from tape to CD player. Doesn't bother me much since I mostly use AUX now, but is this what we need?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/181853460984

[Qsilver7]

Just an FYI...you may want to pull up the diagram for the antennas because there are two of them. There's one on each C pillar. The one you linked to on eBay...I believe is the one on the right C pillar since its multiple function is FM1, FZV & EWS. The amps in the C pillars perform multiple functions...the amp on the right side (as you can see #3 in diagram below) functions for FZV (remote central locking) as well as the other functions mentioned:

BMW split the diversity antenna's functions between 2 amps...each serving specific frequencies. Again check the diagrams because the antenna cable that runs to the radio I believe is on the left side & connected to the amp there (see item #4 in diagram below...the diversity antenna cable).

You may only need to upgrade one...but perhaps both (I don't know for sure)...but I do know FM1 is on one side and FM2 is on the other side (Tourings...your antennas & amps are in slightly different locations...one amp is in the D pillar & the other is above the tailgate).

Sedans:

Tourings:

[amancuso]

OK I was hoping it was only the 1. I managed to get one from a 2003 540i today, on the left side C pillar. Looks like I am going to have to go back and the the one on the other side. UGH, figures this car only has 1 door that opens and all the windows are closed...

- - - Updated - - -

UPDATE, it appears the partnumber for the right side amp/trap is the same from 02/1995 to 07/2003 whereas the left side one is the one that changed. So I should be fine with just replacing the left side one. !!! Especially since I dont have to sit in a mostly enclosed oven!

[Qsilver7]

- - - Updated - - -

UPDATE, it appears the partnumber for the right side amp/trap is the same from 02/1995 to 07/2003 whereas the left side one is the one that changed. So I should be fine with just replacing the left side one. !!! Especially since I dont have to sit in a mostly enclosed oven!

Great...good work...glad you got it sorted out which one you needed....and for posting back the info you found.

[amancuso]

Great...good work...glad you got it sorted out which one you needed....and for posting back the info you found.

Anytime! I did have to start the car then shut it off and restart it before the alarm started to flash lights and chirp again. It's right as rain now.