Testing The Antenna Base

[GELewis]

Since installing an aftermarket head unit, amplifier and speakers in my 2002 Z3, I've been getting very poor radio reception. Thus far everything I've tested check out OK. The one part I'm unsure about is the antenna amplifier.

When I attach probes from my VOM to the top of the antenna mount amplifier (where the antenna screws in on the rear fender) and the bottom of the antenna mount amplifier (where the antenna cable screws on the L side of the trunk) I get no ohm reading, as if it is a open circuit. I've tested it both with and without power being delivered to the antenna amplifier - same result.

Does this definitively indicate the antenna amplifier is defective, or is there a better way to test if the amplifier is working?

[GELewis]

I discovered it has a broken wire inside. Due to the location of the break, it can't be fixed, so I've ordered a new antenna amplifier.

[tsklan]

I discovered it has a broken wire inside. Due to the location of the break, it can't be fixed, so I've ordered a new antenna amplifier.

Hi. Do you know where the amplified antenna base gets its power? Does it come from the blue wire (power antenna/remote/amp turn on) wire that seems to be on most wiring harnesses that come from the head unit?

Also, do you know whether all Z3s had amplified antennas?

Thanks