Antenna Question

[Cmcgettrick]

I have posted this on the other forum but wanted to see if any of you guys have any additional input on this.

So I have been noticing differences in the mounting of the antenna on the exterior of the car. My car is a 1988 M6 so I have been looking at both 87 and 88 model years. I have noticed 2 different styles, one has a rubber boot surrounding the antenna mast and the other is a metal collar with a screw on nut, photos of both styles are below. My question is what determined the style that was installed on the cars? Was this simply a case of whatever parts were on hand were used at that time? Or was there a line change at a specific time in the production that might corollate to a VIN number range where one would expect to see the different part? Or do I have the wrong part on the car?

We see these two types off scenarios in the classic corvette world as part number changes or design changes were not uncommon throughout a model year run.

The one with the rubber boot is what is currently installed on my car. The metal collar is on a friend's 40,000 1988 M6. (sorry about the sideways photos)

Antenna 1.jpg
Antenna 2.jpg

[RSheiman]

88 M6, 86 635 csi........both with metal collars.

[1986series6]

Take a look @ # 11, you'll notice a listing for chrome & black for the beginning M6 in 1986 to the last in 1988.
I have an 86 635 and my nut is chrome.

1986
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=65_0370

1988 M6
https://www.realoem.com/bmw/enUS/sho...diagId=65_0370

[Cmcgettrick]

Thanks guys! Im wondering why this would have been changed if it came with the metal collars. I guess I need to spend a little more time on that antenna.

[DesktopDave]

They seem random to me. '82 Euro 635CSi was the rubber plug, '85 NA 635CSi had the metal collar, '86 NA 635CSi has the rubber plug. No idea why.

[Cmcgettrick]

Hey Dave,
That’s what I originally thought. After looking it over some more it really doesn’t look as if it’s been replaced. Couple that with the fact that it’s all cracked and sort of dry rotted I’m thinking it’s probably original to the car. Thanks for the input!