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      12-22-2008, 08:02 PM   #1
Zirenz2006
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Why the external antenna?

Can someone explain why the Z4 has an external antenna?

Is this strictly for radio or is NAV incorporated as well?

I don't understand why they didn't do a small shark fin on the trunk like the E93.
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      12-23-2008, 01:22 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Zirenz2006 View Post
Can someone explain why the Z4 has an external antenna?

Is this strictly for radio or is NAV incorporated as well?

I don't understand why they didn't do a small shark fin on the trunk like the E93.
I agree the rear antenna is horrible. But i think a shark fin on the trunk is actualy alot worse and would sitort the classic lines of the car. I would rather see the antennas placed inside the windshield of the car if possible!
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      12-23-2008, 08:35 AM   #3
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There are definitely some retro influences on the car, like the round switchgear on the dash and the general roadster layout. I guess the external antenna gives better reception and fits with that old-school look.

The shark fin would have been worse, I think they're doing the GPS with a small sensor on the dash.
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      12-23-2008, 11:49 AM   #4
Zirenz2006
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I would definitely replace the antenna with the stubby version. I don't use the radio anyway so if reception suffers I wouldn't care. It would be nice to be able to get the base and antenna body matched.
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      12-23-2008, 04:21 PM   #5
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I can't see why they can't have AM reception through the same antenna as the FM antenna (buried in the bumper). But I see it this way... Jack in the box Antenna Ball FTW!

+1 on the shark fin looking bad.
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      12-23-2008, 04:24 PM   #6
Zirenz2006
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I'm starting to see how the shark fin would ruin the lines on the Z but a rubber external AM antenna in 2009 I just don't get.

Any current Z owners here have the stubby antenna? What's the shortest available?
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      12-23-2008, 04:54 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyE1976 View Post
There are definitely some retro influences on the car, like the round switchgear on the dash and the general roadster layout. I guess the external antenna gives better reception and fits with that old-school look.

The shark fin would have been worse, I think they're doing the GPS with a small sensor on the dash.
I think that lil sensor is Auto-light
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      12-23-2008, 10:29 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vonsazkin View Post
I don't think that is the auto-light sensor. That is placed on the back of the rear mirror on the windshield.

But where is the satellite radio antenna on this thing located at?

I wish they could have incorporated some kind of "hidden"/built-in antenna. The shark-fin antenna would certainly spoil the lines.
i thought the back of the rear mirror on the windshield was the Auto-wipers?
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      02-25-2009, 07:04 PM   #9
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I'm sure BMW can find a way not to have that cheap ass antenna sticking off the quarter panel. I can't understand why they spend all that money to redesign the car and then put something that ghetto on the car. Even KIA doesn't use them anymore.
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      02-26-2009, 02:25 PM   #10
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That's the Z4 version of the shark-fin for the Nav, the radio antenna is that black bit to the left.
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      02-26-2009, 02:29 PM   #11
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Smile

there is a short version (280mm) in the german price list for 13 euro, have a look on www.bmw.de
I wonder why they did not put that one on the car!?
should look beter
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      02-26-2009, 05:48 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vonsazkin View Post
Yeah. Just wondering why they could not put the radio antenna along with the nav fin. I guess it would either make the fin larger (doubt that - it would be a small chip/antenna) or they wanted to keep it a bit retro.

I think the radio antenna is along with the sat nav fin in the 3/5/7/etc series.
I would think a radio antenna works differently to a GPS receiver, I seem to recall that you get better reception with a longer aerial. Many manufacturers took to putting them in the A-pillar, but I think you still get some interference from the bodywork.

BMW have probably taken this approach because it potentially gives the best radio reception. Once everything goes digital then i'm sure we'll see these being truly historic.
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      09-05-2009, 05:22 PM   #13
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I found a very nice stubby antenna for the Z4:




It looks like this antenna was made for Z4!

If anyone is interessted: It's for a Fiat, partnumber: 96 36 66 36 80
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      09-05-2009, 05:41 PM   #14
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how is the reception on that small antenna when compared to the ugly long one ?
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      09-05-2009, 08:41 PM   #15
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the antenna just for AM RADIO USE only....i did take my off....everything is fine expect AM...
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      09-05-2009, 10:43 PM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maaij View Post
I found a very nice stubby antenna for the Z4:


It looks like this antenna was made for Z4!

If anyone is interessted: It's for a Fiat, partnumber: 96 36 66 36 80
How much of the existing antenna did you have to remove: the mast only, or the entire assembly?
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      09-06-2009, 03:07 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maaij View Post
I found a very nice stubby antenna for the Z4:
It looks like this antenna was made for Z4!
Yes, it does look very good! I have the same one...

Quote:
Originally Posted by Maaij View Post
If anyone is interessted: It's for a Fiat, partnumber: 96 36 66 36 80
Is this one from Fiat?? Mine is a Peugeot 607 roof mounted antenna and it looks just like the one in the picture.

Peugeot Partnumber : 6561.N3

Grtz
Ramius

Last edited by GunSpeed; 09-06-2009 at 04:27 AM..
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      09-06-2009, 03:10 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagueAMX View Post
How much of the existing antenna did you have to remove: the mast only, or the entire assembly?

Only the mast, you just unscrew the original one and replace it by the shorter one, done in about half a minute and it'll set you back only a few euro's...

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      09-06-2009, 09:52 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by teagueAMX View Post
How much of the existing antenna did you have to remove: the mast only, or the entire assembly?
My US dealer carries one like this in their parts dept. 3-3/4" long. List price is $50 IIRC, but I got it for free.

Like reported, the mast just screws in to replace the factory long one.

Dryer & Reinbold in Indianapolis, if you want to call and get part#.
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      09-06-2009, 10:46 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by vonsazkin View Post
I think this is where the antenna is located at - notice the small hump there. why else would it be there? it's probably the antenna.

i don't recall noticing it in the first official photos of this car (the EU version) but noticed it in the photos that were posted of the car in the auto shows in US.
Do you know, I think that's just a 'reflection' in the photo. There's no shark's fin antenna for this car.
Wait...I'm wrong.
That's the aerial on US Mkt vehicles for your satellite radio

Last edited by Z_Victor1; 09-06-2009 at 10:50 AM.. Reason: correction
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      09-06-2009, 11:16 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AndyE1976 View Post

The shark fin would have been worse, I think they're doing the GPS with a small sensor on the dash.
I think that sensor is for the climate control - detecting the amount of sunlight entering the car..
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      01-25-2010, 12:29 PM   #22
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Z4 Mast Antenna

The mast antenna on the fender is not for AM reception...that is in the front roof panel along with most other antennas. The mast antenna is the "FM2 Antenna". It is for FM diversity. (According to BMW technical Documents)
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