Radio Reception/Antenna Newb Question

[Boost2Perfection]

Hey guys, i have an aftermarket SONY headunit in the car. My car gets very very poor fm/am reception. The antenna doesn't pop up anymore bought the car like this. What is the best way to solve this problem? There are so many diff types of antennas out there which one should i get? I will need to buy a new antenna motor too right? I have a 1990 e30 325i Coupe.

Will the one below work with my Sony radio? I just want clear reception... for my FM/AM radio. I honestly prefer one's that arent motorized b/c i know over time they all get messed up and stop working... Any links of where i can buy one? I prefer OEM look. Thanks!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-Hirschmann-HIT-AUTA-2040-Automatic-Chrome-Mast-Motorized-Power-Radio-Antenna-/360414079144?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Year%3A1990%7CModel%3A325i&vxp=mtr&hash=item53ea5a68a8

[rkettner]

am radio does not work in my car unless the antenna goes up.

[Morrison]

The one you linked is probably fine. My car came with a no-name fixed mast un-amplified 16" rubber antenna that got horrible reception. Then I switched to an amplified OEM 318ti setup and it was no better. I supplied it with switched 12V power and ground but still got hardly any stations. I'm not sure if my used 318ti setup was defective or not. I also suspected it might be a cable impedance issue, since I don't know if BMW used 75 ohm coax for its antenna lead. I have heard of car manufacturers using 50 and 92 ohm coaxes before. I know my Alpine is looking for a 75 ohm system, and yes it matters.

Then I went out and spent $14 on a Metra 3 section metal antenna with base from Autozone and the reception is crystal-freagin clear. It's black and basically is manually raised or lowered but even in its shortest position it's great. The length of cable that comes with it is only about 4 feet long so I soldered on a 10' length of home cable tv RG6 coax. Then on the far end I used an F to BNC adapter, then BNC to Motorola adapter both available at Radio Shack to make the connection to the head unit.