Antenna Mast - Why the price difference?

[AV325i]

I was just on Pelican Parts and the price for an e30 antenna mast ranges form $17 to $41.

What's up with that? Is it worth buying the more expensive one?

[Ceeker]

The one that is oem is about 30-40 bucks chrome or black top. is it worth buying..hmm...well if you lived up my way..you'd be paying about 70.00+tax..so I would say from this perspective it is definitely worth it.

[AV325i]

I was wondering what causes the difference between $41 and $17. Are then different materials? Thicker chrome plating? I replaced one on my '89 iX three years ago and it is stuck again, but I didn't buy that one-it came with the car. Do the more expensive ones last longer?

[M-technik-3]

Mine still works in my es and it's oem from 86. I also have a manual that has never failed.

[Ceeker]

I was wondering what causes the difference between $41 and $17. Are then different materials? Thicker chrome plating? I replaced one on my '89 iX three years ago and it is stuck again, but I didn't buy that one-it came with the car. Do the more expensive ones last longer?

people assume that you get a new antenna mast it will last forever. There is a silicon protectant on the mast which keeps it smooth moving. That eventually starts to wear off and you start getting grime build up and sticking eventually leading to seizing. You need to clean them periodically and if I am not mistaken at some point bmw sold the wipes that were specific to cleaning the antenna mast. I just silicon or crown during winter so it doesn't seize.

They have to be maintained.

[M-technik-3]

You used to be able to dissassemble a Hirschmann and repair it but those are long gone.

[AV325i]

OK. I agree they don't last for ever and need to be maintained, but I'm still trying to figure out why I should pay $40 rather than $17.

I guess I will go with the $17 and see how well it works. Maybe I will by one of each and do a side by side, since by iX and convertable both need one, then I can post results in 3 years!

[Ceeker]

You used to be able to dissassemble a Hirschmann and repair it but those are long gone.

Actually the e-bay aftermarket Hirshmann ones can still be disassembled. I had one recently and was able to remove the circuitry from the body but they now just use a plug component. So you can still fix them. I don't know about the aftermarket ones available now days though.

I would suspect the 17.00 one is made in china and the 40.00 is oem german.
I would also suspect it is cheaper quality. but yes, one would have to order and inspect them side by side to see.

[M-technik-3]

Buy a manual one or maybe do a Fuba style mount like a 318Ti.

[priapism]

You can just replace the mast right? No need to replace the whole motor and whatnot? Mine works but only goes halfway down.

[nando]

if your antenna isn't bent or the belt thing isn't stripped, try cleaning it & lube it with graphite powder. Cycle the power on/off and pull on the antenna carefully until you get it unstuck. Once you get it extended, clean it off (might have to polish it a bit if there's rust) and then rub it with graphite. cycle/clean/lube until it works freely.

Mine's original and it still works. When I bought the car, it was stuck. Not a big deal..

[AV325i]

I have cleaned the mast in the past on my convertible, but it only worked for a few weeks and then got stuck again. I have not tried graphite powder. I could give that a try.

I assumed that after a while the chrome oxidizes somewhat and the friction gets too great. I'm in Minnesota, so I'm sure the extreme weather doesn't help the situation.

I'm going to order a cheap mast and an expensive mast and do the side by side study. I will post the results.

Thanks everyone!

[Stanley Rockafella]

After trying SEVERAL graphite lubes (both wet and dry) as well as a few "dry silicone lubes" the bEST stuff can be found at a cycle shop. Seriously, apprach those guys and I'm SURE they'll give you something that'll be btter then anythign you can get from the hardware dept in you local harware shop.

[smooth]

What's a fuba style mount?

Someone took my antenna and bent it sideways a couple years ago so I haven't had an antenna for a while. I don't really miss it but I'd like to get one that isn't an eyesore and won't be broken with someone pulling on it when I'm not standing by my car :|

[M-technik-3]

What's a fuba style mount?

Someone took my antenna and bent it sideways a couple years ago so I haven't had an antenna for a while. I don't really miss it but I'd like to get one that isn't an eyesore and won't be broken with someone pulling on it when I'm not standing by my car :|

This is a rood mounted but they have fender mounted versions.