Antenna delete plug - $.30 solution

[fight4life28]

Going to look into this, Thanks

[AndrewBird]

If you make the defrost into an antenna can it still function as defrost?

No. One or the other only, not both.

You could get fancy with some relays and make it work for both, but it would only work for one at a time. I.E. - Antenna all the time except when you hit the defrost button, then you no longer have an antenna until it turns back off.

[dustyperez]

If you make the defrost into an antenna can it still function as defrost?

[itskingsteelo]

The plug looks good. Now i gotta find an Ace store

[ParsedOut]

question is how well will it withstand the sun.

Buy 10 for a grand total of $3 and replace yearly if you're concerned...

[DesertBMW]

question is how well will it withstand the sun.

[ParsedOut]

do you have a part number for the piece? also can you rehost the picture? it doesnt seem to be working. thanks!!

Sure. I found it at Ace Hardware, don't know the part number.

[itskingsteelo]

do you have a part number for the piece? also can you rehost the picture? it doesnt seem to be working. thanks!!

[fporro]

how about a convertible fix ?

[ikonwun]

I did exactly that, I wired up my rear defroster as an antenna. It works perfectly, no loss of reception. Here in AZ I don't need to worry about the defrost functionality so I removed it. Easy DIY.

1) Unplug BOTH defroster plugs from the glass and I wrapped the connectors in electrical tape just to be safe.
2) Cut antenna coax a few inches from the end of the antenna (in case you need to resplice later for whatever reason)
3) Remove a 1" section of rubber sheath to expose just the shielding ground wires, do this near the rear seat back mounting bolt. Push the ground wires all to one side of the wire (don't cut) and solder those to a spade connector, then bolt that up to the lower rear seat connector bolt for a clean ground.
4) Run the wire up and tuck it between the seat back and the rear door trim.
5) Splice the center core wire to a female spade style connect and slip that onto the driver's side of the rear defroster.
6) Enjoy good reception and no external antenna.

Thanks for that. I have to try this..
And the delete plug.. Nice job

[ParsedOut]

any way to retain defrost functionality? perhaps a switch or relay wired? I think this was discussed before, but its probably in a wicked old thread

Sure, a relay would work to keep the defrost. I just personally have no need for it.

[jrobie79]

any way to retain defrost functionality? perhaps a switch or relay wired? I think this was discussed before, but its probably in a wicked old thread

[E30NJ]

wow nice fit. would have never thought they would be that simple.

[ParsedOut]

That's what she sa........nevermind.

So, do you just not use the radio at all, or do you have an antenna hidden somewhere? I have seen people rig up their rear defroster grid and use it as an FM antenna (on non-E30's) and I have always sort of wanted to look into that.

I did exactly that, I wired up my rear defroster as an antenna. It works perfectly, no loss of reception. Here in AZ I don't need to worry about the defrost functionality so I removed it. Easy DIY.

1) Unplug BOTH defroster plugs from the glass and I wrapped the connectors in electrical tape just to be safe.
2) Cut antenna coax a few inches from the end of the antenna (in case you need to resplice later for whatever reason)
3) Remove a 1" section of rubber sheath to expose just the shielding ground wires, do this near the rear seat back mounting bolt. Push the ground wires all to one side of the wire (don't cut) and solder those to a spade connector, then bolt that up to the lower rear seat connector bolt for a clean ground.
4) Run the wire up and tuck it between the seat back and the rear door trim.
5) Splice the center core wire to a female spade style connect and slip that onto the driver's side of the rear defroster.
6) Enjoy good reception and no external antenna.

[ParsedOut]

I would still use a little clear silicone if I was you. Just because it "popped" in, doesn't mean it's weather tight.

I tried to take it out so I could confirm the size I bought, couldn't even get a thin flat blade screwdriver under the lip. I had to pry it out from the inside and it required a lot more force than I expected. Trust me it's weather tight, but feel free to add silicone if you feel it's necessary.