I did this over a year ago, and I posted this on a different e30 forum. I've since bought two other nub antennas to replace the factory long one, and it looks much better. I also tried to post this in the FAQ section, but I wasn't able to start a thread there, and it hasn't been approved yet for some reason. Moderators: Please edit this out and move it where you feel necessary.
Here is the write up copy and pasted:
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Okay, I know there have been numerous threads about putting in a z3/318ti antenna, but i want to end the discussion. I'll show exactly what parts i used and tell how I did it.
First, you will need the antenna base. You can get one from a z3 or a 318ti, both are the same. I found mine in a wrecking yard in a z3 and got it for $25. If you buy new, it will cost you significantly more.
Here is a picture of the one i used: PN 65218375159
It came with a bracket on it, but i simply took it off and threw it away. It is not necessary.
The next thing you will need is a grommet to hold the base in place. When i called the dealer and asked for the grommet for a z3, they told me there were 4 different types. So i asked about the grommet for the 318ti and they had that one so i used it. It works perfectly and i don't know the difference between it and the ones from the z3.
Here is a picture of the new grommet and the one i took off from my car:
The new one from the 318ti is on the right and the old one is on the left. The PN for the grommet is 65218362369.
The third and last thing you will need is an antenna. I chose to get a stock one, but there are a number of different choices. You can get any one that will fit a z3 or 318ti and possibly ones from a z4. I got the stock one from the 318ti. The part number is 65218362368.
Now that I've got it on my car, I'll probably get a different one that is shorter.
I don't have any pictures from the install, but it is very simple. First, you simply remove the power antenna and it's bracket. The connection to the antenna is the same as the e30 one, so you can simply screw that one on the new base.
For the power hook up, there is a plug for the power antenna that you will want to remove. Then you want to probe the two wires and see which is constant 12V. On my car it was red and the switched was white. The connector for the e30 will actually slide right in to the one on the new base. Then you want to ground the new base to something. I used the point that the power antenna was grounded to.
Here is a pic of the connections on the new base:
Now you're pretty much done. You need to remove the old grommet and put the new one. Do this from the top. It's very simple, just get the seal over the edge of the hole. Then just push the base up though the grommet until it goes all the way in. The grommet will support the base.
Now you just need to screw the antenna on and you're good to go.
Here's a pic of the final product.
I know, it doesn't look particularly good. I've got a shorter one now, and it fits the car much better. The straight up angle that this base/grommet provides doesn't make the stock antenna very attractive.
And one up close of the grommet
Pay no attention to the thick film of dirt on my car, I know it's in need of a wash. And if i were to do this again, I don't think I would pay the $25 for the OEM antenna. I will end up replacing it eventually, so I would recommend just buying a different one off of Ebay right off the bat.
Here is the write up copy and pasted:
-------------------------------------------
Okay, I know there have been numerous threads about putting in a z3/318ti antenna, but i want to end the discussion. I'll show exactly what parts i used and tell how I did it.
First, you will need the antenna base. You can get one from a z3 or a 318ti, both are the same. I found mine in a wrecking yard in a z3 and got it for $25. If you buy new, it will cost you significantly more.
Here is a picture of the one i used: PN 65218375159
It came with a bracket on it, but i simply took it off and threw it away. It is not necessary.
The next thing you will need is a grommet to hold the base in place. When i called the dealer and asked for the grommet for a z3, they told me there were 4 different types. So i asked about the grommet for the 318ti and they had that one so i used it. It works perfectly and i don't know the difference between it and the ones from the z3.
Here is a picture of the new grommet and the one i took off from my car:
The new one from the 318ti is on the right and the old one is on the left. The PN for the grommet is 65218362369.
The third and last thing you will need is an antenna. I chose to get a stock one, but there are a number of different choices. You can get any one that will fit a z3 or 318ti and possibly ones from a z4. I got the stock one from the 318ti. The part number is 65218362368.
Now that I've got it on my car, I'll probably get a different one that is shorter.
I don't have any pictures from the install, but it is very simple. First, you simply remove the power antenna and it's bracket. The connection to the antenna is the same as the e30 one, so you can simply screw that one on the new base.
For the power hook up, there is a plug for the power antenna that you will want to remove. Then you want to probe the two wires and see which is constant 12V. On my car it was red and the switched was white. The connector for the e30 will actually slide right in to the one on the new base. Then you want to ground the new base to something. I used the point that the power antenna was grounded to.
Here is a pic of the connections on the new base:
Now you're pretty much done. You need to remove the old grommet and put the new one. Do this from the top. It's very simple, just get the seal over the edge of the hole. Then just push the base up though the grommet until it goes all the way in. The grommet will support the base.
Now you just need to screw the antenna on and you're good to go.
Here's a pic of the final product.
I know, it doesn't look particularly good. I've got a shorter one now, and it fits the car much better. The straight up angle that this base/grommet provides doesn't make the stock antenna very attractive.
And one up close of the grommet
Pay no attention to the thick film of dirt on my car, I know it's in need of a wash. And if i were to do this again, I don't think I would pay the $25 for the OEM antenna. I will end up replacing it eventually, so I would recommend just buying a different one off of Ebay right off the bat.
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