Satellite Radio Installation - United Bimmer Community

**CAPiTUL** · 04-30-2006, 04:16 PM

Has anybody intalled one of the satellite radio antenas with OUT putting it on the paint? I was considering purchasing it, but then found out that it magnetically sticks to your car. That could very well scratch it. Has anybody done any altnernative mounts that they would care to share details on? If so, also please inform me on how well your reception is after the alternative mounting. Thanks.

Storamin · 04-30-2006, 05:36 PM

I've seen some on the rear window of the car.

**Rooz** · 04-30-2006, 05:58 PM

Here...

**BMWLotAttendant** · 04-30-2006, 06:17 PM

^^^ I've seen that too.

But personally, I think it looks much better on the back of the hood. Where did you hear that it made scratches?

I think it has a protective rubber encasing on the bottom of the magnetic device that connects it to the hood. So you should be safe.

Buuuut, if you have a shark fin, oh wait you have an e36. I have yet to see an e36 with a shark fin. But shark fins....work with Satelite radio as well.

**CAPiTUL** · 04-30-2006, 07:03 PM

The ones I looked at in the store didn't have any serious rubber on the bottom. My thing is, any hard surface on your car has the potential to scratch. The guy said that if it is installed properly, it shouldn't scratch because the magnet is very strong. HOWEVER, the key word was SHOULDN'T, not WOULDN'T. Huge difference, in my eyes.

Hey ROOZ, I have a question for you. How is your signal w/it on the dash? I had asked the guy about that and he said it would be hit and miss. 50/50. He also tried to explain that a good reason for the lousy reception is the very fine ultraviolet tint in the glass.
Thanks in advance.

**Rooz** · 04-30-2006, 07:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CAPiTUL

The ones I looked at in the store didn't have any serious rubber on the bottom. My thing is, any hard surface on your car has the potential to scratch. The guy said that if it is installed properly, it shouldn't scratch because the magnet is very strong. HOWEVER, the key word was SHOULDN'T, not WOULDN'T. Huge difference, in my eyes.

Hey ROOZ, I have a question for you. How is your signal w/it on the dash? I had asked the guy about that and he said it would be hit and miss. 50/50. He also tried to explain that a good reason for the lousy reception is the very fine ultraviolet tint in the glass.
Thanks in advance.

HUmm... you do realize I sell and install satellite radio on a daily basis, right?

The roof/exterior mounted ones over time do damage the paint and rust... about 90% of them are magnetically held in place.. over time water gets under that, and I mean, go through a car wash or something and the magnet gets moved around a bit.... yeah... we only install ours outside IF customer asks for it!

I get just as good reception as anyone else and in some cases better.... And I mean, it's not like regular Fm, you either get the signal, or don't..... I SOMETIMES lose the signal in my garage (brick house, with a brick garage) humm... every now and then under bridges, but very rarely, I have yet to lose it under a parking deck

**CAPiTUL** · 04-30-2006, 08:03 PM

Well then. . . sounds like the guy I spoke to was, to some extent, feeding me a line of . . . bullsheet??

**celsdogg** · 04-30-2006, 10:18 PM

sounds like it. ultraviolet is a completly different part of the spectrum. . .not that i know anything, just sounds wrong

Storamin · 04-30-2006, 10:28 PM

i would put it on the rear deck by the rear window...

**CAPiTUL** · 05-01-2006, 01:21 AM

Honestly, I'm now reluctant to have those douche bags even touch . . . . the Bimmer.

Storamin · 05-01-2006, 08:27 AM

i'd do it yourself.

**Rooz** · 05-01-2006, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

i would put it on the rear deck by the rear window...

I've heard that some tint jobs tend to enhance the chance of loosing signal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Storamin

i'd do it yourself.

It's easy, I mean... IF you are good at running cables, do it your self... other than running the cables and mounting the antenna, it's all just plugs...

**EnvyM3** · 05-01-2006, 02:59 PM

Just put int on the rear deck lid. That's where I put mine on my last 323 and it didn't scratch the paint in over a year and a half on there. Sure if you constantly move it around it could scratch but it would never scratch through the clear coat. So even if it does scratch a bit when you take it off to sell the car, it will come out with a simple buff and polish. The reception is sure to be better if it's outside vs. inside the window.

Storamin · 05-01-2006, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rooz

I've heard that some tint jobs tend to enhance the chance of loosing signal

it messes with FM/AM... but I don't think it would really affect XM/Sirius. Their reception is a lot better.

witeshark · 12-18-2006, 09:45 PM

Yeah I know, old thread. But I'd love to hear some feedback on the satellite services please