E30 Antenna alternatives

[6670charger]

My power antenna has finally bit the dust with regard to going up and down.  For several weeks, it had been stuck in the up position, so not an issue.  Yesterday, it decided to go down, and is now stuck all the way down.  I think it's time for a replacement.

 

Are there any fixed antenna's out there that work on the E30, and that don't cost $50 or more?  I'd like to find something where I don't have to worry about whether it's going to work. 

[merl]

They don't work ... at least I couldn't find one that did and I ended up getting the z3 convertible assembly ,,, downside is it is expensive.

[straight6pwr]

$50 is a pretty low expectation, considering if you buy a fixed one you never have to replace it again.  spending $150 on a power one every 4 years gets old though.

 

you can use a z3/318ti/e36 vert one, which if you buy it new may cost a little more than 50, used would be cheaper.

 

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23843&page=6

 

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=263716

 

http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/faqs-diys/e30-e28-flexible-antenna-upgrade-55269.html

 

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=289110

 

 

as a 2nd option, someone has figured how to just convert the power mast to a fixed one, so all you have to do is buy the mast/parts

 

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1004311-DIY-E30-Antenna-Conversion-%28power-to-mast%29

 

 

alternatively, you could plug the hole and run just an antenna wire inside the car along the pillar roof, if you dont mind pull interior peices to gain access.

 

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=175860

[6670charger]

$50 is a pretty low expectation, considering if you buy a fixed one you never have to replace it again.  spending $150 on a power one every 4 years gets old though.

 

you can use a z3/318ti/e36 vert one, which if you buy it new may cost a little more than 50, used would be cheaper.

 

http://www.e30tech.com/forum/showthread.php?t=23843&page=6

 

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=263716

 

http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/faqs-diys/e30-e28-flexible-antenna-upgrade-55269.html

 

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=289110

 

 

as a 2nd option, someone has figured how to just convert the power mast to a fixed one, so all you have to do is buy the mast/parts

 

http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?1004311-DIY-E30-Antenna-Conversion-%28power-to-mast%29

 

 

alternatively, you could plug the hole and run just an antenna wire inside the car along the pillar roof, if you dont mind pull interior peices to gain access.

 

http://www.r3vlimited.com/board/showthread.php?t=175860

 

 

Thanks for the info.  Sounds like a number of decent, yet inexpensive alternatives.  Very helpful!!

[KaiserRolls]

I took mine off. relocated it under the trunk. plugged the antenna hole.

 

for free.

[6670charger]

Ended up using the version that was posted in the Bimmerwerks site.  Cost me all of $30.  Looks and works great.  Found a used antenna from an E36 cabrio for $20, and antenna mast for $1, and got a brand new grommet for $11.

[6670charger]

Here is a pic of the new antenna on the car.