jayinmadison Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 Hey guys, Does anyone know where to properly mount an alternator ground cable on an e30 m20? I've searched online and in my repair guide with no luck. It looks like it can reach from the back of the alternator to the engine mount ground cable location. Is that where it should go? Hoping it will limit the amount of radio whine I am getting. Thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 GunMetalGrey Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 There is no alternator ground, unless yours is on rubber mounts but I don't believe any 6 cyl. has that.Check your engine ground on the pass/drivers side frame rail. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Earl Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 That's usually the sole ground on BMW motors isn't it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 Jeff Posted April 6, 2015 Report Share Posted April 6, 2015 I have yet to see one grounded by a wire. They ground through the block. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 jc43089 Posted April 8, 2015 Report Share Posted April 8, 2015 I think some are rubber mounted and have a short braided strap, I can't remember where it goes to though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 straight6pwr Posted April 9, 2015 Report Share Posted April 9, 2015 Everyone is spot on. If you choose to add the strap anyways, which some people recommend, the engine to body spot is a good one.I've had radio whine in every e30 with aftermarket radio that I've had so hopefully you can get rid of it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 jayinmadison Posted April 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 Thanks guys. This didn't resolve the radio whine. Does anyone have any tips to resolve that issue? Also right now only my rear left speaker puts out audio. The rest just good 'ol whine! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 jc43089 Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 OE head unit? Sent from my potato phone jayinmadison 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 YoungCR Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 Check the common grounds for the stereo wiring. jayinmadison 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 straight6pwr Posted April 21, 2015 Report Share Posted April 21, 2015 there are some suggestions I've heard. i didn't bother to do anything, because i could only hear the whine if the radio volume was quiet and the car was not moving.1)separate left/right channel wires from large power wires in stock wiring2)completely new wiring with RCA cables, aftermarket amp, etc.3)noise suppressors?4)ground the radio to the same ground as the alternator5)new radio ground on sheet metal as close to radio as possible jayinmadison 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 jayinmadison Posted April 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 24, 2015 Thanks guys. Stock radio. It has 10 disc cd changer in the trunk. (Rad, I know lol). Is the Radio's ground wire near the deck or antenna? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
0 straight6pwr Posted April 25, 2015 Report Share Posted April 25, 2015 I don't know exactly, but finding the diagrams in the etm would help you here. My guess is the stock radio harness probably grounds to a bracket or body in the drivers footwell. If you take out your radio and kick panel you should be able to follow the harness. jayinmadison 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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jayinmadison
Hey guys,
Does anyone know where to properly mount an alternator ground cable on an e30 m20? I've searched online and in my repair guide with no luck.
It looks like it can reach from the back of the alternator to the engine mount ground cable location. Is that where it should go?
Hoping it will limit the amount of radio whine I am getting.
Thanks!
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