Antenna

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fhpete

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I'm amazed at the expertise that lives at this site.

I've just bought a 1973 CS that needs a bit of interior cosmetic work that I'll be taking on over the coming years.

I have a question about the antenna. My antenna is on the front right side of the car. Almost every picture of every 73 CS has the antenna in a different place.

Were they all power antennas on these cars or would that have been an option? Mine does not fully retract - should it?. It is down to the last section. Any advice on a course of action to get it fully retracted?

Thanks,

Pete
 
There were many alternative postitions during the 6 years of production. Sometimes the factory fitted the antenna and radio, sometimes it was done by the importer or final dealership.
My very early 2800 CS has the antenna along the A-post, on the driver´s side. Reception is good enough without extending it above the roofline of the car. On all my Italian cars, the antenna is electric and mounted on the rear left wing, halfway along the trunklid´s side if you understand what I mean. On one of them, I had the antenna removed and the hole filled and painted, while doing some paintwork on that part of the car. I now have a loose antenna in the trunk instead. I will do the same again (on another car) if nearby paintwork is called for.
 
Welcome Pete to our group and the beginning of your never ending quest in finding those hard to find CS trim parts. It is like a treasure hunt. When you've found that particular sought after part or parts, it's like striking gold. As they say," it's the thrill of the hunt".

You are very keen in your observation of the radio aerials location. All 4 corners have been used to mount the antennas. The mounting holes were punched or drilled by the BMW dealers back then. So depending on which country or region the cars were in, then the customary practices of that region dictated where the antennas were mounted. Most coupes did not even come with radios installed and if you wanted speakers on the rear deck then you had to drill and cut the mounting holes yourself. Here in the US, I believe the rear left fender area was the chosen site whereas in Europe the Front left fender was standard. I've checked my E9 repair manual and it showed a template being used to determine exactly where to drill. These repair manuals were intended to be used by factory BMW technicians back then in servicing the coupes.

The factory parts catalog does show both the manual and automatic antenna units.

Bert
72 3.5 CSi
88 M6
 
Thanks guys.

Mine (antenna) doesn't retract all the way? If it is manual - should I expect it to be fully retractable?
 
Yes, both the manual and automatic versions should go all the way in. Most likely your antennna mast is frozen in place and the entire unit needs to be replaced. Hirschman is the probable manufacture of your unit whether it's a manual or auto unit. Replacement units are relatively inexpensive. I would choose the automatic one based solely on the convenience factor.

Bert
 
Antennas on the front fender near the A pillar sit above 2 or 3 hidden layers of metal below the fender. It was easier for the installer to put in a non-retractable antenna, my `73 had one on the right side. If you want electric on the front fender it will be exposed to the tire in the wheel well. Lots more room and a more protected environment if located in the trunk.
 
Thanks Chris,

I'm thinking of having the antenna removed (its not working and just waiting to be broken off) and capped for the time-being. If I have a repaint done, I might have the hole professionally covered.

I take it from your valuable input - that I need to be sure that the hole is capped very well and that no water makes its way in (unprotected metal).

I would move to a rear antenna or trunk mounted.

Peter
 
I just purchased a hidden antenna to use with my secret audio system. Hopefully I'll get it all installed in the next couple of weeks so I can start the driving season with some tunes. I've used these antennas in the past and they are generally better than OEM and they conceal well. The one i have is amplified for better reception. I would consider this before cutting a hole in the trunk (or anywhere else). I'm leaving my front fender antenna in place. Had I thought about it earlier I would have had the hole filled when I was doing bodywork.
 
internal antennae

Many thanks - any one have any experience (favorable or unfavorable) with any of these?
 
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