Poor Radio Reception

[TouringMatt]

Got a Pioneer HU and im getting poor reception again, fixed it last time by removing the aerial mast (Touring) and cleaning up the connections but its not helped this time

What little reception i have seems to be effected when using the wipers!

Do E30 aerial use amplifiers to boost signal?

Not the most technical of questions but would appreciate some help

Matt

[TouringMatt]

Looks like another Teflon coated thread again

6 views, nice

[Martinaston]

Any joins in the aeriel wire?

[MONSPORT42]

I'm hopeless at electrics but I'm sure there are other items of kit on the radio circuit and it would probably be a good idea to look at the connections/earthing on those. If you have the handbook it shows what kit runs on which fuse circuits which should give you a clue where to look.
Just been to the garage to get mine. Fuse 12 Radio, Check control & instruments. Fuse 21 Interior & glove box lights, torch, clock, radio memory, on-board computer. Fuse 28 Cigarette lighter, electric arial. independent fuel burning heater.
Most radios used to have an arial 'trimming' screw which might need adjusting if you have one. Hopefully someone else will come in with some more concrete advice though! Good luck.

[Brianmoooore]

Do E30 aerial use amplifiers to boost signal?

No

[Brianmoooore]

Most radios used to have an arial 'trimming' screw which might need adjusting if you have one.

This was for MW reception rather than VHF.

[Brianmoooore]

Not much to go wrong with a touring aerial TBH.
Check the aerial braid is earthing properly at the roof end andthe wire isn't damaged at the plug end.

[MONSPORT42]

Showing my age Brian. My first car was an MG Magnette ZA - it had a valve radio!

[Brianmoooore]

Showing my age Brian. My first car was an MG Magnette ZA - it had a valve radio!

Someone on here older than me!! I've had radios (wireless's) with AF117s in them, but never valves!

[TouringMatt]

Thanks for the replys guys, at least i have an idea of what and what not to look for

Plug end is sound, tried to get the plastic cover out of the headling to check the aerial end but it its real difficult, feels likes its going to break!

Matt

[Markey]

I was having this problem i found i had to get another booster that plugs in at the radio end.

Also on the IS i had to get a new ariel as i could only get radio 1 Arrrrrrrgh

[DanThe]

had to get a new ariel as i could only get radio 1 Arrrrrrrgh

Gutted for ya mate

[MONSPORT42]

Halfords fitted my Kenwood radio and I seem to remember that the E30 required an extra part to make it work with modern head units. May have been a booster of some sort. Might be an idea to get a quote from them and enquire what would be involved. Don't have to take it but at least you'll know without any more trial and error! The thing that keeps me thinking it's an earthing issue is that reception is worse with the wipers on.

[Brianmoooore]

Halfords fitted my Kenwood radio and I seem to remember that the E30 required an extra part to make it work with modern head units. .

Only late E30s are fitted with an ISO radio connector as standard.Earlier E30s would need this fitted to take a modern radio, and an adaptor on the aerial lead as well.
Don't think I would let anyone from Halfords near any of my cars' electrics!

[MONSPORT42]

I have to say it was done with some trepidation but as I said earlier in the thread , I'm hopeless with electrics. The other attraction was it was free! Not a great fan of Halfords for anything other than a tin of polish, but I haver to say the individual fitter did a very tidy and thus far (2 years) fault free job. I guess it is all down to individuals, my guy was very interested, took his time and quite obviously new what he was doing.