New to E30 - Power Antenna Replacement

[Sweet535i]

Hi guys, recently picked up a '91 325ic and am working to get her back into great shape. The car is pretty sound but came with some issues, most of which involve replacing things versus serious repair (knock..knock). I'm more familiar with my E34 and former E36s..the E30 I am learning on.

One of my projects is replacing the power retractable antenna. Thought it was just the mast itself but not sure I don't need to replace the entire unit. Anyone done this before? I see the replacement units available for sale but haven't yet pulled the trigger yet. Any tricks to this one?

Thanks for any assistance on this one!

Steve

[winfred]

most of the time a $20-25 mast is all that's needed, sometimes you need to take the antenna apart to extract the remains of the plastic whip but that's not hard, get a new rubber grommet for the top to keep water out of the trunk, they are only a couple bucks you need to drop the antenna out of it's hole to install the grommet in the body a couple 8mms and 2 plugs and it's out

[Sweet535i]

Thanks..I do have the new mast but need new grommets. I turned the radio on..had to put in a new head unit...and didn't hear anything from the antenna motor. Thought if it was good I might hear it trying to work...didn't hear anything though.

[GJPinAU]

If you have to replace the whole antenna, it will take about an hour to do. Not a difficult job.

cheers,
Greg

[winfred]

almost takes longer to get the damn trunk plastic liner out of the way then it does changing the motor


If you have to replace the whole antenna, it will take about an hour to do. Not a difficult job.

cheers,
Greg

[Sweet535i]

You are right about that plastic liner...a real biatch!! Was tempted to cut it to make it easier to remove and replace...