Speakers - Crackling Noise On FM Band

Group 65
Radio and
Accessories

Bulletin Number
65 04 95 (4191)

Woodcliff Lake, NJ
April 1995
Product Engineering

SUBJECT:
Crackle/Static in Diversity Antenna Radio Reception

MODELS:
MY '92 E32/E34 and MY '93 E32/E34/E31/E36, up to 10/93 production

Situation:

Sporadic crackling noise from the speakers when listening to FM radio stations, on vehicles equipped with diversity antenna system.

Cause:

The use of different metals near diversity antenna amplifier coaxial connector may contribute to the formation of some oxidation over a period of time. This may result in an increased resistance between the antenna amplifier and the vehicle body, with a corresponding loss of reception performance.

Correction:

If a customer complaint is received, install a special cable clip (P/N 65 25 8 363 296) that will provide good grounding in all conditions.

Procedure:




Remove the driver's side C-pillar trim. Remove the middle screw retaining the diversity antenna amplifier to the C-pillar. If necessary, scrape any excess paint from this area to make certain connection resistance is low. Install the curved end of the grounding clip around the cable, and secure the clip and the antenna amplifier with the screw. Refer to the illustration.

Verify that the connection is low resistance by checking with a digital ohmmeter. The resistance from the screw head to the metal end of the antenna cable should be less than 1 ohm.

Parts Information:

Description Part Number
Antenna Cable Grounding Clip 65 25 8 363 296

Warranty Information:

Parts and labor are reimbursable under the terms of the applicable BMW New Car Limited Warranty.

Defect Code: 65 23 03 79 00
Labor Operation: 00 51 024 Installing Ground Clip

Labor Allowance:

4 FRU (E321E34)
5 FRU (E311E36)