Radio - Inadequate Reception
Group 65Sound System,
Cruise, Alarms, Monitors
Bulletin Number
65 06 97
Woodcliff Lake, NJ
November 1997
Product Engineering
SUBJECT:
Inadequate Radio Reception
MODEL:
E31, E38, E39, E36 except compact
Situation:
Inadequate radio reception can be experienced in all tuning frequencies.
Cause:
Due to high mechanical loading, the internal conductor of the antenna cable may be interrupted at the connection point in the antenna angled plug on the radio.
Affected Vehicles:
E31, E38, E39, E36 except compact.
Manufacturing period:
11/96 to 04/97
Correction:
In case of a verified customer complaint, install a new antenna angled plug.
At the end of April 1997 an optimized antenna cable was introduced in production. It can be identified by a round raised edge on the antenna angled plug (radio connection).
The edge is intended to facilitate easy removal.
Procedure:
In case of customer complaints regarding radio reception, locate a local FM radio station with good reception for the purpose of troubleshooting. If the quality of the reception is unsatisfactory (for this or another FM station), it is possible that the internal conductor of the antenna lead is broken.
When the antenna angled plug is identified as the cause, it should be cut out from the antenna cable, and the new plug should be installed as follows:
Carefully remove the insulation from the antenna cable (dimensions shown are in mm) and brush back the copper shield.
Keep the shield separated from the internal conductor to avoid the danger of shorting.
Form a loop on the internal conductor.
Important:
Carefully cover all areas adjacent to a soldering area in order to protect the interior of the vehicle from splatter.
Use a soldering iron to tin-plate the terminal plate on the antenna angled plug and the exposed internal conductor.
While another technician holds the cable and connector, using a small soldering iron (1) (max. 50 W) and suitable soldering tip, solder the internal conductor to the center connection of the antenna angled plug.
Move the insulation on the antenna lead slightly towards the soldering point and ensure that the loop is correctly positioned. It must not come into contact with the external metal housing of the plug.
Then, using the manual crimping tool (1), crimp the cable guide and strain relief element together.
Important:
Prior to crimping, again check that the shield copper mesh is correctly positioned.
^ Then clip the black cap over the antenna angled plug.
^ Check the electrical connection from the internal conductor to the shield. There should be no electrical connection between the internal conductor and the shield.
^ Once the radio is installed, carry out a reception test as described above.
During the procedure, use the manual crimping tool, P/N 90 88 6 619 041, and the crimping jaws, P/N 90 88 6 619 044, distributed to you through the Automatic Tool Shipment Program.
Parts Information:
Parts Number Qty. Description
90 88 6 652 400 1 Cable end (5/pack)
Warranty Status:
Covered under the terms of the BMW New Car Limited Warranty.
Defect Code: 65 23 90 66 00
Labor Operation: 00 51 277 Installing the antenna angled plug
Labor Allowance: 8 FRU - E31, E36, E38
9 FRU - E39
Sublet Allowance: 1 angled antenna end connector
(out of pack of 5) - $2.00