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From: [email protected] (GP Grewal)
On Tue, 20 Dec 94 [email protected] (GP Grewal) wrote:
>Subject: Poor 318iC music system.

>I just got a 318iC. It is a great car with the worst music system. I
>have owned an RX7 and an Integra. These car's, that cost less than half
>of what the BMWs cost, had much better music system's. The system
>seems to have a few problems.

>1) FM reception is marginal. The same stations that come in loud and
>   clear on the other system's tend to have noise and fade problems on
>   this system.


  This does not sound normal. FM performance on mine is stellar.



>2) Lot of distortion at high volume.

>3) Poor Bass.


 Just out of curiosity, are you evaluating this with the top up or down?
With it down, all bets are off. You have no roof for the sound to bounce
off of plus you have lots of ambient noise drowning out the system.


>I wonder if the reception probem is because of the small antenna on the
                                                    ~~~~~
>trunk. Has anyone tried replacing this antenna with a longer one.


  I'm not that familiar with the 325ic, but I think it uses the same
antenna as the 325 coupes which is a telescopic electric antenna mounted
on the left rear fender. If this is the type antenna on the 325ic, you
should know that it is prone to a problem of not going up all the way
as the car ages. This is caused by two things. First, the antenna mast
itself gets dirty and dry. It needs to be cleaned and lubricated
periodically to keep it in full operating condition. I clean and lube
mine with WD-40, and it seems to work fine. I spray WD-40 liberally on
a small rag and clean each segment of the mast with it. The antenna
should be about 30 inches in length when fully extended. If it is not,
try extending it fully before you lubricate it. Do this by turning the
radio on and gently try to extend it by pulling upwards on the end cap
of the last segment. Once fully extended, clean and lubricate it well.
I'm told this will work on antennas that are "not too far gone" meaning
not neglected for years. Once they are "too far gone" the whole antenna
must be replaced. As a side note, you can purchase antenna cleaner/lube
packets from a dealer as well. I've never used them, but I'm told they
are a pre-lubricated sheet packaged in foil. The second problem is that
the grease on the slip clutch mechanism on the antenna motor gets dirty
and stiff. If this is the case, the antenna/motor unit must be removed
from the car, taken apart, cleaned and re-lubed.

>Does anyone know if the distortion comes from the system or the
>speakers. <clip>


  I don't notice distortion on mine, but then I don't play mine real
loud.


Ron Checca
'90 M3 Street
'88 M3 Track
'87 325es Road