1994 E34 525i Touring questions

[hubster999]

Hi guys, just a couple of questions...Where in the heck is the power antenna?
I looked and looked to no avail...feel like an idiot! And how do you know if A/C compressor is good or not?

Thanks in advance, and I really enjoy this site! Keep up the good work!

hubster

[brodee]

There is no power antenna. The antenna is integrated into the rear driver's side window, if you look you'll see some wires in there. The connection is behind the panel where the CD changer goes.

Usually if an AC compressor isn't working it will cycle too often. You'll hear it kick on and off really frequently. It could also have bad seals that cause a system leak. Any reputable AC shop should be able to test it for you.

[hubster999]

Well, I looked behind the changer, and I think it may be unplugged...does it look like a tv antenna-style plug that you have to tighten? I watched my compressor and it hasn't cycled at all, so maybe the compressor died on me...Anybody know where to get one at a reasonable price?
Thanks fellas!

Mike

[hubster999]

If it is the right plug, I don't see where that goes to either.... :o(

[Kalevera]

Actually, these cars have a complex power antenna system that's controlled by a computer module -- I have no idea where it's located on the tourings. Said module is powered on by a lead at the head unit, which also activates the amp. There are a couple of coax cables throughout the car, depending on what options the car has. The BMW C-net (cellular option) has three harnesses, one of which is a coax, one is proprietary, the third is a centronix (printer) cable. Again, I don't know where they'd be located on a touring.

My question is, why the question about the power antenna -- something not working or ?

best, whit

[Qsilver7]

...if you go to the online parts database. There is an exception, though...the parts database uses a sedan in the diagram and the sedans antenna is in the rear window. The Touring's antenna is in the rear fixed side window (cargo area) on the driver's side as has already been mentioned. The parts you see in the diagram will be the same except they run from that rear side fixed window instead of from the rear like in the sedan. The antenna leads are attached to an amp (item #2 in diagram)...then a cable (#6 in diagram) runs from the amp up the side of the car to the radio head unit. Here's the diagram: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...45&hg=65&fg=30

Hubster, you're not going to "see" this radio antenna amp and cable by just opening the CD changer storage door...they are located between the interior/exterior panels. The cables you see in CD changer storage area will be for the phone (looks like an old printer cable), CD changer cable and power cable for the CD changer. Here's a couple of pics from when I installed the Pioneer changer in my Touring...when everything is finished...all the cables etc are tucked out of the way. Also, the amp for the radio and changer is behind the insulation between the exterior panel and another metal interior panel in the storage compartment area...again, BMW does a good job of hiding these things out of sight. You can see the HiFi system's amplifier (#25 in diagram) at this link: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...88&hg=65&fg=20