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Registered
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 8
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1997 E36 FM Reception
The FM reception on my 1997 318i has a constant wisp on the "S" sounds on the radio, nothing really affects it, it's just always there. It's mostly okay but if the music is loud and hight pitched it also wisps, basically on the high frequency sounds. How do I mend this? Where is the amp in my car? Do I have to check the connections between the embedded antenna in the rear windshield and the amplifier? Also the windows are tinted and I've heard that causes problems. The AM is probably just as bad or worse but i'm mostly worried about FM.
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1997 BMW 318i |
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12-30-2005, 05:50 PM
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Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: coffeyville, ks. usa
Posts: 97
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if you're running a factory radio replacing it with a decent aftermarket deck will take care of the sound. I chose alpine and it sounds great. I even bought a cheaper alpine. as for the tint my car has 15% and it has no effect on the window antenna. I think it's the head unit itself.
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12-31-2005, 04:58 PM
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Does it make the sound when the engine is off? If so I would replace the head unit. If not it could be a bad connection, possibly the ground, so you are getting alternator humm. A new head-unit could still help if it has better noise filtration.
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HPDE Instructor (BMW / PCA / Apex) Here: 1997 M3/4 Byzanz/Magma ~ 2006 Yamaha R6 ~ 1997 R1100RT ~ 1991 Ford F-150 5.8l ~ 2015 Kia Optima Gone: 2001 330i Silver/Grey ~ 98 Camry V6 ~ 97 Camry I4 ~ 97 Mazda 626 I4 ~ 93 Sentra SE-R ~ 88 Toyota Truck I4 |
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01-03-2006, 07:12 AM
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I'm assuming your using the factory C33 head unit. Although it was produced by Alpine, I found it to be a 'dog' in a lotta ways. Foremost, if your display isn't dim or completely out, get ready cause it's coming. But worst of all, it has a high end limit, which doesn't allow the unit to take advantage of the factory amp.
I'd search eBay for a used C43. The display issues were resolved, & it has no high end limit. It also has PTY & RDS for radio station identification & programming info when applicable. I did this swap, & have been very happy. It's nice to be able to keep the stock look (orange illumination for consistency), yet have a better HU that still works with the amp & 6 disc changer. Completely plug & play.
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Every Boy Becomes A Man. A Fortunate Few Reverse The Process. 97 328is Black on Black 5 speed Sport Package, Short Arm Intake with ABS Molded Heat Shield, Custom Mounted Front Strut Bar, Elevated Clutch Stop, Polished Aluminum Roundel Shifter, AC Schnitzer Aluminum Pedal Set, Chrome Instrument Cluster Rings & Carbon Fiber Bezel, Crystal Clear Corners, OEM Clear Tail & Side Lights, Scalloped Headlight Trim, Custom 'is' Grill Badge, Alpine C43 Stereo Upgrade, Front Bumper Filler |
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01-03-2006, 09:33 AM
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Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 8
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Well I found an unbelievably awsome fix for these stupid C33 radios that actually pinpoints the defect and tells you how to fix it. Right behind the display board, there are two tiny surface mount resistors that develop cracks too small for the human eye to see because of heat build up around the dashboard. The fix describes how to get to these and and solder them back.
http://forums.bimmerforums.com/forum/showthread.php?t=251722
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1997 BMW 318i |
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01-04-2006, 04:19 PM
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1997 BMW M3 3.2L I6
1997 BMW 328is M52 In-Line 6
