Need Schematic for E30 radio

T_Man · 02-06-2003, 05:08 PM

Does anyone know where I might get a schematic for the AM/FM radio in an 87' 325? The interior of this car, which only has 83K on it, still looks new, but the radio doesn't work on AM anymore. I don't want to replace the radio with anything new or modern looking. Years ago I used to be a TV/Radio repairman, but without a schematic there isn't much I can do with this thing.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 02-07-2003, 09:54 AM

I cant help you out there. I will say this much, don't bother. The original tape deck in my car just stopped working one day. Now normally this would not have bothered me except that I could not eject the tape. The tape in there was my bootleg of Zeppelin at the Forum in 73' recorded off the mixing board, So there's no way i was just going to leave it in there. This radio is held together by rivets, crimps and bends. You'll have a hell of a time getting everything back together. I tried to diagnose the problem, and after looking at the components, I realized I'd need a scope and serious testing equipment to fix it. I'm more adept at building tube amplifiers anyway. My attitude towards micro-circuitry is to replace rather than repair. I just said screw it, and bought a new Blaupunkt CD player. You're more than welcome to the remanants if you want them.

Hey since, you fixed TV's and radios, you wouldnt happen to know where i can find some old GE or RCA 12AX7's, would you? Military ones would be even better. Matched bias if possible too. It's becoming harder and harder to find the old tubes.

blw · 02-09-2003, 07:14 AM

OT but you shouldn't have any trouble finding good 12ax7's - they are still very commonly in use in high-end audio circles, and by major brands such as Conrad-Johnson. Upscale Audio in the LA area certainly has them (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/), and so does C-J. I've got 4 of them in my C-J phono preamp and either 4 or 6 more in my Counterpoint preamp.

blw · 02-09-2003, 07:22 AM

I just remembered... you might want to call Palo Alto Speedometer in Palo Alto, CA (650-323-0243). Despite their name, they do most of their business fixing old car radios, from what I can tell. I used to live around there, and when the radio in my E21 went on the fritz, my mechanic sent me there. For a pretty reasonable price, they pulled it out and fixed it. That was now probably 8 years ago, so my recollection of $75 or so may be off or no longer accurate, but it was a good experience and I know they're still in business (I drove by last week while visiting the area). I have no idea if/how they handle out-of-town work.

Jared at Pelican Parts · 02-10-2003, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by blw
OT but you shouldn't have any trouble finding good 12ax7's - they are still very commonly in use in high-end audio circles, and by major brands such as Conrad-Johnson. Upscale Audio in the LA area certainly has them (http://www.upscaleaudio.com/), and so does C-J. I've got 4 of them in my C-J phono preamp and either 4 or 6 more in my Counterpoint preamp.

I know i can find them new anywhere, but I'd like to have tubes from the same era in there. The amp in question is a 1966 Fender Deluxe Reverb, mint condition and all original, (except for the 12ax7's!)

blw · 02-10-2003, 02:58 PM

Call them - they have NOS (New Old Stock) tubes too, although of course they carry the prices you might expect for items with their limited availability.