Radio antenna connector too large!

[rogerdodger]

I have an am/fm/cd radio by BMW left by a tenant, I installed it in my Argosy. CD player works, but antenna connection much smaller than the connector coming from the radio antenna on the side of the RV. I found a universal multi-connector at walmart, but the BMW radio didnt have a fitting that worked. Any ideas?

[AtomicNo13]

I have had this situation in British cars... there is an adaptor you can get to go from one to the other. Not available at Radio Shack. Try a real car audio place.

[Aage]

Originally Posted by rogerdodger

I have an am/fm/cd radio by BMW left by a tenant, I installed it in my Argosy. CD player works, but antenna connection much smaller than the connector coming from the radio antenna on the side of the RV. I found a universal multi-connector at walmart, but the BMW radio didnt have a fitting that worked. Any ideas?

Could you post a photo of the BMW connection please?

[Tom Nugler]

If it’s a newer radio I’m guessing you have a FAKRA type RF antenna connector on the back of the unit. Rectangular housing, in beige or black for RF, with a small coax fitting inside?
Image Search Results for FAKRA rf connector
The Europeans have been using these for a decade or so.
The connectors are keyed and color coded for different applications. AM/FM, Sat, NAV, Phone, ECT.

Thinking off the top of my head again,
Tom.

[Aage]

Thanks, Tom.

Yes, I would say it's just another 75-ohm connector, made smaller. At first, I thought it might be one of the DIN connectors, since BMW is European, but then I realized that any electronics today is almost certainly made in the Orient, where smallest and cheapest is the rule.

[rogerdodger]

Here is what I want to do: plug antenna into the radio. Thanks for all the help.

[newsgauger]

Hi Roger,

Tom Nugler hit the nail on the head with the connector needed.

If an audio place doesn't have what you need, I would suggest going to the auto wreckers, as they might have one.

Chris

[rogerdodger]

Here is what I found, will this work??

Amazon.com: Scosche Vwa3Rb Audi, Bmw and Vw Reverse Antenna Kit: Car Electronics

[Tom Nugler]

Looks about right. Check the grooves on the housing to see if they match up. If you can't tell for sure and the keyways don't line up you may be able to trim the ridge off the radio connector. There is a locking tab so even if you have to do any trimming the plug shouldn't come off the radio.
Good Luck, Tom

[rogerdodger]

Ok, I ordered it. Will let you know how it works out. Maybe others can benefit from our efforts. Thanks to all for the help.

[rogerdodger]

I got it today, works great. Now I have FM radio and CD player. Next, some decent speakers. Any ideas?

[AtomicNo13]

A/D/S. Polk. Blaupunkt.

[rogerdodger]

Originally Posted by AtomicNo13

A/D/S. Polk. Blaupunkt.

Any online recommendations?