Contributed by: Jeff330xi


I needed to install the bumper antenna because I added the cell phone snap-in adapter and 2005 TCU to my X5. Since I retained BMW Assist, the one and only cell phone antenna installed was in use by Assist and cradling my phone in the snap-in usually just degraded the signal.

The P/N is 84-11-1-470-326 and it runs about $60.


It included the two flat panel antenna with FAKRA connector (I didn’t require an adapter) and 4 strips of very strong double-sided tape (not shown).

I did this installation without removing the rear bumper.

First remove the plastic piece between the spare tire and TCU (three plastic nuts (11mm I believe)


Next locate the plastic plug underneath the TCU (it is installed from under the car)


close up view



Underneath the car, remove the two bolts holding the heat shield on (11mm I believe and it should pull down a little. From above, push the plug out with a blunt object (like the end of a ratchet).
Remove the plastic cover around the exhaust pipes.

You should now be able to route the antenna cable up through the hole and push the molded plug into the hole.




It takes a little work to get the plug in, but it will fit. I had to pull gently from above with pliers to get it seated completely. Just don’t pull on the cable.

Put the heat shield nuts back on and route the cable for the antenna to either side of the car.
There is a short cable and a long one, so it should be obvious which one goes where. Just make sure to route it away from the exhaust pipes. I used plastic zip ties in a few places to keep the cable out of the way.

I didn’t have any instructions with the antenna and I know some of the flat panel antennas have to be installed in a certain orientation. I experimented and could see any noticeable difference, so I installed them labeling parallel to the ground. They also seemed to “fit” better in this orientation.

I installed the antennas in the side of the bumper cover, about in the area shown.





Clean both the back of the antenna and where it is going to be mounted to and let it dry. Peel the red side of the tape off and stick it to the antenna. Peel the other side off and carefully route the antenna up to where it going to go, trying not to stick it to anything in the process. (This is where having the bumper off the car would be nice). Press firmly and it should be good.

Connect the antenna to the lead that goes to the center console (mine was well hidden)


Before:


After:


Complete!!

---

Coffeeman

I just installed the snap in cradle for my Moto V551 in my 2005 X5, but
used a glass mount antenna in lieu of the BMW bumper mount. Cost of the
glass mount was $25.00, and I have teriffic signal strength. Mounted
the antenna on the left rear quarter glass, in the corner.







Available here:

http://www.cellantenna.com/Antennas...nt_products.htm