Shark Fin Aerial on E53 — OEM or Aftermarket?

[HofmeisterKink]

Hi all 👋🏻 — new to the forum! Just picked up a 2005 E53 X5 3.0i. It’s an Individual-spec car in Stratus Grey with Ecru Nappa leather, and I’m really happy with it so far 😎

While giving it the once-over, I noticed it has a shark fin aerial on the roof. At first I didn’t think much of it, but now I’m wondering — did any E53s come with a shark fin from the factory, or is this likely an aftermarket mod? It’s a UK-registered car, if that makes any difference. It doesn’t have an aftermarket head unit, and everything else appears to be very original — full toolkit, safety triangle, and an unopened (and very expired) BMW first aid kit 😆

The current aerial has seen better days, so I’d like to replace it — ideally with a body-coloured version. I’d really appreciate any advice on:
• Whether shark fins were ever OEM on the E53
• Any recommendations for OEM-style or quality aftermarket replacements

Thanks — looking forward to learning more from you all!

[X5chemist]

Welcome to the X5 world. E53s didn't come with shark fins. Antennas are located in the rear cargo window. It could be a phone signal amplifier. Or something else. Check if the rear left window has wires in it. Is it glued on, taped, or screwed on. Can you post a small picture of it?

[HofmeisterKink]

Thanks for the reply! I suppose it looks glued on. Here are some photos. I guess this means I'll have a hole under the fin... annoying. I'll have to find a good aftermarket fin to replace it as it's starting to come away from the body.

[X5chemist]

Wow! Looks like it's cosmetic. Can you see any wires? Use a hairdryer to soften the glue. Pry it up gently. Use a flat plastic trim tool. If there is a hole underneath, the previous owner went out of his way. Running wires through the headliner is no easy task.

[HofmeisterKink]

Well, it's off! Turns out it was just a stuck-on cosmetic fin. Strange for a car that is so original... makes you wonder what else I'll find 😅

The fin has left a few marks, but I reckon I'll be able to buff those out so they are less noticeable. Thanks for all the advice!

[Fifty150hs]

Originally Posted by HofmeisterKink

Well, it's off! Turns out it was just a stuck-on cosmetic fin. Strange for a car that is so original... makes you wonder what else I'll find 😅

The fin has left a few marks, but I reckon I'll be able to buff those out so they are less noticeable. Thanks for all the advice!

People do some strange things to their cars.