need to add 2nd cell antenna for BT phone

[Jeff330xi]

First thanks to Jeff and all others that worked so hard to put this forum together.

Since BMW assist is using my onboard cell antenna I presume I need to add a second antenna for the phone to use when it is docked into the center console. I think I recall reading somewhere that the assist cell antenna is mounted underneath the rear spoiler. Can some one confirm this? Any photos?

The dealer mentioned something about a bumper mounted antenna, but if the factory location is under the spoiler I wonder if it is possible to add a second antenna there. one would think the reception would be better there vs in the bumper.

Any additional help would be appreciated.

Thanks.
-Jeff

[Jeff330xi]

okay more on this... still looking for a solution on this.
One thought is glass mount antenna that stays in the car. Like this but I'm concerned about window tinting and they suggest putting it on the windshield.
I'm still not sure where the OEM assist antenna is. There is an antenna in the glass on the drivers side rear quarter, but I'm not sure if that is a radio antenna or not.

I'm also considering ordering an OEM BMW shark fin antenna and putting it on the roof, although I would much rather go with something stealth or low profile. SF antenna is like $60 from Crevier and I would have to get it painted... not sure how much cable it comes with (if any).
Anyone have any suggestions?

[UCrewX5]

Jeff,

You have several alternatives here.

One, as you mentioned above, is to do the bumper antenna installation. Intuitively, though, it just doesn't seem to me that putting the antenna in the bumper is the optimal location. If you go that route, these instructions give you the retrofit part number and the installation tips - http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...-%20Aerial.pdf

A second, again as you mentioned above, is to go the shark fin route. That would certainly look unique on the X5. Not as stealth, but it might be kind of cool.

A third option might be to install a second antenna up in the rear spoiler. I'm betting that there is enough room up there to accomodate a second one. I don't have the part number for that aerial, but I bet Vaheh from Crevier could help with that.

Finally, just a flyer here, but is it possible to get a Y-cable (Radio Shack?) and split the existing antenna to both the Assist module AND the Bluetooth module? Just a thought....

Good luck and let us know what you end up doing.

Jeff U.