A friend pointed this out to me the other day, and now it is driving me crazy.

My antenna is extended when I am listening to CDs.

Does anyone know of a head unit that is smart enough to not extend the antenna when it doesn't need it? Preferably a head unit that can play MP3 CDs.
I did a search, but no luck. I can't believe I am the only one anal enough to have this bug them.

Most are smart enough ...if the installer is smart enough to wire it properly. Sorry I cannot recommend any MP3 HU ...I don't use MP3's and won't buy a HU that plays them.

>^..^<

nak cd300 is alright for mp3s. A little slow at it but its pretty nice. Someone on here actually swapped the color to match the bmw lighting interior perfectly. Do a search on "cd300" if you're any bit interested.

The installer should be able to bi-pass the antenna with no problem..just depends on who is doing it.

I think he's asking about heads that have the ant and amp leads separate.

I think he's asking about heads that have the ant and amp leads separate.
Exactly. That is what I want. I just didn't know how to ask.
As to the guy who suggested a bypass, I can do that, and I might. But what I would really like is for it to be automatic.

What kind of radio do you have? Most radio's have seperate remote turn on wires (blue/white stripe) and antenna wires (Just blue). Look in your manual or online, to see if your deck has it also. You need to use just blue.

It is an old JVC. I don't remember the moddle off hand, but it has just one wire.

I will bug some of the guys at work that fix stereos. Now that I know what to ask for, I am sure one of them can help me out.


Thanks a lot guys.

most head units don't have separate leads... even new head units.
i haven't seen any that have what you're asking for, but they probably do exist.
i personally wouldn't care about it though...

When you turn your car on turn off your radio so there is no attena. Then stick the CD in and it should slip in without the attena going up. Worked on another car so its worth a try.

Jvc Kd-ar550

I didn't think any BMW's had external antennas? Is it just the convertables?

I didn't think any BMW's had external antennas? Is it just the convertables?
I think all the E30s have them. My old 84 733i had one. and my even older 320i had a nonpower external antenna.

JVC doesnt have seperate remote turn on wires. You'de gonna have to live with it until you replace the deck. I think Kenwood, Sony, and ALpine have seperate remote turn on leads and antenna leads.