Replacing the antenna grommet on my z3

I’m having problems removing the antenna grommet on my z3. Can someone please advise me on this procedure? I have a power top do I need to remove the motor to access the antenna? This the mast antenna not a powered one.
Thanks in advance.

I just did this a few weeks ago. You will need to remove the trunk carpet on the driver side. You will also need to take the power top pump and antenna base loose. You can then lower the antenna base out of the grommet and remove the old grommet from the fender. The install is the reverse.

Couple nuts is all it takes to loosen, then lay aside the pump.

Remove the antenna. I found a long screw with the correct threads that I screw into the antenna base. Gently push the antenna down until free of old grommet. Remove old grommet. Insert new grommet. Hold new grommet down and gently pull the screw that was screwed into antenna base up. Antenna base will slip into the grommet. Remove screw and re-install antenna. Usual precautions need to be followed.

Unscrew antenna, grab needle nose pliers and pull the old grommet out (be careful not to scratch the paint, some tape around the area won't hurt). Get some soapy water or equivalent and push down hard on the new grommet, done.

Originally Posted by ZZZING

Unscrew antenna, grab needle nose pliers and pull the old grommet out (be careful not to scratch the paint, some tape around the area won't hurt). Get some soapy water or equivalent and push down hard on the new grommet, done.

I used this very method.. I didn't even have to open the trunk. Super easy.

Originally Posted by ZZZING

Unscrew antenna, grab needle nose pliers and pull the old grommet out (be careful not to scratch the paint, some tape around the area won't hurt). Get some soapy water or equivalent and push down hard on the new grommet, done.

This is exactly what I did, although on the re-install I had to modify the antenna base a bit because the grommet was much taller than the original and the antenna screw wouldn't reach the socket.

Thank you all for posting. I will fix this tonight.

It worked like a charm. Thank you all!

After removing the antenna an the old cracked grommet, I placed a long flat screw to hold the antenna base. To soften the grommet I placed it in the microwave oven for 18 seconds, be careful it will be hot. Replace it back on the antenna base while holding the screw and the grommet slided very easily.

I just did this and had absolutely zero problems with unscrewing the mast, putting the new grommet on (soaped up) and pressing it in.

MUCH quicker than disassembling, but then again, my old grommet was so bad I was able to take it out in pieces. If it were in better shape I probably would have had to disassemble to get it out.

Originally Posted by Doc Holliday

This is exactly what I did, although on the re-install I had to modify the antenna base a bit because the grommet was much taller than the original and the antenna screw wouldn't reach the socket.

I ran into this problem. What sort of modification did you do Doc?

Any other suggestions for this issue?

for those saying the grommet was taller, it's possible that the antenna base is not fully inserted all the way up into the grommet. You should get a distinct pop or feel it slide into a locked and fully inserted position. At first i thought the grommet was too tall then realized it was not fully seated.

Thanks for your help - I used the long screw method.

After removing old grommet, I first inserted a long screw into antenna base, then seated the new grommet to the fender and then pulled the antenna base up with the use of vise grips pulling up on the the screw until the antenna base seats into the bottom side of the grommet. Note: Make sure you correctly align the grommet before seating it to the fender.

I have a '96 non power antenna, suggestions on where to purchase a new one?

All help appreciated.

Among many, many, many other places.....

Crappy : )

(Just outside of Nashville)

Did mine a few weeks ago, soap and water and about 10 minutes to complete.