Best place to mount aftermarket GPS Antenna?

Hey guys,

I've read various things out here on the interwebs but I'm coming to the experts.

Does an aftermarket antenna have to be mounted anywhere in particular? I've read about putting it on the roof which I don't want to do and I've read about just stuffing it in the dash behind the head unit.

Any thoughts? Obviously I want it somewhere it will get a good solid signal.

No factory antenna available?

If you do not want it on the roof, how about the tailgate?

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't have a factory system so there wouldn't be a factory antenna right? I REALLY don't want to mount it somewhere visible.

Sent from my PC36100 using BimmerApp

Originally Posted by teddykgb

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I didn't have a factory system so there wouldn't be a factory antenna right? I REALLY don't want to mount it somewhere visible.

Sent from my PC36100 using BimmerApp

best place might be right before or after the shark fin depending on size. Its a good idea to have a flat and unobstructed surface for reception.

Thanks guys, I may just have to wait until I get it and see how the reception is in various places before mounting it. Trying to be as unobtrusive as possible with the antenna.

Originally Posted by Evlengr

best place might be right before or after the shark fin depending on size. Its a good idea to have a flat and unobstructed surface for reception.

Total newbie follow up question here, but that would require putting a hole in my roof correct? Are there any pictures or DIY instructions out there for routing the cable?

Thanks!

I had a XM radio antenna mounted behind the shark fin (until I figured out that with a little dremeling I could use the pre-wired one).
Long story short:
I routed the cable straight to the rubber seal which goes around the back of the car and seals the tailgate. Then I "hid" it in the rubber seal and routed it to the left accessory bin in the trunk (where my XM receiver was). So no need to drill a hole in the roof, but you may need either a very long GPS antenna cable or an extension

Originally Posted by teddykgb

Total newbie follow up question here, but that would require putting a hole in my roof correct? Are there any pictures or DIY instructions out there for routing the cable?

Thanks!

Looks like HB beat me to it. This is what I meant..exactly.

Thanks for the input guys,

I actually put it in last night. I routed the antenna to the dash storage cubby and it works perfect. Full signal! So it was an easy job.

Ted