GPS signal

[RX-78]

Does any one know if e89 gets it's GPS signal via or antenna? Reception is rubbish around my home and I've read Kinetic aerial might help but it's not designed to receive GPS. As I've ordered Sat nav pack, I need to make sure it works ok.

Judging by number of people who replaced their antenna without any problems, i'm guessing it's not?

 

[Maniac]

According to realoem the GPS antenna is in the rear view mirror/window mount.

 

[RX-78]

Thanks maniac! I think I might have a go at this super extensive antenna (£37) when I get the car.

 

[srhutch]

Your sig says E86, but you've posted in the E89 section :?

Replacement GPS antenna for E86 is under a tenner from ebay.

 

[RX-78]

Haha, I get asked that a lot I'm just waiting on my car to arrive, it's shipped out now, do hopefully I'll get it in the next week or two :driving:

 

[Angie4m]

I would just add to your sig that it's going as I've seen you get that comment on a few threads you've started even if you do mention you've ordered something.

As maniac says it's in the rear view mirror mount as well as the DAB antenna and if you have the bmw online option and the Emergancy call then the antenna and sim car for this are in the rear near side bumper. The rear ariel is only for FM/AM reception

 

[RX-78]

Thanks, I think that's a good idea

I can't do the fancy strike out thingy people do though.

 

[Angie4m]

Good man

 

[E89_Gaz]

Are you getting confused between GPRS and GPS? GPS drives the SatNav and uses satellites, so unless you live underground reception won't be a problem. The BMW Online services use GPRS which is a vintage mobile phone technology. Many of us have issues with GPRS reception and I am not aware of a cure...

 

[cj10jeeper]

Are you getting confused between GPRS and GPS? GPS drives the SatNav and uses satellites, so unless you live underground reception won't be a problem. The BMW Online services use GPRS which is a vintage mobile phone technology. Many of us have issues with GPRS reception and I am not aware of a cure...

I believe there are actually dead spots in GPS, even in flat and clear line of sight areas (ie. not behind buildings, bridges, etc.)
Not sure how much it affects modern cars though as they use additional solutions to compensate for any loss of signal issues (ABS signal counting on the eE85)

 

[RedLine]

I believe there are actually dead spots in GPS, even in flat and clear line of sight areas (ie. not behind buildings, bridges, etc.)
Not sure how much it affects modern cars though as they use additional solutions to compensate for any loss of signal issues (ABS signal counting on the eE85)

Unlikely to be dead spots in GPS with several birds always in view. You might get signal degradation due to weather conditions and sunspot activity or interference from other sources. With the GPS receiver in the rear-view mirror, you also effectively have half the sky masked from direct line of sight when the roof is up. Just seeing 3 or 4 satellites should be good enough to get you a position but it may take a minute or two before you get a fix. On the basis of having a previous fix I guess the sat nav could take the cars speed and steering angle to perform dead-reckoning on its position against its map data. That would be good only for a few minutes I would guess though.

Not sure how they would fit a dab antenna in the mirror either. It needs a 1/4 wavelength antenna for reception in the FM band 2 spectrum - the same length as the telescopic aerial on your fm radio - you would need a mirror across half the windscreen
On other bmw's the dab antenna is behind the bumper.

 

[cj10jeeper]

Google 'GPS deadspots' It's well documented.

Still I can't see why a different antennae is required or would help