Z4M Roadster Electronic Interference

1messedupZ4M · 09-13-2021, 11:43 AM

Hey all,

Completely random. Since I have owned my Z4M, I cannot get a GPS signal, on my cell phone, in the vehicle when traveling above 30mph.

Different cell phones, different service provider, different areas, etc. Lose GPS. Data and cell works fine, and it is super weird. Can have two people in the car, completely different cell phones and service, same problem. Both of us cannot get a GPS signal.

Top up or top down, doesn't matter. Just can't get a GPS signal above 30mph on my cell phone and at that - it is flakey.

I have a feeling there may be a botched install of an old LoJack or something along those lines in the vehicle from before I purchased it. Where would I even start with this? Ripping apart the entire car and looking for it? Finding someone that can potentially track RF interference or similar?

I assume I am completely alone in this..

Thanks everyone.

elerner61 · 09-14-2021, 09:52 AM

Very strange. Does the car have navigation? If so, I'm wondering if the car's GPS antenna can somehow (malfunctioning) interfere with the phone's GPS capabilities. Just a wild ass guess.

1messedupZ4M · 09-20-2021, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elerner61

Very strange. Does the car have navigation? If so, I'm wondering if the car's GPS antenna can somehow (malfunctioning) interfere with the phone's GPS capabilities. Just a wild ass guess.

No navigation.

I spent the weekend combing through the car, laying under it, inside of the trunk, under the dashboard, in the hole where the radio is, etc.

Only place I didn't take apart was the behind the seats, so that is next I guess.

Z4Kevo · 04-20-2023, 09:26 PM

Stock roof? Sitting in a Faraday cage? Lol

3002 tii · 04-22-2023, 01:55 PM

Are windows tinted?

09-13-2021, 11:43 AM	#1
1messedupZ4M Private First Class 8 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2007 Z4M, 2003 E46 M3 Join Date: Apr 2020 Location: Annapolis, MD iTrader: (0)	Z4M Roadster Electronic Interference Hey all, Completely random. Since I have owned my Z4M, I cannot get a GPS signal, on my cell phone, in the vehicle when traveling above 30mph. Different cell phones, different service provider, different areas, etc. Lose GPS. Data and cell works fine, and it is super weird. Can have two people in the car, completely different cell phones and service, same problem. Both of us cannot get a GPS signal. Top up or top down, doesn't matter. Just can't get a GPS signal above 30mph on my cell phone and at that - it is flakey. I have a feeling there may be a botched install of an old LoJack or something along those lines in the vehicle from before I purchased it. Where would I even start with this? Ripping apart the entire car and looking for it? Finding someone that can potentially track RF interference or similar? I assume I am completely alone in this.. Thanks everyone.
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09-14-2021, 09:52 AM	#2
elerner61 Major 157 Rep 1,107 Posts Drives: '07 Z4M Roadster Join Date: May 2011 Location: Mount Kisco, NY iTrader: (0)	Very strange. Does the car have navigation? If so, I'm wondering if the car's GPS antenna can somehow (malfunctioning) interfere with the phone's GPS capabilities. Just a wild ass guess.
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04-20-2023, 09:26 PM	#4
Z4Kevo Private First Class 85 Rep 168 Posts Drives: 2007 M Coupe Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Republic of Texas iTrader: (0)	Stock roof? Sitting in a Faraday cage? Lol
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04-22-2023, 01:55 PM	#5
3002 tii Lieutenant General 2282 Rep 12,565 Posts Drives: Z4 M, X5, GX460 Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: CT iTrader: (99) Garage List F15 X5 xDrive35i [8.75] E86 Z4 M [10.00] F10 550i (Retired) [9.17] F25 X3 xDrive35i (R ... [9.43] E82 135is (Retired) [9.50] E85 Z4 M (Retired) [9.41] E90 328i xDrive (Re ... [9.25] E86 Z4 3.0si (Retired) [9.22]	Are windows tinted? __________________ Follow for latest mods
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