Differences between the "Sharkfin" and "Submarine" antennas

5513 Views 14 Replies 9 Participants Last post by TeddyBGame, Dec 24, 2005

DC03B6

Discussion Starter · Dec 3, 2005

Just because I actually like the look and am willing to drill a hole in my roof, I am interested which MY roof mount antenna is the best. I have an RNS-E and am getting the BT phone kit, XM radio (as well as anything else you guys figure out we can do to a B6 (TPMS, Parktronic)).

I have heard of differences between model years and was wondering which will fit my cars roofline and will provide me with the most funtionality?

Thanks

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todd1010

· #2 · Dec 3, 2005

I would consider a Audi OEM antenna and drill the hole in the roof. If it wasn't for the shark-fin antenna. I mean I like it and it doesn't look bad on other bigger cars, but not on my B5 S4.

I wish their were other options. I also have the RNS-E with OEM Satellite Radio.

NSX JR

· #3 · Dec 3, 2005

You won't need to worry about an antenna connection for your BT tel module unless you're planning on installing the phone cradle as well. As long as your phone is simply linked via bluetooth, you'll be using your phone's antenna.

Good luck figuring out all the antenna amplifiers and control units to get all that working!

FWIW, my vote is for no visible antennas outside the car, and I have GPS and XM antennas that work just fine. Just my opinion though, if you want a shark fin then go for it!

bah35uk

· #4 · Dec 3, 2005

I just ordered a 8P0 035 503L from the dealer and that does GSM/GPS/Diversity, although i only use the GPS part, drilled my roof and works great 8 satellites normally.

todd1010

· #5 · Dec 4, 2005

For "some" reason the Audi shark-fin antennas don't (IMO) seem to fit the B5! Even though I said that it fits bigger cars. The A3 is a new small car but I have seen the antenna on one before and it didn't look bad at all.

Maybe that is just a newer car and they can be bought with the antenna in place.

I've really got to do something. I've taking the Sirius antenna off of the deck lid and put it inside the car on the rear hat tray. I never really liked it on the deck lid and really wanted it on the roof but the wires "would not" fit between the rear window and roof panel. So even though I had few problems on the deck lid, its much worse now inside the car. So I have to change it.

Do you have any pixs? And how much?

NSX JR

· #6 · Dec 4, 2005

Todd, you may want to investigate the new A4 cabriolet antenna. It is an internal antenna for GPS and SAT radio that is built into the trunk lid and invisible.

todd1010

· #7 · Dec 4, 2005

NSX JR said:
Todd, you may want to investigate the new A4 cabriolet antenna. It is an internal antenna for GPS and SAT radio that is built into the trunk lid and invisible.

WHO? WHAT? WHEN? WHERE do I buy this? And would it fit?

This is big for me? Especially since I'm having drop outs since moving it from the deck lid to the rear hat tray. So I've got to move it some where else. I also think that if you have Sirius and live in Florida you "MUST" have it up as high as you can. But I'd be willing to check out this new little finding!!!

And I would guess that since the A4 cabrio has the RNS-E and Satellite Radio, it should work right along with my setup!

Man, I really need to find this! Year, Model?

Do you have any other info on this?

AudiA4B6US

· #8 · Dec 4, 2005

Don't forget, the A4 Cabrio has a plastic trunk lid to let the signal through...

NSX JR

· #9 · Dec 4, 2005

All I know is that on the latest model year A4 and S4 cabriolet (2006) they have the antennas built into the trunk lid. Yes, this would be for gps, sat radio, and probably for telematics as well. I would assume that it is probably the same part back to the beginning of the current A4 cabriolet line which I think was 2004. I don't know any part numbers or more info besides this. However, I know this is true because I was checking out an A4 cab while waiting at my dealership and specifically asked where the antennas were. After the salesman told me (whom I trust, mostly), I also asked one of the service techs who also told me the same thing.

I don't know how it works unless the trunk is made out of carbon fiber or something like that. I would assume that aluminum still blocks these signals, but I'm no electrical RF engineer.

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grspider

· #10 · Dec 4, 2005

NSX JR said:
All I know is that on the latest model year A4 and S4 cabriolet (2006) they have the antennas built into the trunk lid. Yes, this would be for gps, sat radio, and probably for telematics as well.

I can confirm this, i just got my new 2005 A4 with RNS-E/TV tuner/Phone prep and have no shark fin or any external antennas at all. All i see in the trunk lid are two big vertical lines (probably the fm antennas) and 4 smaller ones (i guess the TV antennas). I don't know when the GPS/phone antennas are located though...

GrSpider

todd1010

· #11 · Dec 5, 2005

grspider said:
NSX JR said:

All I know is that on the latest model year A4 and S4 cabriolet (2006) they have the antennas built into the trunk lid. Yes, this would be for gps, sat radio, and probably for telematics as well.

Click to expand...

I can confirm this, i just got my new 2005 A4 with RNS-E/TV tuner/Phone prep and have no shark fin or any external antennas at all. All i see in the trunk lid are two big vertical lines (probably the fm antennas) and 4 smaller ones (i guess the TV antennas). I don't know when the GPS/phone antennas are located though...

GrSpider

Could you take a closer look? Maybe take some pictures? Does the deck lid feel plastic? If you can't tell, by tapping or anything you can take a small magnet and if it doesn't stick that would at least let me know its either plastic or maybe aluminun.

Most of it is probably located underneath the deck lid liner, so if you want/could remove that and take some pictures that would be great.

S6LANA

· #12 · Dec 19, 2005

Where to find a submarine antenna

I'd be interested in finding out what submarine antenna would fit my '03 S6 Avant, where it can be bought, and for how much.

I've spent the better part of a week researching online in these forums and I've called 3 NJ Audi dealership parts depts and not one could locate one under the codes listed on these forums. I did manage to get two prices of around $750 and $720 for a submarine antenna from two dealerships, but that is not what I thought these were supposed to cost.

Vagparts and clairsparts have not returned any messages, so I'll call again Monday.

This is frustrating as all hell. :evil:

Any points in the right direction to procure this thing is much appreciated.

Thanks.
Rob

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lt8x7

· #13 · Dec 23, 2005

I have a genuine Audi A4 sharkfin sitting in a box which I got when I bought my RNS system. I am not going to fit it as the antenna hidden behind the dash works so well.

I guess US$200 would be a fair price.

Anyone interested????

S6LANA

· #14 · Dec 23, 2005

LT, that is a fair price, but I managed to locate...

a new submarine antenna. If that doesn't work out, I will contact you. I'm sure someone on this forum will be in contact with you as more and more people are going to want to make that mod.

Rob

TeddyBGame

· #15 · Dec 24, 2005

lt8x7 said:
I have a genuine Audi A4 sharkfin sitting in a box which I got when I bought my RNS system. I am not going to fit it as the antenna hidden behind the dash works so well.

I guess US$200 would be a fair price.

Anyone interested????

please post some pictures of it. I'd be interested in seeing what kind of cables and FAKRA connectors it has.

Will it support OEM SAT in addition to GPS?
What color is it?

Thanks!

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