A2DP Bluetooth streaming options on pre-LCI BMW E60/E61
Discussion
I'm about to pick up a 2005 E61 535d which has been specc'ed to the heavens but which, due to its age, lacks Bluetooth streaming ability.
Looking around the official BMW kit is eye-wateringly expensive but there is plenty of evidence of aftermarket solutions. However, many of the forum hits for these seem to be older/superseded/unsupported/US-only and while it seems quite easy to find things that claim to do the job for between £35 and £400 it's a bit of a minefield as it seems to depend on the specific options fitted, as well as the usual stuff like model year.
Is there a go-to solution for this for under, say, £100 that doesn't involve dismantling the dash? Not too bothered if it is a bit kludgey to get going as I only usually use it on longer journeys.
That £35 dongle would seem to be an answer even though it would appear to replace the CD multichanger (no great loss in 2016!) but will it really do the job?
Looking around the official BMW kit is eye-wateringly expensive but there is plenty of evidence of aftermarket solutions. However, many of the forum hits for these seem to be older/superseded/unsupported/US-only and while it seems quite easy to find things that claim to do the job for between £35 and £400 it's a bit of a minefield as it seems to depend on the specific options fitted, as well as the usual stuff like model year.
Is there a go-to solution for this for under, say, £100 that doesn't involve dismantling the dash? Not too bothered if it is a bit kludgey to get going as I only usually use it on longer journeys.
That £35 dongle would seem to be an answer even though it would appear to replace the CD multichanger (no great loss in 2016!) but will it really do the job?
loudlashadjuster said:
I'm about to pick up a 2005 E61 535d which has been specc'ed to the heavens but which, due to its age, lacks Bluetooth streaming ability.
Looking around the official BMW kit is eye-wateringly expensive but there is plenty of evidence of aftermarket solutions. However, many of the forum hits for these seem to be older/superseded/unsupported/US-only and while it seems quite easy to find things that claim to do the job for between £35 and £400 it's a bit of a minefield as it seems to depend on the specific options fitted, as well as the usual stuff like model year.
Is there a go-to solution for this for under, say, £100 that doesn't involve dismantling the dash? Not too bothered if it is a bit kludgey to get going as I only usually use it on longer journeys.
That £35 dongle would seem to be an answer even though it would appear to replace the CD multichanger (no great loss in 2016!) but will it really do the job?
Does it have an AUX input? If so maybe one of these?Looking around the official BMW kit is eye-wateringly expensive but there is plenty of evidence of aftermarket solutions. However, many of the forum hits for these seem to be older/superseded/unsupported/US-only and while it seems quite easy to find things that claim to do the job for between £35 and £400 it's a bit of a minefield as it seems to depend on the specific options fitted, as well as the usual stuff like model year.
Is there a go-to solution for this for under, say, £100 that doesn't involve dismantling the dash? Not too bothered if it is a bit kludgey to get going as I only usually use it on longer journeys.
That £35 dongle would seem to be an answer even though it would appear to replace the CD multichanger (no great loss in 2016!) but will it really do the job?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HXXJPWK
I've just picked up a 2004 E63 so I feel your pain. I will be putting a Dension 500 in it, as this seems to be the recommended method here http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=111... and on other forums.
From what I have read it should just be plug & play in the glove box CD changer if the car can play MP3s, but I haven't fitted it yet so I can't comment further. If the car doesnt play MP3s it will need recoding; you might get an software update at BMW, but you have to push for it - this is an American web site with details http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=...
This is the one thing I miss on my E39, putting bluetooth and USB connectivity on that was done with a £95 head unit from Halfords and 20 minutes installation...
From what I have read it should just be plug & play in the glove box CD changer if the car can play MP3s, but I haven't fitted it yet so I can't comment further. If the car doesnt play MP3s it will need recoding; you might get an software update at BMW, but you have to push for it - this is an American web site with details http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=...
This is the one thing I miss on my E39, putting bluetooth and USB connectivity on that was done with a £95 head unit from Halfords and 20 minutes installation...
Thanks for the replies.
I've now picked the car up and had a good poke about it, including the much-maligned iDrive. I can see why some find iDrive clunky and obtuse but I reckon I'll come to something approaching peace with it.
What is clear though is that there isn't even as much as an aux socket, nor an input source for one in iDrive. I suspect this leaves me looking at either a) something which emulates the CD multichanger, or b) something that otherwise hooks into the headunit but which will require a software change to enable in the UI.
Still no further forward really
I may speak to a couple of local independent BMW specialists, but I'm sure they will be talking £££ for the privilege of sorting this out.
I've now picked the car up and had a good poke about it, including the much-maligned iDrive. I can see why some find iDrive clunky and obtuse but I reckon I'll come to something approaching peace with it.
What is clear though is that there isn't even as much as an aux socket, nor an input source for one in iDrive. I suspect this leaves me looking at either a) something which emulates the CD multichanger, or b) something that otherwise hooks into the headunit but which will require a software change to enable in the UI.
Still no further forward really
I may speak to a couple of local independent BMW specialists, but I'm sure they will be talking £££ for the privilege of sorting this out.
loudlashadjuster said:
What is clear though is that there isn't even as much as an aux socket.
Just fyi the aux socket location, if there is one specced, is actually at the back of the centre armrest next to the air vents/12v sockets for the rear passengers.I used a bluetooth streaming thingy bought from eBay for about £15 and it worked fine.
hornetrider said:
Just fyi the aux socket location, if there is one specced, is actually at the back of the centre armrest next to the air vents/12v sockets for the rear passengers.
I used a bluetooth streaming thingy bought from eBay for about £15 and it worked fine.
Yeah, there's just the two vents, temp/flap controls and two 12V sockets on that panel.I used a bluetooth streaming thingy bought from eBay for about £15 and it worked fine.
Did your Bluetooth thingy just plug into the aux socket?
loudlashadjuster said:
Did your Bluetooth thingy just plug into the aux socket?
Yep. It needed a button pressing to activate it each time I got in the car - I think it was 12v powered as well so ran from the 12v also. The problem was it's a high traffic area with kids feet so it took a bit of a bashing.loudlashadjuster said:
Thanks for the replies.
I've now picked the car up and had a good poke about it, including the much-maligned iDrive. I can see why some find iDrive clunky and obtuse but I reckon I'll come to something approaching peace with it.
What is clear though is that there isn't even as much as an aux socket, nor an input source for one in iDrive. I suspect this leaves me looking at either a) something which emulates the CD multichanger, or b) something that otherwise hooks into the headunit but which will require a software change to enable in the UI.
Still no further forward really
I may speak to a couple of local independent BMW specialists, but I'm sure they will be talking £££ for the privilege of sorting this out.
You can retro fit the AUX 3.5mm socket. You then need to get the car coded so it shows the option on iDrive.I've now picked the car up and had a good poke about it, including the much-maligned iDrive. I can see why some find iDrive clunky and obtuse but I reckon I'll come to something approaching peace with it.
What is clear though is that there isn't even as much as an aux socket, nor an input source for one in iDrive. I suspect this leaves me looking at either a) something which emulates the CD multichanger, or b) something that otherwise hooks into the headunit but which will require a software change to enable in the UI.
Still no further forward really
I may speak to a couple of local independent BMW specialists, but I'm sure they will be talking £££ for the privilege of sorting this out.
You'll find an aux kit on eBay for £20 then you just need to find someone local to code it in for you once fitted.
Plenty of fitting video's and coding videos on youtube
I'm interested in this for my E90. Has anyone used the Fiscon kit. According to their website it doesn't need coding!
http://www.fiscon-mobile.eu/products/main_bmw.php
http://www.fiscon-mobile.eu/products/main_bmw.php
Fore Left said:
I'm interested in this for my E90. Has anyone used the Fiscon kit. According to their website it doesn't need coding!
http://www.fiscon-mobile.eu/products/main_bmw.php
I've installed a Kufatec DAB adaptor to my E91 (same manufcturer, different product). It's excellent.http://www.fiscon-mobile.eu/products/main_bmw.php
This product is also listed on their main website for your E90; https://www.kufatec.co.uk/shop/en/bmw/1er/1er-e8x/...
Fore Left said:
I'm interested in this for my E90. Has anyone used the Fiscon kit. According to their website it doesn't need coding!
http://www.fiscon-mobile.eu/products/main_bmw.php
Looks excellent, but it's £400 before fitting! I think for that kind of money I'd just book a DJ to sit in the passenger seat http://www.fiscon-mobile.eu/products/main_bmw.php
I have a Dension 500S BT that I had fitted in my E63 6-series (and I've previously had one fitted to an E60 M5)
I don't use it any more, if you want to buy it you're welcome to it. Fitting shouldn't take a competent installer any longer than an hour, it took me 2 and that was constantly referring to diagrams etc. for the MOST bus within the car.
If you're interested shoot me a message, and I'll see if I can dig it out and send you some pics. I think they're about £250 new so £150 would do it
I don't use it any more, if you want to buy it you're welcome to it. Fitting shouldn't take a competent installer any longer than an hour, it took me 2 and that was constantly referring to diagrams etc. for the MOST bus within the car.
If you're interested shoot me a message, and I'll see if I can dig it out and send you some pics. I think they're about £250 new so £150 would do it
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