E46 coding options and head unit question.
Discussion
Good evening,
I need some help with the options coding on my 2001 330i convertible.
I just sold my coupe and it had the "windows down on unlock button" and vice versa option, my convertible doesn't do this from the fob.
From reading, i understand i can have drivers door window roll down on unlock etc to make entry easier, lots of options really.
What is the easiest method to gain access to changing these options?
Any easy to use software, or a code reader type gadget?
What cables etc would i need?
Simple simon options would be good, i'm great with spanners, not too clued up with electronics!
And secondly, i need to change my head unit from standard cassette player, i would like to fit something thats bluetooth and that connects to my phone / Spotify when i get in the car, what are my options?
Cheers in advance,
Daz.
I need some help with the options coding on my 2001 330i convertible.
I just sold my coupe and it had the "windows down on unlock button" and vice versa option, my convertible doesn't do this from the fob.
From reading, i understand i can have drivers door window roll down on unlock etc to make entry easier, lots of options really.
What is the easiest method to gain access to changing these options?
Any easy to use software, or a code reader type gadget?
What cables etc would i need?
Simple simon options would be good, i'm great with spanners, not too clued up with electronics!
And secondly, i need to change my head unit from standard cassette player, i would like to fit something thats bluetooth and that connects to my phone / Spotify when i get in the car, what are my options?
Cheers in advance,
Daz.
Obison said:
Good evening,
I need some help with the options coding on my 2001 330i convertible.
I just sold my coupe and it had the "windows down on unlock button" and vice versa option, my convertible doesn't do this from the fob.
From reading, i understand i can have drivers door window roll down on unlock etc to make entry easier, lots of options really.
What is the easiest method to gain access to changing these options?
Any easy to use software, or a code reader type gadget?
What cables etc would i need?
Simple simon options would be good, i'm great with spanners, not too clued up with electronics!
And secondly, i need to change my head unit from standard cassette player, i would like to fit something thats bluetooth and that connects to my phone / Spotify when i get in the car, what are my options?
Cheers in advance,
Daz.
Hi DazI need some help with the options coding on my 2001 330i convertible.
I just sold my coupe and it had the "windows down on unlock button" and vice versa option, my convertible doesn't do this from the fob.
From reading, i understand i can have drivers door window roll down on unlock etc to make entry easier, lots of options really.
What is the easiest method to gain access to changing these options?
Any easy to use software, or a code reader type gadget?
What cables etc would i need?
Simple simon options would be good, i'm great with spanners, not too clued up with electronics!
And secondly, i need to change my head unit from standard cassette player, i would like to fit something thats bluetooth and that connects to my phone / Spotify when i get in the car, what are my options?
Cheers in advance,
Daz.
Your car should have an active OBD II port with it being a 2001, so you'll be able to use something like Carly for BMW; it's c£100 for the app (iOS or Android) and then the adapter from Carly; but it's a great tool to have, it's mega portable and very easy to use, if like me, you're better at fixing things with a lump hammer
It's easy to follow, instructions are simple to follow and they have a great support base too... Well worth the investment.Even better if you can find someone locally to you who already has it, or something like INPA (BMW software). If you're on Facebook; join some of the relevant E46 UK pages and ask on there; or the BMW Owners page and ask there too
Asd for the head unit, the worlds your oyster really, just all depends on budget and how far you want to go. You'll get a LOT of info via Google and again on Facebook; so ask there.
Does your car have a CD changer; or is it just the standard BMW Business Cassette head unit.
Thanks for that, the obd2 port is there but my scanner won't connect to it, so may need to be unlocked?
And googling for the head unit just makes me more confused!
I've read that fitting a double din unit could mean cutting into heater vents?
And yes i have the cd changer in the boot.
I just want something plug and play if i can.
Cheers.
And googling for the head unit just makes me more confused!
I've read that fitting a double din unit could mean cutting into heater vents?
And yes i have the cd changer in the boot.
I just want something plug and play if i can.
Cheers.
Carly for BMW for your unlock options. Read my latest 330d thread for Bluetooth solutions (basically tap into your factory head unit for an aux input-either use the cd changer input or swop to a later cd/radio unit and add an aux in).
I have both giving two aux inputs. The cd one is switched so I can choose between cd changer or aux.
I have both giving two aux inputs. The cd one is switched so I can choose between cd changer or aux.
Obison said:
Thanks for that, the obd2 port is there but my scanner won't connect to it, so may need to be unlocked?
And googling for the head unit just makes me more confused!
I've read that fitting a double din unit could mean cutting into heater vents?
And yes i have the cd changer in the boot.
I just want something plug and play if i can.
Cheers.
Won't need to be unlocked; should just work.And googling for the head unit just makes me more confused!
I've read that fitting a double din unit could mean cutting into heater vents?
And yes i have the cd changer in the boot.
I just want something plug and play if i can.
Cheers.
Do you have a round plug under the bonnet at all; by the drivers side front wheel arch? If you do, you'll need the adapter for that as the OBD port won't be connected
As for your stereo; I've just fitted this to my E39:
https://gromaudio.co.uk/products/bluetooth-hands-f...
Works perfectly, took 20mins of simply click fitting the plugs into the CD changer wiring and then feeding the hands-free mic through to the drivers side of the cabin
Well worth looking into, very much a plug n play system
If you want to keep the OE look then I suggest this:
AUKEY Bluetooth Receiver with 3 Port USB Car Charger, Magnetic Base and Handsfree Calling for iPhone, Samsung and More https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E3UC59Q/ref=cm_sw_r...
Together with the ground loop isolator.
You will need a wiring adapter to connect it to the unit - piggy backing into the cd changer slot - effectively adding an AUX input to the unit.
The trick is that in order to listen/talk via Bluetooth you need to change the input selector to aux in, i.e. if you're listening to the radio and the phone rings, in order to hear the caller via speakers you need change the input from radio to aux in.
AUKEY Bluetooth Receiver with 3 Port USB Car Charger, Magnetic Base and Handsfree Calling for iPhone, Samsung and More https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01E3UC59Q/ref=cm_sw_r...
Together with the ground loop isolator.
You will need a wiring adapter to connect it to the unit - piggy backing into the cd changer slot - effectively adding an AUX input to the unit.
The trick is that in order to listen/talk via Bluetooth you need to change the input selector to aux in, i.e. if you're listening to the radio and the phone rings, in order to hear the caller via speakers you need change the input from radio to aux in.
How is that AUKEY OEM look though when you've wires all over the show, as per the pics on Amazon
At least with something like the GROM; it's all tucked away, works via the steering wheel/head unit controls and gives full Bluetooth hands free and music playback facilities etc. That's as close to factory as you'll get really.
Ok, it's more expensive, but they're well reviewed and have a great support base too
At least with something like the GROM; it's all tucked away, works via the steering wheel/head unit controls and gives full Bluetooth hands free and music playback facilities etc. That's as close to factory as you'll get really.
Ok, it's more expensive, but they're well reviewed and have a great support base too
Cheers for the help so far guys, thing is i don't want any wires or cables in the cabin, or extra control buttons etc.
I want a head unit, that just connects to my phone on its own when the cars started.
With steering wheel controls, and if the phone works for calls through the speakers thats a bonus.
Basically to bring the car up to date, i would consider a double din with touch screen nav etc, if it doesn't compromise the heater etc.
I want a head unit, that just connects to my phone on its own when the cars started.
With steering wheel controls, and if the phone works for calls through the speakers thats a bonus.
Basically to bring the car up to date, i would consider a double din with touch screen nav etc, if it doesn't compromise the heater etc.
Obison said:
Cheers for the help so far guys, thing is i don't want any wires or cables in the cabin, or extra control buttons etc.
I want a head unit, that just connects to my phone on its own when the cars started.
With steering wheel controls, and if the phone works for calls through the speakers thats a bonus.
Basically to bring the car up to date, i would consider a double din with touch screen nav etc, if it doesn't compromise the heater etc.
Have a look at SebringMan’s M3 posts, he fitted a double din to his M3 E46.I want a head unit, that just connects to my phone on its own when the cars started.
With steering wheel controls, and if the phone works for calls through the speakers thats a bonus.
Basically to bring the car up to date, i would consider a double din with touch screen nav etc, if it doesn't compromise the heater etc.
d_a_n1979 said:
How is that AUKEY OEM look though when you've wires all over the show, as per the pics on Amazon
At least with something like the GROM; it's all tucked away, works via the steering wheel/head unit controls and gives full Bluetooth hands free and music playback facilities etc. That's as close to factory as you'll get really.
Ok, it's more expensive, but they're well reviewed and have a great support base too
https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/138389-radio-aux-noise/?do=findComment&comment=1484473At least with something like the GROM; it's all tucked away, works via the steering wheel/head unit controls and gives full Bluetooth hands free and music playback facilities etc. That's as close to factory as you'll get really.
Ok, it's more expensive, but they're well reviewed and have a great support base too
If you install it properly there are no wires hanging around. On the picture provided the control unit is attached to the trim with provided 3m tape, and the cable is tucked in behind the wood trim and plugged to a switched 5V usb power supply. (Ignore the other cable, I use it to power my smartphone, sitting above the vents, attached to Scosche Magic mount and running Android Auto).
Event with all-in units or Grom, you would still need to have the mic installed in the cabin. My only problem with third party units is that they look completely out of place in a classic E46 with the OE stereo integrated into the dash.
Apart from AVIN that is : https://avinusa.com/avant-4-for-bmw-3-series-e46-m...
Not cheap though.
That's the thing though; the Grom Audio unit mic is small and like any other hands-free mic, mines installed in the headlining, by the rear view mirror where it cannot be seen, but the sound is clear and as it should be.
With the Grom unit, there are no visible wires at all and if you wanted, you could put the mic in through the headlining and place it somewhere like the centre light where it'll still get a decent level of sound etc
With the Grom unit, there are no visible wires at all and if you wanted, you could put the mic in through the headlining and place it somewhere like the centre light where it'll still get a decent level of sound etc
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