First mod - In dire need of music and BT functionality

[94jedi]

So after owning my ZHP for a few months, it's become painfully evident that I can never go back to non-BT phone use while driving. Aside from being rather un-safe, it's just super annoying. Additionally, I don't really have CD's anymore so I need a way to integrate my galaxy S4 and ipod into the factory business head unit, whilst retaining as much steering wheel controls functionality as possible. I've seen some good and bad reviews for both the dice adapter and media bridge but those were older threads. Are they still the top two options? I'd like to have the option of streaming pandora from my phone and/or using my ipod.

Anyone care to offer a newbie some perspective? Thanks!

[johnrando]

When I did mine, the options were BT and ipod separately, so I got the Parrot kit for BT and the Dice for ipod. Now, you can get them in 1 so my knowledge is a little dated. I think the dice media bridge for the most part is fine but I have heard of some problems. I'd be interested to see what people like now. Likely the easiest way to get both is a new head unit.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

[Vas]

I use the factory aux kit and stream music from my phone. However I do not use the blue-tooth.

[94jedi]

When I did mine, the options were BT and ipod separately, so I got the Parrot kit for BT and the Dice for ipod. Now, you can get them in 1 so my knowledge is a little dated. I think the dice media bridge for the most part is fine but I have heard of some problems. I'd be interested to see what people like now. Likely the easiest way to get both is a new head unit.

Sent from my DROID4 using Tapatalk 2

Definitely want to keep the factory head unit. Where I work, the parking lot isn't the most secure. I'd like to keep as much of a factory look as possible.

[kayger12]

Factory aux cable here. No steering wheel control functionality (other than volume, of course).

[HokieZHP]

I used the factory aux cable but with a Bluetooth dongle that plugs into the aux port. It's a rechargeable unit that I got at target for ~$25. Worked well. I think it was called blue flame

[derbo]

http://www.belkin.com/us/F4U037-Belkin/p/P-F4U037/


This has had my eye for a little while now. I believe you will also need a ground loop isolator to eliminate the humming from the power cable interference. My coworker has it and he loves it in his accord.

[Avetiso]

I should be getting my AUX in the mail soon. I might just leave it as a wire in, or get some BT dongle like Derek mentioned.

[Avetiso]

I found this: http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-BTC450-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-Input/dp/B009NLTW60/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

[94jedi]

Where would the factory Aux input be located if my car has one? I just have the regular business CD, HK, no Nav.

[ELCID86]

I just put in the aux jack. Not optimal but works. Check out Tony's thread on Eonon HU. Also a couple on e46f (remember them? :)


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[Avetiso]

Where would the factory Aux input be located if my car has one? I just have the regular business CD, HK, no Nav.
Your car doesn't have one, it has the input FOR one. You need to buy this: http://www.amazon.com/BMW-Genuine-Auxiliary-Audio-Input/dp/B000PA00XM/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1385497281&sr=1-1&keywords=bmw+aux

It will plug into the back of your HU and you mount the input where you want it.

[ELCID86]

Check the left side of glove box. Say a prayer first ;)


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[Avetiso]

Check the left side of glove box. Say a prayer first ;)


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).
Ha! That would be some awesome luck.

[kayger12]

Check the left side of glove box. Say a prayer first ;)


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Or the little sunglass tray
http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff401/Kayger12/IMG00267-20100501-1020-1.jpg

[ELCID86]

Here is where I put mine. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/27/ahury3yv.jpg


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[kayger12]

^I like that.

The pic I posted was from my old 325i.

These days I'm in the Eurotray. :)

http://i1234.photobucket.com/albums/ff401/Kayger12/2011-01-01_10-49-29_854.jpg

[Vas]

I have the long euro tray and put the aux input in there. Use a short 1ft cable as well.

[ELCID86]

I have the long euro tray and put the aux input in there. Use a short 1ft cable as well.

Do it!


Thumbs, iPhone, Tapatalk (http://tapatalk.com/m?id=1).

[Lanister]

Where would the factory Aux input be located if my car has one? I just have the regular business CD, HK, no Nav.

There are a number of options. Some people put it inside the eurotray (replaces your cup holders, must have IMO). Others have put it inside the compartment below the stereo deck because they put the iPod/iPhone in there. The most popular location, and this is how mine has been done, is on the little panel where heated seat button is.

To compliment it, the cell phone holder from Bimmian is a great solution because it lets you use your phone as a GPS while driving without having to hold it in your hands. It's really a big safety improvement. So placing an aux-in port near that area is most logical.

http://www.bimmian.com/elements/product.htm/showcase/MDM/ML_026.jpg

[94jedi]

Outstanding! Thanks for all the tips and helping me understand what's going on.

[danewilson77]

Here is where I put mine. http://img.tapatalk.com/d/13/11/27/ahury3yv.jpg


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Mine is here as well.

Sent from my S4 > Mason, OH

[ELCID86]

[QUOTE=Lanister;310115]
To compliment it, the cell phone holder from Bimmian is a great solution because it lets you use your phone as a GPS while driving without having to hold it in your hands. It's really a big safety improvement. So placing an aux-in port near that area is most logical./QUOTE]
+1 on Bimmian mount. Just got mine. Love it.

[QC_ZHP]

Sub'ing this thread, some good info. I need to do this as well, the radio gets so monotonous after listening every day.

[derbo]

http://www.zhpmafia.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=10140&d=1377471192

I put mine in sunglasses tray.

[94jedi]

So after plenty of searching, I think this is my only option.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5791-dice-mediabridge-bmw-bluetooth-iphone-integration-kit.aspx

[Avetiso]

So after plenty of searching, I think this is my only option.

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/p-5791-dice-mediabridge-bmw-bluetooth-iphone-integration-kit.aspx
You should know that many people complain about the reliability of these units, and many have issues. Hopefully your luck is different.

[94jedi]

You should know that many people complain about the reliability of these units, and many have issues. Hopefully your luck is different.

Yea, seems a bit unreliably, especially the Bavsound version of the media bridge.

[Smolck]

I have a friend that had a 330ci with a bluetooth retro fit that used the steering wheel controls and retained the factory unit. His car was wrecked and he removed the unit. I am sure he is selling it reasonable. I can PM you his info if you want it. Only draw back was it wouldn't stream audio via the bluetooth. But the phone worked well and projected from the speakers of the car.

[94jedi]

I have a friend that had a 330ci with a bluetooth retro fit that used the steering wheel controls and retained the factory unit. His car was wrecked and he removed the unit. I am sure he is selling it reasonable. I can PM you his info if you want it. Only draw back was it wouldn't stream audio via the bluetooth. But the phone worked well and projected from the speakers of the car.

Yea that would be great. Let me know what he wants for it and some details.


I've also been looking at something like this - http://enfigcarstereo.com/EGO_TALK.html

[94jedi]

Actually, this is what I meant to post - hopefully it works. http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3BM1.html

[ELCID86]

Actually, this is what I meant to post - hopefully it works. http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3BM1.html

I researched Denison a while back. Seemed to have solid components as I recall. Found any reviews of this unit?


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[94jedi]

I researched Denison a while back. Seemed to have solid components as I recall. Found any reviews of this unit?


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No reviews, on the unit itself but I do know Enfig "fairly well" from my Audi days. They have a great rep in the VW/Audi world.

[ELCID86]

No reviews, on the unit itself but I do know Enfig "fairly well" from my Audi days. They have a great rep in the VW/Audi world.

Surprised no one on e46f has tried it. Going for it? Perhaps a call to Enfig sales rep. ??


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[94jedi]

Surprised no one on e46f has tried it. Going for it? Perhaps a call to Enfig sales rep. ??


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Actually, I had no idea they supported BMW until I saw their thread on e46f. I posted over there too. I'm a bit confused on which unit to buy because there are two; same description, different part numbers, same price. I plan to call right after work. I'll let you guys know what I find out.

Here's the other one. http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3BM4.html

[ELCID86]

I wonder if one is for Nav and the other non-Nav? Seems like they'd say.


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[johnrando]

Yup, it's usually either 1) for NAV or not or 2) For HK or not, which really is asking "for DSP or not".

[derbo]

Yup, it's usually either 1) for NAV or not or 2) For HK or not, which really is asking "for DSP or not".

Wait wait wait. I thought DSP was for E39 only. No E46 has DSP if I recall.

[johnrando]

That might be correct, IDK. But I do know that's usually something that decides which version of a kit you should get.

[94jedi]

Actually, this is what I meant to post - hopefully it works. http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3BM1.html

Confirmed by Christian at Enfig that this will work for a HK, non-DSP, non nav, radio. The iPod cable is sold separate from this.

[orange260z]

I did this in kind of a messed-up order.

First, I purchased the Parrot BT and Connects2 harness to install BT in my car. This works reasonably well, although I really miss having a display and hard controls - this thing is strictly voice-driven.

Next, I purchased the GROM USB unit (GROM-USB2P-BMWT). This allows me to plug a USB stick in and have control thorough my factory head unit and controls. However, this unit (with optional dongles) can also handle your BT telephone needs, and can work with an iPod, iPhone, or Android device (as a music source).

I have mixed feelings about this product - I feel that maybe it isn't fully-cooked, and there's some issues with the recipe to begin with.
On the recipe issue, the way this organizes and accesses your USB music SUCKS -
(1) there is no direct access to let's say, the 25th album in your Rock folder - you need to skip albums 25 times to get there
(2) the album name is not initially displayed (maybe be buried after the song name)
(3) it organizes your music into blocks of 100 files - so song #4 in album #6 could be song #53 or something like that
It's hard to explain, but this is not a very logical way to organize and can make it very tedious to search for an album or song.

On the partially-cooked side, the system frequently glitches and needs to be restarted (head unit power cycling) to un-glitch.

I haven't had any issue with sound quality, and if the BT side works well you could be getting a lot of bang for your buck with this unit. The ability to access USB music is the best, as you don't need to leave an expensive iPod in the car - you can leave 32GB of music in your car for $20 worth of memory.

[BCS_ZHP]

Jedi,
I bought the Dension unit for my son for Xmas. Also bought the extension cord, a iPhone 5s holder, and the holder bracket. His car has factory nav so we had to order the unit that ends with a "4". We installed the little blue box in the trunk by the CD/DVD unit. Then while I was taking out the back seat to run the extension cable, my son did an operational check to determine if it was functioning. He had his phone laying in the front seat, not physically connected to anything, the Dension unit provided BT functions for his music on his phone and all steering wheel controls worked. Then we tried a phone call but BT didn't work. He reset some settings and got the BT phone to function but lost the BT music function. So he swapped it back to BT enabled music and left it that way. I reminded him that under 18 y.o.'s are not allowed to use a phone while driving in VA, not even BT, thus safer to leave his music enabled for now and we'll figure out the BT phone function when he turns 18. I bet if we troubleshot it with Christian a bit, we'd get it to function in both modes.

BTW, Christian at Enfig understands customer service, he was great in answering my BT flunkie questions when I was researching & bought the unit, he talked techie with my son during the install, and he happily took the extension cable, holder & mount back as a return with zero penalty, a full refund on those returned items.

Bruce

[orange260z]

I should add, I have not contacted Grom to discuss the problems yet, I have heard that their customer service is pretty good too.

One thing that I did find in the digging I did when shopping for the USB unit was that none of the systems seem to work seamlessly and reliably. That may be a limitation of the head unit in the cars.

[94jedi]

Jedi,
I bought the Dension unit for my son for Xmas. Also bought the extension cord, a iPhone 5s holder, and the holder bracket. His car has factory nav so we had to order the unit that ends with a "4". We installed the little blue box in the trunk by the CD/DVD unit. Then while I was taking out the back seat to run the extension cable, my son did an operational check to determine if it was functioning. He had his phone laying in the front seat, not physically connected to anything, the Dension unit provided BT functions for his music on his phone and all steering wheel controls worked. Then we tried a phone call but BT didn't work. He reset some settings and got the BT phone to function but lost the BT music function. So he swapped it back to BT enabled music and left it that way. I reminded him that under 18 y.o.'s are not allowed to use a phone while driving in VA, not even BT, thus safer to leave his music enabled for now and we'll figure out the BT phone function when he turns 18. I bet if we troubleshot it with Christian a bit, we'd get it to function in both modes.

BTW, Christian at Enfig understands customer service, he was great in answering my BT flunkie questions when I was researching & bought the unit, he talked techie with my son during the install, and he happily took the extension cable, holder & mount back as a return with zero penalty, a full refund on those returned items.

Bruce

Christian has been nothing short of awesome. I had some install issues and he messaged me to work through them.

So, quick update on this - My wife bought me this unit for Christmas (http://enfigcarstereo.com/DENSION_GBL3BM1.html) along w/ the ipod cable (for my nano) and after working through the install issues w/ Christian, it works great. The install issue was basically me not understanding something in his install video - I didn't realize that the pre-run (unused) CD changer plug had to be removed from the back of the radio and replaced with the cable from the adapter. Initially, I had just run the adapter cable into the "free" port on the back of the radio. Once Christian helped me figure out what I had done, everything worked great. BT music quality is a 9/10, call quality is 7/10 (more than enough for my needs). iPod sound is 10/10 as best as I can tell.

Couple of notes -

-ipod must be disconnected to use BT mode for music. For incoming calls, ipod is "paused" then started back up once the call is complete.
-Steering wheel controls work. (volume/track search)
-iPod is still functional when connected: i.e. you can still scroll through music via the ipod.

I haven't yet fooled with the iPod controls from the radio, but there are quite a few things you can do with it, such as setting buttons for certain functionality, etc.

Overall, Enfig is a 10/10 and the unit itself is a solid 8/10. It could be better but I am very pleased with the results per the investment.

[ELCID86]

Thanks for the review. I thought Christian said the "Dension Gateway Pro BT for BMW (GWP1BM4)" was the unit to use for BT. Maybe that was for the OEM nav car or to have track text displayed on the HU. I'd need to ask him again.

I assume you have Business CD HU?

[94jedi]

Thanks for the review. I thought Christian said the "Dension Gateway Pro BT for BMW (GWP1BM4)" was the unit to use for BT. Maybe that was for the OEM nav car or to have track text displayed on the HU. I'd need to ask him again.

I assume you have Business CD HU?


Yes, business cd HU (with a barely functioning volume knob lol)

Not sure. I believe the one I bought will display text from the ipod on the hu but I haven't tried to get that option working yet.

[ELCID86]

I think I have the same knob on my car! Let me know on the text.

[94jedi]

I think I have the same knob on my car! Let me know on the text.

Here's the info from Dension - http://www.dension.com/sites/default/files/gateway-lite-bt-a2dp-gbl3xxx/user-guide/gbl-9223-2_user_guide_for_gbl_gen3_v5.pdf

Section 5 deals with enabling text. I need to sit down and read it lol.

[NorCal-Dimitri]

If I want to install an aux, do I need to remove my dice?

[Lanister]

If I want to install an aux, do I need to remove my dice?

No. I had aux and dice in together and both worked perfectly.

[NorCal-Dimitri]

No. I had aux and dice in together and both worked perfectly.

Awesome. Thanks, Giya.