Bluetooth for iPhone

[otto99]

Whenever I've gotten a loaner or am doing a review drive for the club newsletter, I get a kick out of pairing my iPhone with the car. What do others have as a Bluetooth retrofit for our cars that performs similarly?

[Mtnman]

Interested in this thread.... I want bluetooth in the zhp...

Sent from my DROID2 GLOBAL using Tapatalk

[mimalmo]

Parrot. It's the company that does OEM bluetooth for most of the major automakers.

http://www.parrot.com/usa

[Crickett]

OEM TCU pulled from the wife's X5. :)

[PKR]

OEM TCU bought from a fanatic. Added mic and antenna.

[ryankokesh]

Is there any system (oem, parrot, dynavin) with which I'd be able to pair two separate phones simultaneously?

[Crickett]

Is there any system (oem, parrot, dynavin) with which I'd be able to pair two separate phones simultaneously?
I've never tried with the OEM, but I think I remember seeing somewhere that you can only do one at a time.

[Cadeez]

Just to confirm, our cars do NOT have bluetooth capability as is (from the factory) correct? I'm sure we all have the same steering sheel, it looks like there is a picture of a phone on mine, I assumed that was a bluetooth connectivity icon, no?

[Crickett]

Just to confirm, our cars do NOT have bluetooth capability as is (from the factory) correct? I'm sure we all have the same steering sheel, it looks like there is a picture of a phone on mine, I assumed that was a bluetooth connectivity icon, no?
That is not correct; some ZHPs were ordered with BMW Assist & therefore are Bluetooth capable, some did not. It was not, however, standard equipment so the majority of our cars do not have Bluetooth capability.

What is correct, though, is that all of our cars are pre-wired for Bluetooth capabilities from the factory, so all you need to retrofit Bluetooth is get the required equipment (TCU or ULF, Bluetooth antenna, & microphone) & plug it in.

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Perhaps I should start BluetoothMafia.com. Even more rare than the ZHP Mafia itself. ha!

[kayger12]

Perhaps I should start BluetoothMafia.com. Even more rare than the ZHP Mafia itself. ha!

Haha- I might be the only member on here.

[mimalmo]

What are the capabilities & features with the OEM BT unit? Obviously, send & receive calls but what else?

[spencers]

My parrot ck3000 works flawlessly with my iPhone.

[kayger12]

What are the capabilities & features with the OEM BT unit? Obviously, send & receive calls but what else?

Caller ID shows on the Nav screen. I can voice dial through the system. As soon as my Droid X paired up, it uploaded my contacts to the on-board phone book.

I haven't spent a lot of time researching what else it can do yet.

[gr330zhp]

I wanna do it!!! I may try and find OE though, if not then Parrot

[Crickett]

There are two OEM Bluetooth-capable units: the BMW Assist "Telematics Control Unit" (TCU) & the "BMW Universal Hands-Free System with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology" ULF. The TCU was intended primarily for Assist use & it just happens to have Bluetooth capability. The ULF was designed specifically to provide Bluetooth connectivity. The TCU doesn't include voice recognition; the ULF does. (There apparently is a separate voice recognition module for use with the TCU . . . I don't have any experience with this.) I have a TCU with a non-nav headunit: I can make & answer calls (obviously), & navigate my phone contacts through the headunit or steering wheel controls. I haven't noticed caller ID, but I don't get too many calls in my car.

[johnrando]

My Parrot/Connects2 works fine (not perfect, but very well). From what I understand, the key difference between Parrot and OEM BT is that OEM BT shows the callerID on the NAV screen and Parrot does not. John

[mimalmo]

Can you stream music through the BT (like Pandora via my BB)?

[kayger12]

Can you stream music through the BT (like Pandora via my BB)?

I don't think so, Eli. I'll see if I can figure it out tomorrow.

[Crickett]

Can you stream music through the BT (like Pandora via my BB)?

I know you can't with OEM; no clue about the Parrot.


iPhone Tapatalk'd

[spencers]

I know you can't with OEM; no clue about the Parrot.

Nope, you can't bluetooth stream with the Parrot either.

[iZHP]

we need THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-3-5-7-Series-Parrot-Steering-Wheel-Kit-CTPPAR008_W0QQitemZ250603546890QQcategoryZ35193QQc mdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3D SIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252B IEW%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D250603526 107%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7825395613166336638#ht_135 4wt_1043)

[spencers]

we need THIS (http://cgi.ebay.com/BMW-3-5-7-Series-Parrot-Steering-Wheel-Kit-CTPPAR008_W0QQitemZ250603546890QQcategoryZ35193QQc mdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%3D SIC%26its%3DI%252BC%26itu%3DUCI%252BIA%252BUA%252B IEW%252BFICS%252BUFI%26otn%3D10%26pmod%3D250603526 107%26ps%3D63%26clkid%3D7825395613166336638#ht_135 4wt_1043)

No, you need the CTPPAR007, for radios that have the round pins.
The 008 is for radios that have the flat pins, which is typically euro-only radios.
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/pictures/parrot_16.jpg

Alongside that, obviously, you'd need the Parrot CK3000.

Everything you need to know: http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diy_parrot_bluetooth.htm

[iZHP]

No, you need the CTPPAR007, for radios that have the round pins.
The 008 is for radios that have the flat pins, which is typically euro-only radios.
http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/pictures/parrot_16.jpg

Alongside that, obviously, you'd need the Parrot CK3000.

Everything you need to know: http://www.bokchoys.com/differential/diy_parrot_bluetooth.htm

Right. I was Watching this auction (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&_trksid=p4340.l2557&rt=nc&nma=true&item=250603526107&si=VR8uUAt1KcFt%252FMc5jXcuJvfoIVk%253D&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT#ht_1185wt_1141) and it ended and routed me to the 008...

[Marcus-SanDiego]

This ebay auction (http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fcgi.ebay.com%2FBMW-3-5-7-Series-Parrot-Steering-Wheel-Kit-CTPPAR007_W0QQitemZ350312375777QQcategoryZ14932QQc mdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp4340.m263QQ_trkparmsZalgo%25 3DSIC%2526its%253DI%25252BC%2526itu%253DUCI%25252B IA%25252BUA%25252BIEW%25252BFICS%25252BUFI%2526otn %253D10%2526pmod%253D250603526107%2526ps%253D63%25 26clkid%253D7836748558217168476) looks cheaper than the last one.

[iZHP]

that one says only up to 2001 model year as well....is that just a mistake?

[Marcus-SanDiego]

That I do not know. I was just going by the part number that Spencer provided earlier. Perhaps Spencer can chime in.

[spencers]

that one says only up to 2001 model year as well....is that just a mistake?
Check the back of your radio. Refer back to my post with the image and get whichever harness that corresponds to the pinouts.

[Crickett]

Well, if the picture is to be believed it should work as it has the 17 round pin harness. The description also specifies a 17-pin connection, so it looks to be the right one.

[aurelius]

Looking into adding BT to my '03 with Nav and the following delmarco DIY's clarify the discrepancies above re part numbers, model years, connector types, etc.:

If you do NOT have Nav:

http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=720922

If you DO have BMW MkIV Nav (the factory-installed Nav type any ZHP would have):

http://www.e46fanatics.com/forum/showthread.php?t=797072

[Marcus-SanDiego]

Mark, thanks for the added information you've been providing around the site. Much appreciated.

[aurelius]

My Parrot/Connects2 works fine (not perfect, but very well). From what I understand, the key difference between Parrot and OEM BT is that OEM BT shows the callerID on the NAV screen and Parrot does not. John

John,

Sounds like you have the set-up I'm dealing with (Nav with Parrot/Connects2).

I'll assume yours came with the factory telephone prep option and therefore already had a mic in the sunroof switch panel.

Did you (or your installer) run the new Connects2 mic from the trunk to the sunroof switch panel?

If not, what works and what doesn't?

[johnrando]

I did not have the factory phone prep option. Also, I have a VERT, so we (the installer) ran the mic all the way up to the front by the interior light switches by the rear view mirror. There is a place to put a mic just left of the light switches. It works just fine. BTW, I think my BMW mic is actually in the steering wheel on top of the column, but again, we didn't use that.

[apridge]

Sorry to revive such an old thread, but I had a great idea that ended up working extremely well! I'm pretty excited about it, and you guys are the only ones who will (pretend to) care! Sorry if this has already been covered. (chances are if its about Blue Tooth.. it has.)

I recently picked up an 06 330ci (I'll properly introduce it eventually). It came with the BMW assist and hands free BT, including some obnoxious lady who offers to record voice memos and make all my calls for me. It also came with iPod integration in the glove box (into stock system, no aftermarket platforms). Long story short, I've been looking for a solution to use my iPhone 5 with the lightning port, using the existing 30-pin iPhone4/iPod connection. Since its my phone, I wanted a way to extend the cord into the cab rather than keep it tucked in the glove box like it was originally designed to do with iPod.

I ended up buying a blue tooth adapter to plug directly into the glove box port and paired my iPhone with it. It streams music directly from my phone flawlessly, and it eliminates the need for cords cluttering up my car. My phone can pair with both BT devices at the same time, so I don't lose any functionality. The BMW BT automatically overrides any radio function when dialing/receiving calls, then the radio automatically reconnects to my music. Its seamless.

It seriously is such a sweet set up. I had to share. Plus it only cost me $30 bucks!



9044 9045

[Crickett]

Well, now that's awesome! I shall have to investigate . . .


iPhone 5. Tapatalk 2. Aww yeeeah.

[ELCID86]

So apridge, what blue tooth adapter did you buy? Of course I'd need the other OEM stuff too.

[johnrando]

:thumbsup

[apridge]

So apridge, what blue tooth adapter did you buy? Of course I'd need the other OEM stuff too.

I'm actually using and old sprint BT adapter borrowed from the sound system in my home, but I ordered this one to use permanently. (http://www.all-battery.com/tenergyminbluetoothreceiver-59008.aspx?gdftrk=gdfV26767_a_7c354_a_7c922_a_7c59 008&gclid=CLnl1oO64bcCFWKCQgodHCoAcw)

[SoCalZman]

That's neat. Wonder if they have something similar for those of us with aux cables instead of iPod hookups

[JupiterBMW]

Great find... I too still want to look into the OEM Bluetooth setup, but have dragged my feet on it... Someday...

[ELCID86]

That's neat. Wonder if they have something similar for those of us with aux cables instead of iPod hookups
I wonder if this would work? http://www.all-battery.com/auidopulsebluetoothaudioreceiver-59016.aspx

I don't have an AUX jack yet. Joop, give it a go!

[Washburn]

^ Interesting...
Hmm.... i wonder if that one would work with the USA Spec's AUX (RCA) connection....

[SoCalZman]

Its only 20 bucks. Worth a try at that price. I might hit up radio shack or something too and see if they have something similar (that doesnt need to be shipped)

[JupiterBMW]

Joop, give it a go!

Done, just ordered it... Will report back.

[ELCID86]

You da man!


Shawn in VA.
Via thumbs and Tapatalk.

[JupiterBMW]

I wonder if this would work? http://www.all-battery.com/auidopulsebluetoothaudioreceiver-59016.aspx

I don't have an AUX jack yet. Joop, give it a go!

Just received this yesterday evening (forgot to check the mail, so technically today, LOL)... Will test it out this morning and report back later today with full review!

[ELCID86]

Sweet. Glad it came in before you leave.

[ELCID86]

:begging

[JupiterBMW]

I apologize. I got to the ship and our Internet is out, so this is the first time I've been on the mafia since I left home. I only have access through my phone and only for another day or so until we head out to sea. I will attempt to get a write up done as I do have pics too. Long story short, it's not perfect but it does work.

[danewilson77]

It's Ok. We'll let it slide this time.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[ELCID86]

Thanks Joop. Smooth sailing.

[JupiterBMW]

**EDIT** Tapatalk is requiring me to enter a username so that I can upload pictures... I enter username but then it doesn't do anything... So, it's not letting me upload the photos. So, here is the review and I'll get the pictures in when I can.


Ok the writeup/review. Please be patient as I'm limited to Internet only via my cell phone at the moment. So if you spot any spelling errors or autocorrect issues, I apologize. That being said, lets get down to business.

So I jumped and bought the tenergy aux input Bluetooth adapter that Shawn posted about above. It wasn't very expensive and it seemed simple enough. My desire for Bluetooth isn't much, just the ability to stream music and use the phone. I already have the OEM aux which allows for music into the car, and honestly I'm happy with that. I would like to be able to voice dial and use the steering wheel controls for the phone though. So that all being said, I figured I would give this a try and see what it could do.

So, the product states that it converts any input into a Bluetooth portal of sorts. Good enough for me, after all the idea is simple. Put a Bluetooth receiver and a 3.5mm headphone output together into a little widget and it should work. Well as the picture advertised, here is said device.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1063.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1063.jpg.html)

Now the one thing that wasn't mentioned in the description (or at least I didn't notice it) was that this little thing needs to be charged. It was a small charging connection and takes about 3 hours to charge for about 11 hours of continual use. The cable is included and is about 2' long Not bad, but now you need another cord in the car as it isn't a widely used connection (micro USB would've been nice) and therefore no swapping for a shorter, more popular 6-8" cable. I used my car charger for my iPhone to accept the USB cable. So here's what you have for initial setup.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1064.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1064.jpg.html)

So here's how it looks in my car. As you all know, I chose an aux input mounting location for easy access. Between that, and my cigarette lighter use for the phone/tenergy power connections, the shifter area is quite cluttered. Seen below

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1065.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1065.jpg.html)

But regardless, for testing purpose, it'll do. So, does it work? Well, hold the power button for 3 seconds and it turns on. Hold it for 10 and it goes into pairing mode. There are corresponding lights that blink on it and all works as the directions dictated. So pull up the iPhone menu and sure enough, there it is.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1066.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1066.jpg.html)

After syncing it, the iPhone confirmed a connection so now all I had to do was set the head unit to the aux port as seen below. Pic not needed, but you get one anyway.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1067.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1067.jpg.html)

I let it charge for a bit and proceeded to get OCD/frustrated about the clutter so I reduced the cables to a minimum to keep my cool. This is a much more acceptable solution, although it will still need charging every so often.

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/nicee46/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1068.jpg (http://s1015.photobucket.com/user/nicee46/media/Maint%20and%20Misc%20II/IMG_1068.jpg.html)

Once that was done and my blood pressure returned to normal, I kicked on iTunes and Pandora and sure enough they stream just fine. Quality is good, I did not hear any problems. I will admit, I didn't think to check video and look for an audio delay. But, other than that it works. I also decided to try the "Voxer" app that many of us used during the reunion. It's a walkie talkie app that Devlin and I used for driving up. I continued to use it as a quick, easy alternative to texting. But I digress. Being that Voxer has 2 way audio, it would not recognize the tenergy unit. I figured it might play through the car via the Bluetooth/tenergy and then use the phone's mic for audio input, but no such luck. Of course, this is the same deal as the phone. I half expected this and it does make sense as the unit has no microphone associated with it, but oh well. Was still hoping for some functionality. One other thing I wanted to check. Would it auto-connect when returning to the car? So, I left it all on/connected when I shut off the car. I went into the gym, worked out and when getting back to the car, I started her up. The tenergy? No joy... It needed to be turned on again (a press of the button on the side of the unit). Once it was manually turned back on, it reconnected without issue. Oddly enough it runs on it's internal battery, so I figured it should stay connected, but apparently when it loses connection it automatically powers down.

So in review, my professional opinion is that while this unit does work as advertised, I wouldn't recommend it. It is very simple and economic, but not practical for car use. My first thought was to add a USB power connection, and then plug that and the audio connection in behind the dash, just leave it all I'm there. But you need to be able to press that button all the time to power it up, so that doesn't work. You could leave it mounted somewhere discreet, and have the cables tuck under the carpet or into the panels nearby, but that's not good enough for me.

Honestly I think it's much better suited for home audio/computer use where you can leave it on a desk or home theater cabinet without worrying about having to hide the cables.

Of course, if you want the cheapest option for Bluetooth music streaming, this is it, and it does work. I can see stealthy ways to install it that still allow access for the button, but for me, it just doesn't do it.

Hope this review was helpful... My thumbs hurt.

[danewilson77]

Good to see steaming in progress, on all mains, making three-four knots, and all engine room propulsion systems are running like butta.

Nice contribution Joop. Have a safe trip buddy, and thanks for sharing your time with us.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[Tnhl1989]

I am thinking you could take the darn thing apart and actually tie it into the fuse bay and have it on all the time when the ignition is on. :)

[danewilson77]

I have pics. Will post later for Joop.

HTC DNA ON TT4 BETA, WILLIAMSBURG, VA

[ELCID86]

I am thinking you could take the darn thing apart and actually tie it into the fuse bay and have it on all the time when the ignition is on. :)
This guy.

[ELCID86]

Hope this review was helpful... My thumbs hurt.
All that from a phone?!? Impressive. Thank you sir.

[danewilson77]

Edited above post with Joop pic-age.