Adding Bluetooth to OEM Business Cassette player

[DrDave]

I must’ve spent hours reading various threads on different Z3 radios and Bluetooth today.

I have this business RDS cassette radio in my Z3, has anyone successfully added a Bluetooth module? I’m aware there are modules people have had success with such as the CD43 but can’t find a specific example with this particular radio.

I’m currently using a Bluetooth FM transmitter which is ok but I’d like a better solution and I like the OEM look. Would consider one of the continental units that look ok if not possible to add to my existing unit.

thanks!!

 

[NZ00Z3]

I have the same radio in my 2.0L Z3. I purchased one of those Bluetooth boxes for the CD43 to give it a try. It didn't work. The Bluetooth box will find its way into my 3.0L Z3 with a CD43 in due course as center console or radio removal jobs dictate.

Haven't found a successful Bluetooth solution as yet for the 2.0L radio.

 

[DrDave]

I have the same radio in my 2.0L Z3. I purchased one of those Bluetooth boxes for the CD43 to give it a try. It didn't work. The Bluetooth box will find its way into my 3.0L Z3 with a CD43 in due course as center console or radio removal jobs dictate.

Haven't found a successful Bluetooth solution as yet for the 2.0L radio.

Useful to know, thanks.

 

[137699]

I have one of these - I will start by saying I have a CD43... but... all this thing does is mimic a CD changer so I really don't see why it would not work with ANY BMW head unit with the CD changer control functionality:

Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter for BMW E46 Z3 Business radio | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter for BMW E46 Z3 Business radio at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Scooblitz]

I must’ve spent hours reading various threads on different Z3 radios and Bluetooth today.

I have this business RDS cassette radio in my Z3, has anyone successfully added a Bluetooth module? I’m aware there are modules people have had success with such as the CD43 but can’t find a specific example with this particular radio.

View attachment 171623

I’m currently using a Bluetooth FM transmitter which is ok but I’d like a better solution and I like the OEM look. Would consider one of the continental units that look ok if not possible to add to my existing unit.

thanks!!

What would you like the Bluetooth functionality do? Calls and music?

 

[DrDave]

What would you like the Bluetooth functionality do? Calls and music?

Mainly music but calls would be a bonus

 

[Scooblitz]

Had a look at what I think are the inputs on the rear and didn't seen an aux input. If there is aux update there is Bluetooth available.

Cassette to aux to Bluetooth could be done...

Would suggest a different head unit as they really aren't expensive now. Even just Bluetooth instead of fancy bells and whistles is a relatively cheap for a head unit.

 

[137699]

Had a look at what I think are the inputs on the rear and didn't seen an aux input. If there is aux update there is Bluetooth available.

The Bluetooth module I posted the link to doesn't use an AUX port, it uses the CD Changer port.
My headunit doesn't have an AUX port either, but Bluetooth is installed & works flawlessly for both music & voice.

 

[thatcraigperson]

For bluetooth options, have a look at GROM Audio. I am working on installing a GROM Audio BT3 this weekend. It plugs into the CD Changer connector. I am trying to keep the stock look and have streaming audio from my phone with Spotify and make calls.

 

[137699]

For bluetooth options, have a look at GROM Audio. I am working on installing a GROM Audio BT3 this weekend. It plugs into the CD Changer connector. I am trying to keep the stock look and have streaming audio from my phone with Spotify and make calls.

Basically the same as this but just double the price.... Save yourself a fortune and buy one of these instead:

Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter for BMW E46 Z3 Business radio | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter for BMW E46 Z3 Business radio at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[DrDave]

Basically the same as this but just double the price.... Save yourself a fortune and buy one of these instead:

Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter for BMW E46 Z3 Business radio | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Bluetooth Music Hands free MP3 adapter for BMW E46 Z3 Business radio at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products!

www.ebay.co.uk

Unfortunately it seems that one doesn’t work with my particular radio. I take your point, I don’t understand why it doesn’t but I haven’t I read anyone that has had success. Hence my question. If the GROM worked I’d be willing to pay for it.

 

[basic_z3]

@DrDave did you manage to find bluetooth solution for Business RDS PH7850 radio unit?

 

[Scooblitz]

Hi @basic_z3 - The unit I use is the one suggested by Dave @137699 - it works 100% and plugs into the cd changer at the back of the radio head unit. You lose cd changer but who needs a cd changer when you have Spotify.

The controls also work for skipping songs, volume etc too.

Best £60 I've spent on mods.

 

[basic_z3]

Hi @basic_z3 - The unit I use is the one suggested by Dave @137699 - it works 100% and plugs into the cd changer at the back of the radio head unit. You lose cd changer but who needs a cd changer when you have Spotify.

The controls also work for skipping songs, volume etc too.

Best £60 I've spent on mods.

Link to the eBay page does not seem to be working anymore. Are you able to find it elsewhere or could you please post some pictures?


Just found something that looks similatr to the miniature picture on the auction linked above:

Pardon our interruption...

Can you please confirm this is the one?

 

[Scooblitz]

Link to the eBay page does not seem to be working anymore. Are you able to find it elsewhere or could you please post some pictures?


Just found something that looks similatr to the miniature picture on the auction linked above:

Pardon our interruption...

Can you please confirm this is the one?

Thats the one.

I bought from this seller.

Pardon our interruption...

 

[basic_z3]

Product description says that it would only work with CD43 radio. Has anyone tried it with BMW Business RDS PH7850?

 

[DrWong]

Hi @basic_z3 - The unit I use is the one suggested by Dave @137699 - it works 100% and plugs into the cd changer at the back of the radio head unit. You lose cd changer but who needs a cd changer when you have Spotify.

The controls also work for skipping songs, volume etc too.

Best £60 I've spent on mods.

It looks really good and I'm tempted, but not keen on installing an external mic.

Do you know if it can still do Bluetooth calls if the mic isn't plugged in, i.e. so the call still comes over the car speakers but it uses the phone mic instead?

Thanks!

 

[Scooblitz]

It looks really good and I'm tempted, but not keen on installing an external mic.

Do you know if it can still do Bluetooth calls if the mic isn't plugged in, i.e. so the call still comes over the car speakers but it uses the phone mic instead?

Thanks!

Sadly not. It needs the mic via a 3.5mm headphone jack into the box to work. It has a clip to attach somewhere sensible without drilling. The call comes over the car speakers.

 

[DrWong]

Sadly not. It needs the mic via a 3.5mm headphone jack into the box to work. It has a clip to attach somewhere sensible without drilling. The call comes over the car speakers.

Thanks for that mate, very useful

 

[137699]

No once you have installed the unit then you need to use the external mic.
I have mine clipped to the top of the A pillar with the wires hidden behind the trim, but you could always get inventive and drill a somewhere pop a grill in and hide it behind to make it look “factory” though I do believe the official BMW phone upgrade of the time also used an external mic.