Bluetooth usb phone connectivity

[Conradv2]

There are a couple of devices on that famous auction site that claim to connect to the port for the CD changer and allow you to Bluetooth your phone and have an aux and usb port. I'm tempted but I'd like a bit of feedback from anyone that has done it

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-Wire...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bluetoot...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2060353.m1438.l2649

These are the two most likely for me. Anyone done this ?
Thanks
Conrad

 

[Conradv2]

Now that I have bought and tried the first one of these , Connects2 Bluetooth wireless interface I'm going to drop a quick review. The device is advertised on ebay and struck me as one of the better quality Bluetooth adapters available. It comes with a loom that fits on the back of the radio and mimics the multi CD player. There is also a microphone for making hands free calls.
I ran the cables to the glove box for the adapter and the microphone from there to the drivers side pillar, all good so far. My android phone connects easily and the sound quality is as good as playing a cd or radio.
Ill say at this point that I am sending mine back and here is why .

• When the phone Bluetooth is disconnected there is a message through the speakers to 'connect a Bluetooth device' every 30 seconds.(infuriating)
• The device comes with a USB port but this does not support USB stick play back and is only of use as a charger.
• The manual is written as a general document and aimed at Iphone so is not specific to my car or phone.

For me 4 out of 10 . The device is well made and the loom and connectors are quality. If you just want to make calls or playback from your phone then not bad but for me the lack of USB and that stupid message make it a fail.

 

[5harp3y]

Thanks for posting a review.

Surely the Z4 must have been able to have Bluetooth from the factory?

So why not retrofit BMW parts?

 

[t-tony]

Thanks for posting a review.

Surely the Z4 must have been able to have Bluetooth from the factory?

So why not retrofit BMW parts?

According to GH they are crap Tim.

Tony.

 

[Conradv2]

For me its the ability to play music from my phone and receive calls. The USB feature saves having CD's in the car, you can get loads on a stick. 3.5mm aux can also be used and some have a memory card port. Very versatile while keeping the dashboard looking exactly standard with nothing on show.
I have the device from the second link on its way so I'll review that soon.

 

[Ryan]

I bought this to use with my Z3's existing head unit. It thinks its the CD changer and allows bluetooth connectivity. You can also attach a second cable for charging or direct connectivity, just need to feed a wire out from behind the dashboard somewhere.

https://www.carcommunications.co.uk...mittu8fOJ9uQWmGxz2WItVQt3XNnBAIwaAoTsEALw_wcB

You'd have to enter your car details to confirm which type you'd need. But i would fully recommend.

 

[Nodzed]

I bought this to use with my Z3's existing head unit. It thinks its the CD changer and allows bluetooth connectivity. You can also attach a second cable for charging or direct connectivity, just need to feed a wire out from behind the dashboard somewhere.

https://www.carcommunications.co.uk...mittu8fOJ9uQWmGxz2WItVQt3XNnBAIwaAoTsEALw_wcB

You'd have to enter your car details to confirm which type you'd need. But i would fully recommend.

I've managed to get an Original CD BMW Business head unit to replace the horrid Japanese unit fitted currently and want one of these to play music from a stick, will this one do that? or just charge from the usb?

 

[Ryan]

I've managed to get an Original CD BMW Business head unit to replace the horrid Japanese unit fitted currently and want one of these to play music from a stick, will this one do that? or just charge from the usb?

Here's your options, so long as you have CD43 head unit? http://www.dension.com/automotive/c...) or the head unit has factory phone module.

 

[Conradv2]

That looks quality but expensive compared to mine.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N7ABPJT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'll review this when fitted.

 

[Ryan]

That looks quality but expensive compared to mine.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N7ABPJT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'll review this when fitted.

You can shop around but it will most likely be double the price of that amazon one. This is the second kit i've used in a car and they just work brilliantly. It's one of those trusted experiences for me.

 

[t-tony]

That looks quality but expensive compared to mine.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B01N7ABPJT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I'll review this when fitted.

Yes please Conrad, I would be interested to hear your review when you have it installed. Could on my shopping list in May or September!

Tony.

 

[Conradv2]

Ok , so now I have the device fitted I have to say I'm delighted with it. Just for the record this is the version of CD player I have fitted it to. The key for me being the 'look' stays standard.

With this device fitted I can now play CDs and radio through the normal system and play music through Bluetooth from my phone and music from a USB stick.
With the radio on pressing 'mode' cycles to the next feature. So for example start on radio , press once goes to CD player , next press to CD changer next press back to radio. The cool thing is with everything enabled e.g. bt on and usb stick in , cycling through 'mode' will first select one device then next time round the other'
So press mode 1 radio 2 CD player 3 CD changer (USB) 4 radio 5 CD player 6 CD changer (Bluetooth). Cool.
Then depending on mode you can navigate tracks with the number buttons and arrow buttons.

The USB playback quality is fantastic. As its based on 6 CDs in a changer you make 6 folders on the USB stick then use the 1-6 buttons to select the folder. MP3 , WMA and WAV formats are playable.

Making or receiving a call overrides everything. For now I have routed the device into the glove box and the microphone at the drivers air vent. Calls are crystal clear. Bluetooth playback is also very good .

The device also supports SD card and AUX input which I haven't tried.

One small thing I dont like is that it switches off with the ignition off. I get that this is to stop it draining the battery but I like listening when I'm waiting for Mrs Conradv2 so I have connected switched live from the back of the radio on to the device. It now comes on with the radio if the ignition is off.

For the price this is a great bit of kit I would recommend and if its reliability is good then I think its a winner.