Bluetooth Audio E85

[tomscott]

Hi All,

There are lots of threads out there about audio but I think this issue is more specific. Now that the majority of phones have no AUX jack and my music is now cloud based through apple music, I wanted to add a bluetooth dongle to the car that would attach to the AUX. Not too bothered about charging the phone at the same time but it would be a bonus.

I have Pro Nav and DSP in the car.

Before I bought the car I thought it would have a female AUX below climate control but didn't realise pre 07 cars dont have this. A previous owner has had a Denison gateway 100 installed this has an iPod 30 pin lead that is routed to the glove box. I really dont like it. I find the old way of setting the 1-6 CD changer to play playlists very antiquated and having an ipod in the car with minimal control is a pain. So would like a wireless solution so I can just set the phone to play.

First thought was to buy a bluetooth to AUX adapter and power it though the cigarette lighter. Then realised the car doesn't have an AUX lead in the dash nor has the AUX been attached to the Denison Gateway 100, although this can be remedied pretty easily just need to find where the Denison is. Assuming it would be fitted behind the head unit? Or would it be situated behind the CD changer in the boot?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00NEKAJCC/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Im not sure whether this is correct too but if I leave the dongle plugged into the cigarette lighter all the time it will slowly drain the battery? Bit of a pain to remove it all the time, the cigarette lighter has broken in the past by pulling another accessory in and out. When you pull anything out it pulls the surround with it away from the console. So maybe this is something I will replace down the line.

Next thought just buy a 30 pin to bluetooth adapter as this will power itself and be nice and tidy in the dash.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/LAYEN-i-SYNC-Bluetooth-Wireless-Receiver/dp/B00903LFMU/ref=sr_1_3?crid=34C2FQWJQSPN4&keywords=30+pin+to+bluetooth&qid=1564394934&s=electronics&sprefix=30+pin+to+%2Celectronics%2C127&sr=1-3

Then I read on the amazon listings that these simple adapters wont work with digital signals only analogue. As far as I can tell the issue with DSP systems is it needs to receive a digital signal which makes them difficult and anything you stick in-between like an intravee, Denison etc converts a signal that the BMW head unit can understand.

So I started thinking about the 30 pin connector, it gives power and could be used with an adapter. So i found a 30 pin adapter with a split micro USB and AUX. I was wondering if this could work with the original bluetooth adapter, using the micro usb to a female micro USB to female USB A to power it and putting the AUX into the bluetooth adapter. I then read these work the same way as the 30 pin bluetooth adapters that they wont work because its a digital signal.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07CL9G5JD/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

So is the signal definitely digital not analogue? On the Denison website it states non of the products are compatible with DSP yet I have a Gateway 100, it must be digital to put the track info on the screen....

Without spending £100 on something like a Bovee 100 has anyone come up with a solution? Surely it cant be this difficult!!!

Any help would be greatly appreciated, thanks in advance.

 

[tomscott]

Sorry wrong section can the mods move it to audio

 

[BMWZ4MC]

Fitting an aux input to the head unit is the simplest solution and reproduces the post 2007 setup. I've fitted a 3.5mm socket above the ashtray and run my iPhone into this through an adaptor that allows simultaneous charging. The inbuilt Bluetooth continues to function normally for phone calls and Sat Nav. The former mutes music play back, whilst the latter reduces the music volume and speaks over it.
I also have lots of induction and exhaust noise that make a music of their own :evil:

 

[ph001]

Agree, fit the aux into the head unit and then a simple bluetooth dongle into the aux. Get power for the dongle with a piggy back fuse in the fuse box. Nice neat install and no wires really visible. See my post here... https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=2&t=104224&hilit=iphone&start=15

 

[srhutch]

You might want to look at something like this Tom. A few have used recently I believe.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Music-Receiver-Quadlock-Generation/dp/B0773QRL6K/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=bluetooth+bmw+z4+quadlock&qid=1564404083&s=gateway&sr=8-1

More importantly, details of the new car oke:

 

[Timmyboybunter]

I'm in a very similar position to you OP - Pro nav, DSP, Dension Gateway 100 fitted by a previous owner.

I did have a cheap iPod working with the Dension, but the 30 pin lead was a bit dodgy so it didn't charge consistently and the audio would cut out every now and again. I also hate iPods

(by the way, I've used a Layen i-Sync before on my treadmill which had an iPod doc built in, to stream from my Android phone - did work quite nicely).

I'd like to retain use of the steering wheel controls if possible - so I keep seeing this product recommended:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Audio-Interface-changer-connection/dp/B0773MX7BG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=e85+bluetooth&qid=1564404309&s=electronics&sr=1-2

But again I'm not sure if that works with the DSP setup.

 

[Timmyboybunter]

You might want to look at something like this Tom. A few have used recently I believe.

This is the bit that has me confused for that item:

"NOT SUITABLE for BMW 1 Series, E90 / 91/92 and E60 / 61/62, Reverse / Basic Radio and DSP Amplifier"

Is that implying *not* suitable for a E85/86 Z4 with DSP amp?

 

[tomscott]

Thanks for the replies! Really appreciate the input.

Ive stepped back into an M but a roady this time

I would like a less intrusive solution thats more plug and play, using something like the Bovee might be the answer, or may look at the grom. Ive taken a gamble and ordered the 30 pin to AUX and micro USB will see if it works tomorrow although I doubt it.

From the images the DSP cable input that fits into the 6 CD changer isnt present. Its the silver cable on the right.

 

[srhutch]

Thanks for the replies! Really appreciate the input.

Ive stepped back into an M but a roady this time

I would like a less intrusive solution thats more plug and play, using something like the Bovee might be the answer, or may look at the grom. Ive taken a gamble and ordered the 30 pin to AUX and micro USB will see if it works tomorrow although I doubt it.

From the images the DSP cable input that fits into the 6 CD changer isnt present. Its the silver cable on the right.

You dont have that version of DSP. We have the 3 and 6 pin connections. Only early cars had coax DSP

 

[srhutch]

You might want to look at something like this Tom. A few have used recently I believe.

This is the bit that has me confused for that item:

"NOT SUITABLE for BMW 1 Series, E90 / 91/92 and E60 / 61/62, Reverse / Basic Radio and DSP Amplifier"

Is that implying *not* suitable for a E85/86 Z4 with DSP amp?

Should only mean coax DSP, later cars (including some precfacelift) have non coax DSP.

 

[mr wilks]

Ive stepped back into an M but a roady this time ]

Be good to hear some thoughts / comparisons down the line against the ZMC , can't be many members who have gone ZMC to ZMR

 

[srhutch]

This was the one I was trying to find earlier, plugs into the loom where the cd changer would connect

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Audio-Interface-changer-connection/dp/B0773MX7BG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Bluetooth+adapter+e85+cd+changer&qid=1564425874&s=gateway&sr=8-2

 

[Timmyboybunter]

Should only mean coax DSP, later cars (including some precfacelift) have non coax DSP.

OK, thanks. My 2003 therefore has the coax DSP, so needs another gizmo in addition - something like this I guess:

DSP Adapter Compatible with BMW CD Changer Connection https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077JKX1WJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_U40pDbKPXZ21R

 

[Chris_D]

Not sure if this helps but I have the same system as you but also the BMW Ipod prep cable installed, which takes the place of the CD changer.
I have a voltage coverter dongle plugged into the ipod prep cable and a BT receiver piggybacking it. It all tucks away nicely into the centre cubby.
Works seamlessly with my Android phone and utilises the AptX codec which sounds good. It even receives a downsampled 32bit DSD signal using USB Audioplayer Pro!
Would it therefore be a cleaner solution to source an original ipod prep cable from BMW?

 

[tomscott]

This was the one I was trying to find earlier, plugs into the loom where the cd changer would connect

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Bluetooth-Audio-Interface-changer-connection/dp/B0773MX7BG/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=Bluetooth+adapter+e85+cd+changer&qid=1564425874&s=gateway&sr=8-2

Great thanks! Will have a look into this .

Short term I have added an aux through the denison and out of the cigarette lighter through a bluetooth converter and works a treat. Only problem is the gap tech has stopped working now :headbang: So will have to pull it back out again.

Its not the neatest so will give the other cables ordered above a go tomorrow.

I also found the source for why the cigarette lighter is broken its very tight getting the panel out and at some point someone has broken it pushing it back into place.

Ive stepped back into an M but a roady this time ]

Be good to hear some thoughts / comparisons down the line against the ZMC , can't be many members who have gone ZMC to ZMR

Its 5 years since I sold it and my memory isn't too fresh. First impressions its like meeting an old friend or slipping into some comfy shoes.

Driving position is fantastic and the view down that long bonnet is very familiar. The engine is such a masterpiece and is better than I remember, in the roady there is a lot more sensation. I prefer the looks of the coupe but I can't help but feel the roady is how these cars were meant to be experienced. The exhaust and induction noise with the roof down is really addictive. This car also feels far more comfortable and compliant, the ride is far better than the H&R springs in my coupe although the car looked fantastic it was a back breaker ride. Its on standard suspension, but I haven't really pushed it yet but I dont think its too bad was a great drive back to manchester very comfy.

It has the standard exhaust but also came with a custom stainless steel exhaust with an X pipe... which I think may sound incredible but i find the standard more than enough. Il see how I use it before making a decision. Bought to use daily and a weekender so think it might be worth keeping it stock.

The DSP is also miles better in the roady than the coupe... I remember it being so rubbish in my coupe and is really rather good in the roady... very weird dont know if its the cabin or maybe there was a problem with my coupes speakers.

Only had it 2 days and so far so good, looking forward to getting stuck in. It has most of the things I wanted and doesn't need much work. The previous owners have been fastidious and there's very little to do but hit the road.

I feel very comfortable in it and love that axe murder type feel, push it too far and it will bite. On the other hand it gives confidence as i said its so familiar that it feels natural. Very different to the cars I've had inbetween. I found the 987 S a bit boring and predictable also very problematic and the 996 is a bit on the heavy side but really love that car but much more a cruiser than an A and B bruiser. Like the Z a childhood pin up same era and so good it its own way. As most know the Z is like a dart and rotates round the hips. There isn't really much like it and there's certainly nothing being produced like it today. It also screams volumes how much value these cars are, im a big porsche guy but there's nothing in that world that I think comes close to these without spending double. The only downside is they do feel slightly antiquated in the tech department like this discussion but its also part of the charm.

Main reason I didn't buy another coupe is I already had one I enjoyed it so much that I struggled to find one that would match it and I don't think I ever will so best to move on. After having the 996 vert it really opened my eyes to top down driving, been round and round with so many cars and nothing was tickling my fancy and with the market as it is I think its a great time to buy was just finding the right one

I think this is one to keep really made a big mistake selling mine and regretted it ever since. This is definitely a long termer as the other cars I would like are 4 times the price and I can't really justify having that much money in a second car.

Not sure if this helps but I have the same system as you but also the BMW Ipod prep cable installed, which takes the place of the CD changer.
I have a voltage coverter dongle plugged into the ipod prep cable and a BT receiver piggybacking it. It all tucks away nicely into the centre cubby.
Works seamlessly with my Android phone and utilises the AptX codec which sounds good. It even receives a downsampled 32bit DSD signal using USB Audioplayer Pro!
Would it therefore be a cleaner solution to source an original ipod prep cable from BMW?
Photo 08-09-2016 20 57 09.jpg

This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking at but the reviews on amazon say it won't work with a digital signal... do you have links to the bits?

 

[mr wilks]

There is certainly a enhanced S54 experienced cracking on in the roadster :evil: id agree on the stock suspension too :wink: my first was on it & i never felt the need or urge to lower it , handled & drove perfectly , the following two were on Eibachs & whilst i know its a well trodden route for looks they are in no way a match for the oe springs .
The boxes i changed on 3 simply due to the underwhelming look of the original tailpipes so at the same time a little more theatre was added no regrets there in truth though all you really need to add to any ZM is a GruppeM , they are a must do imo .
Sure you will enjoy the car , be good to see some more TS Z pics on the froum

 

[tomscott]

Well thanks for the warm welcome back, I am looking forward to getting stuck in.

Have to agree I was expecting to be underwhelmed after reading the forum over the years but have been very pleasantly surprised but havent pushed on with it yet so will explore in good time. TBH I quite like the understated look of it. It gets lots of attention driving on the road few waves which is nice, parked up it seems to go under the radar a little which I really like. The Porsche seems to get a lot of attention just because it has the badge which can be worrying as there are more rough than nice places in Manchester.

The stainless exhaust has some very nice big tailpipes the fill up the space from images ive seen so may swap them over at some point without the Xpipe. Might give a nice hybrid of looks and a bit more sound from the previous owners comments it was too much very drony on long runs, I tend to spend most weekends up in the lakes and commute up the M6 so needs to be useable. As they are custom not off the shelf I dont really know what they sound like so hesitant to swap them out for now. The back boxes are straight through so I would say they are loud!

GruppeM is certainly on my list hopefully one may pop up on the forum or might order one once I have some other bits done. The CSLs still have the old Vreds I bought it 2012 so although they look fine I should probably get some new rubber on them. Needs some new discs on the front, slight wobble on really hard braking but they are ok for now. The headlight washer pipe has also perrished and been removed so need to sort that too. Interesting issue is the bonnet alarm catch is unplugged because it sets the alarm off so I think I need a new sensor, when reattached and locking after about half an hour the alarm goes off.

Other additions - Would love some aero skirts and also a strut brace as I thought that was a great addition on the coupe surprised how it tightened up the front end. Saw one for sale on the forum but the price was a little more than I thought I dont remember paying quite that much for one, so will again get one in good time

Once I get a few jobs done like the wheels, wheel caps and a good detail will get some pics up for sure

 

[Chris_D]

Not sure if this helps but I have the same system as you but also the BMW Ipod prep cable installed, which takes the place of the CD changer.
I have a voltage coverter dongle plugged into the ipod prep cable and a BT receiver piggybacking it. It all tucks away nicely into the centre cubby.
Works seamlessly with my Android phone and utilises the AptX codec which sounds good. It even receives a downsampled 32bit DSD signal using USB Audioplayer Pro!
Would it therefore be a cleaner solution to source an original ipod prep cable from BMW?
Photo 08-09-2016 20 57 09.jpg

This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking at but the reviews on amazon say it won't work with a digital signal... do you have links to the bits?
[/quote]

Converter:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-TO-5V-CHARGING-VOLTAGE-CONVERTER-FOR-iPOD-iPHONE-iPAD-REF-ALPINE-KCX-422TR-/390544929943

BT receiver:
https://www.gearbest.com/iphone-cables-adapters/pp_228000.html

Can’t help you with the bmw ipod prep cable. You’ll have to find it yourself. Be aware that you will need to verify that your cd changer or harness has connections for the 3 and 6 pin connectors and not the coax connector.

Not sure how you are defining ‘digital signal’ but when you link your phone to the BT receiver and stream music this way then yes, it’s by definition a digital signal, be it from a radio app or music playing app.

The BT receivers utilise the A2DP or AptX or AptxHD or all of the above codecs which are just compression formats for converting the original file format; mp3, FLAC, AIFF, DSF etc into a streamable format for tx/rx over bluetooth. Theyre all good and in the zed you won’t hear the difference in SQ, especially if youre streaming a radio signal. I can stream HiRes 24 bit Flac files etc and they sound great.

I’m quite fortunate that my car came to me with the ipod prep cable already installed and the previous owner even left the voltage converter attached to it. Didnt realise what it was at first but once I found out and then attached a bt receiver to it I’ve been using it ever since. Simply leave it all attached and tucked into the centre cubby and dont need to do anything other than select the cd changer on the head unit and start playing music through my phone.
It also broadcasts telephone conversations.

I can highly recommend USB Audioplayer pro if you have Android.

 

[srhutch]

Think you might be in for a shock re Aeros and strut brace Tom

A set of Aeros sold on here last weekend for £700 and braces like you had are £300+

 

[tomscott]

Not sure if this helps but I have the same system as you but also the BMW Ipod prep cable installed, which takes the place of the CD changer.
I have a voltage coverter dongle plugged into the ipod prep cable and a BT receiver piggybacking it. It all tucks away nicely into the centre cubby.
Works seamlessly with my Android phone and utilises the AptX codec which sounds good. It even receives a downsampled 32bit DSD signal using USB Audioplayer Pro!
Would it therefore be a cleaner solution to source an original ipod prep cable from BMW?
Photo 08-09-2016 20 57 09.jpg

This is exactly the sort of thing I was looking at but the reviews on amazon say it won't work with a digital signal... do you have links to the bits?

Converter:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-TO-5V-CHARGING-VOLTAGE-CONVERTER-FOR-iPOD-iPHONE-iPAD-REF-ALPINE-KCX-422TR-/390544929943

BT receiver:
https://www.gearbest.com/iphone-cables-adapters/pp_228000.html

Can’t help you with the bmw ipod prep cable. You’ll have to find it yourself. Be aware that you will need to verify that your cd changer or harness has connections for the 3 and 6 pin connectors and not the coax connector.

Not sure how you are defining ‘digital signal’ but when you link your phone to the BT receiver and stream music this way then yes, it’s by definition a digital signal, be it from a radio app or music playing app.

The BT receivers utilise the A2DP or AptX or AptxHD or all of the above codecs which are just compression formats for converting the original file format; mp3, FLAC, AIFF, DSF etc into a streamable format for tx/rx over bluetooth. Theyre all good and in the zed you won’t hear the difference in SQ, especially if youre streaming a radio signal. I can stream HiRes 24 bit Flac files etc and they sound great.

I’m quite fortunate that my car came to me with the ipod prep cable already installed and the previous owner even left the voltage converter attached to it. Didnt realise what it was at first but once I found out and then attached a bt receiver to it I’ve been using it ever since. Simply leave it all attached and tucked into the centre cubby and dont need to do anything other than select the cd changer on the head unit and start playing music through my phone.
It also broadcasts telephone conversations.

I can highly recommend USB Audioplayer pro if you have Android.

[/quote]

I think its the DSP? I dont know I have just read most of the adapters like Denison bluetooth, iPod 30 pin adapters etc are listed as incompatible with the DSP. It may be that it means factory fitted 30 pin connection but surely its pretty much the same. I assumed because the DSP is digital and not compatible yet the business and 6 speaker are compatible or is it that the DSP converts the analogue signal. No idea.

That being said a previous owner had a Denison 100 installed currently which has the iPod adapter in the glove box it also charges the ipod, but it displays the track so it must be digital? I pulled it out last night and added AUX which is a temporary fix and attached that to a bluetooth dongle into a usb cigarette lighter but its not great looking mod with it sticking out the ash tray. Im not the most technical but suppose spending £10 to try wont be the end of the world.

Thanks for the links really appreciate the input