Bluetooth on car with Sat Nav

[.adam.]

Considering going to view a car with the built in sat nav, does anyone know if the bluetooth modules work on these systems okay?
It's this stereo:

 

[coldel]

Just a thought. But there will be a 3.5mm jack/aux input under the dash its just under the right sided AC knob. Well there is on my car anyway. A manual option of plugging something in as a last resort.

 

[.adam.]

That's an possible option. I guess if I couldn't get a bluetooth module to fit, then I could just swap out the stereo for a bluetooth capable one, which I actually have sitting in the loft. Obviously the dash screen would be redundant, but that doesn't matter.

 

[Chris_D]

THe factory BT module is crap and doesn't work for most modern phones. Wait, let's be honest; it doesn't work for nadda.
If you have the ipod prep like mine has then you could mount a bluetooth dongle on it.
Had the same BT dongledoodie for almost 6 years now. Works every time without fail.

 

[skmattwell]

Mine has the sat nav and no aux cable. From what I understand you can't use the built in Bluetooth for music (not sure what it actually can do to be honest!)

You can either tap a bluetooth receiver into the wires behind the radio or do what I did and buy this Bluetooth fm transmitter. Fits perfectly into the ash tray compartment and has a rechargeable battery if you don't want to leave it plugged in

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/404022988424?hash=item5e11a58e88:g:j~8AAOSwXfljheO9&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4KtXO3sY6prVe2c%2FrfTmWpKDdDy0P7kBnuEs4pztxkHLmtf5b7zlFaqTyjTarU7a%2FsBZe%2FGrhMbLJPs8fF58n84fIhJKyE4o9yz3kTcM4XHsI8lzOVZrSPOso49K87zEVd%2FwYiflY7O8iaX3RKe5dq4te2tZ2HMOg%2Ftreg3BnJXmdVCR2%2FquwDdCZUI8aiRRxAekxfy4Ik1TJ3PmLD8031LMPyikTBsAarCNq6NROlA4Egt0rZIWYX1X%2BIrcTuli07gHPhHp7Hfju1wxeKQ7yq4aA2ZtOkCF5IdKlgeT9VOk%7Ctkp%3ABFBMoIO-_bJh

 

[markplant]

THe factory BT module is crap and doesn't work for most modern phones. Wait, let's be honest; it doesn't work for nadda.
If you have the ipod prep like mine has then you could mount a bluetooth dongle on it.
Had the same BT dongledoodie for almost 6 years now. Works every time without fail.

Photo 08-09-2016 20 57 09.jpg

Chris is yours factory iPod prep or a intravee module,
I bought what I believe to be the same adapter's but I couldn't get it to work with intravee
Thanks

 

[Chris_D]

Its the factory ipod prep.

 

[.adam.]

I might sound stupid, but is the Factory iPod Prep and Intravee module third party plug in things? Is yours on a nav system, Chris?

 

[Chris_D]

its a 30-pin dock connector on the the end of a wire that sits in the centre cubby.
a voltage converter dongle sits on the connector and then the BT dongle on top of that, as per the photo.

I assume it's wired into the carver amp somehow and takes the place of the cd changer input, which then feeds into the headunit.
yes i have the nav system and choose 'CDC' in the menu to get the ipod/bluetooth connection working.

 

[.adam.]

Just seen the car, the seller said it has the standard stereo, in the cubby between the seats it just has the dvd for the nav, no cd multichanger. Does this stereo have a particular code or name I can use to search for a bluetooth module that might work?

Can anyone recommend a good phone mount?

 

[coldel]

I bought this and its ace! Slot it in to the CD slot and its pretty solid. You can then plug in a short 20cm charger cable to a USB socket plugged into the cigarette socket just below it, job done https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B09M3SM12L

 

[.adam.]

That looks good, I'll send a few emails to people like Grom and Connects 2 and see what they say about a bluetooth module.

 

[.adam.]

It seems a lot of the modules plug into the cd autochanger plug, could you get the autochanger with the sat nav as well?

 

[Lynchy]

I have a Grom unit fitted in mine from a previous owner. It sits behind the centre cubby hole where I think a CD changer would be. It uses the connections for the CD so no CDs can be played. Works really well, no interference and a great sound

 

[.adam.]

That's good to hear. I'll invest in one I think.

 

[Calps]

Hi OP,

I've gone the CD Harness adapter route mentioned above.

I can confirm that the cars that did come with bluetooth prep are only able to use the connection for handling calls - media cannot be streamed over it. And the bluetooth setup for taking calls is a bit of a faff as well (there's an intricate sequence of button pressing in order to activate pairing mode - worth it in the end, but cumbersome)

I used a 3.5mm adapter for a while, and then went for the adapter that connects into the CD multichanger harness - Bluemusic is the brand/make. The consensus is that most (maybe all) cars come with this harness installed, regardless if CD multichanger was an option or not. There are a number of threads on here (and one very good install thread) on this topic. I can dig out the link if it's of interest.

There appear to be a few variants on the adapter itself:
- One which just handles media (This is what I bought: https://www.amazon.de/-/en/BlueMusic-Bluetooth-Music-Adapter-Compatible/dp/B0773MX7BG)
- One with a microphone to allow handling of calls (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254073161800?_trkparms=amclksrc%3DITM%26aid%3D1110006%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26ao%3D1%26asc%3D245021%26meid%3Df52a3ba54da4473aa0986d628b4692e6%26pid%3D101195%26rk%3D1%26rkt%3D12%26sd%3D264139869728%26itm%3D254073161800%26pmt%3D1%26noa%3D0%26pg%3D2047675%26algv%3DSimplAMLv11WebTrimmedV3MskuWithRevOptLambda90KnnRecallV1&_trksid=p2047675.c101195.m1851&amdata=cksum%3A254073161800f52a3ba54da4473aa0986d628b4692e6%7Cenc%3AAQAHAAABEPZqctS1aW2Gn1fMafrLrPa7%252BqLD2Pgo5GTgCDTJgIpBMBHaBHcFvdVGNBWeIytK8U7x8RargP9Bv5VZgW5ZIFNkZPDmzqRs9flJoze5zTS61%252Bx0EmS3uSOBXQIGMI%252FendukVOZlTtoEBmfFmJ3zsCaFwfunWfUxUnuyk2O4f3GoDw9%252BWDd91PZg7snPj1i%252F89ilcMKMz4%252Bubvm4uMM5o%252FzH2eoaMXWwHRp%252FHVV4hD83TA%252FvuGKzb29WEHrEtvIwhy3qOJP0KFf7R4r3vKNIoDevOYvnVOx4DjI8dENWH6E0A7bqUZ6padaNanz3Szctv474%252B3iflCx1dddkWmFd4yvxYiE9MR2VeK9eUuS98Axu%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2047675&epid=16028096627)

The CD Changer harness is located behind the carpet in the boot, but some folks have also reported being able to connect it directly into the back of the head unit as well - I presume it depends on the type of harness, and perhaps if you want to position the mic in the cabin to to handle calls?

Overall, I'm very happy with it. Connects automatically, and allows for changing of tracks from the steering controls.

 

[tonyz4c]

If you want to plug an intravee, you have to remove the oem iPod interface
You can only have one 'master' devise on the audio bus
So it's cd charger or iphone or intravee or any other adapter

 

[.adam.]

I think I will go for one of these. I'm just wondering what makes the Grom worth £70 more than the Amazon/eBay modules? I can't get my car to recognise that it has the factory fit bluetooth for the phone, I've done everything except leaving the battery disconnected for 30 mins, which I am a bit dubious to do as I've read it can cause problem if a certain setting hasn't been turned off by the original dealer.
I see you are in Ireland, Calps, so I guess you didn't have to worry about import duties? Not sure if I would get stung by them from the Amazon or eBay listing, but assuming I would.

 

[Calps]

I think I will go for one of these. I'm just wondering what makes the Grom worth £70 more than the Amazon/eBay modules? I can't get my car to recognise that it has the factory fit bluetooth for the phone, I've done everything except leaving the battery disconnected for 30 mins, which I am a bit dubious to do as I've read it can cause problem if a certain setting hasn't been turned off by the original dealer.
I see you are in Ireland, Calps, so I guess you didn't have to worry about import duties? Not sure if I would get stung by them from the Amazon or eBay listing, but assuming I would.

Yes, no duties paid for what I ordered, however based on the price of the item, I'm guessing you're looking at ~£8-£10 duty (v.rough guess - in any event, it shouldn't be a colossal cost).

Alternatively, this looks to be precisely what I ordered (https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/253153228002?hash=item3af11bb4e2:g:Al0AAOSw8Zhia9eq&amdata=enc%3AAQAHAAAA4J0PgcYyy98OiuJGpG3CNpNSSAWB2cmgZR%2FJshUdrVmqyrG4%2F%2FcbOXm2f9c2KJOeALQXF8XCzoOXWdI%2Bp7WWbw3JFVO4Vw68nK49X1IoDkk%2FHtrAI59wpfyJDAuDc%2BYTF9OZRo5DbNIVYaAAnTS3S90VQ0gcEj4t2kiIqMon3IA3OpJvBjljt1khYTHqotQPi6fpEbbTpPORmkFpyL3j%2FQLgDeDh%2BozDaFV9u2irr%2BA4VVlDbP7CsAMCEkea2sxsXIVD%2F5ZCZ%2BVcuRg8cHGJ06XyiV6yxZvcb46cnwjbJB9a%7Ctkp%3ABFBM1p652cFh) and is listed on ebay.co.uk, so it may be an "all-in" cost. Again, no guarantee it's duty inclusive, but should be easy for the seller to advise on.

Regarding the OEM bluetooth - (although you've said you've tried everything) for the avoidance of doubt have a read of this thread: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=99347&hilit=bluetooth

It covers:
- The (maddening) process for getting into pairing mode
- Highlighted a common problem with worn wires that might be stopping you from doing so

 

[.adam.]

Thanks for that, although I've never had a Telephone menu listed on the Nav screen. I know the car should have it installed, as it has the mic, and the button in the centre console, and it came from the factory with it according to the VIN.
To be honest, it's not something I'll miss, as I never make or take calls in my other car with phone connectivity, but it just annoys me that it isn't working!