e85 Bluetooth Adapter

[jp_haus]

Hi All,

I wanted to add BT functionality to my 07 Z4 si and keep everything clean, without wires showing so I opted for this adapter that plugs directly into the back of the stereo. It says it works with e85/86 among other things but upon plugging it in and confirming the BT connected to my phone, I am not getting any audio. The FM radio will come on but when switching the mode to AUX I have no sound. Previously, I had an adapter that worked fine (it was just messy with cables going to the cig lighter and external aux port) and I confirmed it still does after having an issue with the new setup. Unless I am missing something, it seems a faulty product was delivered. Wanted to check here because I know others have used this same one without issue.

Bluetooth Audio Aux Adapter with Microphone, Compatible with BMW Z4 (E85/E86), X3(E83), Mini Cooper (R50/JCW), Mini Cooper S R53(Car with AUX access) - https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0BQ7299X1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

My car has Navi and BavSound speaker upgrade if that has any effect on compatibility.

 

[salfer]

I’ve got similar on my E86 M with Hi Fi System Pro with Nav and it has worked perfectly for a year. I also installed the same on a friend’s E86 M with the same great results.

Either you have a faulty unit or it’s not plugged in all the way with the latch on the plug in the proper orientation.

Here’s the unit I have.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/363904664335?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=h2haly01t9-&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=yCKUDLhwSm-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

[jp_haus]

Thanks for confirming. I'll start the exchange on it then. A faulty piece although unlikely isn't impossible and it sounds like that is what's happening here as I'm sure it was plugged in correctly. Here's to hoping the new one works as it should lol In the meantime I'm leaving the vents out because I swear I was about to break them pulling them out the first time

 

[salfer]

Sounds like a plan. Good luck!

Yeah, the first time pulling vents is scary, but then it becomes easier.

 

[coldel]

Sounds daft but have you turned up the volume on your phone all the way. Sometimes when connecting it resets the volume down to zero on the phone and even with volume at half way up on the phone I could barely hear anything.

Also I read the 1 star review on the link you sent and a few people specifically with E85 Z4s complained that no sound was coming out, so I dont think its as unlikely as you might think in terms of it being faulty, it appears to have some form in the reviews for quite a few faulty units being sent out.

 

[salfer]

OP, a couple of other things… I notice yours is a 2007 - the 2007 M cars came with a wired Aux port underneath the climate controls behind the ash tray, I’m not sure about your model.

Also in NCS expert, there is an option to code Aux. I did not have to do this and I’m unsure why it’s there…

Mine is a 2006 E86 M which did not come with the Aux. All I had to do was plug in my BT adaptor and it worked.

Cheers
.

 

[coldel]

OP, a couple of other things… I notice yours is a 2007 - the 2007 M cars came with a wired Aux port underneath the climate controls behind the ash tray, I’m not sure about your model.

Also in NCS expert, there is an option to code Aux. I did not have to do this and I’m unsure why it’s there…

Mine is a 2006 E86 M which did not come with the Aux. All I had to do was plug in my BT adaptor and it worked.

Cheers
.

He mentioned in the first post he has an SI, which I presume is a 2.5 or 3.0 litre non M. For both my 3.0si cars I had an aux socket under the dash, but the unit above plugs in to the back of the radio directly and is a cleaner install (and I noticed compared between the plug in BT unit in the aux socket a better interface and clearer quality of sound)

 

[salfer]

Yeah, for sure, the BT connection is better quality than the Aux and is a cleaner install.

The reason I mentioned it is that I was wondering if there is a conflict if the OP did in fact have a wired Aux and then plugged in the BT adaptor…They both use Aux, so which Aux would the the head unit prioritise?

 

[coldel]

Yeah, for sure, the BT connection is better quality than the Aux and is a cleaner install.

The reason I mentioned it is that I was wondering if there is a conflict if the OP did in fact have a wired Aux and then plugged in the BT adaptor…They both use Aux, so which Aux would the the head unit prioritise?

Good point

 

[salfer]

 

[jp_haus]

Yeah, for sure, the BT connection is better quality than the Aux and is a cleaner install.

The reason I mentioned it is that I was wondering if there is a conflict if the OP did in fact have a wired Aux and then plugged in the BT adaptor…They both use Aux, so which Aux would the the head unit prioritise?

I appreciate you both diving into the details to try and figure things out with me. I can confirm I do have the AUX port under the dash which I was originally using. During the install for this product, was sure to unplug the old one from there (only plugging it back in to test that I could get sound from the AUX at all once the new part wasn't working)

The point about the phone volume is fair and I can't say I *definitely* made sure it was cranked up. Either way, it's already been dropped off for an exchange. The estimated delivery is a week out though so it'll be a minute before I can try again.

 

[coldel]

Well done, try another unit see how you get on.
Like I say, quite a few reviews saying it didnt work on a Z4 so it could be the build quality of the unity from this seller isn't the best

 

[jp_haus]

Update- replacement piece arrived and still no luck so it seems whatever version of equipment I have in the car is not compatible with it. I did some further research and stumbled upon this thread https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=116477 where it seems a special approach was needed and that must be the boat I'm in. I actually also have the 30-pin iPod connector sitting in my center console that they mention so maybe I try connecting from there. A lot of these on Amazon specifically say they are not intended for cars though. I'm not sure if I need to buy a voltage adapter he talks about as well. This route is a bit confusing to me and I'm not sure I completely follow.

This part is what was suggested at the end of that thread-
https://www.aliexpress.us/item/3256801458567094.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.0.0.7e8b2804v0VkCe&algo_pvid=6ef4910a-91ae-4e04-a141-4cda7678b143&algo_expid=6ef4910a-91ae-4e04-a141-4cda7678b143-2&btsid=2100bde316072082900313859e853e&ws_ab_test=searchweb0_0%2Csearchweb201602_%2Csearchweb201603_&gatewayAdapt=glo2usa4itemAdapt#nav-review