E89 ComBox

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danregs

Member
 Devon
Hi guys,

Only had my Z4 a few weeks but absolutely loving it. Always been an Audi guy, but I think the E89 may have converted me :P

Anyway, I've just spent the last 45mins searching and reading through the forum about the lack of ComBox in my car (it's a 2009, so before the 2010 hardware update). The reason it bothers me so much is in my Audi S4 I can link my Android phone up and control/listen to Spotify - which is the only thing I ever use for music! In my Z, as far as I know, and even though I have the USB port in the armrest, there is no way for me to connect my Android phone and control Spotify? I'm hoping someone will tell me I'm wrong! :?

...because it seems that if there's no way to do it via the USB then the only option is to upgrade to / retrofit a ComBox..... which isn't going to be easy!

Thanks in advance for you help chaps.
 
You are correct. I use a Bluetooth adaptor in the USB socket with an aux out into the car. No control but you do at least get the audio. I rarely use it though preferring to store all my music on a USB stick.
 
tune2air, gives you bluetooth connectivity via usb & aux-in and provides full steering wheel controls to control spotify etc..
 
danregs said:
Thanks for replying so quickly.

But..... Bu**er!

This means I will need to fit a ComBox :(
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Upgrading to combox is very expensive for the functions you'd gain, plus it craps out the telematics because it's not factory OEM kit associated with your VIN
 
willgill said:
tune2air, gives you bluetooth connectivity via usb & aux-in and provides full steering wheel controls to control spotify etc..
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How does it integrate with the steering controls? I didn't think that was possible on pre combox cars?
 
willgill said:
press the up and down buttons and it skips songs etc.. :)
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Lol. I meant technically how does it work but I've read up on it now and it's a Bluetooth transceiver rather than simpler a2dp audio receiver that I have. Interesting but not sure it's worth the cash given I use USB mostly.
 
its awesome, simple and cheap (in my opinion), I use IFTTT ( If This Then That) to automatically launch spotify as soon as my phone connects to my cars/t2a bluetooth, from there it launches which ever playlist I chose or audible or whatever length journey im on. No idrive integration but covers off all the functionality I need and steering wheel integration for me is essential, still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment :)
 
willgill said:
its awesome, simple and cheap (in my opinion), I use IFTTT ( If This Then That) to automatically launch spotify as soon as my phone connects to my cars/t2a bluetooth, from there it launches which ever playlist I chose or audible or whatever length journey im on. No idrive integration but covers off all the functionality I need and steering wheel integration for me is essential, still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment :)
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I drive in the e89 even with combox on later cars is still 10 years old.
 
Maniac said:
willgill said:
still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment :)
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I drive in the e89 even with combox on later cars is still 10 years old.
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Totally agree - it is odd that the I Drive isn't really up to the prestige of the car!


willgill said:
Thats the one :)
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Cheers bud! Legend!

Where in Cornwall are you based? (I grew up there :) )
 
Haha - too late - already bought the T2A on Amazon!

I agree with you though - they put their jam and cream on their scone the wrong way around up here. It's all very odd.
 
willgill said:
its awesome, simple and cheap (in my opinion), I use IFTTT ( If This Then That) to automatically launch spotify as soon as my phone connects to my cars/t2a bluetooth, from there it launches which ever playlist I chose or audible or whatever length journey im on. No idrive integration but covers off all the functionality I need and steering wheel integration for me is essential, still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment :)
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Thanks for posting!! Re: IFTTT.. I assume you have an Android phone? I would love iOS to open the Music app when my phone connects to my car via BT but I don't think this is possible.
 
Wrs said:
willgill said:
its awesome, simple and cheap (in my opinion), I use IFTTT ( If This Then That) to automatically launch spotify as soon as my phone connects to my cars/t2a bluetooth, from there it launches which ever playlist I chose or audible or whatever length journey im on. No idrive integration but covers off all the functionality I need and steering wheel integration for me is essential, still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment :)
Click to expand...

Thanks for posting!! Re: IFTTT.. I assume you have an Android phone? I would love iOS to open the Music app when my phone connects to my car via BT but I don't think this is possible.
Click to expand...

Yeah android I'm afraid, IFTTT wasn't actually the software i'm currently use, that's what i used to use, now I'm using 'Bluetooth connect and play' :)
 
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