E89 Stereo Options

[McBoxer]

Hi all. I have a 2010 E89 23i with the basic radio set up (no screen). I replaced this a few years ago with a Sony head unit, which works fine (although loses its memory as I think I picked up the wrong feed for a permanent live). However, it's a bit fiddly to use so I'm looking at other options, and perhaps installing some kind of screen where the storage box is - so that's what I would like advice on. I've searched the forum and read some interesting posts, but haven't managed to quite get to the bottom of my query!

I listen mainly to DAB or podcasts from my iphone - and maybe the occasional CD. I also use my phone for waze etc.

So what are my options? I was thinking one of the following (if they are possible):

1) Reinstall the original head unit and add an aftermarket (android?) screen (can this be done? If so, which is best?)
2) Source some second hand parts and retrofit the OEM screen, bluetooth and DAB set up.
3) Find and fit a more user friendly aftermarket head unit. Does anyone have any recommendations here? I prefer a look as close to OEM as possible. Also, are there any head units with a screen that can be mounted remotely? I find the low location of the stereo quite distracting

Requirements wise, DAB and phone connectivity (either by USB or bluetooth) are must haves, and the ability to play CDs is a nice to have.

What sage advice can the Z4 Forum massive give me?

Thanks in advance, Alastair.

 

[AnubisZed]

You "could" retrofit the OE iDrive system, it's very possible as I've done it (video on my channel, link in signature below). You could then fit an mmi box for Apple CarPlay.
It's a big retrofit though, but certainly check my video as I show all that you need.

You "could" fit an OE standard headunit that has DAB built-in and then fit an Android Touchscreen, again giving you Apple CarPlay. Or fit the original headunit and the Android screen as I'm sure you could then find an app (like TuneIn radio) for your DAB stations. They also have Bluetooth streaming music and built-in sat-nav if you didn't want to use CarPlay. Again on my channel.

The reason you didn't find the correct live wire is because there is only one feed to the OE quadlock connector, and that is switched.

 

[awt]

I've retrofitted an OEM HU with DAB+, BT handsfree and USB.

I've then connected a tune2air device to the USB, for music streaming.

I've also mounted an aftermarked cheap Aliexpress screen for the Carplay stuff, but I'll most likely remove that.

Some more info in my thread: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=150867

 

[McBoxer]

Thank you @AnubisZed and @awt - some good info there. I think an OEM unit with DAB+ and bluetooth sounds like a good option. I see on your post @awt that you sourced an X1 unit. Are they a straight fit into a E89? If so, do you know which years / E series I should be looking at?

 

[awt]

Yes, they are a straight fit, but depending on the equipment the donor car had, the unit may need coding to work. All BMWs with DAB should have DAB+ after 09/10 (2011 model year), but if you find one produced in 13-14-15 etc. your well over on the safe side. All e8x 1-series and e9x 3-series radio also fits, but as those car was discontinued before DAB+ was a normal option, quite few of them have this. That's why the e84 X1 is a good car to source the player from.

Also look for a player with the correct connectors, and bluetooth symbol on the top like this one.



Yellow and green is DAB (only yellow is needed), the white one is USB.

 

[mark3]

Easiest way? A solid 2DIN head unit with CarPlay/Android Auto, like Alpine ILX-705D. Easy install, works well, modern features. If you want OEM-look, Xtrons screen in the storage box is a decent choice, but wiring takes some work.

iDrive retrofit? Possible, but it’s a huge job – coding, wiring, controller. Honestly, just swap in a good head unit with a screen, saves headaches. Unless you enjoy messing with BMW schematics, then go for it!

 

[McBoxer]

Easiest way? A solid 2DIN head unit with CarPlay/Android Auto, like Alpine ILX-705D. Easy install, works well, modern features. If you want OEM-look, Xtrons screen in the storage box is a decent choice, but wiring takes some work.

Thanks @mark3. Will a 2 DIN head unit fit? I always thought there wasn't enough room

 

[AnubisZed]

Easiest way? A solid 2DIN head unit with CarPlay/Android Auto, like Alpine ILX-705D. Easy install, works well, modern features. If you want OEM-look, Xtrons screen in the storage box is a decent choice, but wiring takes some work.

Thanks @mark3. Will a 2 DIN head unit fit? I always thought there wasn't enough room

No, not the room and nobody makes an adaptor either. You could modify it to fit, but then it's going to be very low to see. But anything is possible

 

[McBoxer]

I've retrofitted an OEM HU with DAB+, BT handsfree and USB.

I've then connected a tune2air device to the USB, for music streaming.

I've also mounted an aftermarked cheap Aliexpress screen for the Carplay stuff, but I'll most likely remove that.

Some more info in my thread: https://z4-forum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=150867

Thanks for the replies everyone. I've gone with this option, minus the screen for now. I have a interior colour change to carry out also, and I'm going to combine it with a cruise control retrofit, so I've been busy on ebay ordering all the stuff. Once everything arrives, I just need a nice sunny day to get it all fitted!

 

[McBoxer]

So I replaced the stereo at the weekend with my ebay purchase (as above). DAB works great, however there are two things I'm having issues with that hopefully someone here can advise on:
1) I can't work out how to get it into pairing mode so I can connect to my phone via bluetooth. Any advice?
2) The USB is working - is as much as I can charge my phone - but it gives me a message that my phone cable is unsupported. and won't connect It's a standard iphone charging cable connected to an iphone (14 I think). I guess it could be a cable issue, but are there any nuances I need to be aware of / tricks I need to do? Or could it be something to do with coding?

 

[AnubisZed]

Here my Z4 manuals folder, in there are the Radio and Phone manuals, they should sort you out...
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/e16odyhgef811a6ngkdh3/h?rlkey=c4mznbusaxvhsm8g1u5wd4ku3&st=lala0x89&dl=0

 

[awt]

You need a Y-cable to connect the phone if you're not going to use a Tune2air.

 

[McBoxer]

Many thanks AnubisZed and awt. Got the bluetooth working, but only for phone call it seems - is that right?
And by Y -cable do you mean the BMW adapter cable that connects the phone to both the USB socket and the audio jack simultaneously? Or, alternatively I could use a Tune2air unit or similar?

So, another question. Can I bluetooth to both the head unit (for phone calls) and a Tune2air at the same (for music etc)? Or does that depend on my phone rather than the car?

 

[awt]

Y-cable is the one with both a jack and a USB. A tune2air is a wireless version of this, and can be used at the same time as the bluetooth handsfree that's in the main unit. You will then connect to two different bluetooth devices from your phone.

 

[AnubisZed]

Y-cable is the one with both a jack and a USB. A tune2air is a wireless version of this, and can be used at the same time as the bluetooth handsfree that's in the main unit. You will then connect to two different bluetooth devices from your phone.

Yeah, what he said, BUT....

If I was going down that route I'd go with the Y cable and not the Tune2air (they seem to be not available new anywhere at the moment anyway). The Y cable is going to cost you between £6 and £20 (can be higher!), the Tune2air is normally over £115. The Y cable will keep your phone changed while you are using it, the Tune2air wont. You still have full control with both, well to skip tracks and song name etc

I've attached some photos of how the Tune2air looked plugged into mine. As I have an Android phone it doesn't show song titles, but for iPhones it does

 

[awt]

It's worth the extra amount to not have to take the phone out of your pocket and connect a plug into it.

You can also consider an Invery bluetooth adapter, it's basically the same thing.

 

[AnubisZed]

But streaming bluetooth, especially on a long journey, with deplete your battery..... Especially an iPhone

 

[awt]

Yes, but then you always need to connect your phone if you're gonna listen to something. If you use the bluetooth devices, you can still connect your phone and charge it if you go on longer journeys if you like to. And if it's a short journey, it can just stay in your pocket and function just fine.

Also, the OEM USB socket can barely charge a phone, but it can usually maintain the current battery level. In this case it's recommended to add a BMW USB hub which give a bit more power.

My solution is a magnetic phone holder with wireless charging. Easy and effortless. With that said, I'm usually listening to the radio anyway.

 

[AnubisZed]

A MagSafe mount is a very good idea, we have one in my wife's car, and I just happen to have a MagSafe case on my Samsung, so it works very well (just a shame she has a crap audio system )
The only other downside is that wirelessly charging your phone and streaming music at the same time increases the phones temperature, especially in hot weather.
Don't get me wrong, I've been promoting the virtues of the Tune2air for years, and they are a very good solution (not so much for the many copies out there, check reviews before buying as they don't always work properly!!) for Z4's that don't have built-in Bluetooth Music.
Yes the OEM USB socket was never designed for the modem power hungry phones we have now, back in 2009 the iPhone 3gs had only just come out along with the likes of the Nokia and Blackberry phones these didn't need that much charging.

 

[awt]

I think we agree after all. The combox is a far better solution to all of this, but it again requires CIC, which is quite outdated now. Also it's a bit more hassle to retrofit CIC with DAB+, than just the normal radio player. 10+ years ago the combox had a great built in web radio app, but that's long gone now.