idrive and bluetooth connectivity/volume

[clarker63]

Hi, I recently got a Z4 with idrive, and I am struggling with the streaming from my android phone.

1) the initial volume always is very low. is there a way to set it so it remembers?
2) if i stop or get out of the car and come back, it doesn't always work... it appears to be connected, but nothing at all comes out.

because of both issues, sometimes the volume on other sources is so loud we jump out of our skins!

(I know it isn't the phone media volume).

Any suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[Anonymous]

https://lifehacker.com/how-to-get-android-ps-new-bluetooth-volume-controls-on-1825361546

 

[Jasonn]

I found that android auto seems to solve the problem (it did with me). I use amazon prime music as it keeps all the volumes constant if you use their player. When I try other players the volumes bounce all over.

Set android auto to automat connect and make your car "trusted" so the phone stays unlocked when you're connected

 

[clarker63]

Thanks for your suggestions. but I don't think either will solve my problem.

Its not the phone volume (as I said in my original post)- its the iDrive that appears to drop it back to almost 0 volume every time I connect it. I need iDrive to remember the base volume, not the phone (which is always at the same level).

Also its connected, I can see that iDrive is showing the phone is connected and which track "should be playing", but the track duration bar isn't showing, despite the phone saying it is playing... the only way to make this work is to disconnect the bluetooth and reconnect. then its fine.

It can be rather annoying, that's all...

 

[Anonymous]

Have you got the latest version of the Bluetooth s/w for your car?

 

[Jasonn]

The latest s/w was going to be the next thing I was going to suggest.

A bit "left field" but it might be worth trying turning off the radio at the right volume by pushing the volume button when you get out.

I use a samung S9 and when I get in it pairs automatically and cranks the volume up to maximum ever since I set up android auto

 

[clarker63]

Have you got the latest version of the Bluetooth s/w for your car?

How can I tell?

 

[lewis1962]

I have the bluetooth option on mine and was surprised that the volume was the same as my connected ipod and radio. However, this is the first car I've had that has ever done this. Usually the volume has been very low and when I've turned up the volume, it has sounded really distorted. Good luck getting it sorted

 

[Anonymous]

Have you got the latest version of the Bluetooth s/w for your car?

How can I tell?

GO to the idrive menu and check s/w status then go to bmw sofwtare update site and check version available for your vin

https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html

 

[clarker63]

GO to the idrive menu and check s/w status then go to bmw sofwtare update site and check version available for your vin

cheers, will do

 

[jllyons10]

When I check the BMW site for software updates, the last update for my car is in 2014 (my car is a 2013). I can't get the bluetooth to connect with my iPhone X. Will this very old update have any impact?

 

[Anonymous]

Probably not I’m running several ios devices on the latest release with no issues

It’s more operating system dependent than hardware

Most people’s apparent issues are initial set up and config rather than in the case of Apple the hardware

Other newer android phones seem to have some issues but again not sure how much if that is rtfm / finger trouble