Idrive external devices Bluetooth

[birdy_z4]

Hi All

New member so apologies but this has probably been asked a lot

I have a BMW Z4 3.0 sdrive 2010

I’ve successfully upgraded the maps (followed the posts on here)

Mobile connects ok but in the external device list it shows Bluetooth not connected

Any ideas on why this is not working even though Bluetooth phone connected

Checked software update on bmw via vin and that states up to date

Things like this just bug me.

Appreciate any guidance

 

[rjhl64]

Hi,
the symbol next to the "not connected" message looks like a USB symbol, or have i got my symbols mixed up??

 

[BeardyJon]

Yeah that's the USB devices logo, so I don't think that'd be relevant for bluetooth connections.

 

[R.E92]

You need a Combox for that to show bluetooth devices. 2009 and early 2010 cars didn't come with a Combox.

 

[AnubisZed]

Exactly as R.E92 says, no combox fitted.
What you have us either a MULF and TCU or a MULF2, which gives you Bluetooth calls only.
It is possible to retrofit a combox or fit an MMI box to give you Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, that way you'd have upto date nav and access to phone apps including music.

 

[birdy_z4]

Thanks for the feedback, can you provide any details on the combox ?

 

[AnubisZed]

Thanks for the feedback, can you provide any details on the combox ?

I've just retrofitted one to my car and another members as well. The part number you'd need is 9257161, but it's not as simple as that as you'd also need to have it coded in for functions to work fully.
I'm in the process of producing an how-to video on this, but it won't be ready for a while yet though.

As for the MMI box (no coding required, simply plug-n-play) here's my Part 2 video showing you how it works (links to Part 1, how to install it, and Part 3, my opinion on them, are in the description).....
https://youtu.be/KFjiNxZ3Q7o

Hope that helps

 

[Roddy]

If you had the ability to stream from your phone you would see this. Mine has my phone listed under Bluetooth (audio).
But I never use it, most of the time I put all my music on USB, or I installed the MMI box as mentioned if I want to get radio.
I have an extra option in the first pic which I assume is the completely useless phone adapter in the centre console :?

 

[BeardyJon]

Out of interest, has anyone ever tried using a USB bluetooth receiver as an alternative solution to this problem? Plugged into the USB port in tbe centre console i wonder if you could get round it that way?

 

[AnubisZed]

There is the Tune2air Bluetooth adapter, it plugs into the AUX and USB ports and gives you streaming music from your phone. A reasonable option at £105, and works specifically with the BMW iDrive system. Its the only adaptor that gives you control via the steering wheel buttons.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00TFIPX82/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_HW60V3C7SXF7FE7PXRQ9

 

[birdy_z4]

Thanks all for the tips and the links I will have a browse on the links and watch out for Dave's Combox update too

Cheers all, what a great forum