Bluetooth adapter
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Bluebus is very good if you want to add BlueTooth to your business CD radio.
You can try to find a factory BMW BlueTooth module.
I replaced my business CD radio with a double-DIN Android head unit which includes BlueTooth.
You can try to find a factory BMW BlueTooth module.
I replaced my business CD radio with a double-DIN Android head unit which includes BlueTooth.
One factor is whether you might want a backup camera. If so, definitely go for a double DIN with a screen. For my wife's 325xi, I tried to use a replacement rearview mirror with an embedded screen for the backup cam. But none of these mirrors with integrated screens have any method of manual or auto dimming for rear headlight glare. That was just awful with today's extremely bright LEDs.
I was using a Bluebus and it is awesome at its job. In addition to the great audio it adds some nice features (like auto unlocking all the doors on engine turn off if you want to enable it) and the dev is very active. But ultimately we needed a screen for the cam so I took out the horrible mirror, went back to stock rearview and added a double din, Sony AX3200. That got me BT as well as Android Auto and Carplay.
So if you don't need a cam, the Bluebus is ideal. If you do want a cam or AA/CP then double DIN with a nice screen. I'll plug Enfig car stereo here if you do go with a new HU. They have all of the adapters to make it plug and play, integrate with the steering wheel, and the dash kit/relocation brackets are nice.
I was using a Bluebus and it is awesome at its job. In addition to the great audio it adds some nice features (like auto unlocking all the doors on engine turn off if you want to enable it) and the dev is very active. But ultimately we needed a screen for the cam so I took out the horrible mirror, went back to stock rearview and added a double din, Sony AX3200. That got me BT as well as Android Auto and Carplay.
So if you don't need a cam, the Bluebus is ideal. If you do want a cam or AA/CP then double DIN with a nice screen. I'll plug Enfig car stereo here if you do go with a new HU. They have all of the adapters to make it plug and play, integrate with the steering wheel, and the dash kit/relocation brackets are nice.
Factory BT does not support music streaming (at least not properly) - if you plan to use it for that, you'd be disappointed. There are plenty of 3rd party options (eg Bluebus), some include aux, SD cards etc, others are just BT. Up to you how much you want from it
Bluebus, Aftermarket Radio, or Factory Radio with AUX and bluetooth adapter. I did the latter on both of my cars, i eventually want to get the bluebus.
I had already installed an aux port directly into the back of the business cd radio on my 2005. I bought a BT receiver on eBay that said it would work on my 05 but it was for the next later iteration of the 3 series. I clipped the (wrong for my car) factory connection off the BT and wired it into the proper factory aux input wiring. Now I have both aux and BT. It wasn't hard. Just three wires using the standard color codes. Oh, and the power and ground wires for the BT.
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I went bluebus for short term. The functionality is actually better than any bluetooth device I have ever purchased. It pairs faster and without a hitch better than any speaker, head unit, or ear buds I've ever purchased. Functionality is also better than any after market unit I've come across as well. It works smoothly with the factory radio and functions with the steering wheel controls perfectly. The extra features it provides are nice as well. Auto locking and unlocking doors, touch to pass functionality, and future features means I'll likely keep it in the car long term as well.
The only down side is the lack of screen on the factory radio if you don't already have navigation. Which means using a phone for GPS and no rear camera functionality. There are other solutions which are not as seamless for those such as rear view mirrors with built in screens or magnetic fixed mounts for cell phones. However aftermarket units tend to have quirks that make them less functional. Onboard software, especially on android units can be buggy and steering wheel control adapters can as well.
Theres multiple options with pros and cons on all of them. It's really up to you which ones you want. Unfortunately on a twenty year old car that never had an all in one factory solution those are the options.
The only down side is the lack of screen on the factory radio if you don't already have navigation. Which means using a phone for GPS and no rear camera functionality. There are other solutions which are not as seamless for those such as rear view mirrors with built in screens or magnetic fixed mounts for cell phones. However aftermarket units tend to have quirks that make them less functional. Onboard software, especially on android units can be buggy and steering wheel control adapters can as well.
Theres multiple options with pros and cons on all of them. It's really up to you which ones you want. Unfortunately on a twenty year old car that never had an all in one factory solution those are the options.
I sold that Bluebus to @Will721 and he's right, especially about the added features...auto unlock is really nice. I had (incorrectly!) thought I could use PA Soft to get that and the multiblink on lane change features once I removed the Bluebus but they aren't there. So another reason to go Bluebus.
(I do love my wife's new HU/Camera setup but I also miss the BB conveniences)
(I do love my wife's new HU/Camera setup but I also miss the BB conveniences)
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