Bluetooth Streaming Audio

[crvz]

I've got this sinking feeling that I'm about to be really disappointed. I've used bluetooth streaming audio for years. I delight in it. I listen to tons of podcasts and enjoy how they just pick back up from where I was, no plugging anything in, no running through menus... in my truck I just turned the car on and in a few seconds it kept going from where I left off.

So naturally I select BMWAssist w/Enhanced Bluetooth for my new car, which I picked up yesterday; a 2013 BMW 135i. But here's the kicker... I do NOT have iDrive. And I cannot figure out (even after a good long search here on the internets) how to get it to stream audio. I've read on some other models of BMW that streaming doesnt work without iDrive. Is that the story with my car as well? Did I just waste the $650 on this option? And have I been lied to (inadvertently or not) by my sales associate who assured me I would have BT streaming audio? I'm taking it back tomorrow for another reason, so I'd like to be armed with data before I see them.

[J-Rod]

Just bought off of ebay a bluetooth usb adapter for $7.50 (shipping included). Dont know how good the headunit in the 2013 works but I had only BT for calls.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by crvz

I've got this sinking feeling that I'm about to be really disappointed. I've used bluetooth streaming audio for years. I delight in it. I listen to tons of podcasts and enjoy how they just pick back up from where I was, no plugging anything in, no running through menus... in my truck I just turned the car on and in a few seconds it kept going from where I left off.

So naturally I select BMWAssist w/Enhanced Bluetooth for my new car, which I picked up yesterday; a 2013 BMW 135i. But here's the kicker... I do NOT have iDrive. And I cannot figure out (even after a good long search here on the internets) how to get it to stream audio. I've read on some other models of BMW that streaming doesnt work without iDrive. Is that the story with my car as well? Did I just waste the $650 on this option? And have I been lied to (inadvertently or not) by my sales associate who assured me I would have BT streaming audio? I'm taking it back tomorrow for another reason, so I'd like to be armed with data before I see them.

first of all----HOW DARE you ask a question like this WITHOUT posting photos of your new ride!??!?? come on then!

you cannot stream Bluetooth without the iDrive interface. HOWEVER there are some very easy solutions to installing little devices into the USB drive to create audio streaming. I had researched this issue but in the end had decided to just get the Nav system anyways, because my wife wanted it. I think the USB devices work very well though---so look into those options!

[crvz]

Well played. ;-)



So what recourse would you guys chase on this discrepancy? The majority of the conversations I had with my sales associate revolved around 1) not wanting the iDrive and 2) wanting streaming bluetooth. I swear we discussed this 6 times about the different models, including a number of times about the 1 series. I feel like I paid $650 for nothing.

[cheshirecat79]

Just get a little bluetooth adapter. There's tons of them out there which support A2DP (the streaming protocol you need) and are small enough to plug into the little usb and aux plug underneath the armrest.

[abirmaher]

I am very interested in getting my 2011 to do this as well. Any way anyone can post a link to one of those adapters? Im very curious.

[IEDEI]

Originally Posted by crvz

Well played. ;-)



So what recourse would you guys chase on this discrepancy? The majority of the conversations I had with my sales associate revolved around 1) not wanting the iDrive and 2) wanting streaming bluetooth. I swear we discussed this 6 times about the different models, including a number of times about the 1 series. I feel like I paid $650 for nothing.

wow man the car looks great! congratulations again! must be exciting!

i don't think there's any recourse here. the bluetooth is still great for phone calls, etc....at best maybe your sales agent can give you some free mats or accessories or something.....but i wouldn't hold your breath as it's 'only' a $600 option...BUT worth mentioning to him to see what he says i think! Sales agents are always spewing nonsense aren't they!

i've read good things about this. just stick this under the dash or something?
http://www.amazon.com/BlackBerry-ACC...+music+gateway

[crvz]

I know there are some solutions to get the bluetooth streaming, I'm more frustrated with the sales associates lack of insight into my issue. I don't expect much (upgrading me to a 435i at no cost to me seems right, yeah?), but I'm irritated.

I've actually a long history in aftermarket car audio stuff, and I would have never spent that kind of money on the bluetooth if not for the integration of the factory radio that makes changing it out a bit of an interface issue. Now I may change my mind, though. I'm also looking at sticking a viper remote start on the car, though that is going to be even more of an issue (some of the xpresskit interface stuff is not yet available, though I spoke to them today and they are working on a kit for the european market and may have something after the first of the year).

[WP1]

Nice ride and color!

New to BMW.... Last month got me (my first bmw ever) a 2010 135i Convertible. Got the navigation system with Bluetooth and iDrive, so what you guys are saying is that you can play audio when iphone is paired to the car? I been using the auxiliary cable. Thanks,

[crvz]

Originally Posted by WP1

Nice ride and color!

New to BMW.... Last month got me (my first bmw ever) a 2010 135i Convertible. Got the navigation system with Bluetooth and iDrive, so what you guys are saying is that you can play audio when iphone is paired to the car? I been using the auxiliary cable. Thanks,

If you have "enhanced bluetooth", an option that is currently tied to BMWAssist, then you should have bluetooth streaming audio options if you have iDrive. But you may not, as it does not come standard in all model years and may not have been an option in 2010.

[WP1]

Thanks!!

[rrinorl]

Buy this:
http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-BTC450-...nivo+bluetooth

It allows you to stream bluetooth, starts with the car and you can change tracks by pushing the buttons on it instead of having to fumble in your pocket to change the track. You can also use it to pause tracks too. I have mine mounted the radio near the seat warmer buttons.

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by rrinorl

Buy this:
http://www.amazon.com/Kinivo-BTC450-...nivo+bluetooth

It allows you to stream bluetooth, starts with the car and you can change tracks by pushing the buttons on it instead of having to fumble in your pocket to change the track. You can also use it to pause tracks too. I have mine mounted the radio near the seat warmer buttons.

that looks pretty sweet- i could see placing it under or on the front of the armrest for easy button access. i think i'll order it and try it out. hopefully the audio quality is acceptable.

[rrinorl]

The audio is great! It actually uses a newer Bluetooth audio standard. I've been very impressed.

[crvz]

A slick device, and I may consider it, but still somewhat bush league compared to what I was expecting. I prefer it to be seamless integration, and that would require wiring for power and mini-RCA at a minimum.

[J-Rod]

Originally Posted by crvz

A slick device, and I may consider it, but still somewhat bush league compared to what I was expecting. I prefer it to be seamless integration, and that would require wiring for power and mini-RCA at a minimum.

Search ebay for: USB Bluetooth music adapter. Its a little USB stick with an Aux jack and short cable in it. You won't even notice it's there once you connect it. And it's just 1.plug in usb 2. plug in aux 3. pair 4. throw your cell/ipod somewhere else or keep in pocket. Works like a charm and for under $10.00.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-Bluetoot...-/200829891428

Try that link, see if you like it. It works for me!

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by crvz

A slick device, and I may consider it, but still somewhat bush league compared to what I was expecting. I prefer it to be seamless integration, and that would require wiring for power and mini-RCA at a minimum.

It's plug and play under the armrest for most trims. If not, you can always grab the module and plug that in. The wiring should be there. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135....0l/ES2207517/

If you want seamless integration, you should have opted for i-Drive. I understand the dealer told you otherwise, but your first mistake was trusting the dealer to know specific technical details.

IMO, it's always better to do your own research before committing to purchasing.

[cvandenhaute]

Originally Posted by cheshirecat79

It's plug and play under the armrest for most trims. If not, you can always grab the module and plug that in. The wiring should be there. http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135....0l/ES2207517/

If you want seamless integration, you should have opted for i-Drive. I understand the dealer told you otherwise, but your first mistake was trusting the dealer to know specific technical details.

IMO, it's always better to do your own research before committing to purchasing.

Stupid question: if your car has bluetooth (no i-Drive) and you use this module for streaming audio, are your phone calls still going through the bluetooth connection of the car? In order words is your iphone linking calls through the car's bluetooth and audio to the adapter at the same time?

[cheshirecat79]

Originally Posted by cvandenhaute

Stupid question: if your car has bluetooth (no i-Drive) and you use this module for streaming audio, are your phone calls still going through the bluetooth connection of the car? In order words is your iphone linking calls through the car's bluetooth and audio to the adapter at the same time?

Yep, it'll work. Two different BT protocols.

[jm97]

Just ordered the Blackberry Music Gateway from Amazon. Will update the thread next week when it arrives.

[jm97]

Installed my new Blackberry Music Gateway. Bought it from Amazon. Took 2 minutes to install. Works perfectly.

I can stream spotify and any other music source.

Very happy to have found this one.

Quality of the device is very nice.

[granracing]

i think i'll order it and try it out. hopefully the audio quality is acceptable.

After you try it out, can you let us know what you think about it?