Bluetooth Streaming with BMW Professional Radio

[bentone]

Bluetooth phone calls are great, just can't figure out how to stream music (or if it's even possible). The BMW documentation is murky as to how streaming applies for post-Sept 2011 production cars. Perhaps it's only possible with nav-equipped cars? If that's the case, does anybody have good experience with any Bluetooth adapters that plug directly into the Aux port? I have a Blackberry and could always use an aux cable, but prefer to go completely cable-free for convenience and aesthetics...

[f1rst 1]

This is what I use.



http://store.griffintechnology.com/bluetrip-aux

It plugs into your cig lighter under the armrest, then into your aux port, pair it up and it 10 seconds you're streaming bluetooth with no visible wires. I found a 20% off coupon code to get it for like 60 dollars. The sound quality is great and it works like a champ.

[swimfreak]

I think there will be an issue with any streaming audio solution. If your phone is already paired with your car stereo for calls, it won't differentiate calls and audio for the new device. Meaning, to use streaming audio, you will need to only be paired to one device. If you want to make calls and stream audio, you'll need to pair only with the plug-in adapter, not the car stereo.

At least that's how it would be on my iPhone. Maybe Blackberry is different.

This device might be a good solution if you go this route: http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-motorM.../dp/B005EMQJB8

[f1rst 1]

Originally Posted by swimfreak

I think there will be an issue with any streaming audio solution. If your phone is already paired with your car stereo for calls, it won't differentiate calls and audio for the new device. Meaning, to use streaming audio, you will need to only be paired to one device. If you want to make calls and stream audio, you'll need to pair only with the plug-in adapter, not the car stereo.

At least that's how it would be on my iPhone. Maybe Blackberry is different.

oh yeah you're right...I didn't realize he wanted to stream on one and talk on another, the device I listed above actually does have a mic built into it and obviously sends the audio to the speakers, you just have to be on the aux setting on the head unit to hear your calls. Only thing I've noticed is if you have to have the arm rest up for your voice to carry properly into the mic.

[MusclezMarinara]

U can play any audio over the bluetooth much like my voicemails from my iphone and my other voice things.

[-Z-]

Originally Posted by MusclezMarinara

U can play any audio over the bluetooth much like my voicemails from my iphone and my other voice things.

How do you do that on cars without NAV? I can't see a source option in the music menu saying "Bluetooth"...

[MusclezMarinara]

Originally Posted by -Z-

How do you do that on cars without NAV? I can't see a source option in the music menu saying "Bluetooth"...

check audio or tuner i forget which button it is and then look for bluetooth audio.

[bentone]

Originally Posted by f1rst 1

oh yeah you're right...I didn't realize he wanted to stream on one and talk on another, the device I listed above actually does have a mic built into it and obviously sends the audio to the speakers, you just have to be on the aux setting on the head unit to hear your calls. Only thing I've noticed is if you have to have the arm rest up for your voice to carry properly into the mic.

I'm good with streaming audio and using the phone on the same device (but not at the same time, obviously). In fact, that's the only thing that concerns me about the Griffin - I wonder if the Blackberry will interrupt music streaming to the Griffin in order to take a phone call on the BMW (which would be preferable to using the mic on the Griffin). But either way thanks for the Griffin reco, looks like a great solution.

I will also try Musclez solution but for the life of me couldn't find any "Bluetooth Audio" option or anything similar

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by MusclezMarinara

check audio or tuner i forget which button it is and then look for bluetooth audio.

I thought I saw in the manual this is possible.. just havent sat still in the car long enough with manual in hand to try and work it out... Anyone ?

Originally Posted by bentone

I will also try Musclez solution but for the life of me couldn't find any "Bluetooth Audio" option or anything similar

there is a button that says BT

[1Madness]

I don't have NAV in my car and have my iPhone 4 paired via bluetooth. It works really well. I have tried to connect my iPhone via USB port to listen to music. When I try to access the music menu and select the USB as my option, I get a message stating that the cable that I am using is not compatible and to use a compatible USB cable.

The cable that I am using is the cable that came with my iPhone. I've tried connecting with my CA on this and have not received any direction from them. I also tried calling BMWNA and didn't get much help either.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

[M3 Adjuster]

Originally Posted by 1Madness

I don't have NAV in my car and have my iPhone 4 paired via bluetooth. It works really well. I have tried to connect my iPhone via USB port to listen to music. When I try to access the music menu and select the USB as my option, I get a message stating that the cable that I am using is not compatible and to use a compatible USB cable.

The cable that I am using is the cable that came with my iPhone. I've tried connecting with my CA on this and have not received any direction from them. I also tried calling BMWNA and didn't get much help either.

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated.

Hmmm. The 2011 328 loaner I have right now changes the icon from USB to IPod when my phone is connected. pretty sure the 1M does the same.

Are you sure the cable isn't failing or has a short in it? Try another if you have another one handy.

Just to make sure, did you pay $400 for iPod/USB as well as the $750 for Bluetooth? I know some of the cars built september or later had some of these included for free/cheaper but those cars should just be docking or very recently delivered.

[-Z-]

when you connect your iPhone, run iPod app on it, then on your BMW console select Audio, one of the sources should be iPod, that's how it worked for me as far as I remember...

[1Madness]

Originally Posted by M3 Adjuster

Hmmm. The 2011 328 loaner I have right now changes the icon from USB to IPod when my phone is connected. pretty sure the 1M does the same.

Are you sure the cable isn't failing or has a short in it? Try another if you have another one handy.

Just to make sure, did you pay $400 for iPod/USB as well as the $750 for Bluetooth? I know some of the cars built september or later had some of these included for free/cheaper but those cars should just be docking or very recently delivered.

I payed $400 for my iPod/USB. I just got my car two weeks ago. Week 39 build. I've tried two different cables and it comes up with the same screen - that my cable is not compatible.

I just tried -Z- suggestion and it still does not work in my car.

[-Z-]

Originally Posted by 1Madness

I payed $400 for my iPod/USB. I just got my car two weeks ago. Week 39 build. I've tried two different cables and it comes up with the same screen - that my cable is not compatible.

I just tried -Z- suggestion and it still does not work in my car.

I will double check this evening for you when I get my car back from the service. Used regular iPhone/iPad cable to connect it to USB port under arm rest, also tried this with the iPhone 4, it should work.

[1Madness]

Originally Posted by -Z-

I will double check this evening for you when I get my car back from the service. Used regular iPhone/iPad cable to connect it to USB port under arm rest, also tried this with the iPhone 4, it should work.

Thanks Z - really appreciate it. My next steps are to take it in for my 1200 mile service and get the techs to look into the matter for me.

[1Mer]

If you go here...

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...othTechnology/

And choose the right options then I think you'll find audio streaming over bluetooth is only supported with iDrive.

[1Madness]

Originally Posted by 1Mer

If you go here...

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...othTechnology/

And choose the right options then I think you'll find audio streaming over bluetooth is only supported with iDrive.

Thanks for the heads up on this. I sort of figured that the bluetooth streaming might have some limitations. But I'm actually just trying to access the USB function of the car. I would think that would work regardless of iDrive.

[josephvman]

Does streaming via Bluetooth (with iDrive) still give you all of the usual artist information and album art, the same way a hardwired iPod would?

Will Google Apps work via Bluetooth?

[MrRoboto]

Originally Posted by josephvman

Does streaming via Bluetooth (with iDrive) still give you all of the usual artist information and album art, the same way a hardwired iPod would?

Will Google Apps work via Bluetooth?

No and No.

[-Z-]

Just tried 3 different iPhone/iPad cables, an iPhone with a few songs on it, and an old iPod with a lot of music.

The iPhone come up fast, changes USB in the console into IPod, works with 3 different cables...

The old iPod did not come up, it was still loading after 15 mins No errors though, and the USB did not change into iPod on the BMW console, I suspect it tried to load all of 5000 songs I have on the device... not cool... not smart...

I love the HD radio though, and the iPhone streaming, I will probably never use iPod, or will create playlists, maybe then it will load faster...

If your iPod does not work, try different cable, borrow someone's, to check it out, if it still does not work, it could be your device, connect it to the computer, maybe needs an iOS update.

GL.

[nato-main-man-5am]

Originally Posted by 1Madness

I payed $400 for my iPod/USB. I just got my car two weeks ago. Week 39 build. I've tried two different cables and it comes up with the same screen - that my cable is not compatible.

I just tried -Z- suggestion and it still does not work in my car.

Depending on whether the guts of your car have a combox or the MULF,
a regular iPod cable won't work and you need to use the special bmw cable that has a separate audio out feature/cable in addition to the dock connector.

[silvs]

My 1M works with a regular Apple USB cable.