[Digitalize]

For a while now I got by in my car with using AUX for audio. Apple in their wisdom removed the 3.5mm on the iPhone 7 so that's no longer an option. I'm now wondering what the best way to add BT/USB functionality would be, assuming USB would allow me to use it basically as an audio out and control it all from the iPhone? I know BT is calls only.

My car originally had BT with I think a MULF1 (56 plate) and professional head unit. The MULF died so I'm now wondering what's my best option.

Replace my MULF1 with a MULF2
or
Replace head unit with one with BT/USB built in

I'm assuming either way all I'll need to do is add the USB and code it in? As my car already has the mic and BT enabled?

[Josh_G]

i would go with the head unit with USB & BT sounds like the easiest option all round.. im pretty sure there is a guide knocking around somewhere telling you how to code it and someone is selling a USB/BT unit in the UK clasifides, it would then jsut be the case of running a cable to the armrest and adding the USB/Aux in there.

[Josh_G]

here is the fore sale thread

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1272284

[Digitalize]

Yeah I saw the ad, which is what made me wonder.

I'm fairly sure the MULF2 is still cheaper, but I'm wondering if one is better/easier to retrofit. I wouldn't mind LCI HU as I have an LCI heater panel to fit also, but I don't know if a MULF2 would be easier to fit as I have a MULF1 currently.

[bytejunkie]

there is neither of them going to be too tricky, its about which solution reguires less coding for me. and since both of them do...

at least with the head unit you dont have to lift the boot floor.

[Sabcat]

I ran into the same issue. I just decided not to get the iPhone 7.

[Digitalize]

Originally Posted by Sabcat

I ran into the same issue. I just decided not to get the iPhone 7.

I've already got it, no way I'm going back!

I've lifted the boot floor to do Alpine Retrofit, but yeah I'd rather not do it again.

Need to find someone to do coding for me too really.

[Digitalize]

So the USB socket wouldn't work with an iPhone as an audio out source? Pointless me doing it if so!

Also the amounts you're quoting are way higher than I had in mind, £200 for wires and coding? Other than the USB plug and wiring to the headunit/MULF what else do I need? I'd be fitting it all myself anyway, I just can't code as there's no Windows computers in the household.

[Sensible_]

Just my two cents. If I were doing this again I would go for something like a Denison unit. I genuinely think they are better than the the BMW solution. Well worth the cash

[richk84]

Im pretty sure when i plugged my iphone in i got the ipod symbol on the HU. So I had Tuner, CD, AUX, USB and IPOD

check out Jammy's thread

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=927208

[allanv]

Maybe something like this?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01HXXJPWK

[ptpending]

if you have wiring for mulf it is cheaper to get mulf2high and chinese usb cable from ebay
for example
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Car-Aux-in...UAAOSw-4BXcMyM
after that you can get visseo wma3000 for bluetooth streaming

[makkan00]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

So the USB socket wouldn't work with an iPhone as an audio out source? Pointless me doing it if so!

Also the amounts you're quoting are way higher than I had in mind, £200 for wires and coding? Other than the USB plug and wiring to the headunit/MULF what else do I need? I'd be fitting it all myself anyway, I just can't code as there's no Windows computers in the household.

Sorry to disappoint you but your options are limited with iphone 7.

Iphone 7 gives you only digital music out.

Mulf2 or HU v3, both uses usb to control the track changing and uses analog signals to input the sound into the sound ic of those units.


So,
1- you go with mulf2 or new hu but you will have to use iphone 7 usb to phone jack. Problem with that will be that no access to apple usb to control the track.

BMW may launch a new usb to usb + aux cable to accommodate but I do not see it happening soon. Apple car play was mentioned in their media in 2014 and launching now in G series.

2- Proper digital audio is only picked up via combox or NBT. That is expensive route.

3- You may have alternate aftermarket option but you will have to check where kit uses purely digital signal to input into bmw sound system via phono cable or via most.

Good luck whatever you choose.

[Digitalize]

I've got a cheap BT adaptor at the moment, it's not amazing but if most methods aren't going to give me full functionality then it's probably not worth bothering with.

Hopefully Lightning to 3.5mm/USB adaptors will pop up soon, so I can go back to using AUX which worked for me.

[Digitalize]

Sticking with my cheap Bluetooth adaptor for now. Just doesn't seem worth the hassle to do anything else.

[Calluhan]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

Sticking with my cheap Bluetooth adaptor for now. Just doesn't seem worth the hassle to do anything else.

Have you thought about a Dension BT unit?

[Digitalize]

Originally Posted by Calluhan

Have you thought about a Dension BT unit?

Not hugely, but I don't think it's really worth the expense to be honest, when what I have now works fine.

[Calluhan]

Originally Posted by Digitalize

Not hugely, but I don't think it's really worth the expense to be honest, when what I have now works fine.

Yeah I know what you mean. I used a cheap blackberry Bluetooth adaptor for ages until a cheap Dension came up for sale on here. I'm no audiophile but the sound quality is excellent from ipod and BT streaming. Coupled with the DAB radio module the whole thing works flawlessly. Of course it's all down to whether you want to spend the money so I understand that

[Digitalize]

They also offer so many different models with such an awful website that I just couldn't be bothered to work out which one I'd actually need.

[abeardo83]

Is it just to play music? I went with a Neet Airstream in the 335. You just plug it in to the aux jack and then stream music to the head unit via wifi (apple airplay). Did just the job for me.

I'd have done it on the M3 too, but I've found some cables in the glove box, which i think are part of a Dension unit... Just need to figure out how the hell to use it now.

[Digitalize]

Primarily music but also answer the phone and use Siri. I considered the AirPlay solution but I'm not sure it would pipe my phone calls through the car speakers, or Siri.

[Sensible_]

Dension Blueway. Expensive but very good.