eBay Bluetooth Streaming Box DIY and Reveiw

jivenene · 03-19-2021, 01:45 AM

Thanks bluewater328 , that helps a lot and gives me some possibilities for the future. Currently I'm satisfied w/ the Logic 7 system, not 21 anymore so I don't need that much bass lol... I might get a small amp to push the stock woofers a little, I read that was worth it.

Currently I just went with that eBay bluetooth box that Nickco43 did a DIY on, so far so good. The only problem I have now is that the LCD on the stock CD73 Alpine head is shot, and replacements are not available... I even tried Aliexpress and they are all overpriced and used, pulled from head units. I might just go ahead and scavenge around for a head unit and canibalize it lol...

Anyway, I'm pretty impressed with how advanced this car is for being a 2006, and it all still works! I can't imagine how complicated the new Euro cars are, just computers everywhere lol.

bluewater328 · 03-19-2021, 02:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jivenene

Thanks bluewater328 , that helps a lot and gives me some possibilities for the future. Currently I'm satisfied w/ the Logic 7 system, not 21 anymore so I don't need that much bass lol... I might get a small amp to push the stock woofers a little, I read that was worth it.

Currently I just went with that eBay bluetooth box that Nickco43 did a DIY on, so far so good. The only problem I have now is that the LCD on the stock CD73 Alpine head is shot, and replacements are not available... I even tried Aliexpress and they are all overpriced and used, pulled from head units. I might just go ahead and scavenge around for a head unit and canibalize it lol...

Anyway, I'm pretty impressed with how advanced this car is for being a 2006, and it all still works! I can't imagine how complicated the new Euro cars are, just computers everywhere lol.

Maybe just get the Bavsound amp then which is plug and play for a little more oomfph!

Or if you want to solve your problem with aesthetics, get a new deck that slides into place of the stock one with improved functionality.

Or, you can also just repair the lcd. Repair kits are on eBay.

Stay safe and quit screwing up our COVID numbers

CarAbuser · 03-23-2021, 03:31 PM

ctuna

Is there any problem tapping into the 12v in the back of the radio? I think it's the Red/Green wire for +12 and Brown wire for -.

I purchased one of these mr12volt modules and a couple of positaps but wanted to check about the power before going ahead. The radio has a 15A fuse so plenty of overhead for the box but I saw mention of it needing a constant power and I'm not sure what the radio has.

ctuna · 03-23-2021, 05:07 PM

I used the cd slot fuse and a eyelet connector for ground .
Ground at the mounting screw for the fuse box on the right.
Used and add fuse tap at the cd connector.
There probably will be no problem I just feel it's better to keep it
on it's own circuit.

2one3E90 · 04-28-2021, 03:34 AM

Does bluetooth aux adapter sound better than CD or is CD and radio going to be best quality over anything aux?

ctuna · 04-28-2021, 12:56 PM

usb or sd input is the same as cd with the same files.
why bother with the second aux, at least I don't see a reason to .
Do the comparison and report back.
Bluetooth will alway's be of a lesser quality than usb or cd.
Maybe not as bad for aptx or aptx HD but almost nothing supports
those codec's

golfer23rm · 06-21-2021, 08:00 AM

any change of photos of that ebay box? or model number or link please?
would like to look to add that to my car.
i added an apple airport express but would def prefer something built in that can do the music.
Does it do spotify? and running the apple/google maps through the box?
Thank you

GtiGyver · 06-28-2021, 12:57 PM

For those looking at this and having a simpler/cleaner install:

If you have satellite radio prep but no satellite radio, and no CD changer installed; you can install the unit in the trunk under the carpet where the Sirus/XM receiver would sit, and tap into the MOST loop there. You even get 12v power from the receiver connector.

BTW, the instructions are wrong. You do NOT need permanent 12v power to the unit. It works fine with switched 12v and does not lose your settings or BT pairing.

The ONLY difficulty with this setup is having to rewire (include) the new device into the MOST loop distribution block hidden behind the side bolster of the rear passenger, next to the door.
Its not difficult, but takes time. Also make sure it all works before you put the panels back.
Should take less than 1h to do, and looks super clean.

You will still need to update the VO to include the CD changer option.

mamboX3 · 10-28-2021, 09:58 AM

My 2 cents: I read this thread and learned about the different codecs use between Android phones and Iphones. I have an Iphone so I went looking for an AAC compatible BT receiver. Found one on Amazon for $15. The sound is excellent. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

codeterrorist · 05-30-2022, 05:01 PM

Is it really that expensive! https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=...ooth&_osacat=0 Any other source to get the box at a cheaper price? Thanks.

colorado.e9x · 05-30-2022, 05:32 PM

Yep its really that expensive

ctuna · 05-30-2022, 07:31 PM

Go directly to the me 12volt website.
The old module was 200 there still up 75 to 50 from where is used to be.

There new module for idrive is the equivalent on all the eonon and such
add on screen's with a most bus connection that doesn't degrade the audio
signal

codeterrorist · 05-30-2022, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

Go directly to the me 12volt website.
The old module was 200 there still up 75 to 50 from where is used to be.

There new module for idrive is the equivalent on all the eonon and such
add on screen's with a most bus connection that doesn't degrade the audio
signal

Oh, do you mean I'm looking at their iDrive version? I don't have iDrive, so I don't care about that. Thanks for the tip. I didn't know they have a website. And indeed it's a bit cheaper, so thank you.

JCMcDougall · 08-16-2022, 11:15 PM

Newbie - First post and first BMW (2007 328xi touring non-iDrive) Relatively few options but prewired for phone, sat and changer. Will be adding the sat radio and the Mr12v Most solution. Question about the MOST distribution block as every description of the changes for adding Sat or adding a Bluetooth solution using the CD changer connection seem to skip a basic definition of the block. Pictorially is the upper section of the active block Input to a device or input to the block (output from the device) and likewise is the lower section of the block the output of the block (to the input of the device) or the output of the device. Once this is understood, all of the changes that various postings show moving the optical cables around, would make a lot more sense. I am assuming the non-active block follows the same rule

ctuna · 08-17-2022, 12:46 AM

If you have none of those options you might as well just go directly to the
Radio and forget about the loop unless you want it mounted in the Trunk.
(Mr 12volt)
This is what I did with mine as my TCU went bad.
But if you want Sat then you have rearrange the optics at the most block.

Most junction consists of two blocks the active block and the inactive block.
If you have pre wiring .

The non active block is just a holding place for the unused pre wiring.
It must be moved to the active block in such away as it makes a complete
most loop. You can shine a flash light in one end of the fiberoptic to verify it
at the other end.

Most
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727663
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347222
https://www.google.com/search?q=BMW+...VCkMqy2aCK09M:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...php?p=19256760

JCMcDougall · 08-17-2022, 02:45 PM

I do have those options. My question is more directed as whether the top of the active block represents input or output from a device and conversely whether the bottom of that active block represents input or output from a device.

ctuna · 08-17-2022, 03:31 PM

The Most Bus is a chain a loop . Both the Inputs and Output of each device
is wired into the active block. It's like a set of rail road tracks there is not dedicated
Input and Output just a path for data to flow over.
Each device has and Input and output but all the same data goes to each device
form the Head unit . The device decodes if it is the right info for that device and uses
it and responds as necessary . If just passes through if it is not .

That is why any break in the Most Loop or bad device on the Most Loops causes all devices on the Most Loop not to function.

https://mca.electricmura.ro/en/blog-...-troubleshoot/

Please read the links the answers are in there.
Inactive means not connected. Lower block just stores Fibers that are not connected into the
active most loop.

codeterrorist · 03-13-2023, 03:52 PM

I finally purchased it and it arrived today. Looking for a warmer weather to work on it.
But trying to get ready, GtiGyver any chance to see your install in the trunk? My car has the SAT Radio preparation and I don't have a CD changer. But when I lifted the trunk floor I didn't see any extra wires for power. Do I need to unbolt the bracket and hopefully find them there?
Thanks in advance.

ctuna · 03-13-2023, 09:16 PM

If you have a car made after 2009 you don't have pre wiring .
The CD changer is normaly mounted above the US driver side rear wheel
well . That is where you would find an extra fiber wire if you have a 2006 to
2009. You have add that Fiber to the Most Junction behind the
Driver Side Rear Bolster the way you would for a CD changer.

codeterrorist · 03-13-2023, 09:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ctuna

If you have a car made after 2009 you don't have pre wiring .
The CD changer is normaly mounted above the US driver side rear wheel
well . That is where you would find an extra fiber wire if you have a 2006 to
2009. You have add that Fiber to the Most Junction behind the
Driver Side Rear Bolster the way you would for a CD changer.

My car is 2011. When I ran the VIN it said sat radio prep. I'll try my luck/skills (lack of) at wiring it in the trunk for a clean install, otherwise will do it at the headunit

ctuna · 03-13-2023, 10:07 PM

I did at the Head Unit as having the unit in Front made for easy
changing of the USB and SD but I really haven't changed them .

codeterrorist · 05-01-2023, 05:42 PM

Sorry for keep asking question about the install, but I have so much going on at the fuse box on my E90 LCI that adding and hunting for a switched fuse is going to be hard.

So my question is can I tap into the MOST cable at the AMP in the trunk and tap into its power? Since the MOST is a loop it shouldn't matter where in the loop this box sits at. Or am I wrong?

03-19-2021, 01:45 AM	#243
jivenene Enlisted Member 5 Rep 35 Posts Drives: E90 330i Join Date: Jan 2020 Location: Maui iTrader: (0)	Thanks bluewater328 , that helps a lot and gives me some possibilities for the future. Currently I'm satisfied w/ the Logic 7 system, not 21 anymore so I don't need that much bass lol... I might get a small amp to push the stock woofers a little, I read that was worth it. Currently I just went with that eBay bluetooth box that Nickco43 did a DIY on, so far so good. The only problem I have now is that the LCD on the stock CD73 Alpine head is shot, and replacements are not available... I even tried Aliexpress and they are all overpriced and used, pulled from head units. I might just go ahead and scavenge around for a head unit and canibalize it lol... Anyway, I'm pretty impressed with how advanced this car is for being a 2006, and it all still works! I can't imagine how complicated the new Euro cars are, just computers everywhere lol.
	Appreciate 1 bluewater328644.50 Quote

03-23-2021, 03:31 PM	#245
CarAbuser Lieutenant Colonel 488 Rep 1,551 Posts Drives: Z4 35i DCT / E92 335i DCT Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	ctuna Is there any problem tapping into the 12v in the back of the radio? I think it's the Red/Green wire for +12 and Brown wire for -. I purchased one of these mr12volt modules and a couple of positaps but wanted to check about the power before going ahead. The radio has a 15A fuse so plenty of overhead for the box but I saw mention of it needing a constant power and I'm not sure what the radio has.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-23-2021, 05:07 PM	#246
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I used the cd slot fuse and a eyelet connector for ground . Ground at the mounting screw for the fuse box on the right. Used and add fuse tap at the cd connector. There probably will be no problem I just feel it's better to keep it on it's own circuit.
	Appreciate 1 CarAbuser488.00 Quote

04-28-2021, 03:34 AM	#247
2one3E90 Lieutenant Colonel 2428 Rep 1,774 Posts Drives: Bmw 330i and Bmw 328i Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 328i [10.00] 2004 BMW Z4 [9.67] 2006 BMW 330i [10.00]	Does bluetooth aux adapter sound better than CD or is CD and radio going to be best quality over anything aux?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-28-2021, 12:56 PM	#248
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	usb or sd input is the same as cd with the same files. why bother with the second aux, at least I don't see a reason to . Do the comparison and report back. Bluetooth will alway's be of a lesser quality than usb or cd. Maybe not as bad for aptx or aptx HD but almost nothing supports those codec's
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-21-2021, 08:00 AM	#249
golfer23rm Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 218 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 125i E82 Bluewater Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: South Africa iTrader: (0)	any change of photos of that ebay box? or model number or link please? would like to look to add that to my car. i added an apple airport express but would def prefer something built in that can do the music. Does it do spotify? and running the apple/google maps through the box? Thank you __________________ "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it...." Ferris Bueller
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-28-2021, 12:57 PM	#250
GtiGyver Lieutenant 71 Rep 462 Posts Drives: 2009 Space Grey E90 328i MT Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Montreal iTrader: (3)	For those looking at this and having a simpler/cleaner install: If you have satellite radio prep but no satellite radio, and no CD changer installed; you can install the unit in the trunk under the carpet where the Sirus/XM receiver would sit, and tap into the MOST loop there. You even get 12v power from the receiver connector. BTW, the instructions are wrong. You do NOT need permanent 12v power to the unit. It works fine with switched 12v and does not lose your settings or BT pairing. The ONLY difficulty with this setup is having to rewire (include) the new device into the MOST loop distribution block hidden behind the side bolster of the rear passenger, next to the door. Its not difficult, but takes time. Also make sure it all works before you put the panels back. Should take less than 1h to do, and looks super clean. You will still need to update the VO to include the CD changer option.
	Appreciate 2 The Nightman1261.50 drawz86.50 Quote

10-28-2021, 09:58 AM	#251
mamboX3 Registered 0 Rep 4 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW X3 s30i Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Memphis, TN iTrader: (0)	My 2 cents: I read this thread and learned about the different codecs use between Android phones and Iphones. I have an Iphone so I went looking for an AAC compatible BT receiver. Found one on Amazon for $15. The sound is excellent. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-30-2022, 05:01 PM	#252
codeterrorist Second Lieutenant 188 Rep 207 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: May 2020 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Is it really that expensive! https://www.ebay.ca/sch/i.html?_nkw=...ooth&_osacat=0 Any other source to get the box at a cheaper price? Thanks.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-30-2022, 05:32 PM	#253
colorado.e9x eBay Special 3694 Rep 3,195 Posts Drives: E90 330xi Join Date: Feb 2018 Location: Western Slope, Colorado iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 BMW 330xi [10.00] 2007 BMW 328xi [8.33]	Yep its really that expensive __________________ Common sense is a flower that does not bloom in everyone's garden
	Appreciate 1 codeterrorist188.00 Quote

05-30-2022, 07:31 PM	#254
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	Go directly to the me 12volt website. The old module was 200 there still up 75 to 50 from where is used to be. There new module for idrive is the equivalent on all the eonon and such add on screen's with a most bus connection that doesn't degrade the audio signal
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-16-2022, 11:15 PM	#256
JCMcDougall New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW 328xi Wagon Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E91 [0.00]	Newbie - First post and first BMW (2007 328xi touring non-iDrive) Relatively few options but prewired for phone, sat and changer. Will be adding the sat radio and the Mr12v Most solution. Question about the MOST distribution block as every description of the changes for adding Sat or adding a Bluetooth solution using the CD changer connection seem to skip a basic definition of the block. Pictorially is the upper section of the active block Input to a device or input to the block (output from the device) and likewise is the lower section of the block the output of the block (to the input of the device) or the output of the device. Once this is understood, all of the changes that various postings show moving the optical cables around, would make a lot more sense. I am assuming the non-active block follows the same rule
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-17-2022, 12:46 AM	#257
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If you have none of those options you might as well just go directly to the Radio and forget about the loop unless you want it mounted in the Trunk. (Mr 12volt) This is what I did with mine as my TCU went bad. But if you want Sat then you have rearrange the optics at the most block. Most junction consists of two blocks the active block and the inactive block. If you have pre wiring . The non active block is just a holding place for the unused pre wiring. It must be moved to the active block in such away as it makes a complete most loop. You can shine a flash light in one end of the fiberoptic to verify it at the other end. Most http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727663 http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347222 https://www.google.com/search?q=BMW+...VCkMqy2aCK09M: http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...php?p=19256760 Last edited by ctuna; 08-17-2022 at 12:57 AM..
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08-17-2022, 02:45 PM	#258
JCMcDougall New Member 0 Rep 16 Posts Drives: BMW 328xi Wagon Join Date: Aug 2022 Location: Ohio iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 E91 [0.00]	I do have those options. My question is more directed as whether the top of the active block represents input or output from a device and conversely whether the bottom of that active block represents input or output from a device.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-17-2022, 03:31 PM	#259
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	The Most Bus is a chain a loop . Both the Inputs and Output of each device is wired into the active block. It's like a set of rail road tracks there is not dedicated Input and Output just a path for data to flow over. Each device has and Input and output but all the same data goes to each device form the Head unit . The device decodes if it is the right info for that device and uses it and responds as necessary . If just passes through if it is not . That is why any break in the Most Loop or bad device on the Most Loops causes all devices on the Most Loop not to function. https://mca.electricmura.ro/en/blog-...-troubleshoot/ Please read the links the answers are in there. Inactive means not connected. Lower block just stores Fibers that are not connected into the active most loop. Last edited by ctuna; 08-17-2022 at 03:39 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2023, 03:52 PM	#260
codeterrorist Second Lieutenant 188 Rep 207 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: May 2020 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	I finally purchased it and it arrived today. Looking for a warmer weather to work on it. But trying to get ready, GtiGyver any chance to see your install in the trunk? My car has the SAT Radio preparation and I don't have a CD changer. But when I lifted the trunk floor I didn't see any extra wires for power. Do I need to unbolt the bracket and hopefully find them there? Thanks in advance.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2023, 09:16 PM	#261
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	If you have a car made after 2009 you don't have pre wiring . The CD changer is normaly mounted above the US driver side rear wheel well . That is where you would find an extra fiber wire if you have a 2006 to 2009. You have add that Fiber to the Most Junction behind the Driver Side Rear Bolster the way you would for a CD changer.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-13-2023, 10:07 PM	#263
ctuna Lieutenant General 2058 Rep 13,394 Posts Drives: 325xi 06 wagon MT Join Date: Jan 2010 Location: Santa Cruz, Ca iTrader: (0)	I did at the Head Unit as having the unit in Front made for easy changing of the USB and SD but I really haven't changed them .
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-01-2023, 05:42 PM	#264
codeterrorist Second Lieutenant 188 Rep 207 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: May 2020 Location: Earth iTrader: (0)	Sorry for keep asking question about the install, but I have so much going on at the fuse box on my E90 LCI that adding and hunting for a switched fuse is going to be hard. So my question is can I tap into the MOST cable at the AMP in the trunk and tap into its power? Since the MOST is a loop it shouldn't matter where in the loop this box sits at. Or am I wrong?
	Appreciate 0 Quote