Bluetooth streaming options on Professional radio (E8/E9)

[E82_125i]

Hi all

I currently have the basic business stereo in my car with aux, added tweeters but no USB or i-drive . Im not an audiohead i would like something with a bit more punch and some better connectivity. Ive read up quite a bit but cant seem to find a clear answer.
Most seem to recommend the Professional unit with Bluetooth however it doesnt seem to be able to stream music unless you have the run out model i-drive version which is a very expensive option (id rather spend the money on maintenance and running costs)
So it seems the Pro unit is only good for phone calls which is fine but is there anything such as 3rd party hardware you can connect to it, would you still necessarily need the Bluetooth model then? Ideally i want the steering wheel controls over Bluetooth as currently mine do absolutely nothing.
Or do most just get the Pro and have a cheap Bluetooth dongle on the the aux input which is what i run now. Im just curious to see how others get around it.
On a side note, ive seen there is a Pro DAB unit aswell but is a bit more expensive of course, it seems quite rare and im debating if it offers any advantages other than DAB even though i mainly stream music over internet/4g.

[HayesDC2]

Do you have an AUX input in the center console arm rest?

That's all I had in my E90 and I bought a bluetooth receiver with an AUX input from ebay, worked fine!

[Court_S]

My 130i came with a little receiver plugged into the aux socket which actually worked really well and didn’t sound too bad at all.

[E82_125i]

That sounds like the setup I currently have. Its just a receiver plugged in the aux but I have to charge it as the battery life isn't great plus awful for phone calls though great for music (Sound quality is good).
Which is why I was after integrated bluetooth in the head-unit as I presume its a lot better? I was thinking maybe take calls using BMWs built in bluetooth and the receiver to stream music - I would have thought that's a possibility?

I also understand the Pro is better sound quality wise too which is partly why I want the upgrade.

[bigdom]

Have a look at Dension - https://www.dension.com/products-and-services/car-...

Plenty of options. You can find used versions on ebay or flog on there when you change cars

BMW stereo is generally quite poor. I'd suggest a small amp would help more now you've added tweeters, than changing the head unit.

Edited by bigdom on Tuesday 29th November 12:06

[Court_S]

E82_125i said:

That sounds like the setup I currently have. Its just a receiver plugged in the aux but I have to charge it as the battery life isn't great plus awful for phone calls though great for music (Sound quality is good).
Which is why I was after integrated bluetooth in the head-unit as I presume its a lot better? I was thinking maybe take calls using BMWs built in bluetooth and the receiver to stream music - I would have thought that's a possibility?

I also understand the Pro is better sound quality wise too which is partly why I want the upgrade.

Fair enough. My 130i had a USB and aux connector so I assume the USB provided power.

You could always look into fitting a screen of some sort. In my other half’s old 116i, I fitted a double din screen which meant the car had CarPlay as well as phone functionality (which it didn’t previously).



In her current 125i, the dash top storage has been replaced with a screen. It’s pretty big, but it’s actually not annoying to drove with.

[E82_125i]

That looks interesting! I think ive come across this before and it’s essentially a 3rd party idrive system that replicates the newer BMWs nav?
Would it be this by any chance?
https://www.carnaviplayer.com/bmw-1-seriese81e82e8...

Curious to know if you keep steering wheel controls and if the idrive dial is an option? I heard it may only be available in LHD cars only?

My only reservation was that its quite a big screen and i quite like the E8 series uncluttered dash.

[Court_S]

E82_125i said:

That looks interesting! I think ive come across this before and it’s essentially a 3rd party idrive system that replicates the newer BMWs nav?
Would it be this by any chance?
https://www.carnaviplayer.com/bmw-1-seriese81e82e8...

Curious to know if you keep steering wheel controls and if the idrive dial is an option? I heard it may only be available in LHD cars only?

My only reservation was that its quite a big screen and i quite like the E8 series uncluttered dash.

There seem to be various places that sell more of less the same thing looking at the specs. The idrive wheel is only an option on LHD cars annoyingly. The steering wheel buttons work.

The screen is quite big, but we’ve not found it too annoying. If your already have the dash cubby it’s very easy to fit and is mor reversible than the double din which involves cutting a few hidden bits of plastic away.

[E82_125i]

Great looking interior btw, good use of alcantara! I think ive spotted it on BabyBMW Good to know though it sounds like a good upgrade. I may be a way off budget wise but may be a good add on after acquiring the Pro H/U instead of going all out on the BMW standard fit CIC. Would be good if they did a RHD controller, hopefully they add one later - Im surprised its not compatible withe existing I-drive dial.

[Court_S]

E82_125i said:

Great looking interior btw, good use of alcantara! I think ive spotted it on BabyBMW Good to know though it sounds like a good upgrade. I may be a way off budget wise but may be a good add on after acquiring the Pro H/U instead of going all out on the BMW standard fit CIC. Would be good if they did a RHD controller, hopefully they add one later - Im surprised its not compatible withe existing I-drive dial.

It’s touch screen so not yet end of the world. If you already have nav, even CCC you can buy a box that plugs in and gives you CarPlay / Android Auto and lets you stream music that way. I had one fitted to my 130i. That worked with the original idrive controller.

[preacherman]

Mine has the Pro system with CCC iDrive - the sound is decent enough for 15 years old. I don't really use the iDrive for Sat Nav due to it being pretty archaic, despite updating the disc, and use maps on my phone. I bluetooth music through the aux port in the armrest using one the below attached to a 12v USB charger:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B081GGB53R/ref...

It works well without ever being the last word in sound quality. Once I've stopped spending money on chasing vibrations/lumpy idles/oil leaks, I'll look at an Andream or similar.

[E82_125i]

Court_S said:

Fair enough. My 130i had a USB and aux connector so I assume the USB provided power.

You could always look into fitting a screen of some sort. In my other half’s old 116i, I fitted a double din screen which meant the car had CarPlay as well as phone functionality (which it didn’t previously).



In her current 125i, the dash top storage has been replaced with a screen. It’s pretty big, but it’s actually not annoying to drove with.

Just reviving this as i am reconsidering audio upgrades as i spend quite a lot of time in the car. I remembered seeing this unit fitted and wondered how you got on with it if you still have it. My main worry with this one is that its too far away from the driver so if you have to keep leaning towards it to use it!
Id have to use it as a touch screen as i also have a RHD car.