Anyone looking to follow this, choose your Bluetooth adaptor carefully. I've gone through about 4 before I found one that actually had good audio quality. This is the one I settled on and it's been great, supports aptx and sound quality is great: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NLTW60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_t1_NIpTAbKQEB5GE
Not sure about the 2010, but my previous car (02 Taurus) had a tape deck. A CD player, or if you were really rich, a 6-CD changer were options. I ended up buying a bluetooth cassette adapter which worked OK.
Not op, but I had the BTC450. Really great quality, and adds huge convenience of Bluetooth: it has a microphone built in for phone calls; one touch support for changing songs, answering/hanging up phone calls, etc; it looks nice and has a matte black finish to it; it is super small, doesn't take up any space either.
I think this is a great idea and it made me think of something I use for my motorcycle.
It's very similar and available for around 30 bucks. I have it attached to the handle bar. (or steering wheel) Works with no problem.
Android auto was released in 2015. The car has no idea what the hell you’re plugging into it. I use this in my 2012 fit plugged into the aux 3.5 mm jack and powered from the USB port in the glove box.
also get yourself a normal car charger for the cig lighter spot. Then you can charge, and play music, and the bluetooth will never need to be charged. It charges itself from the usb port. I did this myself, and its the best 35 i ever spent.
Couldn't find the Taotronics one but this looks basically identical:
I’ve been using one of these tune2air devices for the last 5 years in my 2011 A4:
Bovee tune2air Bluetooth Car Kit for Audi, VW, MB - Music Interface Adaptor for in car iPod Integration (WMA3000A AMI/MDI/MMI Connector) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2HZ1XU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_ETX6BR6WR670N7E4W7AW
It’s not perfect but works well 95% of the time. It just plugs in to the AMI port in the glovebox.
I once had something like this:
https://www.amazon.com/BK01-Bluetooth-Hands-Free-Wireless-Streaming/dp/B01MSUWCZ0
It plugged into USB power and into the AUX port on my car, and worked pretty well. The placement of the "puck" part matters, since it is where the microphone is, but otherwise can be set up however you like.
Note that I did not have this specific adapter. I decided to install a Bluetooth head unit (with Apple Car Play and Android Auto) a few years ago. I got the additional piece of equipment that allowed me to keep the steering wheel controls. Even though the small adapter worked well enough, I really enjoy all the additional features and usability of the full modern radio.
Not every e9x came with the option to stream music AND take calls. IIRC stupidly it's not something you can code into the car either. You would have to swap out the combox for the feature.
I'm in the same boat as you though. Several people in this sub and on e90post have suggested getting this , because it communicates directly with the CIC/CCC to share Album artwork and such. It just plugs into the ports in your center console.
what I did in my 2015 S was get.a USB-powered dongle that converted the phone's bluetooth out to an FM station the radio played.
something like this:
it worked for the most part. Good for podcasts, not very good for music
that's how the R56 generation interface works. USB transmits data and the aux transmits audio. there's an OEM adapter, but it's not worth the money. this adapter works the same way.
While driving a motorcycle, the one thing that is probably more distracting than using a smartphone is lifting both hands, look at that itsy bitsy tini wini little screen and trying to hit anything useful with your fingers covered by motorcycle gloves.
You would need at least a smartwatch with enough proper buttons to do something useful with it. Pebbles are dying, the only other option that comes to my mind is perhaps a Samsung Gear S model, that rotating bezels should come in handy. (Might end deadly anyway.)
If you really just want to change tracks, there is another much cheaper and better solution: Get a bluetooth remote like this one https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RM75NL0 so you can easily fix it on your motorcycle. (Perhaps search for a water-resistant version or cover it so it doesn't get wet. Just search for "bluetooth remote" on Amazon or other sites.)
Yeah, I have the same car and it works with an adaptor. It plugs into the glove compartment.
This is the one I got:
Bovee Wireless Car Kit for AUDI, VW, MB - Music Interface Adaptor for in car iPod Integration (WMA3000A AMI/MDI/MMI connector) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2HZ1XU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_QYBrFbEB6SFY1
good luck, the adapter to fit an aftermarket unit alone in is 250 bucks. id go for something more like this bluetooth adapter, i used basically the same thing until i pulled the trigger on the dash kit.
Yeah that just sounds like a terrible idea. I have this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NLTW60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_JNR5W2EY6GJF05YGXQ3A?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
It's excellent. Full hands-free, no complaints from the other end of calls, and it's been super reliable.
https://i.imgur.com/McbkFR9.jpg
See the little puck to the right of my keys? That's it. Cables are routed behind the knee panels and center console, aux cable plugs in to aux, power into the two port splitter. The other port charges my phone in the ProClip mount.
The Radial is the most pro unit I’ve used. If you want a good and cheap small one to have in a pinch I’ve had good results from this guy. Anker Soundsync A3352 Bluetooth... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07H5C2BQX?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
Got mine from Aliexpress, but any bluetooth media control should work. I got this one (or at the very least the knock off version).
Your device needs to have bluetooth on and then you pair the remote control (in my case I needed to hold a specific button for a few seconds) and then it just worked for me. I went into a book and pressing the >>> and <<< buttons flipped the page forward and backwards, respectively, as one would expect.
not sure if it still applies, but there were 2 OEM adapters for iPhones. one is for MINIs with MINI Connected and one for MINIs with the standard or HK stereo. they were not interchangeable. i went through 2 of them before moving on to something aftermarket and wireless.
You have two choices:
At least you have a 3.5mm jack! I had an older car for a while that only had a tape deck and a radio. That SUUUUCKED.
I use an adapter called Tune2Air and it plugs right in to the AMI. It works great for me with both android and iPhone (with wifi off). The track info shows on the dash and skip buttons work even with Google Play Music on my iPhone. It works more reliably than a Lightning cable, and the occasional hiccup can be solved by reconnecting.
I got it in amazon, it was under $65. Here: ViseeO Tune2Air WMA3000A Bluetooth Adapter https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00R2HZ1XU/
I can pretty much guarantee that a normal USB dongle wouldn't work at all.
OP - Here's a link to this on Amazon in case you are having trouble finding it. This is the only product that I've seen that accomplishes what you're going for.
I opted for a $5 version that doesn't support steering wheel controls or song display and will upgrade my head unit in the future.
I used to use plugphones. I got this device for skipping tracks. Also handy to mute music if you need to talk to someone. Pricey but works really well. I stuck the button holder to my bike and just pop the button in and out. This is from UK amazon but im sure there is a US alternative. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00RM75NL0/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_RXI9AbM9XT40K
Pro tip... try a bluetooth to FM transmitter. I had one a while ago, and they are very convenient. The one below isn't the one I have experience with... just a generic one that popped up on amazon when I searched for it.
Bluetooth FM Transmitter for Car, QC3.0 Wireless Bluetooth FM Radio Adapter Music Player Car Kit with Hands Free Calling and 2 USB Ports Charger Support USB Flash Drive https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2RTN5Z/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_n33WBb1TZ92NK
I can't imagine these working under a properly fitted helmet, TBH. Between the extra space needed and the control buttons...
But to the point of control, if you WERE able to make these work, I've picked up a simple bluetooth controller from Amazon for remote volume and track/play/pause control - the one I got isn't available anymore but there are others similar, with handlebar mount. https://www.amazon.com/Satechi-Bluetooth-Button-Media-Compatible/dp/B00RM75NL0
If your truck has an aux port, highly recommend getting a bluetooth to aux adapter from amazon or wherever.
I have one in my 2009 Civic and it's just like having car bluetooth. Was like $30. I'll edit and link in one sec.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NLTW60/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_IK1HFbXDSZW1V
This one even has a usb port on the power cord so you can charge. Just make sure you plug it into a cigarette lighter on your truck that isn't on 24/7.
Yes the HFL is the Bluetooth unit. Just Acura and Hondas name for it. The USB/aux connections are separate from the HFL unit. I've seen people get the USB or aux Bluetooth adapters when their phone stops working with the HFL or if the HFL breaks and they don't want to replace it.
Edit: something like this https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HDO66NK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_2f-sFbEXKDSSN
For sure man, the 996 journey is for a very specific type of person but when it hits it’s unreal. I’d love to tell you things to look out for if you’re interested.
I don’t think so honestly, I got a $17 Bluetooth fm adapter off of amazon that honestly works unbelievably well, definitely not a bottleneck for a 20 year stereo which for that price is all you can really ask for. It has a USB port as well, so I’m going to get this phone mount that has a wireless charger, clips into the ac vent. With that setup, I’ll have Bluetooth audio and whatever phone gps system I want for $30. I don’t know if links are allowed here, but here are the things I’m talking about. I’m not a sponsor for em or anything but they seem to work well
https://www.ebay.com/itm/124113336544
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07F2RTN5Z?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share
It's powered by DC to USB. Sorry I was clear about it before. It uses a low power port, and still leaves room for the QC.
SoundBot SB360 Bluetooth 4.0 Car Kit Hands-Free Wireless Talking & Music Streaming Dongle w/ 10W Dual Port 2.1A USB Charger + Magnetic Mounts + Built-in 3.5mm Aux Cable https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00RH29CJO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_JghNBb2MJV2KV
I recommend using a bluetooth setup in which you don't have to plug anything in, unless you do want to charge it.
I have one of these tune2air bluetooth adaptors. Sure the audio quality isn't up to par if you're an audiophile but there's not much difference. I use spotify with it, and songs will continue where they left off, and start up without having to touch anything on the dash or the phone. I'd simply leave my phone in my pocket, with bluetooth on of course. Able to change tracks and volumes through the steering wheel, and fits just fine in the arm rest compartment.