One other option would be to use a bluetooth adapter that plugs in to the aux in port. I use this one and have been very happy with it.
Had the same issue with my new car and bought a little Belkin bluetooth/aux unit.
If you don't want to do that I would go with the replacement PDIM
Buy a bluetooth kit that convert the audio to aux and put those things and cord in the glove box since it does have a 12v cigarette port in it.
I brought this one
Use the default Bluetooth to make the phone call and the new BT device for playing music.
The disadvantage is that you can't switch songs. And you probably had to connect the new one manually each time you want to play music though bluetooth.
And for part 2 of your question, multiple manufactures make a aux to bluetooth adapter which for anyone plunging an aux cable into your car i bet you dont even know this exists. I have this and when i start my car it auto connects to my phone and i play whatever i want. Why is everyone so against ease of use? Its scary
https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Hands-Free-Bluetooth-Versions-Smartphones/dp/B004CLYJ2I
If you are still pluging an aux cable in 2016 i honestly can say you just dont know whats avaliable to you that will make your life 1000X better. Stop bitching and start researching.
Prior to a time when I replaced my head unit, I used a Belkin device that seems to meet most of the specifications you are seeking. Tracks are controlled by hitting the button a specific number of times (once to start and stop, twice to move forward, I don't remember for going back):
Belkin Hands-Free Bluetooth Car Kit for All Versions of iPhone, iPad, iPad mini, iPod, iPod nano, iPod touch and Android Smartphones https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CLYJ2I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_mfpNwbYG06DME
Interesting. Have you tried it with a speaker other than your car? Also connected by aux cord? May be an issue with your car's audio.
Alternatively you may want to look into purchasing a Bluetooth adapter. They usually can push out more volume do to an independent DAP.
Edit: Something like this: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CLYJ2I/
You said your headphones work, right? Is entirely possible something funky is going on with the cable. The easiest and cheapest next step is to try another aux cable. If that doesn't work, THEN you can move on to more involved testing/repairs. Why in the world would you first spend all that time wiping and restoring everything when it could be as simple as a 2 minute, $5 purchase on monoprice. Borrow one from a friend if you're on a tight budget!
Or just buy a Bluetooth receiver for your car. I have this one. The sound quality is fantastic and it's nice to not have to plug in my phone or ipod every time I get in and out.
Something like this. My bad too, it actually plugs into the aux port, but you can still connect your phone to USB to charge.
So I know this doesn't directly answer your question... But this was my solution: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B004CLYJ2I/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_-udjvb1X3YJRX
It works perfectly for my uses. No steering wheel control for music, but for that I just use my Pebble connected to my phone.
It's fun as hell do drive, especially in town. I love that it was designed by engineers who were aware that horsepower is not a be all end all. I live in Pittsburgh and can accellerate onto the parkway and up hills as fast as my lead-foot desires, and it's really a joy to throw into a curve.
Before picking the two, I test drove a Fiesta, a Fit, a Soul, and an SX4. I'd have added the Chevy Cruze to the mix, but I wanted a hatchback and wasn't willing to wait for the 2012s to become available. The Fit and Soul were both roomy, but under-powered. The Fiesta had a numb shifter, the SX4 had a too-lightly sprung accelerator, and the Soul's shifter was placed so closely to the seat that I found myself banging my elbow against the seat every time I changed gears.
My only complaints with the Mazda2 are that the gap between 1st and 2nd gear is big, and it is less than desirable for tall people, which is actually not my problem: I'm 5'11, but most of that is leg, and the Mazda2 has great leg room for its size. Also, they managed to put speed-sensitive volume adjustment, 2 trip computers, a fuel economy computer, and an ambient temperature display in it, but no bluetooth. I ended up buying one of these.
I have the same one and it works great. You can find it on Amazon.
I've had the Belkin Bluetooth Car Adapter for four years now.
I discovered that my car doesn't have sync, and it also doesn't have USB, so I'll buy this sometime.
I was in your same shoes about a year ago. The market for these devices has evolved considerably since then.
I personally own and use this one from Belkin: Belkin Hands-Free Bluetooth Car Kit for Apple iPod, Apple iPhone, BlackBerry,and Android Smartphones, US Version
Like I said, I purchased that a year ago tho.
Recently I purchased this one for a friend: Kinivo BTC450 Bluetooth Hands-Free Car Kit for Cars with Aux Input Jack (3.5 mm) - supports aptX
Its a little nicer in that it has navigation controls on top. The Belkin one requires multiple taps of a button for navigation and I have found it is hit or miss.
Here is one that is a little more discrete but doesn't have the USB port the others do that allow you to charge your phone: Griffin Technology BlueTrip AUX for iPhone and Smartphones
Hope this helps!
Ah, I was unaware as I drive a 2008. I use this Belkin Bluetooth dongle, which works flawlessly.
Same here, 08 Mini with no A2DP support. Buy one of these. Works flawlessly with my android and accomplishes the same thing as having A2DP support.
I went a little different route than most for my E39. I didn't feel like paying for the DICE, but I wanted Bluetooth Audio.
My solution:
Belkin Bluetooth Car Hands-Free Kit The hands-free phone actually works really well!
Next, I added a Aux line to plug it into.
Power for it is from the glove compartment using BMW Genuine Auxiliary Power Adapter which converts that useless flashlight into a power outlet.
I ran the Aux cable through the side of the glove compartment to connect to the Belkin's plug, and slipped the button part of the Belkin from the glove compartment to the stereo, and located it on the trim next to the CD player.
Functionally, when I get in the car, I press the button and it connects to my iPhone. I control everything via the iPhone as far as song selection, but this isn't a problem because from what I have seen all of the stereo-based controls are pretty terrible.
You're welcome. If you can afford a $650+ phone you can afford $40 to put bluetooth in your car.
https://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Hands-Free-Bluetooth-Versions-Smartphones/dp/B004CLYJ2I
I just bought one of these. Works great and no need to worry about hard-wiring the USB connection.
I usually hate and avoid Belkin.
However, I purchased this thing and it is awesome: http://www.amazon.com/electronics/dp/B004CLYJ2I