adding Bluetooth audio to car radio

techead

techead

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I have a car radio that doesnt support A2DP bluetooth connections.

I can only plug in a USB stick, or plug in a stereo cable into the aux which then has to go into my phone which I have Apple Music on....


Is there any way I can plug in something either to the USB or Aux connection that will allow me to connect my phone via Bluetooth so I can play my music through the car?
 
I have a Kanex Bluetooth receiver that plugs into the aux and charges via usb thats plugged into the lighter socket.
It's more trouble than it's worth. I have to turn it on every time I want to use it, and of course you still need to control the audio on the phone. Sometimes I have to resync as well. It's easier for me just to plug my phone into the aux cable.

The sound quality of that receiver also isn't all that good. Using it with my Z5500's it barely sounds better than my JBL Charger BT speaker.
 
I use this:

uk-level-link-rg920b-eo-rg920bbegww-000000002-dynamic-black

Plugs into car aux jack.

Samsung Level Link
 
You're basically looking for a "bluetooth to aux" adapter. There are quite a few options, but basically all no-name Chinese brands, so you don't now what you're getting.

I'm using this device (or some variation of it), which does exactly what you want:

https://www.gearbest.com/other-car-gadgets/pp_709461.html

Unfortunately its pairing is kinda broken, and I have to pair it again from scratch every time I start my car. It could be that my specific unit is just defective, but I ordered a completely different one now: https://www.gearbest.com/other-car-gadgets/pp_697141.html. Will let you know how it goes.

There is also this one on Takealot, but I can't vouch for it either: https://www.takealot.com/mini-bluet...-kit-with-built-in-mic-for-3-5mm/PLID43802932
 
Have a look around the Chinese malls and search for a device that allows bluetooth connections and plugs into your vehicle's aux socket.

I've seen plenty around there.
 
If you want full functionality using your phone, you can get a Parrot kit. I have a MK9200 for years and its really good. Its wired to the car radio so its permanent unlike a aux to bluetooth device
 
The Samsung Level Link gives you full phone functionality. When it rings, the music is paused automatically.
 
If you're really into listening to music in your car then you're so much better off getting your speakers and head unit upgraded. For around R10k you can get a nice system, and these days any mildly decent head unit has Bluetooth built in.

You'll appreciate the sound quality every single day (especially having tight bass), so I rate it is well worth it.
 
satanboy said:
I use this:

uk-level-link-rg920b-eo-rg920bbegww-000000002-dynamic-black

Plugs into car aux jack.

Samsung Level Link
Click to expand...

how do you charge this thing?

My aux connection in under the arm rest in my center console (where the USB is as well)

So ideally something that I can plug into the aux, and then also to the USB to charge and just forget about it

Cigarette charger not an option in my case
 
What car?

Often it's simpler/cheaper/better to just swop the head unit.

Since you said centre console I'm guessing VW or Audi?
 
SauRoNZA said:
What car?

Often it's simpler/cheaper/better to just swop the head unit.

Since you said centre console I'm guessing VW or Audi?
Click to expand...

it's a 320d and apparently you cant just add the Bluetooth for music, although I can connect my phone and that works perfectly.

I'm also guessing that you cant just swap the head unit as it's not a standard size.. :( Otherwise that definitely would have been an option
 
Musica has Bluetooth to aux... Bought one from them...
 
techead said:
it's a 320d and apparently you cant just add the Bluetooth for music, although I can connect my phone and that works perfectly.

I'm also guessing that you cant just swap the head unit as it's not a standard size.. :( Otherwise that definitely would have been an option
Click to expand...

I have a Y cable for you if interested. It's not Bluetooth but let's you connect to your phone to the sound system in the 320d.
 
techead said:
it's a 320d and apparently you cant just add the Bluetooth for music, although I can connect my phone and that works perfectly.

I'm also guessing that you cant just swap the head unit as it's not a standard size.. :( Otherwise that definitely would have been an option
Click to expand...
By the very nature is the car having thousands of the same out there it's a standard size. :)

As pointed out above.
 
SauRoNZA said:
By the very nature is the car having thousands of the same out there it's a standard size. :)

As pointed out above.
Click to expand...

Hmmm will have to see what unit will fit my car... I assume they will be model and year specific.

This is an example of what I have,

radio.jpg
 
Last edited:
techead said:
Hmmm will have to see what unit will fit my car... I assume they will be model and year specific
Click to expand...
Don't know about year because the size would be fairly generic across BMW.

However there might be Canbus specific things per model and year.
 
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