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BMW 3-Series (E90 E92) Forum > E90 / E92 / E93 3-series Technical Forums > AUDIO/VIDEO + BLUETOOTH + Electronics/Alarm/Software > eBay Bluetooth Streaming Box DIY and Reveiw



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      05-28-2018, 02:42 PM   #23
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickco43 View Post
I want to clean up the DIY a bit more and take a demo video. Apparently both the SD card and USB work for playback but I have not used them yet.
Please let me know if you end up testing the SD card slot and the USB. I mainly want to know if it will display track info if connected via usb. Thank you for the documentation. I really appreciate it. This looks like it is the solution for us 06 people!
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      05-28-2018, 03:33 PM   #24
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BMW aux is definitely the gating point on high quality audio.
Some have applied DAC's to improve it but it seems to still fall short
of USB in. It would be nice if this module used aptx for streaming.
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      05-28-2018, 04:15 PM   #25
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I’ve actual contemplated using a power adapter to use one of these units:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_772B1A...engine-B1.html
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      05-28-2018, 04:34 PM   #26
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Hi, Nickco43
I do have one question though, can it stream from Android and retain steering wheel previous/next functions? I don't care much for title or artis name, that's just a nice added bonus. Thanks.
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      05-28-2018, 04:47 PM   #27
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Quote:
Originally Posted by neopolymath View Post
Please let me know if you end up testing the SD card slot and the USB. I mainly want to know if it will display track info if connected via usb. Thank you for the documentation. I really appreciate it. This looks like it is the solution for us 06 people!
I tried playing audio through USB on an iPhone 6 and my pixel 2 XL it would not work. I can test if it works with a USB drive with mp3s on it. I Bluetooth audio shows track names or whatever your playing. Even shows text for a YT video or a radio stream on tune in.

Quote:
Originally Posted by gamesfrager View Post
Hi, Nickco43
I do have one question though, can it stream from Android and retain steering wheel previous/next functions? I don't care much for title or artis name, that's just a nice added bonus. Thanks.
Steering wheel controls work with my phone connected over Bluetooth.

Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
BMW aux is definitely the gating point on high quality audio.
Some have applied DAC's to improve it but it seems to still fall short
of USB in. It would be nice if this module used aptx for streaming.
The listing says it uses A2DP

Last edited by Nickco43; 05-28-2018 at 08:27 PM..
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      05-28-2018, 05:12 PM   #28
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Playing a usb stick or sd would not be considered a2dp(bluetooth streaming) nor
would hooking your phone up via a usb cable.

Add says wireless streaaming which is A2dp also you had pairing
pictures up and said you were using the BMW oem phone bluetooth
for phone only .

So I am confused by your last statement.

Plays usb with a usb stick = great
play with power chord attached to usb = great
wireless streaming?(which would mean no chords attached )
"I tried streaming audio on an iPhone 6 and my pixel 2 XL it would
not work"

I thought you said it has worked with your Pixel for streaming.

"Bluetooth off my phone sounds comparable to a CD. Steering wheel controls work fine. I can stream music from Apple Music and Tune in. I can't comment on the calling function of the box since I don't need to use it. If you knew what you were doing and have a coding laptop ready to go this install should take maybe an hour. "

How was it hooked up when you did the above ?

On bluetooth phones have both a media and phone option when
paired at the phone end they both have to be on?

Last edited by ctuna; 05-28-2018 at 05:26 PM..
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      05-28-2018, 08:27 PM   #29
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctuna View Post
Playing a usb stick or sd would not be considered a2dp(bluetooth streaming) nor
would hooking your phone up via a usb cable.

Add says wireless streaaming which is A2dp also you had pairing
pictures up and said you were using the BMW oem phone bluetooth
for phone only .

So I am confused by your last statement.

Plays usb with a usb stick = great
play with power chord attached to usb = great
wireless streaming?(which would mean no chords attached )
"I tried streaming audio on an iPhone 6 and my pixel 2 XL it would
not work"

I thought you said it has worked with your Pixel for streaming.

"Bluetooth off my phone sounds comparable to a CD. Steering wheel controls work fine. I can stream music from Apple Music and Tune in. I can't comment on the calling function of the box since I don't need to use it. If you knew what you were doing and have a coding laptop ready to go this install should take maybe an hour. "

How was it hooked up when you did the above ?

On bluetooth phones have both a media and phone option when
paired at the phone end they both have to be on?
I rushed that reply and made a logical error.

I have a pixel 2 XL that I have hooked up with Bluetooth audio streaming using the eBay box. Phone calls go through the OEM bluetooth calling box. Bluetooth audio streaming has working steering wheel controls and CD quality audio. Dip 4 on the back of the box removes the calling functionality of the eBay box.

I made a demo video of this at the end of the OP.

I tried playing music with my pixel through USB with the eBay box and it did not work. It is only intended to charge a phone or play music off a USB drive.
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      05-28-2018, 10:18 PM   #30
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probably means it can’t handle full hdds or its looking for a simple file system format like fat32.

glad that you can pick and choose which BT functions it uses as I think you made a good call there in the config.

ATP-X codec via A2DP would have this thing on my Buy Now list. Otherwise, if the radio controls/display and steering wheel functions are working, it’s still a great piece that leaves the headunit DAC as the weak point, which at least is consistent.
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      05-29-2018, 09:23 AM   #31
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluewater328 View Post
I’ve actual contemplated using a power adapter to use one of these units:

https://www.crutchfield.com/p_772B1A...engine-B1.html
That was the board recommended unit until the firefly came along.

I actually just bought this to try it out: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-5...D/273161931903

It supports up to aptx HD and the dac on there got good reviews on other devices.

I wish these CD boxes had aptx also
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      05-29-2018, 09:36 PM   #32
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Well, my gripe with Firefly is the same with Tune2Air and that's the DAC and the reprocessing by way of the aux to the radio and back out.

I'm always a little weary of something that has a coax or split plug out vs the straight RCAs but that looks like it fits the bill decently. I was trying to dig, but it wasn't obvious: which DAC does it have? AK or Sabre? How do you like it?
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      05-29-2018, 10:03 PM   #33
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I bought these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KKmoon-USB-...53.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-A-Male-...53.m2749.l2649

and a used OEM BMW Aux + USB port with cable to see if I can have a functional usb port in the center console.

Last edited by Nickco43; 05-30-2018 at 12:04 AM..
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      05-29-2018, 11:23 PM   #34
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I love where this thread is going. Looks like I have a fun summer project to do now.
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      05-30-2018, 10:44 AM   #35
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluewater328 View Post
Well, my gripe with Firefly is the same with Tune2Air and that's the DAC and the reprocessing by way of the aux to the radio and back out.

I'm always a little weary of something that has a coax or split plug out vs the straight RCAs but that looks like it fits the bill decently. I was trying to dig, but it wasn't obvious: which DAC does it have? AK or Sabre? How do you like it?
There are similar models with RCA out if you want. I haven't gotten it yet. It's coming from china so it'll take forever (estimate is June 2 to June 22)

The DAC is PCM5102. It's used in Arcam products like I mentioned before. Here is a review: http://www.portablehifi.com/arcam-rb...rblink-review/

I guess there is quality dangers to the Chinese implementation but it costs <20% of what the rblink costs
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      05-30-2018, 11:40 AM   #36
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickco43 View Post
I bought these:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/KKmoon-USB-...53.m2749.l2649

https://www.ebay.com/itm/USB-A-Male-...53.m2749.l2649

and a used OEM BMW Aux + USB port with cable to see if I can have a functional usb port in the center console.
Could you explain your install a bit more?
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      05-30-2018, 01:21 PM   #37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluewater328 View Post
Could you explain your install a bit more?
I am going to see if I can hook up the OEM USB port to the box with that ebay cable and the adapter.

Update: There is a Navi car with the same interior is my car at the junkyard. Hopefully everything is still good so I can do the idrive swap for pennies.

Last edited by Nickco43; 05-30-2018 at 06:04 PM..
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      05-31-2018, 01:33 AM   #38
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While the Navi would certainly be cool and undoubtedly tons of effort, therre’s a side if me that would prefer to see your lab results with the usb experiment.
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      05-31-2018, 11:55 AM   #39
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluewater328 View Post
While the Navi would certainly be cool and undoubtedly tons of effort, therre’s a side if me that would prefer to see your lab results with the usb experiment.
I already ordered the parts for the USB

Today I raided my local pick and pull and got 95% idrive swap and a full rear folding seat retrofit for $140. It's a CCC but a damn good deal.





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      05-31-2018, 03:38 PM   #40
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Nickco43 View Post
I already ordered the parts for the USB

Today I raided my local pick and pull and got 95% idrive swap and a full rear folding seat retrofit for $140. It's a CCC but a damn good deal.





nice haul
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      05-31-2018, 04:20 PM   #41
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yup, very nice...especially because I don't see that interior color around much. great price too. CCC might be better than CIC tho.
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      05-31-2018, 06:44 PM   #42
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluewater328 View Post
yup, very nice...especially because I don't see that interior color around much. great price too. CCC might be better than CIC tho.
I need an idrive controller and a few odds and ends but I should be under $200 for the idrive retrofit which is absurd. Probably the cheapest idrive conversation on record.

Update: I am at $425 for the retrofit. My first navi was broken so I bought an replacement. If it worked I would have been at $300.

Last edited by Nickco43; 06-06-2018 at 09:35 PM..
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      06-13-2018, 10:23 AM   #43
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bluewater328 View Post
Well, my gripe with Firefly is the same with Tune2Air and that's the DAC and the reprocessing by way of the aux to the radio and back out.

I'm always a little weary of something that has a coax or split plug out vs the straight RCAs but that looks like it fits the bill decently. I was trying to dig, but it wasn't obvious: which DAC does it have? AK or Sabre? How do you like it?
I just received the device. It is pretty solidly built and has excellent range. The range might be overkill. The audio quality sounds good enough to me! (I used apt hd to connect btw). It can be powered by the USB port, and the device powers on and connects automatically. I think it can fit well under the center console lid like how a previous poster did with his audioengine b1. I can post some pics once I have the setup nice and clean.

One downside is I need to get a short flat 90 degree aux cord. It sticks out too much on the front
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      06-13-2018, 11:25 AM   #44
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my car is prewired for the microphone above my head with the interior lights...can the factory mic 84 31 6 938 762 be added and implemented with dip switch 4?
Am I understanding that correctly?
If not can some upload some pics of how they discretely added the included mic with the box?

thanks
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