Q: Should BMW Classic make radios for classics?

[KevinC]

A: HECK YEAH

Porsche is doing it and has some nice solutions that retain the factory look. Wouldn't it be nice to have a head unit from BMW that fit the E85/E86 properly, and also could interface with the Carver amp and wacky impedance of the stock speakers, while adding modern conveniences like Bluetooth streaming and media play from SD card or USB stick? SIGN ME UP.

https://bimmerlife.com/2020/05/02/sh...-for-classics/

[Murf993]

Of course they should, but they won't. They just cancelled European delivery for North American customers......BMW is losing their way. You might as well buy a Kia.

[Fungshui]

I installed Bluebus on my ZHP today. It helps modernize the car while maintaining the OEM look. Key features are Bluetooth audio stream and phone call (replaces TCU module).

https://www.bluebus.dev/

Demo of system on a E39 M5:

[Murf993]

If you've got an older car look at Becker....they do refurbished classics with Bluetooth...I put one in my Porsche to replace the POS Alpine.

https://www.beckerautosound.com

[Clearancediver]

Thanks for posting the BlueBus link... I signed up for one...

[KevinC]

I used to own a ZHP and still follow zhpmafia.com forums.. and was aware of the new solution.

The tricky part about doing something for our Z4's is a new head unit would require a new faceplate to accommodate it - the opening is standard single-DIN but the faceplate/bezel is wacky and unique to the Z4 & X3. Probably will never happen.

[mmm-five]

Depends on the age, but I really wanted the Blaupunkt BREMEN SQR 46 DAB

Bit expensive @ £400 to go into a £1500 e46 diesel.



Would have looked great in my e34 M5

[GyroF-16]

Originally Posted by Fungshui

I installed Bluebus on my ZHP today. It helps modernize the car while maintaining the OEM look. Key features are Bluetooth audio stream and phone call (replaces TCU module).

https://www.bluebus.dev/

Demo of system on a E39 M5:

So... the Bluebus is shipping?
I ordered one back in November, and, at last report, expected it to ship in the 3rd week of March. (I was one of the first 20 orders)
I used to be able to see updates on M3Forum.com, but that site’s been down for over a month.

[Fungshui]

I doubt M3forum will be back online. A few member created a new forum. Please see the link for the latest Bluebus status. I would reach out to Ted if you haven't received yours yet.

https://nam3forum.com/forums/forum/m...tooth-solution

[GyroF-16]

Thanks for the new forum link!
My Bluebus just arrived today.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by Fungshui

I installed Bluebus on my ZHP today. It helps modernize the car while maintaining the OEM look. Key features are Bluetooth audio stream and phone call (replaces TCU module).

I am currently using a BT dongle attached to the OEM ipod cable. It works for 30 bucks, but sound quality isn't great. What would this do with a business CD radio? Does it display song info on the screen if I don't have the nav screen in the dash? I am interested for sure.

[wdb]

I use a Tunai Firefly and the phone (or iPad) as the control interface. Wonderful little gizmo.

https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

[Sterling Roadster]

I don't really see a reason why they should bother. Porsche does stuff like this because Porsche people are nuts. They don't mind spending a thousand bucks on an average head unit because it looks a little cleaner. If I had more money maybe I would think that way too. But the reality is a lot of people who still drive these old but not classic bimmers are not millionaires. In a 2002tii or E30 M3 it makes sense for sure. I would rather spend a couple hundred on a decent Kenwood unit and live with it and put the other 800 in my savings. It just comes down to customer base.