Aftermarket head unit & Handsfree

[e90///M3]

Can you keep your steering wheel button functions when switching to an aftermarket head unit?
Does R/T button still work to pair phones for handsfree when using an aftermarket unit? I would like to keep the OEM mic for phone calls.

[Clearancediver]

First question to ask is whether your radio system is compatible with an aftermarket unit. The DSP 10 speaker "Carver" system isn't.
Radio controls will work with the aftermarket radios that can be incorporated and OEM microphone will continue to work.

Decode your VIN to ascertain which of the three radio systems you have….

[elerner61]

I also question the quality (and placement) of the 15 year old technology OEM microphone. If you truly use your phone in the car a lot you would probably do a lot better with a current microphone mounted near the windshield header. Just saying...

Plus, what Clearancediver said. You cannot drop in an aftermarket head unit simply in place of the upgraded ones, they control the volume via a digital bus between the head unit and the amp.

[Clearancediver]

I have the Bluebus installed with an aftermarket microphone mounted on my steering column in front of my gauges…… works just fine. Never heard of anyone having issues with OEM microphone placement site…..