Bluetooth for CD43 - that works!

[tvjake2]

Mine started to do this too recently. Looks like that LA powerbox went kapoots on me too. Looks like the best option is the Grom unit unless there is a way to fix this LA Box.

'Sorry to hear this guys. Mine is still working well after about 4 years. Check all your connections. Something might have shaken loose?

[JJAnon]

@norcal8er - working through this with grom support now. Any wattage requirements on the resistor? Also did grom support ever explain what this does?

[norcal8er]

@norcal8er - working through this with grom support now. Any wattage requirements on the resistor? Also did grom support ever explain what this does?

Here is what GROM said below. I would definitely get the resistor they spec. I got the wrong one first (10 ohm resistor instead of 10k(10,000) ohm resistor) and had to re-do it. Once I had the right resistor it worked perfectly.

"The reason for a 10k ohm resistor is on CD43stereos that are retrofitted they do not have iBUS signal running throughout the system, the resistor mimicsthis signal."





bmw_cd43_grom_photo_resistor.JPG

[petejk]

Resistor was a 10k from Amazon (pretty sure I have 49 spare ones on the shelf now!)

Mine pre-solder:



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[norcal8er]

[QUOTE=petejk;30734558]Resistor was a 10k from Amazon (pretty sure I have 49 spare ones on the shelf now!)

Mine pre-solder:


Let me know how it works out!

[petejk]

Let me know how it works out!

That’s an older photo - I successfully tested with steering control controls, and an aftermarket stereo a few months ago. However I had a change of heart and will now be using an OEM stereo.

My next job once my Bluebus module arrives will be to test it in conjunction with a CD43.


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[norcal8er]

That’s an older photo - I successfully tested with steering control controls, and an aftermarket stereo a few months ago. However I had a change of heart and will now be using an OEM stereo.

My next job once my Bluebus module arrives will be to test it in conjunction with a CD43.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I know what you mean about going back to the OEM stereo. After I put the CD43/GROM in my E31, I had to do it in my E24. The second time I used the CD43 with a BT unit from eBay. With the 2nd unit I didn't have to use a resistor. It also pairs at anytime, while the GROM pairs only within the first 3 minutes, so I actually prefer it.

[MParallel]

Here is what GROM said below. I would definitely get the resistor they spec. I got the wrong one first (10 ohm resistor instead of 10k(10,000) ohm resistor) and had to re-do it. Once I had the right resistor it worked perfectly.

"The reason for a 10k ohm resistor is on CD43stereos that are retrofitted they do not have iBUS signal running throughout the system, the resistor mimicsthis signal."

Must be that infamous double-click the unit needs to activate ibus. On my E36 with CD and MFL fitted, when changing stations, I click one of the arrow buttons on the wheel. This does not do anything at first (well waking up ibus) then the second click will change station.

Now I have been using a Dension GW300 (remember mp3?) since forever and this is an 'always active' system. It keeps the ibus awake and with it fitted doesn't require the double press anymore.

[JJAnon]

Just ordered the resistor and will be giving it a shot today. I'm very confused about how this can possibly work, but my electrical engineering degree is 20 years old at this point

[JJAnon]

Aaaaand that didn't work. Sigh. Back to grom support. Not being able to talk to someone really slows this down.

[JJAnon]

And grom support went back to step 1 - what's the voltage. AAARRGGGHHHHH. I think an rma might be my next step.

[JJAnon]

Does anyone have recommendations for alternatives to Grom? Just looking for Bluetooth connectivity and ideally a mic as well.

[MParallel]

Dension.

[ben325]

Bremen SQR46

[MParallel]

Bremen SQR46

He wants BT for his CD43, not some funky non-BMW headunit.

[tvjake2]

Does anyone have recommendations for alternatives to Grom? Just looking for Bluetooth connectivity and ideally a mic as well.

This is the original unit that I posted at the beginning of this thread. Mine was installed years ago and still works great.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/121543181090

[MParallel]

Should work fine. Any interface that connects to the CD Changer will be fine. Some options are just more expensive/more or less features.

[JJAnon]

This worked great - thank you.