BMW E46 Bluetooth music streaming & Phone connectivity upgrade!!

Автокөліктер мен көлік құралдары

A simple and short video on how I upgraded my BMW E46 to be able to stream music and answer phone calls via bluetooth.
follow me on ig: @ / thirteensmilespergallon
The Basics:
Unlocking bluetooth abilities in your older BMW is not only added convenience, but adds safety too.
The Problem:
Most BMW E46 (or any BMW from that era) did not come equipped with bluetooth connectivity. A simple fix for this would be changing out the original BMW business CD for something aftermarket. Howerver, the original BMW business CD radio is oddly shaped and the dash kits on the market today are low in quality, not to mention pretty ugly IMO.
Affected:
All BMW E46 1998-2006
Solution:
Add an inexpensive bluetooth adapter to your original BMW radio! It keeps the interior look classy while also adding a much needed modern feature.
Repair difficulty: 5/10
Repair time: 45-60mins
Tools and Parts:
Bluetooth adapter : amzn.to/2XT8aPf
Gloves: amzn.to/38psAmq
Pry tool: amzn.to/2UTexBS

Пікірлер: 121

  • @nahidoubtit
    @nahidoubtit9 ай бұрын

    Came to see how you hid the adapter and you saved the day. Was losing my mind trying to tuck it into the left of the bin. Someone else was able to but I was tired of trying. Your method worked immediately. Thanks!

  • @5N1D3
    @5N1D34 жыл бұрын

    You sir are amazing. I was gonna put in a whole new head unit, but this is so much cheaper and better!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Lestat Grayson isn’t it? I’m a big fan of how clean the stock head unit looks in the e46

  • @egecyatan
    @egecyatan3 жыл бұрын

    Awesome instructions, especially the tip with the connector helped me a ton! Thank you!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    You’re welcome!

  • @YellowBellyDiscGolf
    @YellowBellyDiscGolf Жыл бұрын

    Very nice job and thanks for sharing. This method worked perfect for me. 🙏🏾

  • @MrJoe11young
    @MrJoe11young4 жыл бұрын

    I just ordered one for my son's 2002 325ci. Thank you for sharing this!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    You’re welcome!

  • @Detriuch

    @Detriuch

    3 жыл бұрын

    can you link me to that bluetooth adapter kit?

  • @MrJoe11young

    @MrJoe11young

    3 жыл бұрын

    It's not available on Amazon anymore it seems. But here is the same exact one on eBay. www.ebay.com/itm/Bluetooth-Music-Hands-free-MP3-adapter-for-BMW-E46-Z3-Business-radio-/121543181090?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292 It works great!

  • @mra.a1742
    @mra.a17423 жыл бұрын

    Your a legend mate!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks my guy!

  • @tubbybutterman5711
    @tubbybutterman57112 жыл бұрын

    Great video. Please turn the repeating tedious music way down or off. Thank you for making this video.

  • @apereeira
    @apereeira2 жыл бұрын

    Don't know if anyone has mentioned it but from what I got you can pickup calls when you are on radio but you'll have to press the CD button and it will automatically pickup. Please confirm but I have seen some modules that do this on other video. And I'm definitely buying one of these, I was going for the head unit but I really hate the gap that sits on top and it's way more expensive. This solves the most annoying thing which is not being able to control music ahah and for navigation, etc.. phone works just fine.

  • @likits1999
    @likits1999 Жыл бұрын

    Maaaan, they were monster units back then. Theyre the size of a slim match box now.

  • @macksters1
    @macksters110 ай бұрын

    17:07 "I brought my car into 21st century." 😂😂😂

  • @tt5345
    @tt53453 жыл бұрын

    I want to buy 1 and what is the unit called so I know what to order? I will watch this video and install it in no time thank u for your amazing videos... I'm dying to listen to actual music

  • @bimmerfan4221
    @bimmerfan42214 жыл бұрын

    Life saver) thanks a lot

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Che Che you’re welcome 😉

  • @edwin3143
    @edwin31433 жыл бұрын

    Hey man i saw your land cruiser upgrades video and I noticed you said you did a similar upgrade to your lc. Do you have a link to the product by any chance ? I’m having trouble finding it.

  • @connorlovesrock
    @connorlovesrock3 жыл бұрын

    I bought an Aux cable for my E46 BMW and it didnt work (Wouldnt pick up the aux on the radio), dont everything I was meant to as shown on another video. So might give this a bash and hopefully see results

  • @reynaldoreyes5009
    @reynaldoreyes50093 ай бұрын

    Hey bro question for you what type of front bumper do you have on you e46

  • @mathewgibbons6891
    @mathewgibbons68912 жыл бұрын

    Did it come with directions on how to trouble shoot the mic or if any of the dip switch’s should be flipped for the mic to work?? I have had this kit for about 2 years and my mic stopped working so I bought a brand new one and there is no input from the mic when on the phone.

  • @tt5345
    @tt53453 жыл бұрын

    Will it work on my 2005? It's an e46;& identical radio as your video. Cuz I need to buy it immediately if it works out for you like it says

  • @nonmutualgroup
    @nonmutualgroup4 жыл бұрын

    0:40 This Is One Time It Makes Sense To LikeSub b4 Watching The Vid👊

  • @tt5345
    @tt53453 жыл бұрын

    Where's the description for this video?? I need to order this like yesterday lol

  • @huseyinagr1461
    @huseyinagr14614 жыл бұрын

    Can you send the original BMW e36 rds var.türkiye I request that bulutut koblo socket.

  • @mycloudish
    @mycloudish4 жыл бұрын

    Awesome video, you should us that up button skips track but does the down button go to the previous song? Sorry but do you think that it would work on a 2005 BMW 325i business stereo?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    ant thanks! Yes and yes! The down button goes to previous song but I only have the free version of Spotify so u can only skip to the next song. The link in the description has a list of all the vehicles it’s compatible with and I believe the 2005 325i is on there as well.

  • @mustafaqadir9105
    @mustafaqadir91053 жыл бұрын

    I bought this few weeks back. After installing it, I started getting parasitic battery drain. Has any one had this problem?

  • @charlesanthony674
    @charlesanthony6742 жыл бұрын

    Will it work for e46 without cd changer?

  • @michaelv.135
    @michaelv.1359 ай бұрын

    Hey, great video! Question, did the cd player continue working after the installation?

  • @Senzenfrenz

    @Senzenfrenz

    7 ай бұрын

    Hey, let me try an answer, although I dont have the exact same module (there are several versions out there). Bluetooth is connected through the CD Changer Port (the additional pin connector that he puts into the big one). So everything relating to bluetooth is shown on cd changer mode. Single CD is another mode you still can choose. If you have a cd changer in the trunk you can also install the modules right there in the trunk at the cd changer. Anyhow you should in any case be able to use your single Cd Slot from the Headunit.

  • @leifcron8054
    @leifcron80548 ай бұрын

    Very nice video. Unfortunately I can not take your solution into consideration because I am from Europe and in Winter, we need the heater. This will melt the electric. It’s actually pretty dangerous though. So please keep that in mind.

  • @marvelyt8105
    @marvelyt81053 жыл бұрын

    i ordered the same exact bluetooth component and i installed it and now the radio won’t turn on but it still has power

  • @hashim_iraq
    @hashim_iraq2 ай бұрын

    Does anyone know the adapter name? The link doesn’t work.

  • @sr20dett1000
    @sr20dett10003 жыл бұрын

    I just installed one. The hardest part was removing the center vent. I put the box in the glove box. It is easier if you removed the vent. Much better to move the wires.

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    Glad it worked out!

  • @tt5345
    @tt53453 жыл бұрын

    Yes please let me know what it is called so I can buy it and install it. Please respond to my messages I'm in desperate need of good music for my 8 hr road trip with CDs and fm radio lol u can imagine how bad I need this

  • @adallojacono
    @adallojacono5 жыл бұрын

    Since the writing of this Solution, the Bluetooth adapter link amzn.to/2ugy00x goes to an "Out of stock not sure when available" item on Amazon. has anyone found a working alternative? Thank you to the original poster for this very helpful and informative video. I own a 2005 BMW 325xi (E46) with stock radio. Thanks in advance.

  • @kevinjacob3059
    @kevinjacob30594 жыл бұрын

    Hi great video. Quick question, does the gizmo drain battery when the car is shut off?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    No, it turns off when the radio is off

  • @SydeshowMO
    @SydeshowMO3 жыл бұрын

    Why no FC videos on your channel?

  • @spacemanspiff9773
    @spacemanspiff97735 жыл бұрын

    Great video. I'm looking to replace my Audiovox BT adapter because it died and to my dismay they're discontinued. This sounds like just what I needed. My question on your install is: is there enough space between the radio and the center vents to put the "brick"?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    5 жыл бұрын

    Spaceman Spiff i go into detail on where to put the brick. It’s big but there’s just enough room!

  • @spacemanspiff9773

    @spacemanspiff9773

    5 жыл бұрын

    chowcares I understand why you put it where you did, but that was before you pulled out the central vents. I was just wondering if there is enough room between the radio and the vents so I don’t have to mess with pulling out the climate control unit.

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    5 жыл бұрын

    Spaceman Spiff unfortunately, no. The connector is huge and the wires just aren’t long enough for it to be placed anywhere else. I wished they made one that was less bulky but for the price, it’s not too bad

  • @wilsonlanza1

    @wilsonlanza1

    4 жыл бұрын

    Hi! Thanks for the video/review. How is the unit holding up so far? I’m looking to get one for my e46. But I will like some after a some time input to see how is the unit working no problems or anything to be concerned with. Thank you.

  • @carlusafg
    @carlusafg4 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the share. I have the same car . Where I can order the kits ? Sir

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    carlusafg I got mine from amazon, link is in the description

  • @paulyun6048
    @paulyun60484 жыл бұрын

    Hello - which Bluetooth audio did you buy (if any) for your 100 Series Land Cruiser? I bought a Lexus LX470 and not sure what I have to get. Thanks!!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Paolo p it’s call “crux Bluetooth adapter” which I found in crutchfield.com. I will try to get a video of it soon!

  • @paulyun6048

    @paulyun6048

    4 жыл бұрын

    chowcares that would be very helpful thanks!

  • @dariobarbosa6657
    @dariobarbosa6657 Жыл бұрын

    Where can i buy that

  • @fo0li3locc78
    @fo0li3locc783 жыл бұрын

    How do I play music?

  • @djsharks1
    @djsharks13 жыл бұрын

    Hello, Thank you for this tutorial! I just tried installing it, but my device (galaxy s9) wouldn't pair with the bluetooth consistently. When it did, and I tried to play music, it wouldn't play anything. Everything was connected (even the plug that replaces the CD changer with the bluetooth). Do you have any ideas as to what went wrong? I took apart everything and will try again another time

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    I should work, just make sure all the connectors are connected and it will be fine.

  • @mra.a1742

    @mra.a1742

    3 жыл бұрын

    My one didnt play at first until i put a CD inside the CD changer in the boot, this maybe the reason 👍

  • @djsharks1

    @djsharks1

    3 жыл бұрын

    Thanks for the replies. The manufacturer sent me a new unit to test with, and this time it paired successfully with my phone, however my phone audio isn't playing because when in CD mode, I hear a very soft sound of the radio being scanned quickly. Has this happened to any of you, and if so, how would I fix it?

  • @Miindz
    @Miindz5 жыл бұрын

    Hi, I would like to know if it could work with a tape player instead of the cd business one?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    5 жыл бұрын

    This is what the amazon ad says... Supported Vehicles: BMW 3 Series E36 1991 - 1998 Radio: C33/C43/CD43 3 Series E46 1998 - 2005 Radio: Business CD / Buiness Cassette / Business Navigation According to this, it should work with your factory cassette player. Also, worst case it doesn’t, amazon return policy is great!

  • @Miindz

    @Miindz

    5 жыл бұрын

    @@chowcares Yes I've read it! thanks! :) awesome car :)

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    5 жыл бұрын

    Miindz thanks, have fun!!

  • @kammbanks
    @kammbanks3 жыл бұрын

    has anyone had a problem with no sound coming through even though everything is connected correctly

  • @dinofourkas2691
    @dinofourkas26913 жыл бұрын

    amizon link ses 2002 and later you said All BMW E46 1998-2006

  • @binoynavarro6866
    @binoynavarro68664 жыл бұрын

    Hello does it work on business cassette version head unit? Please let me know thanks

  • @jaredd624

    @jaredd624

    4 жыл бұрын

    binoy Navarro these products typically only work with BMW business CD players manufactured after 9/2002.

  • @keanukentish9262
    @keanukentish92623 жыл бұрын

    Do you have to buy anything separately or everything come as a kit?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    Comes as a kit

  • @gMarkBeatz
    @gMarkBeatz5 жыл бұрын

    How s it so far? Can you please leave brief review? Wonder if this device turn off when you turning down the car. Me worrying about battery tho...

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    5 жыл бұрын

    Since I’ve been using it for a while, let me do a quick review vid on this.

  • @DefenceAqw

    @DefenceAqw

    4 жыл бұрын

    chowcares could you upload an update video please?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Gears Defence in the works!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Just posted the review! Check it out: kzread.info/dash/bejne/hKV41KmLfsrWhdI.html

  • @khaledalktiesh8341
    @khaledalktiesh83414 жыл бұрын

    The item is unavailable in Amazon, where can i find the same product ?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    try this link: amzn.to/3hT1Qzc i just double checked and it says "arrives aug 11-18th"

  • @rvalent9366
    @rvalent93664 жыл бұрын

    Hello I have just installed this Aux is working perfectly But i can't find it on my phone via bluetooth Any idea? Thanks

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    R Valent try turning your Bluetooth off on your phone, and back on again after a couple minutes.

  • @rvalent9366

    @rvalent9366

    4 жыл бұрын

    chowcares nvm im stupid i bought an adapter without bluetooth

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    R Valent uh oh, time to return

  • @Nikola-ib8nr
    @Nikola-ib8nr4 жыл бұрын

    Can you somehow put it in the glove box?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    i believe so if you want to used the other features besides just BT

  • @emileaugust6587
    @emileaugust65874 жыл бұрын

    It says that this product is currently unavailable on Amazon... any thoughts on where to get it?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    try this link amzn.to/30cqunc

  • @emileaugust6587

    @emileaugust6587

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@chowcares same story

  • @nourifadul3505
    @nourifadul35053 жыл бұрын

    Hi bro do you how its work in bmw e46 330ci 2001?thank you

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    Should work fine, mine is a 2003 330i

  • @imnota

    @imnota

    3 жыл бұрын

    From what I've heard you need at least a 2002 and it needs the business cd unit, but since this particular adapter says it works with other models, it might differ.

  • @ImranKhan-yj1dl
    @ImranKhan-yj1dl5 жыл бұрын

    What exactly is the product?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    5 жыл бұрын

    Imran Khan it’s an add on to give your factory radio Bluetooth ability

  • @SydeshowMO
    @SydeshowMO3 жыл бұрын

    FYI... anyone looking for placement of that black box module. There are slots for it behind the glove box and blow the fuse tray. This is where factory convenience controls are and you can find pre wired connections there as well.

  • @hotstuff9ENX
    @hotstuff9ENX3 жыл бұрын

    I’m getting a noise feedback when it’s turned on. Any clues as to how to fix this?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    It might be a defective unit, but you might want to check the power wire, make sure it’s not near any rca wires or speaker wires

  • @hotstuff9ENX

    @hotstuff9ENX

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@chowcares I hear the engine rev when I press the gas pedal. It’s annoying. I was thinking maybe it’s not properly earthed!?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    Anthony Ikoh yup it’s one of those

  • @benjaminandersen5673
    @benjaminandersen56734 жыл бұрын

    I just installed mine but when it connects there is no sound comming out. Any ideas?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Make sure you plug the plug that replaces the cd changer with bluetooth. In my video I had the same problem at 7:30 mark.

  • @benjaminandersen5673

    @benjaminandersen5673

    4 жыл бұрын

    @@chowcares thank you, I got it to work

  • @tt5345
    @tt53453 жыл бұрын

    What years is the harness compatible with?

  • @tt5345

    @tt5345

    3 жыл бұрын

    Mines last year of the e46 I love it but was completely dumbfounded when I realized that bmw didn't put 2-3 usb and atleast 1 aux port in the armrest or something idk smh cuz I love my e46 and love the way they run and shift smooth as glass

  • @yamenksibee129
    @yamenksibee1292 жыл бұрын

    Does you car has cd changer

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    2 жыл бұрын

    Yes

  • @VroTecZion
    @VroTecZion4 жыл бұрын

    Hello is that a good car ? Reliability ?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    4 жыл бұрын

    Un homme Flef DMP it’s a great car, but with any old car, it requires a lot of maintenance. I use it for daily purposes and take it to local track days once in a while. It’s pretty stock but it still holds its own!

  • @lightonorganic4789

    @lightonorganic4789

    4 жыл бұрын

    chowcares more maintenance than just the regular oil changes? Is there any monthly checks you do to keep it running great?

  • @standtall7646
    @standtall76463 жыл бұрын

    Chowcare or ANYBODY that can help here. 2000 BW 323ci E46. Ive installed(it was a bitch). It works great except that when I get a phone call, I can't hear it unless I turn up volume (from steering wheel). But, when I end call, music is so loud that, not only does it scare the hell out of me, it rattles my speakers! So...., is there a PARTICULAR setting on the switches that will balance this out? Same volume music, same volume mobile/bluetooth call? I'm using an iPhone 8.Thank you. P.S., I found a great place to put the "brain" unit and its out of the way, not visible and I can adjust settings switches without taking anything apart :)

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    Try to turn the volume up on the phone during the phone call

  • @standtall7646

    @standtall7646

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@chowcares it was up. I didn't see a difference. Do the switches need to be set to a specific numerical pattern? Thx

  • @standtall7646
    @standtall76463 жыл бұрын

    CAN ANYBODY answer my question below? Thanks, in advance! The seller has not responded to my request in weeks!

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    thats really weird, might be a defect. try to return and repurchase.

  • @NorthernChev
    @NorthernChev Жыл бұрын

    None of which was necessary. If your phone isn’t compatible with the version of Bluetooth the car has, simply swap out the module in the trunk for a factory version 4 or 5. You can buy them new for cheap or get a used unit for 5 bucks at the junkyard. The PIN is on the factory tag on the side of the units. Its Plug-and-Play and and requires no disassembly other than pulling a small section of the carpet away from the drivers side of the trunk.

  • @danielstanchev2673
    @danielstanchev26733 жыл бұрын

    Can you give another link

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    this is the one: amzn.to/35dctrL

  • @oso9989

    @oso9989

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@chowcares the ad on amazon dosnt day e46 it will still work on it right ?

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    @@oso9989 no this will not work with E46. the seller on amazon is currently out of stock. i will update the link as soon as the e46 compatible one becomes available

  • @tt5345

    @tt5345

    3 жыл бұрын

    Please I can't find out what the product is. U haven't told us and I can't find the description you said it was in the description

  • @abrahamavilez6326
    @abrahamavilez63263 жыл бұрын

    you can add an AUX

  • @chowcares

    @chowcares

    3 жыл бұрын

    I actually did that a while ago, it was inconvenient

  • @siriusstar9536
    @siriusstar9536 Жыл бұрын

    It’s seems like to be little bit f.ckin Complicate to my level 😅

  • @duck748r
    @duck748r Жыл бұрын

    Turn the crap background music off geez

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