Installing a Bluetooth Adapter on a BMW Z4 E85/E86

[@RaabsIn513]

@0:44 - the Harbor Freight pick tool works perfectly for pulling down those metal retaining clips in the vent.

[@valnaso8645]

Very good video, I have an '06 with navigation, installed exact adapter, at first did not work, then rechecked the connections, you need to make sure the "aux" portion of the connector is pushed all the way in. Don't rely on the the clip lock closing, must manually push the plugs in the back of the receiver. Did this and it works perfect!

[@b4dk1n6]

I also have an '06 with navigation and aux input, did you use this adapter? (with the white connector that goes to head unit)

[@valnaso8645]

@@b4dk1n6 I used a TOTMOX Bluetooth Adapter Compatible with BMW (E85/E86) from Amazon, there are multiple wires within the harness including white, which plugs direclty into the head unit. It is important that you use your thumb to fully press the harness into the head unit to make contact with the "AUX" input in the center of unit.

[@hunterseufert8066]

Thank you, I had the same issue, I was panicking and your comment was what I needed. I appreciate it!

[@dna194]

Ordered and installed..! Super easy and awesome upgrade.✌️😎

[@tedmorris1934]

There is a 3.5mm aux input on the bottom of the dash. I simply bought an adapter cord and plug my phone in. Works the same and doesn't require an install of any kind.

[@90Caner]

There is?! Where is the aux input located? Is it stock or aftermarket?

[@tedmorris1934]

@@90Caner It's stock and I only found it because I read about it on a forum somewhere else. I'd take a picture if I weren't 1100 miles from home. I'll upload one when I get back next week. You can clearly see it though just to the right of the center console on the bottom of the dashboard. I'm guessing it's only on certain models or it would be more known.

[@90Caner]

@tedmorris1934 I just checked and lo and behold, there it was!! Haha can't believe I missed this one out. Mind you, it is in a very discreet location. Thanks again for the info!!

[@adcb01843]

​@@tedmorris1934 Hi Ted, can you share an image of where it is meant to be located? Cheers.

[@tedmorris1934]

@@adcb01843 You may not be able to see that. Must be getting old. Cannot figure how to upload an actual image.

[@jordanblack2455]

Great video! I discovered a new way, with really a small impact, to have a new audio system! Thanks! :)

[@hunterseufert8066]

pro tip, it seems to me the reason you were struggling is that the vents should be in the "closed" position before removing. If they're open, the levers get in the way. Close the left and right vertical dials.

[@junebug6435]

Thank you this is the exact video I was looking for , for my z4 😄🤙

[@GodzillaGoesGaga]

So I just did this mod and it kinda works in my system. Here’s my setup: I have the factory installed ipod interface in which I have an Ipod with all my tunes loaded on. It effectively hijacks the CD interface and I get to play my songs on each of the CD channels (1-6). On the ipod the playlists are named BMWn where ‘n’ is the CD channel. Works great. Now when adding the Bluetooth interface it seems that some of the same ‘white’ connector pins are used which is also part of the factory interface to the ipod. So it means that I can’t have both. ☹. The Bluetooth interface works well but at the end of the day do I update my phone with new tunes or have a dedicated ipod for tunes that I update whenever I buy new music/albums. I’m choosing to leave the ipod installed since it means I have tunes whenever I want. I can always hook up my phone to one of those radio interfaces (eg103.3 FM etc). It’s a compromise. The Bluetooth module is great if you don’t have an ipod system as part of your music stuff. If I ever sell my Z4 (unlikely) I’ll probably sell it with both of my ipods (assuming they aren’t valued as a brick of gold due to rarity!).

[@90Caner]

Thanks for the upload, very informative and concise. I had a question to ask... can you make/recieve phonecalls with this installation? Or would you need to install an additional microphone to the unit?

[@ot8030]

Excellent video !!!

[@valnaso8645]

I had same issue and needed to push the entire plug in as the center of the plug needs to make contact with the connections on the radio.

[@andypeebles2242]

Great video, thanks!

[@promix_studio1001]

I have same module bluetooth, but when connect the adapter, cd changer don t work?! Can you help me with this problem, please ?!

[@Gustavo_2019]

Good video, but be careful because from my experience, this connection to the Bluetooth device is always powered on even with the car closed what can cause battery to drain out.

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

I will keep an eye out. I've been running the unit I purchased on Amazon for 5 months. The car hasn't died yet.

[@WarzoneAddict]

Hello sir, i got a question! I just bought the unit, and I still did not code the car (i have aux but it’s not activated) when i installed the unit the radio is working fine but when i scan i don’t find any bleutooth, do you know if you press the aux button will trigger bleuttoth to start working? Or is it running when you run the radio?

[@Aaron-CC]

Can the steering buttons change the track when you play music on spotify through the bluetooth adapter?

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

Unfortunately, they do not.

[@ignaciorodriguez5001]

Nice. Is it reliable and long lasting?

[@williamdaniel5518]

Do i even need the radio to use the Bluetooth

[@CrazyOneToo]

Does this interfere with the factory installed BMW Bluetooth device and do the steering wheel controls still work properly?

[@simplej7409]

I faced this problem in Lincoln

[@YZFMANIAC08]

I did this exact mod but suddenly it switched to the aux port instead of the cd-port. Sound quality dropped significantly. Any ideas what caused this?

[@Hipnoterapiachile]

Which is the command from the radio to link again to a phone....I had it linked but my son erased it.....

[@efranko8]

Buen aporte, gracias.

[@NaaLaughMuzik]

My z4 radio doesn’t have an aux option

[@sullyfeizie9748]

Same, did you find a solution?!

[@D800-m2f]

Does your have DSP and does it work in AUX or Changer mode?

[@MegaVienas]

I want to ask, my Z4 E86 are without Cruise Control. Can I install it myself?

[@RayWieloszynski]

I bought one of these (from China) and it works great. Paired up quickly, played music from KZbin Music app from my phone, and I could make and receive phone calls. BUT...nobody can hear me. I hear them, but I am not heard. The unit had a microphone jack and mic but I didn't think I would need it. With or without the mic connected, I am not heard by anyone I call or that calls me. Any ideas? I love having the bluetooth music option but hate losing hands free phone 'cuz I can't be heard! Help?!

[@marcellee8109]

I also bought one with microphone. It seems the microphone is necessary.

[@WarzoneAddict]

Hello sir, i got a question! I just bought the unit, and I still did not code the car (i have aux but it’s not activated) when i installed the unit the radio is working fine but when i scan i don’t find any bleutooth, do you know if you press the aux button will trigger bleuttoth to start working? Or is it running when you run the radio?

[@nicolashernancanetegonzale3158]

Hola saludos .. soy de chile y tengo la misma radio pero no me da la opción de aux solo me sale cd y am fm pero no la opción de aux

[@321trix]

Thanks a lot for the info !

[@battlecryIT]

Thx bud

[@jesusdiazdeleon1121]

I installed this and everything’s good, however I’m noticing that the Bluetooth picks up faintly on the radio, is anyone else experiencing this? Any suggestions on how to address

[@sicktunechaser]

Great video. Is the adapter linked for Amazon suitable for a bmw e85 z4 in the U.K please?

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

I believe so. You could always look on Realoem.com to cross reference and check if your euro market z4 uses the exact same radio part number as a US market car.

[@cheweyhunter2025]

i have a 328i, im assuming it will fit but does anyone know anything i don't. thank you for any advice

[@ernestas464]

Hi, can anyone recommend bluetooth with the good sound quality? I mean in my Z4 radio sounds perfect but when it comes to the Aux or BT its really like old cell phone.

[@lasrutinasdeandyEC]

Work for z4 2005 3.0 convertible ?

[@loh9928]

Hi! Would like to get one for my Z, may I know how to order this Bluetooth device? Is there a link that I can refer to? Many thanks in advance!

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

The link is in the description. Cheers.

[@simplej7409]

No AUX on radio only CD and FM options. (Z4 2005 E85) After Installing a Bluetooth Adapter problem is going to be solve ?

[@sullyfeizie9748]

I've got the same issue, however mines a 2008, and it does have an aux port but no option for "AUX" on the radio! I'm thinking of just buying it and giving it a try. Let me know if you've found the solution

[@valnaso8645]

Same issue for me, ‘06 with navigation connected the adapter and cannot get to AUX mode, only CD or radio. The adapter is getting power as I see it as an option in my phone Bluetooth menu. Anyone have a solution? Thank You

[@GerardoSacco-c9m]

@@valnaso8645 did you solve it?

[@valnaso8645]

@@GerardoSacco-c9m Gerardo, I didn't have the adapter plug pushed all the way in, once I did it worked perfect, thanks for checking up

[@KM-bg7uw]

⁠@@valnaso8645 i have the same problem, my z4 is from ’04. I can’t find aux mode. Can you tell me what did you do to sovle it. Didd you have to code the radio? and what kind of connection are you using? is it a regular cable with pins or maybe a bluetooth harness like in the video?

[@GerardoSacco-c9m]

Hi, i have the E85 BMW with the Sat Nav version, is it still compatible on my car? Thanks!

[@Ju1iusX2]

Should be, i got the nav system and put aux cable in it and it works

[@elsofovich]

Thanks! Does it sound good?

[@machinedred]

Mode doesn't show aux ?!!!!?

[@wayneyork3552]

Did you ever figure this out, mine doesn't either

[@KM-bg7uw]

@@wayneyork3552 I have the same problem as you, my z4 e85 is from 2004. I heard somewhere that z4 before 2007 need a coding to have aux mode on, but im not sure if there is some way to bypass it. Did you find a solution???

[@garretthager5873]

Any word about this? Mine only says “no disc” when I press mode button. No aux

[@WarzoneAddict]

I have an series 1 e87 and I have installed the unit today, I have a business player and I have aux installed but not coded, I need the cable to code the aux and I think you should do the same My issue is that even i don’t have aux coded but I have the input, I turn on the radio and when I scan for bleutooth i don’t find the device

[@NaaLaughMuzik]

I have a z3 can the same adopter work on it ???

[@Rurik_JustCruzn]

Hi Stephon, I do not believe this adapter is compatible with the z3.

[@markmalvin6036]

Where did you get the adapter that you used?

[@simplej7409]

google it. $29

[@alicandonmez6748]

I don’t have aux mode. Only fm and cd. I can connect to Bluetooth though. Anybody can suggest?

[@marcellee8109]

i asked the equipment seller and he told me aux mode will appear after u install the device

[@lukebarber4904]

ive got the same problem. Did you resolve?

[@machinedred]

Same problem no aux

[@marcellee8109]

@@lukebarber4904 I've bought one and installed on my Z4. the AUX will appear after installing and works well.

[@marcellee8109]

@@machinedred I've bought one and installed on my Z4. the AUX will appear after installing and works well.

[@IsraelSocial]

Guys dont spend money on this S everything goods look fit om the car perfectly but the sounds is bad and i mean real bad! Sounds like an old cellphone! Dont buy it

[@oscarocampo4575]

thanks,, did you get a different one.

[@user-wv1gq1vi2j]

Took me less than 10 minutes