Best way to stream bluetooth audio?

AaronD81 · 04-03-2012, 01:37 PM

I want to know the most reliable way to stream Bluetooth audio from my iPhone 4s, I have a 2009 with idrive and 6FL. There are several references to the blackberry gateway but some people say it loses connection and needs paired occasionally. Others have said generic units from amazon or eBay work well. Does anyone have a unit that is reliable, connects automatically when the car is started, has good sound quality, and works simultaneously with the factory Bluetooth phone connection?

M BROK3 · 04-03-2012, 01:46 PM

Blackberry gateway has the best sound quality and does not lose connection, works in-sync with the factory Bluetooth, I have tried couple of them from amazon and ebay but always had to revert back to BB gateway because of the sound quality.

Nkodsi · 07-03-2012, 11:22 AM

Can you use the steering controls to change tracks with it? does the i-drive screen display track information and such (with pandora, MOG or even ipod?) thanks!

HifiSyd · 07-03-2012, 11:44 AM

I have a 2007 335i with iDrive and have been using the BB Gateway with a Blackberry 8900 and now an iPhone 4s for over a year. The 8900 would lose the connection at random once in a while, but the iPhone has never had an issue connecting shortly after I start the car.

The volume controls on the steering wheel work fine, as do all the other voice command controls, but I can not change songs on iTunes, Pandora, Songza, etc from the steering wheel. That has to be done from the iphone.

It also pauses songs when I receive or make calls, so I could not ask for much more. I'm VERY happy with this solution all things considered. I'll try to snap a pic of my setup later today.

miatawnt2b · 07-03-2012, 01:42 PM

I bought this...
http://www.ebay.com/itm/180902259056...84.m1497.l2649

It works perfectly. My Iphone pairs with the car and this BT receiver at the same time. Same functionality as HifiSyd. Sound quality is fantastic. I also bought a USB hub, and can power this BT adapter and a 32Gb USB stick at the same time.

-J

04-03-2012, 01:37 PM	#1
AaronD81 Private First Class 2 Rep 103 Posts Drives: M235i Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: PA iTrader: (4) Garage List 2009 BMW [0.00]	Best way to stream bluetooth audio? I want to know the most reliable way to stream Bluetooth audio from my iPhone 4s, I have a 2009 with idrive and 6FL. There are several references to the blackberry gateway but some people say it loses connection and needs paired occasionally. Others have said generic units from amazon or eBay work well. Does anyone have a unit that is reliable, connects automatically when the car is started, has good sound quality, and works simultaneously with the factory Bluetooth phone connection?
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04-03-2012, 01:46 PM	#2
M BROK3 Major 101 Rep 1,036 Posts Drives: F95 , G80 M3, F80 M3, E92 M3 Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: NY/NJ iTrader: (13)	Blackberry gateway has the best sound quality and does not lose connection, works in-sync with the factory Bluetooth, I have tried couple of them from amazon and ebay but always had to revert back to BB gateway because of the sound quality. __________________ COBB \|DINAN CAI\|AA FMIC\|VK\|OSS\| Arkym COTM Pics Here
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07-03-2012, 11:22 AM	#3
Nkodsi Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 335i convertible 2010 M-sport Join Date: Jul 2012 Location: Bethesda, Maryland iTrader: (0)	iDrive steering controls Can you use the steering controls to change tracks with it? does the i-drive screen display track information and such (with pandora, MOG or even ipod?) thanks!
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07-03-2012, 11:44 AM	#4
HifiSyd Enlisted Member 15 Rep 93 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Sedan Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Edmond, Ok. iTrader: (0)	I have a 2007 335i with iDrive and have been using the BB Gateway with a Blackberry 8900 and now an iPhone 4s for over a year. The 8900 would lose the connection at random once in a while, but the iPhone has never had an issue connecting shortly after I start the car. The volume controls on the steering wheel work fine, as do all the other voice command controls, but I can not change songs on iTunes, Pandora, Songza, etc from the steering wheel. That has to be done from the iphone. It also pauses songs when I receive or make calls, so I could not ask for much more. I'm VERY happy with this solution all things considered. I'll try to snap a pic of my setup later today. __________________ 2007 SGM e90 335i, Spt Pkg, Prem Pkg & Nav Mods: JB4 G4-Map 5, BMS DCI, 19" Reps on Hk V12s, SupremePower Lowering Perches, BMS Angel Eyes, VSFR DP & 5" FMIC.
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07-03-2012, 01:42 PM	#5
miatawnt2b Private 4 Rep 86 Posts Drives: 2009 E93 Monaco Blue Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: AZ iTrader: (0)	I bought this... http://www.ebay.com/itm/180902259056...84.m1497.l2649 It works perfectly. My Iphone pairs with the car and this BT receiver at the same time. Same functionality as HifiSyd. Sound quality is fantastic. I also bought a USB hub, and can power this BT adapter and a 32Gb USB stick at the same time. -J
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