E89 ComBox

[danregs]

Hi guys,

Only had my Z4 a few weeks but absolutely loving it. Always been an Audi guy, but I think the E89 may have converted me

Anyway, I've just spent the last 45mins searching and reading through the forum about the lack of ComBox in my car (it's a 2009, so before the 2010 hardware update). The reason it bothers me so much is in my Audi S4 I can link my Android phone up and control/listen to Spotify - which is the only thing I ever use for music! In my Z, as far as I know, and even though I have the USB port in the armrest, there is no way for me to connect my Android phone and control Spotify? I'm hoping someone will tell me I'm wrong!

...because it seems that if there's no way to do it via the USB then the only option is to upgrade to / retrofit a ComBox..... which isn't going to be easy!

Thanks in advance for you help chaps.

[Maniac]

You are correct. I use a Bluetooth adaptor in the USB socket with an aux out into the car. No control but you do at least get the audio. I rarely use it though preferring to store all my music on a USB stick.

[danregs]

Thanks for replying so quickly.

But..... Bu**er!

This means I will need to fit a ComBox

[willgill]

tune2air, gives you bluetooth connectivity via usb & aux-in and provides full steering wheel controls to control spotify etc..

[Maniac]

Thanks for replying so quickly.

But..... Bu**er!

This means I will need to fit a ComBox

Upgrading to combox is very expensive for the functions you'd gain, plus it craps out the telematics because it's not factory OEM kit associated with your VIN

[Maniac]

tune2air, gives you bluetooth connectivity via usb & aux-in and provides full steering wheel controls to control spotify etc..

How does it integrate with the steering controls? I didn't think that was possible on pre combox cars?

[willgill]

press the up and down buttons and it skips songs etc..

[Maniac]

press the up and down buttons and it skips songs etc..

Lol. I meant technically how does it work but I've read up on it now and it's a Bluetooth transceiver rather than simpler a2dp audio receiver that I have. Interesting but not sure it's worth the cash given I use USB mostly.

[willgill]

its awesome, simple and cheap (in my opinion), I use IFTTT ( If This Then That) to automatically launch spotify as soon as my phone connects to my cars/t2a bluetooth, from there it launches which ever playlist I chose or audible or whatever length journey im on. No idrive integration but covers off all the functionality I need and steering wheel integration for me is essential, still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment

[danregs]

Thanks so much willgill!

Is this the one?....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ViseeO-WMA3000 ... ne2air+bmw

[Maniac]

its awesome, simple and cheap (in my opinion), I use IFTTT ( If This Then That) to automatically launch spotify as soon as my phone connects to my cars/t2a bluetooth, from there it launches which ever playlist I chose or audible or whatever length journey im on. No idrive integration but covers off all the functionality I need and steering wheel integration for me is essential, still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment

I drive in the e89 even with combox on later cars is still 10 years old.

[willgill]

Thanks so much willgill!

Is this the one?....

https://www.amazon.co.uk/ViseeO-WMA3000 ... ne2air+bmw

Thats the one

[danregs]

still find it odd a car that cost so much new had such dire spec stereo/infotainment

I drive in the e89 even with combox on later cars is still 10 years old.

Totally agree - it is odd that the I Drive isn't really up to the prestige of the car!

Thats the one

Cheers bud! Legend!

Where in Cornwall are you based? (I grew up there )

[willgill]

Portscatho (near Falmouth)

[danregs]

Portscatho (near Falmouth)

Ah, nice. Spent most of my time in Truro. I somehow escaped across the border to Devon and never made it back.....