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Don't let your dream car die!

One of those Bluetooth adapters is probably next on my list for my 2003 E85. Which one did you get? I've seen a few on Amazon, and some with hands free mic which might be handy.
As I understand it, the vents have two metal clips along the top that needs to be released through the vent grilles somehow?
Cheers
Geoff
 
gcsa said:
One of those Bluetooth adapters is probably next on my list for my 2003 E85. Which one did you get? I've seen a few on Amazon, and some with hands free mic which might be handy.
As I understand it, the vents have two metal clips along the top that needs to be released through the vent grilles somehow?
Cheers
Geoff

Yeah, the vent has two clips on the top and two on the bottom. I used this guide to remove it: https://youtu.be/tuBuSuzJxho?si=-MJP9SPor8aUCIDz

The adapter I got was from ebay. Worked just fine, seems to connect to the phone quickly, the sound quality is good and it also seems to turn off when the car is turned off, so it hopefully won't drain the battery, which was a worry I had.

https://ebay.us/m/NRSC9u
 
Thanks for that, really very helpful. That YouTube video is great, good find 👍
Time to order one of those adapters I think.
Cheers
Geoff

Edit: I have to remember to remove my FM transmitter from the cigarette lighter as that remains powered when the car is off.
 
Three little tips I learned over the last few weeks:

1. If you have worn out rubber pedal pads, you can buy them as original parts for around 6€ each. You can heat the new pads up in some warm water to make the installation easier.

2. If you want to replace a headlight bulb, I recommend ordering new headlight access panels. They're only 17€ per piece (original parts) and I recommend doing this because the rubber seals on my original covers were cracked after 20+ years.

3. Aliexpress cup holders are exactly the same as the originals. I ordered a set of Aliexpress cup holders and some used original vents with cup holders from ebay, to compare them. There is zero difference between them. I'd actually rather have the new cup holders from Aliexpress, since the plastic will be fresher.
 

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Yeah, the vent has two clips on the top and two on the bottom. I used this guide to remove it:

The adapter I got was from ebay. Worked just fine, seems to connect to the phone quickly, the sound quality is good and it also seems to turn off when the car is turned off, so it hopefully won't drain the battery, which was a worry I had.

I tried and failed with the air vent removal. I think I found the clips, but nothing would move the vent out. I was worried I'd break one of the vent grilles in the process, so decided to take a break (ahem) from it. Perhaps finding the CD changer leads behind the centre console might be a less damaging route to take. Is the vent itself a very stiff interference fit into the dashboard? It felt solidly stuck in there even with the clips released. At least I think they were released!

Cheers
Geoff
 
I tried and failed with the air vent removal. I think I found the clips, but nothing would move the vent out. I was worried I'd break one of the vent grilles in the process, so decided to take a break (ahem) from it. Perhaps finding the CD changer leads behind the centre console might be a less damaging route to take. Is the vent itself a very stiff interference fit into the dashboard? It felt solidly stuck in there even with the clips released. At least I think they were released!

Cheers
Geoff
Yes, I'd say the vent is a stiff interference fit. It took me an hour of fighting to get it out. My tip is to get 3-4 thin screwdrivers and special plastic clip removal tools and to try again.
 
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