Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Just running some ideas that I had. Instead of adding an auxiliary jack to the stock radio unit, could you add some sort of a Bluetooth receiver that would be hidden inside the dash? I was thinking that you could wire it up the same way as the AUX jack, except that you will also need an additional power source for the adapter.

I want something that can be hidden away from view, so that I could get rid of the cassette adapter, yet still keep the factory look.

Gchutes

I frequent the bmw forums, and have seen them adding bluetooth to specialty oem headunits, but It requires extensive electrical knowledge and extreme fabrication, I remember seeing something about getting an aux jack in somewhere behind the stock head unit, but I'm not sure at all.

Sorry nobody knows

hypervish

You could get a bluetooth receiver and plug it into the AUX, as you suggested.

I do that in my RX300. I use a Kanex Airblue, it was only $20 on sale. Work's well, and the charge lasts quite a while.

Power6

Either way, you have to add an input to the factory radio. Adding Bluetooth in addition to a simple jack is the same end. I'd think unless integrated into the the car, pairing a bluetooth device to some intermediate box just to get to an aux input might be more trouble than worth?

I like you desire a clean/hidden look. I had an aux added in the back of the radio, ran the cable into the ashtray. I have my Nano in there, it is very clean. I'm going to make it even a bit better soon if I ever get some of that free time stuff...

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I think I just found a solution. iSimple Bluetooth FM Transmitter ISFM21 (Hard Wired). It plugs into the antenna jack and locks onto one of your FM stations.
You end up losing AM radio, but who uses that anyway.. It also seems like I will need to wire an On/Off Switch (comes with the kit), in order to reset the transmitter once in a while.


Already placed an order. I'll update this once I get it installed and working.

p.s.: Was searching for videos of the modulator, and I came across Hypervish's video review of another iSimple product.

illsayuhh

Is there a DIY to add aux to the stock unit?

hypervish

Yes, I have the iSimple IS77 in my RX. It works pretty well for what it is. It completely blocks out all other stations when you have the On/Off switch turned ON, you can select between two stations on the modulator itself (at least that's how mine is). If you put the On/Off switch in the Off position, it will allow you to use FM stations ( again that's how it works on mine, yours may be diff.)

Power6

I don't like the FM modulator route, no matter how great the signal is there is extra processing involved in converting to FM signal and then the tuner converts it back. Many tuners in a radio are going to apply their own EQ/mod to the signal to make FM sound better, so now you pass the audio through that. Nevermind you are passing through the Bluetooth domain before you even get that far.

It simply won't sound as good as an aux-in wired directly to the pre-amp in the headunit. My direct aux in sounds really good using an iPod.

Of course do report back on this and let us know how it works out maybe I am way off base...

JSM

Hey MB, what's wrong with this option:

https://www.clublexus.com/forums/es3...intensive.html

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

Correct me if I'm wrong, but I don't think there are GROM kits for the 3ES

ErikTheRed

Everyone says it won't work, but I have yet to figure out why. The part is listed for Toyota, Scion, and Lexus from '97 (or '98) and up. I have looked at pics of the back of several of the radios from different years and the plug fro the CD changer looks the same. Plus, it doesn't make much sense to have a different plug fro the same parts in what amounts to the same vehicle. The earlist it listes for Lexus is '99, and that is the RX and IS, the ES isn't shown until '01. But I still don't see why it'll work with a '98 Camry but not ours

Power6

That CD changer interface may work. Especially if it says it works with the 2001 ES the radio is the same as the earlier years.

The reason why it might not work is that the various models share wiring i.e. the "plugs" are the same, that does not mean that they use the same control protocol on the wires therefore a changer type aux adapter is not guaranteed to work. For example the base Pioneer and the Nakamichi changers use slightly different wiring and neither is compatible with the other even though Pioneer makes the changer on both models.

I don't know who makes the Camry changer of the same vintage, could be a Pioneer though Fujitsu Ten is common in Toyotas too.

JSM

This one says 98 but not in the drop down selection list. You may want to call. Could be just a typo or a glitch in their listing.
http://gromaudio.com/store/aux_adapt...e_adapter.html

Hayk

iTrader: (1)

I'll see how well the iSimple performs, before I start trying other methods. GROM is a lot more money for what it is. Also, if my sound quality is as good or better than the Cassette adapter - I will be very happy.

Power6

What do you mean Mr B you won't buy all the options and let us know what works best ;-)

Too late for me to try the GROM myself too. It may seem like a bit of money, though typical to this type you might have a rudimentary control of an iPod with the CD track buttons, iPod will pause when you shut down the car etc which is nice if you like that sort of thing. Right now I have to shut my iPod off every time I park the car annoying....