Any chance to get music playing through BT audio on F10 2011?

a298b112 · 06-29-2020, 04:43 AM

So I have F10, May 2011 production date, and all I want is to be able to play a music/podcasts from my iPhone. Or at least, play music from USB.

I am new to BMW world, so I will give all the info I have here:

1. S606A Navigation system Business - this is what I have, as I understood.
2. Prod Date 2011-05-27

I don't see any Bluetooth on iDrive.
I don't have USB port under central console. There is one USB inside glovebox.
I don't know if I have combox. But I can check later.

So, what are my options getting musing playing in my car?

Also, please tell me, what system I have here? Is it CIC, NBT? So that I know what I am dealing with? Actually any information will help me a lot since BMW has so many options.

a298b112 · 06-29-2020, 07:38 AM

What do you think about Android head units? I saw some units for F10 2011 CIC, do you think this is a good choice?

Unspec · 06-29-2020, 01:53 PM

You definitely have CIC. NBT wasn't introduced until prod date 9/12. Your best bet is doing a NBT retrofit. Those android head units are usually garbage.

Gavins30 · 06-29-2020, 02:44 PM

I have a CIC 2012 550I and I am able to play audio through my bluetooth. All you have to do is connect phone via bluetooth, and when you're on your phone in the telephone menu, hit options and it should show up an option to click on audio. once this is done, go to multimedia and hit bluetooth audio.

ezaircon4jc · 06-29-2020, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavins30

I have a CIC 2012 550I and I am able to play audio through my bluetooth. All you have to do is connect phone via bluetooth, and when you're on your phone in the telephone menu, hit options and it should show up an option to click on audio. once this is done, go to multimedia and hit bluetooth audio.

But I believe you still need the combox.

OnlyGerman · 06-29-2020, 08:03 PM

I thought they all had Bluetooth unless it was built before 9/10 (combox)??

Tune2air wma3000b will work and will be just like factory.

ezaircon4jc · 06-29-2020, 09:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

I thought they all had Bluetooth unless it was built before 9/10 (combox)??

Tune2air wma3000b will work and will be just like factory.

I thought non-US models were "shorted" a few standard US options.

a298b112 · 06-30-2020, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gavins30

I have a CIC 2012 550I and I am able to play audio through my bluetooth. All you have to do is connect phone via bluetooth, and when you're on your phone in the telephone menu, hit options and it should show up an option to click on audio. once this is done, go to multimedia and hit bluetooth audio.

No, I don't think I have Bluetooth at all. There is no bluetooth anywhere in iDrive.

a298b112 · 06-30-2020, 06:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

But I believe you still need the combox.

This is what I am hearing a lot, what is combox? How do I check if I have it or not? If I don't have it, can I just buy it and install, and then will I have a bluetooth?

a298b112 · 06-30-2020, 06:45 AM

S609A Navigation system Professional
S615A Expanded BMW Online Information
S616A BMW Online
S620A Voice control
S639A Preparation f mobile phone cpl USACDN
S693A Preparation BMW satellite radio
S697A AreaCode 1 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TeleServices
S6ABA Control for Teleservices
S6FLA USBAudio interface
S6UHA Traffic Information
S6VCA Control for Combox

this is what I found here in this forum. So, given that I don't have S6VCA and S6FLA, there is no change that I might have combox, and play music from USB. Sad.

a298b112 · 06-30-2020, 06:46 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unspec

You definitely have CIC. NBT wasn't introduced until prod date 9/12. Your best bet is doing a NBT retrofit. Those android head units are usually garbage.

thanks, yeah, more I am reading, I am coming to this point. But then, it is about ~2500 USD. Too much.

OnlyGerman · 06-30-2020, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a298b112

S609A Navigation system Professional
S615A Expanded BMW Online Information
S616A BMW Online
S620A Voice control
S639A Preparation f mobile phone cpl USACDN
S693A Preparation BMW satellite radio
S697A AreaCode 1 for DVD
S6AAA BMW TeleServices
S6ABA Control for Teleservices
S6FLA USBAudio interface
S6UHA Traffic Information
S6VCA Control for Combox

this is what I found here in this forum. So, given that I don't have S6VCA and S6FLA, there is no change that I might have combox, and play music from USB. Sad.

What is the USB in your armrest for then

a298b112 · 06-30-2020, 08:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

What is the USB in your armrest for then

I don't have USB there, only AUX. There is one USB in glove box, but that will not play music, as I learned earlier.

ezaircon4jc · 06-30-2020, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a298b112

I don't have USB there, only AUX. There is one USB in glove box, but that will not play music, as I learned earlier.

Some bedtime reading:

https://www.bavlogic.com/?p=4176

https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/127301-combox-f07/

https://www.bimmer-tech.net/category...ombox-retrofit

https://www.bimmerretrofit.com/store...&product_id=65

http://www.bpmsport.com/combox-retrofit.html

https://forum.bmw5.co.uk/topic/13391...mbox-retrofit/

OnlyGerman · 06-30-2020, 07:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by a298b112

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

What is the USB in your armrest for then

I don't have USB there, only AUX. There is one USB in glove box, but that will not play music, as I learned earlier.

Strange, I thought they all had USB. Your cheapest route would be Bluetooth audio via aux jack. Obviously no control from the car, it would be limited from the device. Many of these aux to BT audio devices available now.

a298b112 · 07-01-2020, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OnlyGerman

Strange, I thought they all had USB. Your cheapest route would be Bluetooth audio via aux jack. Obviously no control from the car, it would be limited from the device. Many of these aux to BT audio devices available now.

I've tried three of them, not a solution...but for now I have it.

One of them has very small battery, so after about an hour battery dies. This one is connected to AUX under the central console and since, I don't have a USB there, I need to charge it somewhre else, of course no music while it is charging.

Then I bought another one, Xiomi. It is FM transmitter, connected to cigarette lighter, so it is always on. The power problem is solved, however, it picks up another public FM stations. I have a lot of noise there.

a298b112 · 07-01-2020, 07:22 AM

by the way, what if I will buy used ComBox and try to fit it?
again, first question can ComBox fitted to my car? If yes, then will it enable Bluetooth streaming?

below are list of options I have:
S1CAA Selection of COP relevant vehicles
S1CBA CO2 package
S1CDA Brake Energy Regeneration
S205A Automatic transmission
S230A Extra package, EU-specific
S2K1A BMW LA wheel, V Spoke 236
S2PAA Wheel bolt retainer
S423A Floor mats, velours
S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit
S464A Ski bag
S465A Through-loading system
S494A Seat heating driver/passenger
S4ATA Interior trim finishers black high-gloss
S508A Park Distance Control (PDC)
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S548A Kilometer-calibrated speedometer
S606A Navigation system Business
S698A Area-Code 2 for DVD
S853A Language version English
S880A On-board vehicle literature English
S8KAA Dummy-SALAPA
S8SCA Telematics access request,country-spec.
S8TFA Active pedestrian protection
S8TLA Dummy-SALAPA
S8TNA Daytime run.lights adjus.via light menu
S8V1A Label
S962A Deleted, licence plate support front

addy27 · 07-01-2020, 07:25 PM

So, you are in a uniquely bad situation with regards to BT. If you don't have Combox, you can retrofit one, but it will require running wires up to the center console and adding the USB plug next to the AUX connector. Then you also have a bunch of wires going between CIC and the Combox (mic connection) and then of course the antenna etc that you're probably missing... BTW< my car has exact same build date but its a USA car so it has Combox.

I recently did a retrofit to NBT. SO the problem with doing any of these retrofits is you either go with a complete solution from someone like bimmerretrofit or another, but they charge quite a big for their custom emulators not to mention the cost of the new headunit/display/controller. You can get lucky and find great deals for all of these..but if you don't buy their emulator, you'll have to either retrofit the newer ICM in your care(under the center console) OR buy another emulator which essentially connects your PDC/Camera/HDC buttons to the rest of the car, since right now, those buttons are connected to your idrive controller (don't ask why BMW did this...its like they wanted to save a few cents since all the drive controller is doing is converting those button events to CAN messages).

So bottom line is OEM solution wise, you are SOL unless you do the full retrofit to NBT or NBT EVO. IF you decide to go that route, I'd recommend then go all out for the NBT EVO since that's almost the latest and greatest. The NBT is good enough for me as it is MUCH faster than CIC and it has basically all the features I would have wanted except Apple Car Play.

Non OEM solutions you. right be able to find something like this video below :

06-29-2020, 04:43 AM	#1
a298b112 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW F10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Geneva iTrader: (0)	Any chance to get music playing through BT audio on F10 2011? So I have F10, May 2011 production date, and all I want is to be able to play a music/podcasts from my iPhone. Or at least, play music from USB. I am new to BMW world, so I will give all the info I have here: 1. S606A Navigation system Business - this is what I have, as I understood. 2. Prod Date 2011-05-27 I don't see any Bluetooth on iDrive. I don't have USB port under central console. There is one USB inside glovebox. I don't know if I have combox. But I can check later. So, what are my options getting musing playing in my car? Also, please tell me, what system I have here? Is it CIC, NBT? So that I know what I am dealing with? Actually any information will help me a lot since BMW has so many options.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

06-29-2020, 07:38 AM	#2
a298b112 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW F10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Geneva iTrader: (0)	What do you think about Android head units? I saw some units for F10 2011 CIC, do you think this is a good choice?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2020, 01:53 PM	#3
Unspec Colonel 1300 Rep 2,590 Posts Drives: 2015 BMW 535xi Join Date: Apr 2019 Location: DMV iTrader: (1)	You definitely have CIC. NBT wasn't introduced until prod date 9/12. Your best bet is doing a NBT retrofit. Those android head units are usually garbage. __________________ 2015 BMW 535xi Bootmod3 Stage 2 \| ER charge pipe \| ER Catted DP \| Remus Exhaust \| Gplus FMIC \| KW V3 \| Turner Monoball thrust arm bushings \| Wallet regrets ISTA VM Setup/Tutorial
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2020, 02:44 PM	#4
Gavins30 New Member 0 Rep 26 Posts Drives: 2012 BMW 550I Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Des Moines, Iowa iTrader: (0)	I have a CIC 2012 550I and I am able to play audio through my bluetooth. All you have to do is connect phone via bluetooth, and when you're on your phone in the telephone menu, hit options and it should show up an option to click on audio. once this is done, go to multimedia and hit bluetooth audio.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-29-2020, 08:03 PM	#6
OnlyGerman Major 362 Rep 1,261 Posts Drives: F15, F13, F10, E60 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Sunshine State iTrader: (0)	I thought they all had Bluetooth unless it was built before 9/10 (combox)?? Tune2air wma3000b will work and will be just like factory.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-30-2020, 06:45 AM	#10
a298b112 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW F10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Geneva iTrader: (0)	S609A Navigation system Professional S615A Expanded BMW Online Information S616A BMW Online S620A Voice control S639A Preparation f mobile phone cpl USACDN S693A Preparation BMW satellite radio S697A AreaCode 1 for DVD S6AAA BMW TeleServices S6ABA Control for Teleservices S6FLA USBAudio interface S6UHA Traffic Information S6VCA Control for Combox this is what I found here in this forum. So, given that I don't have S6VCA and S6FLA, there is no change that I might have combox, and play music from USB. Sad.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-01-2020, 07:22 AM	#17
a298b112 New Member 1 Rep 10 Posts Drives: BMW F10 Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: Geneva iTrader: (0)	by the way, what if I will buy used ComBox and try to fit it? again, first question can ComBox fitted to my car? If yes, then will it enable Bluetooth streaming? below are list of options I have: S1CAA Selection of COP relevant vehicles S1CBA CO2 package S1CDA Brake Energy Regeneration S205A Automatic transmission S230A Extra package, EU-specific S2K1A BMW LA wheel, V Spoke 236 S2PAA Wheel bolt retainer S423A Floor mats, velours S428A Warning triangle and first aid kit S464A Ski bag S465A Through-loading system S494A Seat heating driver/passenger S4ATA Interior trim finishers black high-gloss S508A Park Distance Control (PDC) S534A Automatic air conditioning S548A Kilometer-calibrated speedometer S606A Navigation system Business S698A Area-Code 2 for DVD S853A Language version English S880A On-board vehicle literature English S8KAA Dummy-SALAPA S8SCA Telematics access request,country-spec. S8TFA Active pedestrian protection S8TLA Dummy-SALAPA S8TNA Daytime run.lights adjus.via light menu S8V1A Label S962A Deleted, licence plate support front
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-01-2020, 07:25 PM	#18
addy27 Captain 388 Rep 950 Posts Drives: F10 550i Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (2)	So, you are in a uniquely bad situation with regards to BT. If you don't have Combox, you can retrofit one, but it will require running wires up to the center console and adding the USB plug next to the AUX connector. Then you also have a bunch of wires going between CIC and the Combox (mic connection) and then of course the antenna etc that you're probably missing... BTW< my car has exact same build date but its a USA car so it has Combox. I recently did a retrofit to NBT. SO the problem with doing any of these retrofits is you either go with a complete solution from someone like bimmerretrofit or another, but they charge quite a big for their custom emulators not to mention the cost of the new headunit/display/controller. You can get lucky and find great deals for all of these..but if you don't buy their emulator, you'll have to either retrofit the newer ICM in your care(under the center console) OR buy another emulator which essentially connects your PDC/Camera/HDC buttons to the rest of the car, since right now, those buttons are connected to your idrive controller (don't ask why BMW did this...its like they wanted to save a few cents since all the drive controller is doing is converting those button events to CAN messages). So bottom line is OEM solution wise, you are SOL unless you do the full retrofit to NBT or NBT EVO. IF you decide to go that route, I'd recommend then go all out for the NBT EVO since that's almost the latest and greatest. The NBT is good enough for me as it is MUCH faster than CIC and it has basically all the features I would have wanted except Apple Car Play. Non OEM solutions you. right be able to find something like this video below :
	Appreciate 0 Quote