Is it possible to play music from your phone to your R53 stereo with a blue tooth link?

Best bet is to get a 3.5 Bluetooth adapter from Amazon, assuming you have a aux input installed.

Yes. I installed the auxiliary input to my stock radio and then got a bluetooth adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Works great. I can receive phone calls, but cannot start them. The bluetooth adapter has a pass-through usb charger port.

I am using the Grom audio Bluetooth unit.

Works great! Bluetooth stereo high quality audio. Stereo wheel buttons work. And phone call quality audio is great. I can make or initiate calls.

Hey Siri plus the grom makes this pretty much hands free.

Btw installation takes 45 seconds as it plugs into the rear cd changer harness

I use a 2.1a cigarette adapter for charging.

I use the HTC Bluetooth audio aux clip in the AUX input (in glovebox). Pair it up with a backup battery pack and I'm good for days.

You could also get a new head unit that has bluetooth, USB, and auxiliary inputs. Entry-level units with those features are only like $60-80.

I second and third this option, i have it on my 03 r50 and 05 r53. works great on both..

Can I hook my iPad up to the system? I noticed a spot in the glove box with a cable already sticking out but can't seem to get it to connect?

I just installed this. You can change the color of the lighting which made it a bit more expensive but the black matched the dash and the lighting matches the gauges so I'm happy. Does everything you're asking.
Pioneer MVHX560BT Digital Media Receiver https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00GS80OQ8..._gQrWwbGW6W6Q2

Yes, you can interface using USB. Just get a head unit with USB, bluetooth, and auxiliary input. They're easily the most cost-effective option here.

Which Grom unit did you all get?

First off I wanted to take a moment to thank the absolutely best forum community I've ever been a part of! And a special thanks to Veritas for the link, I just put in an order

+1

I did not even consider ripping out the HK audio and related components. The GROM unit provides some nice feature updates to the factory system.

Here's my stereo installed.










*

I'd like to hear more about this GROM system from the users that have it.

What OE stereo are you using HK/Stock
What model did you get
Do you use the accessory mic
Do you need a MFSW conversion unit
Where did you install the GROM device
what mobile devices do you use on it
Do (all) the MFSW buttons work (push to talk, hangup)

Thanks in advance

So my experience has been with 2 models.

My first model was the usb 2 Grom which I added the Bluetooth module and eventually the iPod adapter when I transitioned from android to iPhone platform. The usb 2 basically could connect to anything: android, iOS and usb.

Now I have the Bluetooth only module as I only use Bluetooth streaming

My radio is the stock non hk and I have the non msfw steering wheel but all my controls for track up and track down, answer and receive and mode switch all work with out any modifications

As far as installation with my original module I used the behind head unit install but this was cumbersome and cramped and not plug and play. I changed to the rear cd changer installation which takes all of 45 seconds to install the module itself. Hint: get a hook and loop Velcro type adhesive to mount the module in the trunk area.

The mic will take about an 1hr of removing seats and carpets to run but it's not a major problem.

Thanks GPToyz!

Spyder152 (and any others?) Care to share your experiences?

Well, I have them in my R50 &53, so both OE units
I posted a link on another reply
I use the mic but it's not great, I use the phone mic and listen on the car speaker
I do not know what MFSW is, sorry
I installed it under the steering wheel door thingy, velcro and zip ties
I use my android HTC phone with car mode via bluetooth and usb stick for my goto music. I also use the cd slot phone holder, looks good, imo
MFSW manufacture steering wheel I guess? No conversion needed, works great, phone too, hope this helps..
I love it, I've tried the AUX bluetooth devices but it seems to cut out , sound quality isnt great. Another bonus is that it syncs up to your phone automatically when you get back in.

Here's the one I have

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Android-USB-AUX-iPod-Bluetooth-Interface-BMW-Mini-Rover-Basic-Radio-CD-Satnav-/321949669134?hash=item4af5b2170e

Here is the phone holder I use

http://www.ebay.com/itm/OpenBox-Mountek-GRIP-Universal-CD-Slot-Mount-for-Cell-Phones-and-GPS-Devices-/171979943789?hash=item280acdaf6d

If you dont want to get the aftermarket Bluetooth head unit and have the factory Head unit , the aux cable has great sound and the signal is solid. Mount down below instead of the glove box and you can set the phone or mount it below. Don't have to worry about losing the signal stream either. Another option.

82110153367

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ed-pics-9.html

+1
get a aux input...and if you want wireless, then add a Bluetooth unit...about $12 on amazon....got one for a 3rd car on a lighting deal...was a $20 uint on sale...


this one is
$13.92 currently...

but you can find many similar...they work fine.
sure you can rip out the factory system....if it is the base cd system, its not a big deal...but if you have the HK...OUCH...need to do wiring AND speakers!! so you are looking at $500-600 just to have parity to what you have already....so an easy $1000 if you get it installed....net IMO spending 10% of a cars value to add blue-tooth is crazy since it will not increase the cars value, and WILL ACTUALLY HURT the value if you try to sell it unless it is a VERY nice system that is professionally installed...and then it is NEUTRAL in value to the RIGHT buyer...

Use this an call it a day

http://gromaudio.com/store/bt3_adapt...connector.html

Everything is pretty clunky or won't have all the features

Got this one on the shopping list

http://www.outmotoring.com/sb1-bluet...f220-331535833

Nice fine that was the one I meant to link and that's the one I currently have in my mini