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  #1  
Old 08-10-2018, 12:56 PM
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Grom audio advice

I tried getting the OEM auxiliary input to work in my 11/02 production E53 about two years ago. I beat my head against it and tried everything and never got it to work. Now as an alternative, I'm considering the Grom Bluetooth adapter instead. I was wondering if I could get some advice on how these things work.

It looks like they've been around since at least 2010, maybe earlier. How do these things work with modern smart phones? I use Android devices in particular. Does it work effectively or does it show its age? I looked in the latest firmware updates, and there are updates for this device for Pixel 2 devices, so that's nice that it's still getting compatibility updates.

This is the device I'm considering:
https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adap...usb3-bmwt.html

Is that the right one? I would get it with the Bluetooth and aux input options.

Is installation as simple as unplugging the 6-disc unit and plugging in the Grom? Can anyone she'd more light on any tricks or issues they had during installation?

My car has the 6-disc changer in the trunk, with a tape deck above the radio in the dash.

Here's my factory options from the VIN. I included them all since I don't know what some of them are.
S321A Exterior parts in vehicle color
S386A Roof railing
S403A Glass roof, electrical
S438A Fine wood trim
S441A Smoker package
S459A Seat adjuster, electric, with memory
S461A Electric seat backrest adjustment, rear
S473A Armrest front
S488A Lumbar support, driver and passenger
S521A Rain sensor
S522A Xenon Light
S534A Automatic air conditioning
S555A On-board computer V with remote control
S676A HiFi speaker system
S926A Spare wheel
S945A Dummy-SALAPA

Standard Equipment
S249A Multifunction f steering wheel
S302A Alarm system
S309A BMW LA wheel, star spoke styling
S354A Green windscreen, green shade band
S640A Preparation f tel.installation universal
S645A BMW US Radio
S661A Radio BMW Business (C43)
S692A Preparation, BMW 6-CD changer I-bus
S845A Acoustic belt warning
S853A Language version English
S876A Radio frequency 315 MHz
S992A Control of number-plate attachment


Lastly...thank you for any help you can provide! This forum has some extremely helpful folks on it that I'm very grateful for.
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Old 08-10-2018, 08:12 PM
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This is a great way to go if you want to modernize the connectivity functionality of your X5. Two years ago I installed the unit in my X5 4.6is before a trip from Dallas TX to Fort Myers Florida and have loved every moment of it. I streamed my Pandora, Spotify and my Ipod music collection the entire trip. Phone calls come through and it mutes the volume of the music and pauses the musical selection until you hang up the call and resume. best of all I love how the integration of the system works with the vehicles steering wheel controls. its easy to hook up and the directions are comprehensive. I will be installing one in my E39 M5 later this fall so that I can have the same functionality as my X5.
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Old 08-10-2018, 09:47 PM
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Can you tell me if the product I linked is the one I need?

Can you tell if I have DSP from my VIN options I listed? I'm under the impression that S676a means I do not, but I don't know if that goes for all model years.
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Old 08-10-2018, 10:01 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bdc101 View Post
Can you tell me if the product I linked is the one I need?

Can you tell if I have DSP from my VIN options I listed? I'm under the impression that S676a means I do not, but I don't know if that goes for all model years.
Nope, you do not have DSP, lucky you. You have HiFi Stereo. I installed the GROM unit in my 2001 X5 with DSP. I just need to get an extra cable to go from my coaxial output to the 6 pin connector. I was able to link up with my Android Phone. I can answer calls, make calls and stream music via bluetooth. Great device, don't know why people insist on using BMW outdated Bluetooth ULF. You will need to hook up a microphone and that's about it. I ran the mic from the back where all the stereo equipment is and where I had the GROM installed. I bought the IPOD cable but never bother to run it from the GROM to the front of the car. Here's a linbk to my post on the GROM.

https://xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-forums/...00-songs.html?
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Old 08-10-2018, 10:15 PM
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Awesome, thank you!

So I am going to buy the Grom BMWTU3 with the BTD Bluetooth module. Or do I need the behind-the-radio version? (BMWSU3?) I read through your thread but didn't see any info on the correct part number.
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Old 08-11-2018, 04:32 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bdc101 View Post
Awesome, thank you!

So I am going to buy the Grom BMWTU3 with the BTD Bluetooth module. Or do I need the behind-the-radio version? (BMWSU3?) I read through your thread but didn't see any info on the correct part number.
My GROM utilized the cables that are in the cubby in the back of the X5. I disconnected the CD changer cable and coaxial cable and just installed the GROM back there.
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Audi Avant donated to Kars for Kids
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Old 08-11-2018, 05:44 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upallnight View Post
My GROM utilized the cables that are in the cubby in the back of the X5. I disconnected the CD changer cable and coaxial cable and just installed the GROM back there.
It looks like there is also a version that can sit in behind the audio unit in the dash (the BMWSU3). It still hooks into the cd changer port, just directly on the back of the audio unit rather than in the trunk (boot).

This would save running the mic cable through the car.

https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adap...the_radio.html
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Old 08-12-2018, 01:25 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bdc101 View Post
Can you tell me if the product I linked is the one I need?

Can you tell if I have DSP from my VIN options I listed? I'm under the impression that S676a means I do not, but I don't know if that goes for all model years.
677A is DSP and as stated you do not have the DSP. You just need to order the base kit.
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Old 08-12-2018, 01:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by upallnight View Post
My GROM utilized the cables that are in the cubby in the back of the X5. I disconnected the CD changer cable and coaxial cable and just installed the GROM back there.
Yep I did the same thing with my GROM install. At the back where the CD changer is located. Its an easy plug and play process. Not difficult at all.
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Old 08-12-2018, 01:39 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wpoll View Post
It looks like there is also a version that can sit in behind the audio unit in the dash (the BMWSU3). It still hooks into the cd changer port, just directly on the back of the audio unit rather than in the trunk (boot).

This would save running the mic cable through the car.

https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adap...the_radio.html
I think I'll try the behind the radio version -- grom's website says it's compatible, and I just tore up the whole carpet to run trailer brakes and put it back together -- a monumental task. I don't care to do that again soon.
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