GROM Audio
 

I am thinking about pulling the trigger on a GROM audio kit for my X5 and need to know if I have to get the DSP conversion kit for my X5. I have a 2003 4.6is with a 11/02 build date. Those with the GROM can add any insight in knowing if I will need the DSP conversion kit?

BMW Mini 98-06 GROM USB Bluetooth Android iPod adapter - TRUNK

Check to see if you have the 6 pins connector in the trunk. On mine X5 it didn't have the 6 pins connector so I had to buy the DSP connector. My is a MY 2001, with a build date of 08/2000. Some later date X5 with DSP have the 6 pin connector. I believe this was discussed in an earlier post. I would get the bluetooth option along with the USB. I bought the IPOD option, but now stream music to the radio via the bluetooth from my android phone. Also check to see if you have the coaxial connector in the amp.

Here's a link to my thread on my GROM.

http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...000-songs.html

Okay That is what I needed to know. I'll check to see if I have the 6-pin set up

Depends on whether you have analog DSP vs digital DSP.

Check out my post on,
http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...sing-grom.html

Where did you put your bluetooth module/mic? Been thinking about getting the bluetooth module for a while for music streaming and handsfree phone, but haven't found a good place for the module's home yet

I have the Grom USB with bluetooth as well.
There are 2 different wiring versions for it.
1. behind radio -> without navi only
2. by trunk cd changer -> with or without navi

If you go with 1st route, you will place module behind HVAC control. There is enough room there. Then run the mic wire to roof to factory mic place.

If you go with 2nd route, since it comes with long wiring, which is enough to run all the way to front but not enough to place module behind HVAC. Just enough to driver side kick panel. Place module there, and again, run the mid wire to roof.

Yeah I am going to get the bluetooth module with the kit in order to stream it.So i will run the unit from the back and wire it upfront

I have the unit in back, but the only wire I ran to the front was the wire for the mic for the handsfree phone operation. I used a double face tape too mount the unit to the top of the frame for the cd changer, and navigation dvd unit.

I put the entire unit with everything in the rear cubby where the old cd changer used to reside. I got a premade extension line to extend the mic to just below the headliner in front of the driverside.

And you have no bluetooth reception problems with the module being in the back trunk area as opposed to up front? correct?

Thanks. BT reception is OK with the module sitting in the rear cubby?

In old days, Grom came with short wiring harness, which is what upallnight received and he placed the module in the back.

Now, if you purchase new from Grom, it comes with long harness which is long enough to kick panel. So you don't need to place module in the back.

This is my setup with long harness.
1. connect Grom harness to cd-changer harness
2. run Grom harness to kick panel and place module there with help of double sided tape and zip ties
3. buy usb male to female extension cable and run it to cigarette bin in console.
4. run mic from kick panel to roof by OE mic place.

BT is fine, after all, the original BMW's bluetooth is also located in that same area.

What do I have?
 

Haven't taken my head unit out yet, but can anyone tell what I have going on by this picture? Thinking I am going with a GROM, but want to know what I am looking at for connections first.

You have a coaxial cable attached to the amp so you have digital DSP. You will need a DSP converter to attach the coaxial coming from the amp to the Grom unit.

You have the dice media bridge already installed, why are you switching to a Grom?

Thanks for reply. I want bluetooth mainly. I think that is an older unit and I have to plug the phone in and the connection keeps failing.

Okay so I just did the GROM Audio install and I must say that I am thoroughly impressed with the integration and operation. Having the ability to bluetooth stream my music over the DSP Audio is just lovely. Even the receiving of phone call features is a plus. I have not explored all of the features but will be doing so in the days to come. I would highly recommend this set-up for anyone that wants to provide a integrated bluetooth streaming experience in the X5. I will be ordering another one to install in my E39 M5 since it is the same set up.

If you have the USB option you can rip mp3 files onto a jump drive and listen to music. I made 6 folders label 1-6 which correspond with the 6 buttons on the mid that was used to control the disc selection on a cd changer.

Oh yeah I got the USB option so that I can do exactly what you have suggested. I have to admit this is one of the best integration modules for music and phone that I have seen for the BMW. Before I had my M5 I had a E39 540i M-sport and the PO had a media bridge installed. It worked most of the time but every now and then it would mess up with my ipod. So I will be installing a grom in the M5. Hook up is a piece of cake.

I have one of the earliest versions of the Mediabridge. It has bluetooth. It is one of the selections that you can access from mode button and then use the right/left control on the right side to reach. While different than what you are experiencing, I recently had a problem and contacted Audiovox who now is the source of the Dice Mediabridge. They sent me a file to reload the software that fixed the problem. I communicated to them by email. They were very responsive and helpful. Might want to give it a try. I have no problem with any of the options including the Sirius module. I have DSP and the Mediabridge is located in the front. I connect my iPhone by bluetooth for music and it has been flawless. I also use Google maps from my iPhone and it comes through the radio.

Grom MAKES A DSP adapter as well for the E53 X5's. You need to buy it to USE it correctly with the GROM BOX if you have DSP.. check their website or see below:

GROM BMW DSP Adapter Converter Kit Module Inteface for iPod or AUX-IN #DSP | eBay

Keep in mind that the DSP wire harness that GROM sells is only needed if your CD changer utilizes the coaxial cable for the DSP. My 2003 4.6is has DSP but only uses the 3 pin and 6 pin connector and this is all that is needed to power/operate the GROM unit. So check your CD changer fist. If the CD changer has a coaxial input cable connected to it then you will have to order the DSP interface cable that they sell.

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