Options for Pairing phone for Music Stream
 

My x5 has the first gen TCU part#84 11 6 946 993. I can pair the BT for calls, but that's it. What are my options for getting this feature without going after market?

BT streaming not possible on E53 from the factory as far as I know. Your options depend on what OEM head unit you have installed. If its DSP its gonna get kinda expensive. If not you can just swap the deck for an aftermarket with BT streaming capability.

This works well.

https://www.amazon.com/FIREFLY-Small...efly+bluetooth

NONE. The TCU of our vintage only connects the phone book and phone to the head unit. You can stream if you buy an additional jack that plugs in the head unit and pretends to be a CD player. Down side is it is only available with a 30 pin connector (if you can even find one) and it doesn't provide power to your phone. I have one. Connected to my phone with a 30 pin to lightning adapter. Only way I know to stream music to our stock systems with an iPhone.

I wired an Apple airport express to the auxiliary of the factory radio. Bluetooth for calls, and airplay for music. It streams over wifi losslessly, and best of all, it cost me $20.

Details please

Ive tried that. The time to wait for the WiFi to boot takes forever for me.

NONE.

I went with a Grom unit to get bluetooth so that I could answer and make phone call as well as stream music to the original head unit. My X came with DSP.

A more expensive option is the Mediabridge. Offers BT, Aux, USB. Sirius is also an optional accessory. Used one for many years, never a problem. Have DSP. If you intend to keep your X5 for some time suggest you take a look at state of the art aftermarket units. They offer much more and if Android based you can download your favorite phone apps. If you use navigation you can choose several of the aftermarket options that you can keep up to date.

I’ve been wanting to get one of these. Wouldn’t happen to have a link would you? I’ve wondered if they worked well or if I’d drop BT all the time.