BlueBus: A fully integrated A2DP Bluetooth solution

[t3ddftw]

Besides the screen not being an upgrade, I am curious, what else makes the CD54 a downgrade?

It's less straight forward to use because it adheres more closely to the "R/T" (Radio / Telephone) principle. It makes the UI more difficult to use sometimes.

can you link a DIY on how to install this unit for cars with nav option?

It's exactly the same as the non-Nav as the pre-wiring is in the same location

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ORZKQXAu5EY&t=378s

Thanks!
-Ted

[4getr34]

can you link a DIY on how to install this unit for cars with nav option?

[stephen]

Don't do it -- it's a downgrade.

Besides the screen not being an upgrade, I am curious, what else makes the CD54 a downgrade?

[heinzboehmer]

Don't do it -- it's a downgrade. Even though there is more screen real estate, there are no additional """APIs""" for writing to the other portions of the screen. Instead, for consistency, they only allow 11 characters to be written to the screen at a time, just like the CD53.

That's good to know. I'll stick to my CD53 then

The plan is to wrap a Raspberry Pi (Probably a compute module Lite) around a bespoke PCB with many of the same components as the BlueBus (for audio and I/O), with the addition of video ICs and a generic input for a backup camera. The CarLinkit dongle will push carplay to the RPi, which will then be output to an HDMI to TTL IC, then an RGB DAC.
The unit will then switch video inputs from the factory Nav to the RPI output whenever you decide to go into CarPlay/Android Auto.

It will also implement the same factory menus and features as the BlueBus.

-Ted

That sounds awesome. Excited to hear more about it when you have it more fleshed out.

[t3ddftw]

t3ddftw
Been searching first but no dice. Is anyone running BlueBus with an E46 Professional CD54 (BMW Pn: 65 12 6 924 732) headunit? Was thinking of sourcing one for the better MID but they are pretty rare, especially in the US.

I've thought about swapping to one of those too. Seems like you could do some cool stuff with them

Don't do it -- it's a downgrade. Even though there is more screen real estate, there are no additional """APIs""" for writing to the other portions of the screen. Instead, for consistency, they only allow 11 characters to be written to the screen at a time, just like the CD53.

Hi, I have a CD54 on the Bluebus, but it doesn't work well. The controls are not stable and you have to press the buttons twice. I haven't gotten the phone right in 2 years. I would not do it. A simple dongle is better on the CD54...

Have you tried toggling R/T on the steering wheel to see if things improve? I think you'll find that they will.

is this compatible with a car with factory nav?

The BlueBus works well with factory Nav cars

Ted how are the plans for the CarPlay unit coming along? Willing to test it too LOL

Still in the planning phase!

I am super interested in the Carplay thing too for my M5. Held off on the other solution for now because I don’t totally like the touch screen — rather control it with the right knob like the Mazda rotary system. Plug and play plus using the commonly available carlinkit adapter is great as well.

carplay?!?! tell me more!!!!

The plan is to wrap a Raspberry Pi (Probably a compute module Lite) around a bespoke PCB with many of the same components as the BlueBus (for audio and I/O), with the addition of video ICs and a generic input for a backup camera. The CarLinkit dongle will push carplay to the RPi, which will then be output to an HDMI to TTL IC, then an RGB DAC.

The unit will then switch video inputs from the factory Nav to the RPI output whenever you decide to go into CarPlay/Android Auto.

It will also implement the same factory menus and features as the BlueBus.

-Ted

[sev]

Ted how are the plans for the CarPlay unit coming along? Willing to test it too LOL

carplay?!?! tell me more!!!!

[Andy2424]

t3ddftw
Been searching first but no dice. Is anyone running BlueBus with an E46 Professional CD54 (BMW Pn: 65 12 6 924 732) headunit? Was thinking of sourcing one for the better MID but they are pretty rare, especially in the US.

Hi, I have a CD54 on the Bluebus, but it doesn't work well. The controls are not stable and you have to press the buttons twice. I haven't gotten the phone right in 2 years. I would not do it. A simple dongle is better on the CD54...

[repoman89]

I am super interested in the Carplay thing too for my M5. Held off on the other solution for now because I don’t totally like the touch screen — rather control it with the right knob like the Mazda rotary system. Plug and play plus using the commonly available carlinkit adapter is great as well.

[0-60motorsports]

Ted how are the plans for the CarPlay unit coming along? Willing to test it too LOL

[stephen]

t3ddftw
Been searching first but no dice. Is anyone running BlueBus with an E46 Professional CD54 (BMW Pn: 65 12 6 924 732) headunit? Was thinking of sourcing one for the better MID but they are pretty rare, especially in the US.

I am. I found mine on UK eBay but the seller wouldn’t ship it to a US address so I had it sent to Baris at carphonics for an amp upgrade + shipping to US. Unfortunately the pixels on my display are spotty and is apparently a common issue on the CD54 with no fix available.

[4getr34]

is this compatible with a car with factory nav?

[heinzboehmer]

I've thought about swapping to one of those too. Seems like you could do some cool stuff with them

[jvit27]

t3ddftw
Been searching first but no dice. Is anyone running BlueBus with an E46 Professional CD54 (BMW Pn: 65 12 6 924 732) headunit? Was thinking of sourcing one for the better MID but they are pretty rare, especially in the US.

[killa_e46]

I'll try raising the call volume and report back. All the other hardware in the car has been the same.

[t3ddftw]

Sorry for the much belated response. My M3 is a June 2005 build with navigation.
Side note re: firmware update for possible power drain issue; I need to run further tests to accurately identify the power drain, but after replacing the battery (H7 AGM - lots of power), and running the firmware update for a month with no issues - the battery went back to getting drained if it sits for more than a few days. I'll report back after testing to ascertain the culprit for the battery drain; in hindsight, I should've tested with just one change (either battery or firmware) for more control over the assessment.

Thanks for following up! Have you traced back the source of your battery drain?

Was wondering if anyone else started having this issue. Just upgraded to the iphone 15 pro and now when connecting to the bluebus I can play music but for phone calls I can't hear the caller nor can the caller hear me unless i disconnect from bluetooth and hold the phone up to my ear.

Assuming you have a 2020 / 2021 BlueBus, please raise the call volume to maximum while on a call and connected to the BlueBus. Has anything changed with regards to the telephone adapter or microphone?

Thanks!
-Ted