BlueBus: A fully integrated A2DP Bluetooth solution

[Der_Spanier]

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

I was tempted by a CD54 a few times, even before getting a Bluebus.

I never pulled the plug because of reliability concerns. It’s supposed to sound better than the CD53, but you see a lot of reports of faulty sound (sound missing from some speakers, weird cracking) and dead pixels on the display. The vast majority of units for sale have those issues.

That and the high prices have put me off. I’ll stick with my trusty CD53. It might not sound the best, but at least it’s reliable and, thanks to Ted and the Bluebus, has 21st century functionality.

[sev]

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.



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



The BlueBus works well with factory Nav cars



Still in the planning phase!





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

TAKE MY MONEY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[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.