BlueBus

An IBus-enabled, fully integrated Bluetooth module for your car.

Play music, take calls and experience OEM-like integration

Full OE Telephone emulation out of the box. Use the OE Mic, or use any standard 3.5mm jacked microphone

Features

  • Full integration with the vehicle for an OE-like experience
  • Full Support for the Business CD and Navigation Systems
  • Emulation of the OE telephone so that calls can be handled irrespective of the radio mode or state
  • Support for the OE BMW Microphone
  • Metadata display on all UIs
  • Firmware Upgradable
  • Compatible with the analog and digital (coax) DSP system
  • Simple installation
  • Fully open source, down to the hardware
  • Extremely high quality audio output
Business Radio Interface
Board Monitor Interface

Known Compatibility

The BlueBus unit is compatible with the following IBus-Enabled vehicles

  • BMW 3-series E46 (1998-2006)
  • BMW 5-series E39 (1995-2004)
  • BMW 7-series E38 (1994-2001)
  • BMW X3 E83 (2004-2010)
  • BMW X5 E53 (1999-2006)
  • BMW Z4 E85 E86 (2002-2008)
  • BMW New Mini One and Cooper R50 (2001-2006) R52 (2005-2008) and the R53 (2001-2006)
  • BMW Range Rover L30/L322 (1999-2003)
  • BMW Rover 75 R40 (1999-2005)
  • Japanese Cars are not supported!

Pre-Order

This product has been fully developed by myself. Before you pre-order this module, you should understand that this is not my full-time job and I have no employees (other than my wife and child). If demand for this product reaches levels where I cannot fulfill orders on time, I will hire help. You should also understand that while I am more than happy to fix any bugs with the firmware, they may not be resolved overnight.

If you're okay with all of this, please fill out the form below.

Please note that the Samsung Galaxy S6 / S7 / S8 have known issues with Bluetooth range and the BlueBus. I do not recommend you purchase a unit if you plan to use this with one of those devices. The unit works perfectly with Samsung Galaxy S9 / S10+ devices and the Note 9. Other variations (S9+, S10, Note 10) have not been tested, but are presumed to work.

Pre-orders are now closed. Please fill out the form below if you would like to purchase a unit when they become available again in March of 2020.

Pricing will be $235 USD moving forward

Tech Specs

  • 1MB ROM for firmware (over 90% free so far)
  • 32kB RAM
  • BC127 Bluetooth module
  • Support for A2DP, HFP, SPP, BLE and MAP Bluetooth protocols
  • WM8804 S/PDIF to I2S transceiver
  • 2.1v RMS 113dB SNR Audio DAC (Texas Instruments PCM5122)
  • FT232RL USB to Serial Converter
  • Field upgradable firmware for MCU and BC127
  • Melexis TH3122.4 IBus transceiver with hardware collision detection/prevention
  • 1.5 Amp Fuse to prevent over-current conditions
  • 1MB EEPROM
  • PAM8406 Amplifier for call handling
  • OE Connectors sourced from the same company that BMW purchased them from (TE Connectivity)
  • cVc (Clear Voice Capture) Codec enabled to prevent noise and echo when taking phone calls

Here's what I've been working on -- Revision A (top), Revision B (middle) and Revision C (bottom).

BlueBus

Warranty & Returns

If you're not satisfied with the module, you have 14 days from the day your BlueBus is delivered to ask for an RMA in order to receive a full refund. The module carries a limited life-time warranty against any defects. Any modifications or misuse of the module by the end user will nullify this warranty.