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)

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 pre-order 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.

Lastly, pricing is $190 for all pre-orders. Pricing will increase after pre-orders have been fulfilled.

Pre-Orders will begin shipping in mid January of 2020

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.