in another 3 (same model) I had after several attempts with the combination of an MP3-capable Blaupunkt radios and an autonomous (using the radio speakers, but has its own amplifier system) found Parrot Bluetooth hands-free system with USB port, a near-perfect solution.
But the work of installing time ... brrr! And expand the whole lot again, I did not even more so. So as far as possible "plug & play", ie vehicle-specific cable adapter and shaft faceplate, at that attach the radio-specific installation frame, the "Pluto" uh Bluetooth microphone (see below) attached to a suitable place, durchfuddeln cable to the radio slot and it must run!
First came in this way that a conversion to 2-DIN "leftover" Alpine CDE-125BT into the "new" BMW pure, which had previously served me well already in 2 other cars and especially by his easy BT functionality , the useful sound even on the original speakers could (but fly medium out anyway) and his decent operating concept (station buttons, no light organ, etc.) positively by so many others, "hands-free radio" stand out.
That was perfect in itself, only watched the nasty garish blue lighting of 125ers something by not at all to the subtle orange-red illumination of the BMW cockpit.
So looking for an alternative, and because of the positive experience with the 125 again at Alpine.
Would direct the CDE-126BT offered on the same device but with switchable illumination, as well as an older model.
Or just the current CDE-173BT, which in addition to a few additional functions (BT streaming / media access, extensive customization of the sound adjustment, language selection, etc.) also brings a more clearly "tidier" acting control panel, especially as the "main user" of the car also is a bit dated.
And since the 1-DIN car stereo Alpine yes device side have the same plug and use the same hands-free microphone, the conversion would have been extremely easy ...
So ordered the 173BT, was accustomed quickly because as Amazon.
Unpacked, and ... the dream of simple conversion was first passé. Because the device plug is indeed the same, but slightly different is, and he is sitting at the other end of the back. Would have been no problem in a car with more space in the radio slot, but in which BMW had I been on installing the 125BT cable of its ISO-on-connector adapter lengthy durchfuddeln behind a strut of the original pit on its right side, so that the whole impenetrable cable-jumble there Place has.
In addition, the 173BT not, ie the 125BT, a clutch for the "thin" antenna connector on one cable run out, but a built-in socket for housing the "thick" connector.
So all Kabelkram rausgefuddelt again, worried adapter for the antenna, and the same again ... cursed, because the shaft adapter is different. Instead of ingenious tools releasably locking the 125BT with the snap hook in the frame is again a conventional, only Spezialwerkzweug (two supplied fairly soft metal strips, of course, once again completely different form than other radios) ausrstbare lock installed that even with the shaft adapter of 173 works, including the rebuilt ...
When everything was in there, turn on the first function test, display and sound settings, phone account ... in short, up to this point everything was great!
The red color matches, the display stands out with its "cool white" a bit out, but otherwise, the radio panel integrates perfectly into the BMW cockpit.
Sound and settings for the same leave little to be desired, all compared with the 125BT again expanded somewhat.
Lovely, too, that the entry into the sound settings has been placed on its own button and will no longer be triggered by pressing the knob (which is now on station or music track search) what to adjust, because the risk is less, accidentally when volume rules there.
The reception seems to be just a tad bit better than the 125BT.
The navigation channel lists and MP3 Files ... well. essentially as before, so not so great comfortable as at some other device, but it works.
Mobile phone handsfree as usual top class.
BT-media playback is also top ... to be, anyway.
As such, a thoroughly enjoyable device ... but now comes the big, big BUT!
Because every time after a few minutes USB or Bluetooth Musiklwiedergabe worsened sound quality dramatically.
This begins with first barely perceptible short interruptions and then builds to a massive croak and crackling or even the failure of individual speaker outputs (with the copy here it started always at the right front).
Stopped short playback and resumed, and it was (for some minutes) again everything is OK, just by switching between inputs.
Initially thought to be a problem with the currently playing MP3 file, but the error occurred querbeet on All tracks.
So put another stick and there new draufkopiert the Files ... the same!
Whether while driving or just wnen to ignition ...
Just in the media reproducing via Bluetooth ... and each stop-continue ... going again (until the next disturbance).
Expanded Radio, all the cables to check whether there might something wrong comes in on-board signals ... nothing! Radio gets permanent plus and ignition, and gives out its output to the speakers, all other lines are disconnected, and with exactly the same assignment does the 125BT so properly.
Better safe than sorry, the radio again kpl. disconnected, taken out of the car and operated in the workshop with a car battery and a few speakers tuned ... exactly the same problem!
A clear case (or so it seemed at least initially), the thingy is' putt ... so AEG (off-packing-warranty).
That reminds me of the USB front only eh not so like (with ultra small stick or miniature micro SD adapter although acceptable), I then ordered to replace a 174BT, that's the same device but with the USB at the back instead on the front panel.
But that was exactly the same mistake, croaking and dropouts single speaker as soon as a few minutes MP3 from USB or bia Bluetooth reproduced, regardless of whether the vehicle electrical system or just so energized, no matter what stick, no matter what file, and with the 125BT ran all problems.
Thus therefore no defect of a single piece, but probably a general problem in this series.
Now (the 126BT incl.) The 125BT is first again in it, and I look for the Beleuchtungsfarbev for an alternative ... other Alpine units are eliminated because the control panel back significantly less designed "pensioner-friendly", and sometimes even against the 125BT deterioration would constitute yet.
Will probably come down to the JVC KD-R 951BTE.
Schade Alpine, you have messed up's ...
