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08-09 A2DP Bluetooth Integration (Maybe HFP?)

3K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  JavierV 
#1 · (Edited)
I'm a little picky when it comes to getting bluetooth integration into my 3. I have always enjoyed the OEM look and have always been searching for some sort of solution to integrate bluetooth into the vehicle while retaining the original HU (BOSE HU hooked up to MS-8 DSP :wink:) and functionality of it as much as possible.

So starting with the upgrade to the BOSE HU, then the OEM iPod kit on top of that, I could at least get the ability to hook up my iPhone via the old 30-pin plug and a 30-pin-to-lightning adapter. The 08-09 Sanyo HUs introduced the "Media" button and a "newer M-Bus protocol(?)" which allowed for daisy-chaining accessories like the SXM module, iPod integration module, and AUX off the second port on the back of the HU, but also allowed for (and what i was primarily looking for) text data transfer like song and artist info sent from the iPod to the head unit. I wanted to find some BT solution that at least retained this text functionality and unfortunately it seemed like retaining the OEM iPod solution was the only real way in my case, so I needed something that would be like a bluetooth receiver to 30-pin plug module.

With that in mind I finally found a device called the Bovee 1000. It's basically meant to emulate iPod functionality over BT in vehicles with larger LCDs which would allow for an easier view of song + artist info and also searching for music via albums, artists, playlists, etc. It in no way was designed for the Mazda3 but rather for high-end vehicles like BMWs, Audis, and Mercedes. It's a little pricy but using some old credit card points I took a gamble and bit yet another bullet for my 3. To my surprise the thing actually freaking works! It displays song info and everything. Info shows not just from the media library but also apps like Spotify as well. Technically speaking any streaming app should be sending that info via the same API for transmission over BT anyways, so theres no reason the app won't show info unless it just never sends it to the iPhone BT framework for AVRCP to begin with. Idk why in the description on Amazon specifically says it won't support text from apps even though it does. But anyways, it still has the small hiccups I would expect from a nearly decade-old iPod integration solution interfacing with an iPhone 7+, but frankly still works quite well! Now I don't have to worry about any wires for music when I get in my car and the Bovee 1000 can sit connected to the iPod adapter in the center console.

So the only other downside and what I have yet to figure out is how to do is some sort of handsfree solution. Luckily all hope for it is not yet lost yet as the Bovee 1000 seems to only make use of the AVRCP and A2DP bluetooth profiles, but not the HFP profile for phone calls. If I could find a BT device ONLY for phone calls via bluetooth that doesn't support A2DP then both devices can be paired to an iPhone at the same time. Anyways that'll be for a later date maybe. The iPod 30-pin pin-out does have support for a line-in which with some handy soldering work could be used for a microphone, but the Bovee 1000 makes no reference to supporting handsfree so I don't think it'll work. It would be really damn nice if I could answer phone calls and have audio go through my system while utilizing the iPhone microphone but Apple doesn't seem to support that. :(

Couple other things to note, this solution will likely work ONLY on 08-09 Mazda3s with a Sanyo head unit containing the "Media" button as the last button in the main top row of buttons on the HU. HUs with the "AUX" or "TAPE/MD" buttons won't work (basically any 04-07 HUs). 04-07 HUs with the OEM iPod solution made use of emulating a CD changer on the HU for audio. Having song/artist text show up on these HUs isn't even possible either. If you wanted a full BT solution with A2DP and HFP there are better solutions for these units than my fiasco anyways.

I also realize that this info probably pertains to only a very very small crowd especially considering how many people probably even bought the OEM iPod solution in those years anyways, but it's here for anyone who's interested plus for reference. And yeah I realize the reality of this whole idea of trying to keep the stock look while adding all these features is kinda pointless in today's day and age. After all I could just get an aftermarket head unit and call it a day, but where's the fun in that, right?
 
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