DaveW Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 I've currently got a Pioneer P85BT (http://www.pioneer.eu/uk/products/archive/DEH-P85BT/index.html) As much as it still sounds great, the bluetooth module gets on my nerves, it's a bit on the flakey side, and there doesn't appear to be a firmware update as far as I can find. So, I'm on the lookout for a replacement, it has to support full iPod control (permanent connection in the back - also has to be as intuitive as the Pioneer unit) and have bluetooth built in. I love the look of the look and functionality of the MVH-8300BT (http://www.dynamicsounds.co.uk/pioneer-mvh8300bt-bluetooth-digital-media-receiver-ipod-p-25023.html) but as far as I can tell you can only connect the iPod from the front Any suggestions, recommendations? Dave Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 This one if you dont want a CD player http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-kiv700.html This one if you do http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/kenwood-btc61u.html Both have Parrot handsfree built into them with external microphones so they're crystal clear. Ipod control is good and from the rear via usb, can either be controlled via the HU, steering wheel (if you have the necessary adapter from connects2 (around £15). Plenty of sound adjustment, 3 pre outs (FL FR RR RL + subwoofer - which is adjustable). Digital time alignment etc etc . HTH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Thanks Rob, Looks like you have to buy the additional BT module for the KIV-700 - The reviews are also a little hit and miss, shame as it looks like a similar unit to the Pioneer I did have my eye on I'll do some digging on the other one now, not worried about having a CD player at all, love not having them rattling about in the car Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 I had the BT60u which was the model before the bt61u (shockingly lol). Couldn't fault it really. Good luck with the search anyway Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 18, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Cheers Rob, Do you know if the iPod controls work the same on the BT61U as they do on the video in the first link you posted? Not overly fussed about the display etc.. Thanks for all the help so far Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted May 18, 2011 Report Share Posted May 18, 2011 Not 100% sure about the 61 but the 60 was near enough the same navigation as the vid just without the screen resolution of the KIV as you say. You could control it via the Ipod itself using 'ipod by hand mode' too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 I think I'm convinced on that BT61U... just trying to figure out if the connects 2 adaptor will allow the bluetooth button on the steering wheel to work, I know you can hook some Parrot kits up to it? Thanks for all the help btw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
h4rri Posted May 19, 2011 Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Alpine BT range. Excellent full iPod control and bluefish to boot Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 19, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 19, 2011 Thanks H4rri, I did try an Alpine unit a couple of weeks back in a Halfords, and after using the Pioneer interface, the iPod control felt very clumsy. I've ordered the Kenwood one now, should get it next week, and if I can get the centre OEM facia etc.. in time (decided to get rid of the cheapy feeling facia) I hope to fit it all next weekend Dave. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 27, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 27, 2011 FINALLY got the KDC-BT61U! They are like rocking horse s**t at the minute, nearly all of the 'big' websites advertise them as in stock, only when you order they don't actually have any... (thanks to Car Audio Centre - CAC for short, for wasting my time for a week!!!) - I only found one online retailer that had it.. and it took a train journey from Stevenage (my car was in A1 BMW to try and resolve a knocking noise - back tomorrow lol) to Finsbury Park to pick it up! Also got the Connects2 adaptor so the steering wheel buttons will do something Also got the BMW centre fit cage and facia that will be going in on Sunday, pictures to follow Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 Got pics if my bt60u fitted somewhere on here, will dig them out when I get home. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob- Posted May 28, 2011 Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 http://www.e46zone.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=21406 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 28, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 28, 2011 Looks good! Well, my day was a disaster with it... plugged the bt61u in to make sure it worked.... and it didn't! l Called the guy I got it from, he said bring it down, he'd swap it for another, got to the train station, got on the train, he called me to say he actually didn't have one, he'd been sent the wrong stock - So he's now sending me a replacement next week. I did however fit the centre mount cage / facia, looks so much better, even with the gaudy silver pioneer facia! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickyZ Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Looks very tidy dude will look even better when new headunit arrives lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zimzimmer46 Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 (edited) Where did u get the centre piece from?? PM me coz ill forget to look Edited May 30, 2011 by zimzimmer46 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RickyZ Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Where did u get the centre piece from?? PM me coz ill forget to look WOW not a SPAM post Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Where did u get the centre piece from?? PM me coz ill forget to look I'll PM you this... but for anyone else interested. It's a genuine BMW part, made for some GPS / Traffic Pro unit Part number: 65900410495 Looks like this on RealOEM To do the job properly you have to replace the existing cage part, fairly easy to do, you take out the stereo, pop the vents out, pop the air con unit out remove the remaining screws (only held in place by 4 screws - 2 of which you have to undo to remove the vents) then screw the new one in Looks and feels 100% better than the cheapo autoleads alternative, but comes at a price, think from BMW it's £69+VAT Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted May 30, 2011 Author Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 Can't PM you... says you can't receive new messages lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Frobius Posted May 30, 2011 Report Share Posted May 30, 2011 +1 on the centre fit adapter thing. Looks 1000x better than the ones where the HU is off to one side! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DaveW Posted June 1, 2011 Author Report Share Posted June 1, 2011 The replacement head unit (BT61U) turned up today as promised. Got it fitted including mic for the bluetooth, and the steering wheel connection remote within an hour! job jobbed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mcfly Posted July 1, 2011 Report Share Posted July 1, 2011 The replacement head unit (BT61U) turned up today as promised. Got it fitted including mic for the bluetooth, and the steering wheel connection remote within an hour! job jobbed! Would you recommend the BT61U? Im looking for an IPhone unit with bluetooth for my wifes Rav4. When youre listening to the Ipod and a call comes in, I assume it mutes etc etc? And does the HU come with microphone? Cheers George Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
budwab Posted September 21, 2011 Report Share Posted September 21, 2011 Could you possibly post some pics with the Kenwood head unit please ? Thanks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
