[yujyh]

Can it be done if the car has no sat nav and the smaller screen?

[PrazVT]

I exchanged a few e-mails w/ Patryk from bimmer-tech a month ago or so and he seemed to think it would work. Excerpt:

"If you have the Combox (no matter which one) you will be able to use the Apple white cable.

However I just checked the BMW diagrams and it seems that your car will have the USB port connected directly to the head unit
and this is why the Apple white cable might not work and this will be just basic iPod integration.

If you had taken the 6NL option then they would have installed the Combox Telematics and the USB port would have been connected to the Combox.

Assuming the head units that are installed in cars with 6NH and those installed with options 6NL are the same
we should be able to retrofit the Combox, but most probably we shall not be able to make it a permanent retrofit.
I mean that you would need to disconnect the Combox before your dealer could update the car software in the future.
I am thinking about the Media version that is cheaper than the Telematics."

[clarence]

Does ur can have enhanced BT and or BMW Assist?

[yujyh]

No my car has the base Bluetooth and iPod connects through Y-Cable. Thats why I thought the Combox Media might work but not the Combox Telematics.
My dealer is also checking with BMW but I have some doubts there as well.

[yujyh]

trying now to get 06nk fitted only, hopefully that doesn't need as much HW as 06nl

[yujyh]

Dealer just told me it cannot be done, sniff...

[PrazVT]

It's not that BMW can't do it - they won't do it. Both Patryk (bimmer-tech) and Aleks (Alekshop) have said they can do it.

[yujyh]

Thanks, am returning the car now and getting one which has 6NL and a fix for the other problems I had so it's all good and lucky! Cant wait

[john08135i]

What is the combox exactly?

[tarekelsakka]

I apologize for reviving such an old thread, but did anyone get around to doing this? I have a 2013 F30 with the small screen and standard Bluetooth which only works for phone calls. I do have a USB port in the glovebox which I use for music playback through a USB flash drive.

I also have BMW's Connected Drive on the display but it only has one option, which is to contact the BMW Emergency Services in case anything happens on the road.

Replacing the iDrive with a nav one is extremely expensive and not easy to do, so I thought retrofitting a COMBOX would be cheaper and easier. Does anyone know if it's doable and exactly what it requires? And what exactly would it enable? Premium Bluetooth?

Thanks

[Adamr916]

You won't even have to retrofit the combox, you just need to get enhanced bluetooth turned on by coding.

[tarekelsakka]

Originally Posted by Adamr916

You won't even have to retrofit the combox, you just need to get enhanced bluetooth turned on by coding.

But I've read and heard that in order to get enhanced Bluetooth to work, I'll need a COMBOX installed in the trunk of the car, regardless of coding.

[Patrys@BimmerTech]

If you send us an email at info@bimmer-tech.net with your VIN we will check if you need just software or the full Combox retrofit kit.

[tarekelsakka]

Originally Posted by Patrys@BimmerTech

If you send us an email at info@bimmer-tech.net with your VIN we will check if you need just software or the full Combox retrofit kit.

Thanks for your reply, Patrick. I've heard a lot about you here and in other forums.

I sent the VIN number to the email address you provided. Thank you!

[Saeedoz]

I also apologize for reviving an old thread !
tarekelsakka Did you ever get the enhanced bluetooth installed and was it done through coding only?
I have the exact same specs on my f30 as you described - no combox, no navigation, small screen, basic bluetooth and a USB and Aux line in connector in the armrest storage area!
Thanks

[tarekelsakka]

Originally Posted by Saeedoz

I also apologize for reviving an old thread !
tarekelsakka Did you ever get the enhanced bluetooth installed and was it done through coding only?
I have the exact same specs on my f30 as you described - no combox, no navigation, small screen, basic bluetooth and a USB and Aux line in connector in the armrest storage area!
Thanks

Hi Saeed!

Unfortunately, I never really got around to it because after asking a lot of professionals and visiting different mechanics and shops, I came to the realization that it would require a lot of effort, time and money to get it working properly, so I just saved up and retrofitted a NBT Evo a while ago and it's been fantastic.

I see that you live in Jeddah and I don't really know if you have retrofitting garages like we do in Cairo, but I'd try and go for at least a NBT because it will completely change your experience with the car.

Tip: If you car is pre-wired for it, it'll be as easy as plugging the combox in and then coding to activate it, but my car did not have the wires setup and it would have taken a lot of effort and time to wire it. That wire is, of course, located in the trunk of the car.

Good luck!

[Saeedoz]

Hi Tarek
Thanks for your reply and tips ! Yes Jeddah doesn't have many qualified garages and technicians and it is difficult to find someone who understands the coding well. I am taking your advice and not messing with the current system. Will look into the NBT !
All the best !

[Jaymc180]

very sorry for reviving an old post , but im after buying a combox, im wondering where i would have to go to find out what wires i need to purchase to run from the head unit, any help is greatly appreciated

[pola1967]

Hi guys,

Apologies if this reply is a little repetitive, I am still quite confused as I am very new to BMW. I have recently purchased a BMW F30 318d and from my understanding I have a Standard 6NH BT/USB - CIC Display Unit (6.6 inch screen - small).
With my current set I can use bluetooth but only for calls and listen to music either via an aux cable, USB or just plain simple radio.

I wish to install a combox in the car as I don't have one so that I can code in enhanced bluetooth. I just don't know where to start whatsoever. I have done some shopping on ebay (haven't bought anything) for combox's however, I am a little hesitant to purchase one as in the images and description it appears that only the box will be sent, if that's the case what wires and housing will I need to get?

Looking to see if anyone has done and has a step-by-step guide or video tutorial? If yes you are amazing and I would be super thankful

Thank you guys for reading this and if anything helping out.