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BlueBus is a Bluetooth interface module for BMW vehicles equipped with the I-Bus. It emulates a CD changer on the I-Bus to provide seamless Bluetooth audio, hands-free telephony, and comfort feature integration while maintaining full compatibility with original vehicle systems.
BlueBus is compatible with BMW vehicles using the I-Bus architecture:
| Platform | Models | Years |
|---|---|---|
| E38 | 7 Series | 1994-2001 |
| E39 | 5 Series | 1995-2004 |
| E46 | 3 Series | 1997-2006 |
| E52 | Z8 | 2000-2003 |
| E53 | X5 | 1999-2006 |
| E83 | X3 | 2003-2010 |
| E85 | Z4 | 2003-2008 |
| E86 | Z4 | 2005-2008 |
| R50/R52/R53 | MINI | 2000-2006 |
- A2DP streaming with high-quality audio output over AAC
- AVRCP metadata display (artist, title, album) on vehicle screens
- Full playback control via vehicle buttons
- HFP (Hands-Free Profile) with factory microphone integration
- Caller ID display on vehicle screen
- Answer/end calls via vehicle controls
- Telephone LED control (Red = Device Disconnected, Green = Connected)
- Voice recognition support via Siri / Google Assistant
- Emulation of OE telephone system (Minus the Menus, for now)
- Native DSP compatibility (analog and S/PDIF inputs)
- On-Board Computer data display (coolant temp, ambient temp, oil temp)
- GPS time synchronization for vehicles with factory Nav
- Park Distance Control integration
- Auto-lock at configurable speed threshold
- Auto-unlock on ignition off
- Comfort turn signals (Tap to signal)
- Parking lamp control
- Firmware upgradable via USB
- Multi-language support (9 languages)
- Up to 8 paired Bluetooth devices
| Unit | Description | Display |
|---|---|---|
| BMBT | Board Monitor (Navigation) | Full graphical menus |
| MID | Multi-Information Display | 24-character single line |
| CD53 | Business CD Radio | 11-character single line |
| MIR | Multi-Information Radio | Single line display |
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| PIC24FJ1024GA606 | 16-bit MCU @ 16MHz, 1MB Flash |
| BM83 | Microchip Bluetooth 5.0 Module |
| Melexis TH3122.4 | I-Bus Transceiver |
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| PCM5122 | Line-Level DAC, 2.1V RMS, 113 dB SNR |
| DIT4096 | S/PDIF Encoder |
| PAM8406 | 5W Class-D/Class-AB Amplifier |
| Component | Description |
|---|---|
| FT231XS | USB to UART (firmware updates) |
Settings are stored in EEPROM and can be configured through the vehicle display menus. Categories include:
- Audio - DAC gain, DSP input source, volume offsets
- Telephony - HFP mode, microphone gain, volume
- Comfort - Auto-lock speed, blinker count, lighting options
- UI - Language, temperature units, display preferences
- Navigation - Auto-zoom, map display mode