Bluetooth Phone, Music & Nav : GROM BT3

[jc.guilbaud]

Hi all,

For those who want to upgrade their audio-phone system to wireless, I'm happy to share this Bluetooth install I did two weeks ago in my 2001 Z8, keeping the original head unit and the CD Changer in place.

The GROM BT3 works fine for music, for the Iphone built-in navigation, and for phone calls. Everything in Bluetooth. My phones connects immediately when I get into the car. It works with Iphone 4S, 5 and 5S.

System has also female USB for charging any USB device and a 3.5mm jack for audio.

The BT3 unit switches automatically from one source to another automatically (when navigation speaks, or when you receive/give a call) and goes back to music when calls are ended. You can switch songs with the arrow buttons of the head unit, but cannot see songs titles.

The mic is located in the arm rest, and I pull it out when I have a call (I did not want to take the risk of wiring it to the dashboard).

It took me 3 hours on a Saturday, but I am not a mechanic and I did not have instructions... so I guess anybody can do it.

I have made a pdf to keep the sequence of instructions. see attached.


Hope it can benefit to someone.

Best,

JC

[bclaude]

I purchased the GROM BT3 unit as described and installed it based on these instructions. The unit works flawlessly and the installation was a breeze thanks to the instructions provided by JC. Pulling the cables under the carpet is indeed the hardest part. I used a stiff wire that I pushed in there first and then used it to pull the GROM cables. While the back of the console was raised I pulled an iPhone 5 charger cable under the console and all the way to the head unit as the iPhone battery does not last very long streaming music in Blue Tooth. JC, many thanks for taking the time to produce this great set of instructions and introducing me to this piece of kit.

[jc.guilbaud]

Hi Bruno, (should I write in French?)
thank you very much for tour post ! I am happy to se that my little instruction guide was useful. I agree with you, the carpet part is the most challenging though not that hard.
I used the system every day I drive my Z8, and it works great.
Where do you live ?
Jean-Christophe.

[bclaude]

Hi JC I sent you a PM.

[Gammaman]

Is it possible to use the microphone that came with the car instead of the one supplied with the Grom?

[jc.guilbaud]

Good idea but I think it would not be easy because it would mean find the wire or the mic from the car (where it connects to the phone system behind drivers seat) and then connect it to the Grom instead of its mic-wire.
Soes anybody have the schematics ?

Is it possible to use the microphone that came with the car instead of the one supplied with the Grom?

[Krisbyann]

I love this idea.. I have now experienced "Dead Radio Syndrome" and was considering modifying with better/newer technology, but wasn't sure I wanted to mess with the original styling. Dealer want $1700 for new BMW factory radio...seems a bit pricey, but if I can get the new technology for less than $200 (plus installation), I just might consider it.

[Gammaman]

I did install the Grom but ended up using the Grom microphone. I tracked down a CPT8000 wiring diagram (not specific for the Z8), and concluded that the microphone lead is deeply buried in the wiring harness and not brought out as a separate pin connector so I gave up. If anyone can figure it out, please let me know!

[bclaude]

I installed the GROM BT3 unit as mentioned above. Initially it worked flawlessly but more recently I have had issues with my music getting interrupted repeatedly as if there was a bad connection somewhere. I now believe that it is a Bluetooth signal issue as when I move my iPhone from near the radio/nav unit to behind my seat very close to where the GROM unit resides the problem goes away. I am curious to hear if I am the only one with this issue which would mean that my unit is defective. Thanks!

[PeterPortugal]

JC thanks for the awesome instruction pdf.

I have run into a bit of trouble, maybe related to the age of the car.

I am trying to remove the felt cover of the centre console. Mine only has two screws (which I can see) at the forward end, not four as per your instructions. Removing these two screws does not even loosen it.

Anybody got a solution??

[PeterPortugal]

Hello Guys,
Been a while (years !!) since I have even seen my Z8 (thanks Covid 19) but anyway I have my hands on it for the weekend. I started an installation of the GROM audio Bluetooth device but got stuck at the point of removing that pesky foam tray where the mobile phone is stored. I did ask about this years ago, see post above. Can anybody give me some instructions on exactly how to remove the foam tray so I can run the wires.
Best
Peter

[dpz8]

Hello Guys,
Been a while (years !!) since I have even seen my Z8 (thanks Covid 19) but anyway I have my hands on it for the weekend. I started an installation of the GROM audio Bluetooth device but got stuck at the point of removing that pesky foam tray where the mobile phone is stored. I did ask about this years ago, see post above. Can anybody give me some instructions on exactly how to remove the foam tray so I can run the wires.
Best
Peter

If I remember correctly once you remove the rubber plugs and take out the screws (beneath the plugs) you just use a pick or plastic trim removal tool between the tray and surrounding leather near the silver button and carefully work it out.

[PeterPortugal]

Thanks DPZ8, I shall try that in the morning.