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The BlueBus module connects to your vehicle’s I-Bus and audio system through the CD changer connector. This guide provides detailed information about the connections and pinouts.

CD changer connector

The BlueBus module uses the factory CD changer connector (13-pin round connector) to interface with your vehicle. This connector provides all necessary connections:

Power connections

  • Pin 1: Ground (GND)
  • Pin 13: +12V switched power (Key-on power)
Ensure your vehicle provides switched +12V power on pin 13. Some vehicles may require adapter harnesses to provide proper power switching.

I-Bus connection

The I-Bus is a single-wire bidirectional communication bus used in BMW vehicles:
  • Pin 2: I-Bus data line
  • Baud rate: 9600 bps
  • Protocol: Asynchronous serial, 8E1 (8 data bits, even parity, 1 stop bit)
The BlueBus module uses a Melexis TH3122.4 I-Bus transceiver to interface with the vehicle’s I-Bus. This transceiver:
  • Handles voltage level conversion
  • Provides bus arbitration
  • Protects against electrical faults
  • Indicates bus status via the STATUS pin (RD0)

Audio connections

The audio connection method depends on your vehicle’s audio system configuration:
For vehicles with factory DSP (Digital Sound Processor):
  • Pin 5: Left channel audio output
  • Pin 11: Right channel audio output
  • Output level: 2.1V RMS (from PCM5122 DAC)
  • Signal-to-noise ratio: 113 dB
The BlueBus uses a PCM5122 digital-to-analog converter to generate high-quality line-level audio.

Microphone input

For hands-free telephony functionality:
  • Pin 6: Microphone input
  • Microphone bias voltage: Configurable via settings
  • Gain: Adjustable (0-15 levels)
  • Pre-amplification: Software-configurable
The microphone input works with factory BMW microphones or aftermarket electret microphones. Configure the microphone bias and gain settings for optimal performance.

MCU pin assignments

The BlueBus module uses a PIC24FJ1024GA606 microcontroller. Key pin assignments:

Communication interfaces

I-Bus UART (UART1)
  • RX: RD11 (RP12)
  • TX: RD10 (RP3)
  • Status: RD0
  • Enable: RF1
Bluetooth UART (UART2)
  • RX: RG6 (RP21)
  • TX: RG7 (RP26)
System UART (UART3) - USB interface for firmware updates
  • RX: RD2 (RP23)
  • TX: RD1 (RP24)
  • DTR: RD4

Bluetooth module control

BM83 Bluetooth module
  • Boot type: RE1
  • Data select: RE4
  • Multi-function button: RE5
  • Reset: RF0

Audio control

I2C3 bus - For PCM5122 DAC control
  • SDA: RE7
  • SCL: RE6
Audio component control
  • PAM8406 shutdown: RE3
  • S/PDIF reset: RE2

Telephony control

  • Telephone ON: RB7
  • Telephone MUTE: RE2 (shared with S/PDIF reset)

Storage and indicators

EEPROM (SPI1)
  • Chip select: RD8
  • Clock: RP16
  • Data in: RD9 (RP4)
  • Data out: RP30
System indicators
  • On LED: RE0
  • UART select: RD3 (BT=0, MCU=1)
  • Board version detect: RG8 (v1=0, v2=1)

DSP configuration

If your vehicle has a factory DSP, the BlueBus can configure the input source:
  • Radio input: Analog input from radio (0xA1)
  • S/PDIF input: Digital input from CD changer/BlueBus (0xA0)
The BlueBus sends configuration commands to the DSP module (I-Bus address 0x6A) to switch between input sources.

Power requirements

  • Input voltage: 12V nominal (9-16V operating range)
  • Current consumption:
    • Idle: ~100 mA
    • Active (Bluetooth connected): ~150 mA
    • Maximum (with amplifier): ~500 mA
Ensure your vehicle’s CD changer connector provides adequate current for the BlueBus module. Some vehicles may require direct battery connection for power.

Grounding

Proper grounding is critical for noise-free operation:
  1. Use the ground pin on the CD changer connector
  2. Ensure a solid connection to vehicle chassis ground
  3. Keep ground paths short and direct
  4. Avoid ground loops by using a single ground point

Testing connections

After completing the wiring:
1

Check power

Verify +12V on pin 13 and ground on pin 1 with ignition in position 1 or higher.
2

Monitor I-Bus

The I-Bus STATUS pin (RD0) should indicate bus activity when the ignition is on.
3

Verify audio output

Check for audio output on the appropriate pins when playing Bluetooth audio.
4

Test microphone

If using telephony, verify microphone input during a call.

Troubleshooting wiring issues

SymptomPossible causeSolution
No power LEDNo power or bad groundCheck pins 1 and 13, verify voltage
Module powers on but not detectedI-Bus connection issueVerify pin 2 connection, check TH3122 status
No audio outputWrong audio mode or bad connectionCheck DSP input source setting, verify audio pins
Poor audio qualityGround loop or interferenceImprove grounding, check cable routing
Microphone not workingBias voltage or gain issueAdjust microphone settings in configuration

Next steps

Once wiring is complete:
  1. Configure your display unit settings
  2. Pair Bluetooth devices
  3. Adjust audio settings
  4. Configure telephony settings if using hands-free

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