Skip to main content

Welcome to BlueBus

BlueBus is a Bluetooth interface module that brings modern connectivity to classic BMW vehicles equipped with the I-Bus architecture. By emulating a CD changer on the I-Bus, BlueBus provides seamless Bluetooth audio streaming, hands-free telephony, and comfort feature integration while maintaining full compatibility with your vehicle’s original systems.

What is BlueBus?

BlueBus connects to your BMW’s I-Bus to provide:
  • Bluetooth audio streaming with high-quality AAC codec support
  • Hands-free calling using your factory microphone and controls
  • Metadata display showing artist, title, and album information on your vehicle’s screen
  • Comfort features like auto-lock, comfort turn signals, and parking lamp control
  • Vehicle integration including On-Board Computer data display and GPS time synchronization
The module emulates a CD changer, making it appear as a native BMW component to your vehicle’s systems. This ensures compatibility with all factory displays and controls without any modifications to your existing equipment.

Key features

Bluetooth audio

Stream music from your phone with A2DP support and AAC codec. Control playback using your vehicle’s steering wheel and radio buttons.

Hands-free calling

Make and receive calls with HFP support. View caller ID on your display and answer calls using factory controls.

Vehicle integration

Display coolant, ambient, and oil temperatures on your screen. Automatic time sync from GPS or phone.

Comfort features

Auto-lock at configurable speeds, auto-unlock on ignition off, and comfort turn signals with customizable blink counts.

Get started

Compatibility

Check if your BMW model and display unit are supported

Features overview

Explore the complete feature set and capabilities

Installation

Learn how to install BlueBus in your vehicle

Configuration

Configure settings through your vehicle’s display menus

Hardware overview

BlueBus is built on proven automotive-grade components:
  • PIC24FJ1024GA606 - 16-bit MCU running at 16MHz with 1MB Flash memory
  • Microchip BM83 - Bluetooth 5.0 module for wireless connectivity
  • Melexis TH3122.4 - Dedicated I-Bus transceiver for reliable communication
  • PCM5122 DAC - High-quality audio output with 113 dB SNR and 2.1V RMS line-level
  • DIT4096 - S/PDIF encoder for digital audio output to DSP-equipped vehicles
BlueBus supports both analog and digital (S/PDIF) audio outputs, making it compatible with vehicles equipped with factory DSP systems.

Firmware updates

BlueBus features field-upgradable firmware via USB, ensuring you always have access to the latest features and improvements. Updates can be performed without removing the module from your vehicle.

Multi-language support

The module supports 9 languages for menu display:
  • Dutch
  • English
  • Finnish
  • French
  • German
  • Norwegian
  • Russian
  • Spanish
  • Swedish
Language settings can be configured through your vehicle’s display interface or set to automatic detection based on your vehicle’s settings.

Build docs developers (and LLMs) love