Bluetooth audio / combox retrofit

What is Bluetooth audio?

Bluetooth audio streaming is a technology that allows you to wirelessly play music from a smartphone, tablet, or other Bluetooth device to a compatible Bluetooth receiver device, such as a car stereo or wireless speaker.

With Bluetooth audio streaming, you no longer need cables to play music or enjoy other audio content. Instead, Bluetooth creates wireless connections between devices, allowing you to stream audio wirelessly to your Bluetooth receiver device.

Bluetooth audio streaming is a common feature in many modern vehicles, including BMWs, and it makes it easy to listen to music on the go without having to connect your phone or tablet to the car stereo with a cable. It’s also convenient for hands-free calling and listening to navigation instructions while driving.

It’s possible your BMW, Mini, or Rolls-Royce isn’t equipped with this. Fortunately, it’s possible to retrofit it.

Combox retrofit (original BMW)

If your BMW isn’t equipped with Bluetooth audio, a Combox upgrade might be a good option. A Combox is an original BMW module that provides communication and connectivity features to your BMW, including Bluetooth audio and hands-free calling, USB ports for charging devices and playing music, and internet connectivity. The Combox is an original BMW module; for the OEM enthusiast, this is the best solution!

To perform a Combox upgrade, your BMW must have an iDrive system equipped with a CIC (Car Information Computer). The Combox upgrade also requires specific wiring and hardware, so it’s essential to have this installation performed by an authorized BMW dealer or software specialist.

The cost of the upgrade can vary depending on the age and model of your BMW, as well as the specific installation requirements.

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Bluetooth retrofit (aftermarket)

It is not always possible to install a Combox, or due to a customer request there is another reason not to choose a Combox.

We also regularly install aftermarket Bluetooth modules. The very best modules we use are connected to the car’s MOST (fiber optic) network. This ensures optimal sound quality.

The modules we install have the following options and are designed to replace an (existing) CD changer.

  • Seamless integration with the car. The steering wheel buttons (volume, next/previous track, etc.) work properly.
  • Bluetooth audio
  • Bluetooth telephony
  • Audio from a micro SD card
  • Audio from a USB stick
  • Audio via an aux cable

The exact options vary per module, so please inquire beforehand about the options for your car.

The photo next to this text shows the functionality of the older CCC navigation system in an E60.

References

What our customers say

Imad Moussaif profile pictureImad Moussaif
14:56 30 Sep 25
Great service, even with urgency it was very fast, it could be fixed the same day, I am very happy with it, definitely recommended!!
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Dennis Mijling profile pictureDennis Mijling
18:53 25 Sep 25
Highly recommended to bring your BMW in if you need software updates or programming done! This guy knows what he's talking about and is willing to go the extra mile to make sure you go home satisfied! Thanks for the experience. Regards, Dennis (speeddonors)
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Kevin W profile pictureKevin W
13:28 20 Sep 25
Very satisfied with Carware! My dashboard lights stopped working, and owner Jan quickly found the cause. He honestly suggested I could fix it myself to save money—and he was absolutely right. Friendly service (even offered a drink) and very knowledgeable. Absolutely recommended! You won't find service like this again! 5/5 ⭐️
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Rodney de Jong profile pictureRodney de Jong
07:48 18 Sep 25
Very satisfied with the work and the service. He keeps his appointments and delivers quality work. Jan is also a true specialist/expert and works very neatly. Highly recommended.
Kevin van Wijngaarden profile pictureKevin van Wijngaarden
09:09 13 Sep 25
After replacing several parts on my BMW M140 with no success, the ECU turned out to be the culprit. After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware, where I received excellent service. Jan quickly diagnosed the problem correctly. He clearly explained the problem and the costs. Clear communication, no surprises, and expert service. Highly recommended for anyone with electronic problems with their BMW or MINI.
Hans van Stratum profile pictureHans van Stratum
12:26 06 Sep 25
My car has been parked since July 7th due to a malfunction in the electronic steering lock on my BMW E90.
Last year, the entire steering column was replaced, but after a few months, the same problem arose. No one could solve it, but after a long search online, I found Jan, and after a clear explanation and a potential solution, I regained hope.
Jan remotely—how?—really got my car running again and immediately wrote down all the malfunctions and error messages.
Jan is a hero! It's a shame you can only give 5 stars and not 10, otherwise he would have definitely earned them!
Jos Kuijs profile pictureJos Kuijs
11:22 27 Aug 25
I had a problem with the ROC module for my BMW. Jan neatly fixed all the error codes and reinstalled the module. A fantastic solution, instead of having a new and expensive module replaced at the garage. Jan communicates quickly and honestly about the options and any risks. He also provides immediate clarity about the costs. In short, I understand why all the reviews here are 5 stars, and this one adds another 5 stars!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Jos, dank voor je leuke review en je lovende woorden. Daar doen we het voor! 🙂
Jan Raveyts profile pictureJan Raveyts
15:00 17 Aug 25
The ECM of a 320 convertible was repaired and updated with new software. The car now drives smoothly and better than ever. Excellent service! Perfect! Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 06:46 01 Sep 25
Dank voor je lovende woorden!
Joost van Dongen profile pictureJoost van Dongen
19:33 07 Aug 25
I have an old BMW Z3, and after winter storage, it wouldn't start.
Jan was able to come on-site within two days to scan the Z3, but unfortunately, that wasn't possible because the Z3 has an older system.
Luckily, Jan still had an old laptop with the correct software.
He quickly realized the AWS module was malfunctioning. He gave me tips on how to work around this and adjusted the ECU. And yes, it's running like a charm again.
Excellent, clear communication, good advice.
Simply a true professional.
We need more of them.
Response from the owner 06:47 01 Sep 25
Joost, dank voor je leuke review. En veel rijplezier toegewenst in je Z3!
Opperhoofd Cristian profile pictureOpperhoofd Cristian
20:04 18 Jul 25
My frame broke.
He expertly repaired it for me.
Great service.
I was able to get an appointment within two hours and it was fixed within half an hour. Absolutely fantastic.

Highly recommended 👌👌
Response from the owner 09:57 28 Jul 25
Dankjewel Cristian voor je review. En fijn dat je FRM het weer helemaal doet
Johan Peeters profile pictureJohan Peeters
19:03 17 Jul 25
We had Jan install original BMW cruise control in our BMW Z4. Everything was expertly installed and thoroughly tested. Jan works calmly and consistently. Highly recommended!
Response from the owner 09:58 28 Jul 25
Ha Johan,Fijn dat je blij bent met de originele cruise control. Origineel blijft in onze ogen de mooiste oplossing voor je Z4.Hartelijke groet,Carware
Piet Meilink profile picturePiet Meilink
20:23 08 Jul 25
After some online research, I found Hagenaar Carware for an upgrade to the DCT gearbox in my BMW E92 M3, specifically the GTS software. After contacting them through the app, I was able to quickly schedule an appointment.
Once I arrived, Jan already heard me 🥳. He immediately grabbed the laptop to check everything for error codes, after which the software could be installed. Meanwhile, Jan changed my menu to Dutch (it was in English), completely free of charge 👌
After an hour, we were back on the road, and the shifting was so incredibly fast.

Thanks, Jan!
Response from the owner 09:59 28 Jul 25
Ha Piet,Het werken aan een E92 M3 is altijd extra leuk. Fijn dat je tevreden bent, en het mooie V8-geluid was inderdaad al van ver te herkennen ;-)Hartelijke groet,Carware

The possibilities per model

The options depend on the type of navigation system (or audio system) installed in your car. Not sure which model you have? Check this page.

Normaal gesproken is dit mogelijk bij o.a.:

  • BMW E-serie business / professional / cd
  • BMW E-serie CCC
  • BMW E-serie CIC
  • BMW F-serie CIC
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