Why can't I play music via Bluetooth in an older BMW model?
2 Answers
Older BMW models cannot play music via Bluetooth because they haven't entered the audio mode. Here's the relevant information: Brand Introduction: BMW (Bavarian Motor Works), fully known in Chinese as Bayerische Motoren Werke AG, is a German luxury automobile brand. BMW's vehicle series include four categories: i, X, Z, and pure numeric models (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 series), along with the M series (BMW's official high-performance modification division) which is based on improvements to these series. Founded in 1916 and headquartered in Munich, Bavaria, Germany, BMW's blue-and-white logo represents the colors of the Bavarian state flag where the company is based.
As a seasoned BMW driver with over a decade of experience, let me tell you—if your older BMW model connects via Bluetooth but won’t play music, it’s likely because the system is outdated. The core issue is that older BMW models’ Bluetooth only supports phone calls, not audio streaming. Test this by checking if calls work after pairing—if calls function but music doesn’t, that confirms it. Another common culprit is selecting the wrong audio source during pairing; ensure your phone’s Bluetooth settings are set to output music. Outdated car software could also be the problem—visit a dealership for a firmware update. Hardware failures like a faulty Bluetooth module are frequent in aging cars. A quick fix? Reboot both the car’s system and your phone—minor glitches often resolve this way. If all else fails, consider an affordable external Bluetooth receiver (plugged into the AUX port) for under $20—far cheaper than a system overhaul. For regular drivers who love music, this upgrade is worth every penny.
