Hello everyone!

I’ve been working on this project for over a year already, changed 3 versions during that period and I'm happy to say that it works and I really love it.

So why do I love it?

- my phone automatically connects each time I start the engine

- I shortly press "Mute" and the last track continues from the point I left it

- I don't need to unlock my phone to skip or rewind tracks, I use my steering wheel buttons instead

- I can answer or hang up calls by pressing "Mute" button and have a hands-free conversation

- I can control the playback while outside, having a barbecue =) it handles up to 10 meters

- I can switch back the CD player whenever I want to

- I can connect any device via AUX port with a 3.5 jack cable to stream music (though it will deactivate Bluetooth option and steering wheel buttons)



I feel like I’m ready to offer it as a DIY kit (I will post a link to the Marketplace when it's ready). And this thread is a HOW TO and a follow-up discussion.





HOW DOES IT WORK

1. This mod is only compatible with NON-PREMIUM models of Jaguar XJ III (X350/X358), Jaguar S-Type (2003-2008) and Jaguar X-Type. How would you know your car is non-premium?
If you don't have a Jaguar OEM amplifier installed in your trunk, then it's non-premium.
2. Your radio unit has to be with a CD player in it!
3. It has to look like the radio unit on the pictures below.
4. It doesn't matter if it's with or without the NAV screen.

Premium audio and Tape decks would use analogue signal between the CD/Tape module and the radio unit.
My Bluetooth adapter feeds digital S/PDIF two-wire signal to the radio unit.
So, only non-premium and CD units for now.

My Bluetooth adapter is installed as a CD hack, so it will operate only in the CD mode of the radio unit and will work instead of the CD. But if you are fancy listening a CD, you can easily switch back by long-pressing the "Mute" or "Eject" button (both options work).

KNOWN ISSUES
There is a hearable persistent background hiss at 25+ volume. I will eliminate it in further versions.

It is still a hobby project and you have to admit there could be glitches and bugs in the early versions.
I'm ready to offer it at a discount price of $75 with a free! worldwide shipping for the first 5 kits. Regular price will be around $150.
I offer 90-day returns if you are unsatisfied with it and a 1-year warranty. Shipment will not be covered in case of returns.

INSIDE DIY KIT
Bluetooth box
Red RCA cable
White RCA cable
Black 12v power cable
Black 3.5mm jack cable (used to handle remote controls)
3.5mm jack 3m long microphone

INSTALLATION PROCESS
Tools needed:

• Torx 35 screwdriver
• Phillips screwdriver
• Soldering iron + Flux + Soldering wire

1. Remove radio module from the center console

Jaguar X-Type radio unit removal:
Jaguar S-Type radio unit removal:
Jaguar XJ radio unit removal:
Sorry, I haven't found any video... Probably, you could find some instructions on the forum.

2. Get into the radio unit

• Remove 4 screws (Torx 35) to get the unit out from the rails (2 screws on each side)

• Unscrew the holding brackets and remove them (non touchscreen version)

• Unscrew the screws holding the upper lid and the power socket and remove the lid

• Unscrew the CD module and remove it

• Open the cable lock by pulling out it’s ends and remove the flex-cable

3. Soldering

RCA Cables

• Feed the cables through the ventilation holes on the back of the unit
• Solder the RED RCA cable to the main board according to the photos

• Solder the WHITE RCA cable to the CD transport according to the photos

* The 4th pin on the connector is the pin you need (S/PDIF signal pin)

Remote controls and DC power

• Get the daughter board out by unplugging it (pull upwards)

• Feed the cables through the ventilation holes on the back of the unit
• Solder the DC power cable to the GND and 12VDC dots
• Solder the 3.5 jack cable to the CD eject (red) and REMOCON (white) dots

4. Final part

Prepare the flex cable

• Get the cable out and unflex it’s lower part

• Cut out the 4th contact according to the photos (You won't be able to revert this! If you are uncertain about the mod, you can cover the contact with a duct tape strip and test it prior to cutting!)

• Secure everything with zip ties and re-assemble back the unit

Now you can connect the Bluetooth box according to the next scheme:

Blue socket - Black 3.5mm jack cable (used to handle remote controls)
White RCA socket - White RCA cable
Red RCA socket - Red RCA cable
Black 3.5mm socket - AUX port (will deactivate everything else)
Pink 3.5mm socket - Microphone
Black DC socket - Black DC 12v power cable




Before you install the whole system in your car you have to program the steering wheel buttons. To do that, connect the radio unit to the car mains and turn on the key in position II. Press and hold the black button on the Bluetooth box for 3 seconds. You will notice 3 LED lights sequentially will turn on and off. The programming mode has been activated. Press the steering wheel buttons in the next sequence: Mute - Forward - Backward . Each button press will light up a corresponding LED. The buttons are stored, you can test them and screw everything back.


Phew, hope I was thorough enough and didn't miss anything out.
By the way, I can modify the discoverable Bluetooth name! So if you want your car Bluetooth to have it's own unique name, just let me know.

Would love to know what you think about the kit. Any suggestions or questions are greatly appreciated!

 

Update:
this version of Bluetooth uses BK8000L module which uses standard SBC codec which can stream at 328 kbps. Which seems to be enough for regular MP3's with 320 kbps.
But to get better quality sound and play lossless FLAC files another codec should be used.
I will try another module with aptX support in the next version. That will deliver CD quality 16 bit / 48 kHz at 352 kbps.

Bear in mind that the quality will depend on those main factors:
Streaming source (should be capable of using the best codec) - Data streamed (lossless FLAC or compressed MP3) - Receiver (bluetooth module codec) - Sound system (speakers quality)
Any point in this chain could be a bottleneck in the chase for the hi quality sound.

I will try out that new codec and report if I'll catch any difference.

 

Bluetooth DIY kit at the marketplace:
https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/market/220357

 

Are you still selling the kit for $75?

 

Yes, the kit is on sale for $75 right now with 4pcs left.

 

Hello Jagaux!

Are you still selling the kit?

Thank you.

 

Yes, I still produce the kits, but that sale has ended far ago.

 

Ciao so che è un post datato ma sarei interessato al kit se ne hai ancora
grazie

Hi I know this is a dated post but I would be interested in the kit if you still have any
thanks

 

Hi there!

Yes, I still have the kit on sale.
You can find it on eBay -> https://www.ebay.com/itm/296337453384


Alex