Car Radio MP3 Bluetooth SD USB Aux

I use one of these

Anker SoundSync Drive Bluetooth car handsfree receiver, for cars with AUX input (3.5mm) compatible with iPhone, Samsung, LG, HTC and all other Bluetoo https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0177T3OEU/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apap_ES8xm71KKZsTG

Here is a quick youtube video demoing/reviewing it. It’d not a full head unit replace like you asked for, but does a similar (ish) job.

The end result is you can play media and take called via your car stereo speakers.

Ive only skimmed the video. I’m out atm.

Regarding the folder display, my current (Pioneer) unit displays the folders as you want – but only one level (so you can have one folder per album/playlist but not sub folders within each folder. I’ve found I had to use a FAT sorting utility to get the stereo to see the folders in display order rather than date the files were created.

The previous unit I had was a “Sendai” from Halfords that was about £50 with free fitting. It had bluetooth, USB, SD card, Aux – and worked really well – the folder display was as per the pioneer (so OK).

I remember on the old MM forum someone linked an Aldi unit that was I think a tenner with similar functionality (their deals are never permanent though) so you can get decent, cheap head units.

Based on “Verified Purchase” reviews on Amazon this one looks worth considering – especially if you are in time to return the current one. No CD player but I haven’t used the CD slot in mine for the last 3 stereos.

I know your BT isn’t working. That’s why I offered you a 3rd party cheap and simple solution.

As BL said, it could be the phone BT , and your head unit BT is actually fine.

Or, what version of BT is your phone? And what version of BT is the head unit. I’m only asking as newer phones with BT 4.0 will not connect to the older BT 3.0 standard.

My old I stalled  parrot system ran v3.0 and about 3 years ago, maybe the origanal moto g was first v4.0 I had, but it wouldn’t contect to my parrots over version. Check what version your head unit is running, and your phone, they may be incompatable.

So you’ll need to update one or the other, or but a compatable dongle like I suggested above.

I’ll take a punt and say your head unit is running the older  v3.0.  I don’t know what phone you have, but if you visit GSM arena and search the specs of your phone it will tell you what radio and version of the of BT  your phone has.

Another theory, – Did your current phone ever connect to that head unit? If so, has your phone had an OS update lately, or rather a Play services update lately? As I know Bluetooth settings have not long been tweeted with via play services on the pixel. Maybe an PS update broke yours?

Ether way, find out what specs everything is running on, and you’ll be able to pinpoint the issue and offer a solid fix.

That it has worked twice muddies it a bit. But I’ll guarantee you the dongle above will fix your issue.

You car will just give off two BT signals, your phone will see them like it does multiple  wifi signals. Just set your phone to auto connect to the new dongle BT signal. And tell it to “forget” the old head unit BT signal. Then when you get in your car it will just connect,if you have your BT always on. I have an nfc tag on my in phone mount that launches maps and turns BT on https://goo.gl/photos/CfQ6GfB6CgC5LYav8

Good thing about the dongle, is you can move it from car to car easily, unlike head units, so this dongle could last you a decade. Admittedly it isn’t as “clean” a solution as a new head unit, but it’s much quicker a job and can be taken with you on your next car.

If your head unit has a USB input, it should have enough power to run the dongle. If not you’ll need a 12v to usb out. Like the one below.

you don’t actually need one of this caliber, any cheap one will do. (try the pound shop). I have this one as it’s very powerful and will ram power into my phone. It’s a very good one and is flush fitting, with dual USB outputs so you can power the BT dongle and charge your phone /sat nav/etc.

Edit forgot the link lol.

AUKEY Car Charger, ULTRA COMPACT Dual Port 4.8A Output for iPhone iPad Samsung & More – Black https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00M6Q83B4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_d.w2yb7Z4FM4V

It’s not the cheapest option, not the dearest either. But is a good one.

Well looks like I’ll be ordering a Anker SoundSync soon is possibly a better review.  Looking at John’s problem since this device can be powered by the head unit and provides input via aux and not Bluetooth it should be compatible certainly looks like a less destructive was of introducing Bluetooth to my zafira

John if you are not rushing take a bit of time and monitor ebay. Lots of real bargains on head units come up on there as people upgrade (or put the stock units back in before selling) etc. If it is not worth returning your unit you could offset another buy against selling yours privately (specify bluetooth is flakey).

I’m sure you’ll find something very cheap that fits the bill in days or weeks rather than months.

Bluetooth does some odd stuff….and often leads me “life is too short” decisions to work around/avoid rather than get to the bottom of it.

As an aside car stereo theft round here has gone right out of fashion, can’t remember last case I heard for years – only mention on the basis “is the removable faceplate really necessary”…….if it is still widespread in your neck of the woods fair enough, but if not a cheapie alternative head unit may solve your problem.