When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Greetings. New here to the forums. I just wanted to give my $.02 on the GROM Audio bluetooth adapter. I have an 05 GT and coming from more modern cars, I really wanted the ability to stream music from my phone as well as take hands free calls. Well when I purchased the car it already had a Parrot interface installed to take calls, but I didn't have the ability to stream music.
I know there are already a couple of reviews on here, but I'm so pleased with this that I had to reiterate how great this little device is. Installation was super easy, so long as you have the Metra keys to remove the CD changer. It is a MUST that you get them, trying to take them out without them can be quite a task, and for under $5 it's a no brainer. It did take me about 10 minutes longer than it should have because I was inserting the wrong part of the metra keys into the slots for the CD changer. I saw a photo of someone inserting the pointy parts to remove the CD Changer, so I didn't bother trying the other end and it wasted about 10 minutes. Finally I just inserted the part of the keys that have the more rounded or blunt end, and voila. You'll hear a click and can pull the CD Changer right out. After that, simply unplug the CD changer and set it aside. The Metra keys will be stuck in the slots, but there are little metal release tabs on the side of the CD changer that you have to press in and it will allow the keys to slide out.
After that, it's just plug and play. Once everything is plugged in, crank your car up and the GROM will appear on your phone's available bluetooth devices. Simply pair with it and you're ready to go. All you have to do to stream is make sure that your car's audio is set to "CD". Your car's track forward/back can control the songs that your phone is playing. The sound quality is very good. Unless you are the most conservative audiophile, you'll have no gripes with the quality of this.
The GROM interface comes standard with a USB cable, so if you want to listen to music on a USB device and aren't in need of bluetooth, all you need to buy is the VAGTU3 interface and plug your device into the included extension USB cable. Always use that cable too, I wouldn't plug a device directly into the GROM box unless you never plan on removing it, don't want the USB port on the box to wear out.
I haven't tested the phone feature yet, and I plan on removing the Parrot so that my phone calls can go through the GROM as well.
If you were on the fence about getting it, I'd say go for it. I give it a A+
I purchased the following:
GROM Audio VAGTU3 ($109.49 on Ebay)
GROM Audio GROM-BTD Android Bluetooth iPhone Integration ($49.99 on Ebay)
Radio Removal Tool Key for 1998-2006 for Volkswagen/Audi/Mercdes ($4.49 on Ebay) (these are the exact metra keys I used)
Well there was a Parrot device already installed and rather than trying to mount the microphone that came with the GROM, I'll just unplug the one that's currently installed and plug it into the GROM device since both use a 3.5 jack. The mic that was already installed is clipped to the headliner where it meets the windshield, close to the middle of the car, but a little more on the driver's side. I don't see exactly how it's routed, but the cord is under the headliner so it's not visible.
Just to bump this thread. I just installed a Grom Audio BT unit to my 2006 Bentley Flying Spur. It was a breeze. Removed the CD player, installed the GROM unit, snaked the microphone wire from glove box to the top left corner of the center dash. The mic sits basically on the top left corner of the left vent and it sounds great. Works great, streams music from my iphone. Pretty good solution for a couple hundred bucks.
Decided to update this old thread and included more pics for better visualization.
Was able to purchase a used GROM VAGTB3 on EBay for US$83 shipped. In preparation for it's arrival next week, borrowed the same keys as ALEX G and it took less than 10 seconds for the removal of the CD changer. For those wanting to stream music from their cell phone, this is the simplest upgrade for BLUETOOTH (applies to 1st Gen Continentals). Big thanks to RICO.ADAMS and this thread of TONYGUNZ for eliminating the guesswork.
GROM has a YouTube video on the CD removal.
Product details: https://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/vw-seat-skoda-bentley-05-11-usb-android-iphone-car-adapter-kit-trunk-armrest-connection.html For the Grom Bluetooth to work, the CD changer is completely removed. Once out, press on the two small tabs of the CD connector in the rear, to release.
A pair of these available on Ebay or Amazon
CD changer removed. Once the keys click in, there is no resistance from the housing. .
The connector as shown at the rear is all that's needed to connect with the GROM. To remove the keys, press on the lower bronze colored metal bar as it will click and release.
Will post my impression on sound quality/ease of use, etc....once installation is done
Last edited by GT3 Chuck; Mar 10, 2020 at 05:29 PM.
Decided to update this old thread and included more pics for better visualization.
Was able to purchase a used GROM VAGTB3 on EBay for US$83 shipped. In preparation for it's arrival next week, got the same keys as ALEX G and it took less than 10 seconds for the removal of the CD changer. For those wanting to stream music from their cell phone, this is the simplest upgrade for BLUETOOTH (applies to1st Gen Continental). Big thanks to RICO.ADAMS and this thread of TONYGUNZ for eliminating the guesswork.
GROM has a YouTube video on the CD removal.
For the Grom Bluetooth to work, the CD changer is completely removed. Once out, press on the two small tabs of the CD connector in the rear, to release.
A pair of these available on Ebay or Amazon
CD changer removed. Once the keys click in, there is no resistance from the housing. .
The connector as shown at the rear is all that's needed to connect with the GROM. To remove the keys, press on the lower bronze colored metal bar as it will click and release.
Will post my impression on sound quality/ease of use, etc....once installation is done
What search term do I look for on Ebay for the removal keys? Does a new unit from Grom come with the keys?
Last edited by GT3 Chuck; Mar 10, 2020 at 05:24 PM.
What search term do I look for on Ebay for the removal keys? Does a new unit from Grom come with the keys?
There are NO keys that accompany the Grom. Borrowed mine from a Bentley tech.
The following should work:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-Car-Radio-Stereo-Release-Removal-Tool-Triangle-Key-for-VW-Audi-Mercedes-Benz/273434070262?hash=item3fa9f0ccf6:g:7uIAAOSwikRbiCf g]https://www.ebay.com/itm/4x-Car-Radio-Stereo-Release-Removal-Tool-Triangle-Key-for-VW-Audi-Mercedes-Benz/273434070262?hash=item3fa9f0ccf6:g:7uIAAOSwikRbiCf g
UPDATE 3/7/20:
Used Grom BT3 ordered from EBAY arrived and the cable was not for a Bentley. Returned item and ordered directly from Grom Audio $135.99 shipped. Should arrive in another week. Will post impressions once installed.
Last edited by GT3 Chuck; Mar 10, 2020 at 05:26 PM.
Just installed the Grom Audio BT3 and am trying to figure out how / where to route the microphone. I dont know if Rottboy has already figured it out, but I could use some suggestions.
Just installed the Grom Audio BT3 and am trying to figure out how / where to route the microphone. I dont know if Rottboy has already figured it out, but I could use some suggestions.
My '10 CFSpur comes with bluetooth for the phone only. Grom Support informed me that the OEM phone system will continue to work. Making/answering calls can still be done through the steering controls. Once done, it will switch back to the Grom's music.
If your Bentley does not have the OEM bluetooth, then you can route the mic from the glovebox and use plastic tools to route it in between the gaps in the center console to wherever you feel it can capture your voice adequately. Others here have it beside/under the left (for left hand drive cars) center a/c vent.
My re-ordered Grom is arriving next week so in the meantime, post your impressions once done. Am looking forward to it.
My '10 CFSpur comes with bluetooth for the phone only. Grom Support informed me that the OEM phone system will continue to work. Making/answering calls can still be done through the steering controls. Once done, it will switch back to the Grom's music.
If your Bentley does not have the OEM bluetooth, then you can route the mic from the glovebox and use plastic tools to route it in between the gaps in the center console to wherever you feel it can capture your voice adequately. Others here have it beside/under the left (for left hand drive cars) center a/c vent.
My re-ordered Grom is arriving next week so in the meantime, post your impressions once done. Am looking forward to it.
My 2007 CGT does have some kind of older Bluetooth, but I cannot connect my phone to it. It will actually connect for about 3 to 5 seconds and then says "disconnected."
Funnily enough that's exactly what I'm going to attempt this week.
My car is equipped with two microphones, although only the driver's side one is connected.
The microphone is directional, so I intend to rotate the currently unused passenger side one through 180 degrees and connect it to the Grom.
My instinct is to drop the roof console to allow more access (just undo the screw hidden behind each microphone, and pull, apparently) and then attempt to feed the cable across the top of the passenger side A-Pillar, and down it once the cover is removed (one screw behind the 'Airbag' label, apparently).
Once down the A-Pillar, and with the passenger side dash veneer panel removed, then it should be a simple exercise...
(My intention is to mount the Grom to one side of the airbag, rather than where the CD player used to be located.)
Would you be so kind as to take photos when you do it and post them?
Grom installed yesterday. With the vehicle in OFF, it was a simple task of plugging the CD changer connector into the supplied Grom cable. Turned on my Samsung S9 to enter the bluetooth scan setting. Grom appeared and pairing was quick. The result is having excellent quality audio from my phone (Google Play and Spotify). Being Android, I knew no titles available, however scrolling forward/back can be done through both the center head unit or steering wheel controls.
The OEM bluetooth telephone system continues to work, therefore installing the supplied Grom microphone was unnecessary. Music is paused during calls and resumes from its previous spot.
The Naim system has never sounded so good with the endless songs from my chosen playlists. I can attest that one will listen to way better sound quality than Satellite and FM radio. The Bentley drive has become more pleasurable. This bluetooth product is one upgrade all Gen 1 Continental owners should consider. Repeated thanks to RICO.ADAMS and this thread of TONYGUNZ.
Grom BT3 and owner's manual
Black female connector goes to the CD changer cable
Grom BT3
Grom connected to CD changer cable.
Used a foam cube to keep unit temporarily in place.
Scrolling through center radio unit
Scrolling through steering wheel screen
Belkin vent phone holder from Amazon. This quality item mount provides a secure base within easy reach while on the road. Am now using Waze (audio bluetoothed via the Grom) which is a thousand times better than the outdated 2010 OEM Navigation system!!!
My favorite Google Playlists are with easy reach! Phone screen resolution trounces the Bentley's.
