Bluetooth Wireless FM transmitter
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 121
Likes: 18
From: Canton Ohio
Bluetooth Wireless FM transmitter
I bought a 2001 C5 and
it doesn't have Bluetooth. I'm looking at trying a Bluetooth Wireless FM Transmitter. Has anyone else tried one if so do you have any recommendations. Thank you in advance for your help.
it doesn't have Bluetooth. I'm looking at trying a Bluetooth Wireless FM Transmitter. Has anyone else tried one if so do you have any recommendations. Thank you in advance for your help.
Team Owner
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 53,428
Likes: 5,555
From: Plantation Florida USAF(Retired) 1966-1990
U.S. Air Force
St. Jude Donor '05 thru '26
NCM Sinkhole Donor
I wish you luck in finding one there mostly all the same, but if you live in busy city with lot of radio stations they can cause problem.
My solution time to upgrade the radio with feature you would enjoy.
My solution time to upgrade the radio with feature you would enjoy.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 865
From: Nappytown MD
if you search, you'll find a 100's of options. Just go to Amazon and buy one for 15 bucks and be done. Just know, you need a smaller round one to fit in into the cig light . I use mine mostly just for the USB power but occasionally use it to stream music form my phone.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2018
Posts: 655
Likes: 237
From: Louisville, Ky
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Finalist 2020 C4 of the Year - Unmodified
C4 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Most are about the same.
I like this one. Unfortunately it's currently not available.
You will need one with this shape as any other will not fit the cigarette lighter because of clearance. A different shape may fit in the accessory outlet in the console. I purchased this one because it has a fast charge C connection. I looked up the one I'm using in my C4 but it is discontinued also.. It is the same type as this one. I haven't had any problems with either.
HTH,
Joe K
HTH,
Joe K
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Instructor
Joined: Sep 2022
Posts: 117
Likes: 64
From: Sylvania, OH
If you want to keep your factory radio and have good sound quality and no local station interference, here are 2 options.
Discount Stereo https://www.discountcarstereo.com/bt3-c5.html
Amazon The Discount Stereo option is currently out of stock due to a software bug. They have a waiting list to join. The Amazon one from iSimple is an older version. The newer one is out of stock. I have the newer iSimple and it works great. I use it every day.
Discount Stereo https://www.discountcarstereo.com/bt3-c5.html
Amazon The Discount Stereo option is currently out of stock due to a software bug. They have a waiting list to join. The Amazon one from iSimple is an older version. The newer one is out of stock. I have the newer iSimple and it works great. I use it every day.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2023
Posts: 131
Likes: 25
I ended up with this: Fits in the center console perfectly, pictures are in that thread if you're curious. Sounds decent and was able to keep stock head unit, speakers, etc. Been using this for over year and a half, no problems.
I also recently installed an 'add-a-fuse' so that I can leave it plugged in without draining power. Very easy to do.
Thread here: https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-switched.html (Post #7. I only did the one cigarette lighter in the center console, Fuse #1)
I used: (I broke one of the fuses to get a blade for Fuse #1, since it comes with plenty of fuses. Would highly recommend soldering it to the wire, not using the cheap crimp lug it comes with.)
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,212
From: Temple Texas
I use an Anker Roav one but they don't make them any more. If I were to buy a new one I would make sure it had the charging ports for whatever I want to charge whether that's a USB-A output or USB-C.
Just search for Bluetooth FM transmitter reviews and pick your favorite. They are about $20. Way better than changing to a double din bezel for $3-400, then spending another $700 on a new head unit and other components.
Just search for Bluetooth FM transmitter reviews and pick your favorite. They are about $20. Way better than changing to a double din bezel for $3-400, then spending another $700 on a new head unit and other components.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 317
Likes: 20
From: Cincinnati Ohio
Also, fwiw, it fits just fine in the cigarette lighter . . . I use it there so I remember to pull it out so it doesn't drain the battery. (It fits just fine in the center console DC plug but I'm afraid I'll forget about it in there.)
Last edited by terminator; May 8, 2025 at 06:20 PM. Reason: more info
Navigator
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 9
Likes: 7
From: Inman
Hi, I have been using this one from Amazon for the last year in my 1999 Corvette Coupe with the standard Bose radio. It links to my phone and allows me to answer calls. It also can play music from a microSD card or an auxiliary wired input. It fits the cigar lighter outlet fine. You can adjust the channel it comes in on anywhere in the FM band. I use best quality MP3 files and the sound is very good. At this price it is an easy solution. I did modify my cigar lighter outlet to switch on with the ignition as this does not have an on/off switch and pulling the plug out every time I park is a pain. I would recommend trying this.
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Nulaxy Car Bluetooth FM Transmitter [2024 Upgraded], 1.44" Display Flexible Gooseneck, Handsfree Call Wireless Music Stereo Audio Player Radio Adapter Car Kit USB Phone Charger, TF SD Card AUX-KM18
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 2,555
Likes: 1,212
From: Temple Texas
Keep in mind, if you're often traveling in different areas you may have to hunt for a suitable FM channel. Which means if you're using your phone for navigation you'll either be figuring out how to do this on the fly while you're driving in a strange city or you'll be pulling over.
I can have mine search with one button but I can't see it inside my armrest so I have to pull over to match up the car stereo and the transmitter.
Dallas area sucks for this, stations come and go all over the area.
Headphones a better option in my opinion if you need navigation feature in an unfamiliar city.
I can have mine search with one button but I can't see it inside my armrest so I have to pull over to match up the car stereo and the transmitter.
Dallas area sucks for this, stations come and go all over the area.
Headphones a better option in my opinion if you need navigation feature in an unfamiliar city.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 185
Likes: 63
From: S. Nj
I use an Anker Roav one but they don't make them any more. If I were to buy a new one I would make sure it had the charging ports for whatever I want to charge whether that's a USB-A output or USB-C.
Just search for Bluetooth FM transmitter reviews and pick your favorite. They are about $20. Way better than changing to a double din bezel for $3-400, then spending another $700 on a new head unit and other components.
Just search for Bluetooth FM transmitter reviews and pick your favorite. They are about $20. Way better than changing to a double din bezel for $3-400, then spending another $700 on a new head unit and other components.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 121
Likes: 18
From: Canton Ohio
Thank you for taking the time to give me this information I really appreciate it. I have ordered from Amazon and it didn't fit in the lighter. I have ordered a second one that I think will fit,but we'll see.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 1,006
Likes: 865
From: Nappytown MD