Hello,

Posting in the hopes that one of you experts / enthusiasts can help me out. We have a 2011 C30 with the High Performance Sound system (3.5mm aux port and USB port in the center console). The 3.5mm aux port has been finicky for years. I bought the vehicle used 5 years ago and we have always needed to plug the 3.5mm cable in just right to get audio out of both the left and right speakers. Unfortunately, it's now degraded to where we only get audio on one side (consistently the same side) no matter how much we fiddle with the cable, push it in firmly, pull it out a bit, etc. I've tested several cords to rule out a faulty cord being the issue and determined that it's definitely something to do with the vehicle's aux port that is the issue. We've always used a small Bluetooth receiver dongle plugged into the aux port for listening to music from our phones, but it seems we now need a new option. I have a few questions and am hoping some of you can shed some light.

1. Can a phone be connected to the USB port in the center console for streaming audio similarly to how the aux port would typically be used? Or does the center console USB only work with USB sticks with actual audio files saved on them (i.e. is set up to read files, not receive an audio signal)? For reference, my model has a typical USB-A port and aux port in the console.
2. I saw a video where a guy inserted a plug-in adapter behind the head unit that integrated a Bluetooth receiver (
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   ). However, many of the comments under the video stated that the adapter he linked fails pretty quickly. This seems like it would be a nice option if there were a more reliable product out there. Any suggestions?
3. I know a Bluetooth FM transmitter is one option to get around the faulty aux, but have also heard these do not deliver the same audio quality as other methods and are pretty prone to interference if you live in an area with lots of radio stations (we do).
4. I could probably just replace the aux port but so far have only found instructions that cover the process for a model where the pictures only show an aux port in the center console - no USB (Pelican Parts). So I don't know if the replacement part and process would be the same.
5. I would love to put in a tablet / screen to integrate Android Auto and CarPlay but haven't seen many options out there where there isn't a risk of mangling the waterfall console.

If there are any elegant, budget-friendly solutions out there I would love your suggestions. Thanks so much for any insight / advice you can provide, greatly appreciated!

 

i too have a c30 and had the same issues with the aux port.....got another port from ebay.which was used and around £10 and at the same time bought the bluetooth connector which fits in the back of the stereo,anyway,the used aux port turned up and i fitted it and tested it and it worked fine,then that packed up....so i fitted the b/tooth adapter and its brilliant...loss of sound...hardly..it pairs quickly to my phone and sounds excellent..would recommend it,and it was less than £12...part no..for new aux port is 31285608,and its around £30 odd ...

 

Hi,
New do this thread and forum, picking up my c30 tomorrow... And upon test driving noticed a similar issue of only phone coming through the Bluetooth and no music. It's a 2012. I'll get an aux attachment Bluetooth adapter tomorrow, any advice as to models, and experience? Also is it a given that the Bluetooth will only do phonecalls and not stream music?
Thanks, Ethan