In the heart of Hungary, the Saab community has found a home like no other. Ákos Égő, the President of Saab 900 Kub Hungary, and a proud owner of a unique Saab Toppola, leads a club that holds a special place in the world of Saab enthusiasts. As the only officially registered Saab community in Hungary, they’ve been actively sharing their love for these iconic cars since 2000. Yet, Ákos’s passion for Saab goes far beyond club activities.
Ákos Égő and his Saab enthusiast friend have dedicated over 16 years to developing electronic units that enhance the Saab driving experience. It all began with a programmable E85 computer, and over the years, their journey led to the creation of retrofit electronic units that have proven indispensable to Saab owners. Notably, their latest and most intriguing innovation is the “BT Changer” Bluetooth module, designed to seamlessly integrate with various Saab models.
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The BT Changer: Unleashing Smart Bluetooth Audio
The BT Changer is a one-of-a-kind Bluetooth module designed to make your Saab’s audio equipment smarter. This ingenious device connects to your vehicle’s factory head unit and uses a CAN-BUS connection to establish a wireless audio connection with your mobile devices.
This means you can stream music and online radio directly through your Saab’s audio system, all while preserving the original comfort functions of your vehicle. You can even control your music playback using the steering wheel, adding a level of convenience you might not have thought possible.
Key Features of the BT Changer
The BT Changer offers a range of features and benefits that make it a must-have accessory for Saab enthusiasts:
- Wireless Audio Streaming: With the BT Changer, you can seamlessly play music and online radio from your mobile devices through your Saab’s factory audio system. This means you can enjoy your favorite tunes on the road without compromising on sound quality.
- Metadata Display: One of the standout features of the BT Changer is its ability to display music metadata on your Saab’s SID (Saab Information Display) or the head unit display, depending on your vehicle model. This means you can see information such as the artist’s name, album title, and track name as you listen to your favorite songs.
- Customization: The BT Changer goes a step further by allowing you to configure the displayed information individually. You can even add a custom caption, giving you the freedom to personalize your Saab’s audio experience to your liking.
- Compatibility: The BT Changer is compatible with a range of Saab models, making it accessible to a broader community of Saab owners.
- Upgradability: The BT Changer is not a static device; it’s designed to adapt and improve over time. You can update or reconfigure it via a Wi-Fi connection, allowing you to keep up with changes in your Saab’s audio setup. For instance, you can set the type of head unit and SID via a software update.
How the BT Changer Works
The BT Changer operates in two different ways depending on the type of Saab model:
- For OG 9-3/9-5 Models: It connects to the CD changer (CD storage) line of the factory head unit and pretends to be a CD storage by communicating with the system via CAN-BUS. While this provides access to various CD Changer functions and some new functions through the I-BUS system, it does require the removal of the factory CD Changer function.
- For Post-2006 NG 9-3 and OG 9-5 Models: The BT Changer connects to the satellite radio line and communicates with the system via CAN, pretending to be XM radio. In this case, it may also introduce new functions via the I-BUS system. However, if your vehicle originally had XM radio, it must be disconnected, as the two cannot operate simultaneously.
While the BT Changer primarily serves as an audio receiver for music playback, it’s worth noting that the hardware has the potential to support two-way communication and function as a hands-free device. This capability will be activated in the future, allowing it to be used as a hands-free speaker in Bluetooth mode with the addition of a microphone.
Why Choose the BT Changer Over Head Unit Replacement
One question that may arise is why you should opt for the BT Changer instead of replacing your Saab’s head unit. Here are some compelling reasons:
- Preserving High-Quality Audio: Many Saabs come equipped with premium audio systems from manufacturers like Harman Kardon and Bose. These audio systems are known for their superior sound quality. Replacing the head unit might result in a compromise in audio quality.
- Simplified Installation: Replacing the head unit can be a complex and costly process. It may involve extensive wiring and installation work. On the other hand, the BT Changer can be easily installed without the need for cutting or soldering wires, making it a more user-friendly solution.
- Steering Wheel Controls: The BT Changer ensures that you can continue to control your audio system using the steering wheel buttons. This is a critical convenience feature that can be challenging to maintain when replacing the head unit.
- Integration with Saab’s Systems: Some Saab models rely on the factory head unit to provide data related to service intervals and other vehicle functions. Replacing the head unit may result in the loss of these functions. The BT Changer preserves these critical features.
Development and Future Plans
The BT Changer is the brainchild of Hungarian enthusiasts who are passionate about Saab vehicles. As a Hungarian startup, they are open to feedback and aim to tailor the device’s functions even more to meet the needs of users. In the future, they plan to adapt it to the pre-2006 Saab 9-3 head unit, as well as explore compatibility with other car brands. This commitment to development ensures that the BT Changer will continue to evolve and improve, offering even more value to Saab enthusiasts worldwide.
The BT Changer – Innovation for Saab Future
The BT Changer is a remarkable innovation that breathes new life into Saab audio systems, allowing Saab owners to enjoy modern audio conveniences without the need for a head unit replacement. It’s a cost-effective, user-friendly solution that preserves the essence of Saab vehicles while enhancing the audio experience. Whether you’re driving a classic Saab 900 or a more recent Saab model, the BT Changer opens the door to a smarter, more connected, and enjoyable journey on the road.
To learn more about the BT Changer and how it can transform your Saab’s audio experience, visit their website at https://bt-changer.com/. Embrace the future of Saab audio with the BT Changer, the Hungarian innovation that puts you in control of your music and keeps you connected on the road.
We have a 2007 year 93 Aero TTDi which has Bluetooth, however the cellular phone connection has been faulty for a couple of years. Will this upgrade fix the problem?
Hello, I have a Saab 9-3 from 2005. Can you make the Bluetooth work through the “tel 1” system? There is a plug on the right side of the lever for phone 1, and this system uses the car’s microphones. If you can adapt bluetooth to phone 1 it would be perfect
Either you use the BT Changer or the factory system. However, BT Changer does not currently have a hands-free function, so it is not a solution for you
Hi, i have a 2004 9-3, do you have one for this model
We do not currently support it, but we are currently working on a solution.
I would pay even more than 120eur for this adapter if it would support playing music from SD card.
While I understand that nowadays it is common to stream music from music services (for that purpose this works brilliantly), however for me, I need ability to just press one key to play music (instead of unlocking phone, connecting to bluetooth, opening music app, selecting playlist, etc). Therefore for now, I’ve decided to keep the CD changer (which still works after 23 years of use) and put some effort to write some CDs. 7 cds = 100 songs. Good enough.
What you described is not what you should do. BT Changer automatically connects and resumes the music where you left off. But, for example, you also increase the number of radio channels by using online radio, and there are many other advantages. But it is certain that if you can handle 100 pieces of music, there is a CD Changer for that. But we are certainly not developing an sd card.
Thank you for providing this adapter for old SAABs. Kudos for the great work.
Thanks. We welcome any comments or ideas.
How cool is this….I have an ’03 9-5 with an XM unit in it from the previous owner so I shouldn’t have to delete my CD changer. I’m going to give this a shot big time. I currently use one of those little radio transmitter thingies that receive BT and transmit to the radio, but the reception is frequently an issue, especially IN cities where there are just too many stations that overpower the units.
Yes, the FM transmitter is not perfect. In addition, the sound quality of BT Changer is much better.
Just purchased the BT Changer — exactly what I needed to bring my 2002 Saab 9-5 Aero into the 21st Century! I am not technically savvy but I managed to follow the instructions accurately and now have BT in the car! I used the PRE-EXISTING connectors in the wiring harness behind the left boot trim. I lowered the back left seat to give the trim some room to move. Then I removed the four trim clips on the left floor of the boot (where CD Changer would be) and unfasted the hand-screws on the left side and top holding trim to body. From there I *slowly* pulled the trim back until I had enough access to the CD changer plugs. The trim is stiff and I worried I would put a permanent dent or crease in it. That did not happen. After freeing the plugs (they were taped) I connected the BT-Changer and grounded it according to instructions. From there I threaded the BT-Changer clip into the boot through the wiring access hole cut into the trim, then connected the BT-Changer box. After pairing the unit with my car (it worked just like they said it would) music came blasting out of my quad speakers! Controls on steering wheel and radio head work great. I am not getting the data scroll across the SID like I hoped (it just gives the BT name right now) but that is not a deal-breaker for me – it is more likely that the music loaded into my iOS is not data complaint. I can work on that later. Switching to BT is easy (push the CD button twice) and I finally have solid state music for the car. Lastly, I firmly pushed the boot trim back into place, under rims and scuff – it returned to form with no problem at all. I put a velcro patch on the side of the BT-Changer and fixed it to the fabric side trim of the boot – now it’s out of the way and won’t jostle around. The trim clips and screws went back in and I am ready to roll. If you want to leave the “radio tuner bluetooth connector” behind, this is a good piece of permanent equipment. Cost was about $140US including shipping. Very happy with the purchase. I have a 2003 9-3 Convertible and I will be making the transition to BT-Changer on that car soon – I do not believe it comes with a factory installed CD Changer harness so the work on that will probably involve soldering at the radio head. My technical inexperience will be exposed, but I’ll keep you posted.
Thanks for the comment. I hope you continue to enjoy using it in the future. You can also install the BT Changer in the 9-3 convertible with a plug and play cable harness, no soldering required.
Ordered and installed on the vehicle. The installation is very simple, and the sound quality is excellent! The workmanship of the module is commendable! Recommended purchase
-08 9-5 Hot Aero owner
I have one of these in my 1999 Saab 9-5 and it works SO well!
I have been using one of these units this year in the 9-5, and I highly recommend it. Seamless integration with the factory head unit, and the sound is fantastic.
very cool – seems like you can’t use it with the e-sid though
Great product. Thanks again Ákos Égő
Works great, but since it connects to the phone immediatly when you enter the car I have had some strange behaviour with the engine running poorly and being hard to keep running if I try to restart it. I do not know why. It always work flawless if I activities bluetooth after I’ve started the car 🤔