Hey, does anyone know if a Bluetooth modification kit is going to be available from GM for the 08's? I thought I read somewhere that they were going to offer a kit and if so does anyone know when and where they will be available?

pwinskey - Not sure, and when I talked to my dealer he wasn't sure that was going to happen.

For me this was the main reason I ordered an 09' and didn't buy the 08 he had sitting on the lot.

Well isn't a huge deal for me, because I never had it and am not on the phone all the time but thought it might be nice to have. Maybe something will come up to help the people who have the 08's.

I know there was talk of an "add" that could be installed by the dealer....I really hope they do because like you said it certainly would be a nice to have. Just and FYI the option is $150 CDN for the 09's - Hope that helps with an idea of costing.

That is a fair price. Hopefully that will put something out for us 2008 people. Thanks for the info DOACanada!

I've got a bluetooth solution for my 2008...

Here it is. (http://www.motorola.com/motoinfo/product/details.jsp?globalObjectId=101) :)

I have an earpiece also....however I had a ride in an Acura TL with bluetooth in the car and it was amazing how seemless it is integrated.

Once I get mine I will let you all know how it works.

CHeers.

Yes my mother has an Acura with bluetooth and loves it. I think she calls me all the time now just to use it lol!! For whatever reason I don't have an earpiece but I will probably have to pick one up.

I found my h500 at Sams Club on clearance for $25.. couldn't pass that up.. got one for me and my wife... Overall I've been pleased with it, but the other day it was giving me a lot of static.. and the phone was only about 4 feet away. It should have about a 20 to 30 ft range.

We have the Malibu setup through Verizon/Onstar as a third line and it only cost us $10 a month and all the 'in' calling is free and works great. It's voice ativated and everything.

Anyone ever seen, or used this setup? I just ran across this link but it appears pretty straight forward.
Basically it's an aftermarket addition to make your stereo function with Bluetooth enabled car kits and the sound will come through the normal speakers.

http://www.coastaletech.com/ONSTAR.htm

I know there was talk of an "add" that could be installed by the dealer....I really hope they do because like you said it certainly would be a nice to have. Just and FYI the option is $150 CDN for the 09's - Hope that helps with an idea of costing.
__________________

I would be happy to pay $150 just not sure they will offer it to those who have an "08"

Just picked up my Bu' on the weekend....I LOVE IT....and I LOVE BLUETOOTH.

Absolutely seemless....Very easy to use and set up. It uses the steering wheel control buttons to activate the system, than it is voice recognition to make calls. Down side to Bluetooth in all vehicles is you have to sit in it and program it with your "favourite" numbers or you have to say each number individually than it will call. All in all though for the 15 minutes it takes to program your "favourite" numbers....it is not that big of a deal.

People I have talked to have said the sound quality on their end is far better than a speaker phone, but not quite as clear as if you had the handset right next to your mouth.

All in all I am super happy with having waited....I can see this being a great benefit for me as I drive alot.

Any questions let me know I will do my best to answer them.

Just wanted to bump this thread to see if there has been any news on a bluetooth mod for the '08's?

Bryan

I'll have to look around some. I don't remember if it was here or on another forum, but someone posted a link to a bluetooth setup that replaced the cigarette lighter. I thought it looked cool, but since I don't have a bt phone yet (or really plan to get one soon) that was as far as I checked into it. If I find the post I'll try to link it here.

The kit from Coastal Tech still requires a bluetooth kit such as the parrot or Cig-Blue

I have an add on kit (Cig-Blue) on both of our '08 Enclaves, it works through the speakers and has a small microphone that is easily mounted. HOWEVER, they do not work nearly as well as the built in bluetooth kit in my Malibu.

From what I've heard the dealerships can install an upgrade module to your OnStar (to 8.0) that will give you Bluetooth capability like the '09s. Not sure of the price though.

From what I've heard the dealerships can install an upgrade module to your OnStar (to 8.0) that will give you Bluetooth capability like the '09s. Not sure of the price though.

If that is the case, I just might have to invest in a new onstar module for both of our cars.

Having read this forum while researching a car, I specifically asked the salesperson if there would be a way to add the '09 bluetooth functionality to the '08 I was interested in. He said he didn't know at first, so we checked with the head service tech at the dealership, and he didn't know either. I decided I would go ahead and purchase the 08 even if BT wasn't an option, so when I came in the next day to complete the purchase, the salesperson said he asked a GM factory tech trainer that happened to be there that morning. The GM traner guy apparently said he's done it before so it *should* be possible. I just got the car last week and with the Thanksgiving holiday I'm sure the salesguy wasn't around, but he's supposed to be getting back to me this week with an update of what we'll need to do. Hopefully the salesperson wasn't just blowing smoke up my bum to get me to make the purchase. I'll keep ya'll posted when I hear anything.

I kind of chuckle when people say they passed on an '08 in order to get the Bluetooth in an '09.

Is talking in the car that important? I picked the 100 min. from Onstar as an emergency thing or to make a quick call if I forget my cell phone.

I agree that I wouldn't pass on a great deal on an '08 just because of the Bluetooth issue (I didn't and saved around 10k on mine), but once you've seen how seemless Bluetooth can be (like in all of the competion's cars or in the '09 Malibu) you'll definitely wonder how you lived without it.

Obviously we shouldn't be talking while driving, but we all know in the real world it's a fact of life. Wouldn't it be nice if you could just press the "OnStar" button on the steering wheel and say "Bluetooth", "call home", in order to call your wife to let her know you're on your way home from work? Or if you get an incoming call to have the number display in the DIC/radio screen rather than having to take your eyes off the road to find your cell phone and look at the screen?

The fact is the competion's cars have this feature, and the '09s have this feature - while I don't know the specifics around the parts GM uses in their cars, I know enough about computers to know that all the peripherals are there (mic, speakers, and the interfaces with radio/DIC/steeringwheel controls/etc.). It seems to me like it should be possible to either upgrade or replace the OnStar unit to make Bluetooth possible in an '08 Malibu - that's what this thread is all about.

... so when I came in the next day to complete the purchase, the salesperson said he asked a GM factory tech trainer that happened to be there that morning. The GM trainer guy apparently said he's done it before so it *should* be possible. ... I'll keep ya'll posted when I hear anything.

I just purchased a '09 1LT model. Bluetooth comes in the 2LT and LTZ model from the factory. Does anyone know if it is at all possible to have the 1LT retrofitted with factory Bluetooth? If so, what has to be done?

I purchased a '09 1LT. I know the 2LT and the LTZ come standard with bluetooth connectivity. Is it possible to gave a 1LT retrofitted with bluetooth? If so, what is required?

I purchased a '09 1LT. I know the 2LT and the LTZ come standard with bluetooth connectivity. Is it possible to gave a 1LT retrofitted with bluetooth? If so, what is required?

I sure hope so. I am picking up my 09 1LT on saturday and i ordered it with this option, Power Convenience Package, Includes driver 6-way power seat adjuster, remote vehicle starter system and Bluetooth for phone. That was copied right off the chevy malibu website and can be found in the build your own section for the 1LT.

Having read this forum while researching a car, I specifically asked the salesperson if there would be a way to add the '09 bluetooth functionality to the '08 I was interested in. He said he didn't know at first, so we checked with the head service tech at the dealership, and he didn't know either. I decided I would go ahead and purchase the 08 even if BT wasn't an option, so when I came in the next day to complete the purchase, the salesperson said he asked a GM factory tech trainer that happened to be there that morning. The GM traner guy apparently said he's done it before so it *should* be possible. I just got the car last week and with the Thanksgiving holiday I'm sure the salesguy wasn't around, but he's supposed to be getting back to me this week with an update of what we'll need to do. Hopefully the salesperson wasn't just blowing smoke up my bum to get me to make the purchase. I'll keep ya'll posted when I hear anything.

Hey I was wondering if there was any followup to this message. I was in my dad's 2009 Saturn Aura and played with his phone/bluetooth a little, and was really disapointed that I don't have this option in my 2008 Malibu. Don't get me wrong, I love my Malibu, but this makes me wish I had shopped around a little more because I am wondering what else I am missing in my car that other brands or 2009 models now have. Anyway, just got a new phone and it would be cool to be able to receive my calls through my stereo system. Let me know what all you 2008 Malibu drivers have found out there! Thanks!

During the sales process of my 2008 Malibu, the sales guy told me he talked to a technician from Chevy and that it was possible to install the Bluetooth module from the 2009 in the 2008. Of course after the deal was signed, he never got back to me with the details like he said he would, and he never returned any of my calls or emails. Needless to say, I'll never buy another vehicle from Rosedale Chevrolet in Roseville MN.

I've asked a couple different techs at dealerships around my area and none of them seem to have any idea of what the sales guy was talking about. I've been told twice it's simply not possible to install the 09 module in the 08, but that the dealerships could install some non-OEM Bluetooth products for me at a rather high cost - but all of them require running wires for the mic and none of them use the steering wheel controls.

I did find this product though:
http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

It seems to be the only product I can find that utilizes the factory mic, automatically mutes the radio, plays through the speakers, and allows you to use the "talking head" button on the steering wheel like the 09 Bluetooth does. The only downside is that installing it eliminates the ability to use OnStar since it physically replaces the OnStar hardware - not that I'm using OnStar's over-priced features anyway... I'm also not sure if installing this unit would technically void my warranty so I haven't purchased one yet, but if it doesn't, I am planning on buying one shortly.

Yeah I thought to do it after market it had to be non integrated (at least with the standard controls) or would disable the OnStar. There is no, and will not be any simple solution for this. It is rather unforatunate.

So unfortunate. Thanks for the update you guys.

The only aftermarket bluetooth kit I know of that supposely integrates seamlessly is located here:

http://www.coastaletech.com/onstar.htm

The is a video demonstration on how to install the kit. Curious to know if anyone on this forum installed this kit before and whether or not it runs seamlessly.

The only aftermarket bluetooth kit I know of that supposely integrates seamlessly is located here:

http://www.coastaletech.com/onstar.htm

The is a video demonstration on how to install the kit. Curious to know if anyone on this forum installed this kit before and whether or not it runs seamlessly.


That looks intriguing. It still requires you to have an ugly aftermarket BT unit, but if you could figure out a way to integrate that into some steering wheel controls and a well placed microphone it would be pretty good.

I believe I will be getting the BlueStar unit when my OnStar subscription ends. I really have no use for OnStar, so losing it will not be a problem for me. Also, BlueStar using all the included hardware makes it look clean.

I believe I will be getting the BlueStar unit when my OnStar subscription ends. I really have no use for OnStar, so losing it will not be a problem for me. Also, BlueStar using all the included hardware makes it look clean.
What's a BlueStar?

What's a BlueStar?

http://www.costartech.com/pb/products/bluestar.html

My wife gets the 09 Malibu and it has the integrated bluetooth, very nice. However, my commuter grand am does not so I bought this:

http://www.myblueant.com/supertooth-light-bluetooth-handsfree.htm

Seems to work pretty decent for me and those I talk with. It doesn't go through the stereo so I just turn the stereo off when I'm on the phone. Very easy usage by simply hitting the mic to turn the unit on, automatically syncs to the phone and works very well. Cheap alternative to those who don't wanna mess w/ wires, mic locations, or breaking into the dash of their car.

My wife gets the 09 Malibu and it has the integrated bluetooth, very nice. However, my commuter grand am does not so I bought this:

http://www.myblueant.com/supertooth-light-bluetooth-handsfree.htm

Seems to work pretty decent for me and those I talk with. It doesn't go through the stereo so I just turn the stereo off when I'm on the phone. Very easy usage by simply hitting the mic to turn the unit on, automatically syncs to the phone and works very well. Cheap alternative to those who don't wanna mess w/ wires, mic locations, or breaking into the dash of their car.

Does that unit get the talktime they claim on their site? I bought my wife a similar item for Christmas, but the battery only lasts about 50% as long as what it said on the package. I really want Bluetooth in my car and I don't want to look like a tool with the earpiece in my ear. I'm leaning more towards a solution that's powered off the car's 12V power, but if a portable solution existed with good battery life it might just be easier...

I have an '09 Malibu Hybrid. There is a wiring kit from Crutchfield for some cars but they don't have it for the newer Malibu's. It seeks like there would be some simple fix for this inside the radio or maybe I can just buy an upgraded factory radio that has the capability?

There are a lot of aftermarket radios that have Bluetooth built-in, but if you factor in the cost of the head unit, along with the wiring harnesses that are required to keep your steering wheel controls, etc. it gets really expensive really fast.

Hey guys/Gals. I'm new here, just bought a 09 Hybrid and like most I was looking to add Blue tooth. I work as a tech for GM and just last week I ran across the blue tooth upgrade requirements. GM has a bulletin that says if your car has Option code UPF on the sticker in the glove box, you can do the upgrade. If any of you want, contact me at gmtech@telus.net and I can get you more details. Thanks.

So I bought the BlueSTAR from www.Costartech.com . Simple install, I had to splice one wire, but it was super simple, and it paired quickly and works great. Considering the price Onstar wants for minutes, the retail price of the BlueSTAR will be paid for in a few months. Now the wife wants one for our Avalanche.

GMTech,

What year is your Malibu? I have an 08 LTZ and I am thinking about doing the same thing. Did you get the GMLAN-11 application? Also, is it really that simple? Which wires did you have to splice?

Thanks!

I have an 09 hybrid, But I am sure he has them for a 2008. Yes, the module is under the dash on the right side, then take the connectors out and put them into the BlueSTAR. All I needed to splice was into the low speed lan to go into the BlueSTAR, and that took 2 mins. The kit had the wire and all you need. Just contact Chris at cpcosta@costartech.com and mention that you heard this from Cam. Thanks.

And yes, I got the 11 bit application.

So does Onstar still work or does this break the Onstar functionality? As a GMTech can you find out if those of us who don't want to cut wires, can buy the factory headunit and do a remove and replace and have Bluetooth?

The Bluestar replaces the onstar so onstar will not work at all. The current kit does require splicing the single wire, but that is it and the instructions in the kit are crystal clear. What head unit are you looking for?

Please let us know if anyone has an '08 malibooty and has installed this with success. this seems like an awesome option. THANKS!

I have the 6 Disc MP3 changer for a head unit, but I am one those that actually like onstar so I don't think I will be going with the Bluestar option.

So now I am really interested in finding out if the Bluetooth headunit will work in my car. Without having wiring schematics I can only attempt to understand the layout, I would think it would be a remove and replace.

dabeertender,
I've been looking into getting Bluetooth for my 08 Malibu since before I even purchased it. Basically, the CoStar/BlueStart unit is your only option. when I bought the 08, the salesman told me GM had an upgrade in the works and they'd install it for free (plus the cost of the part) once it came out. The upgrade never came out - and I won't ever buy from Rosedale Chevrolet in MN again.

Regarding replacing the 08 Malibu headunit with a headunit from an 09 - the headunit itself isn't the physical part you need. Basically, Bluetooth uses radio waves to communicate, so you need the radio transmitter/receiver for Bluetooth to work. The transceiver is separate from the headunit and from what I gather the physical part itself is pretty trivial and just plugs into the factory OnStar unit. I read on another forum (I think it was for the Silverado or Trailblazer - I can't remember exactly which but it uses the same hardware as the Bu) that there was a GM tech a while back that was able to order the transmitter/receiver from GM, install it in his vehicle, and then the tricky part was to use the computer at his dealership/service department to reprogram the 08 headunit/Onstar into thinking it's an 09 unit so it will recognize the Bluetooth transmitter/receiver. It was all fine and good, but supposedly once GM found out people were doing this, they stopped selling the transceiver unit unless you had a faulty unit to send to them to swap it for. Pretty crappy of GM if you ask me - seems to me like they're trying to get people to buy a whole new 09 vehicle just to get stinking Bluetooth functionality. Why GM can't just sell us a fricking upgrade unit and install/support it is beyond my comprehension - no wonder GM went bankrupt....

So your only option is to find a 09 Malibu in the junkyard, get the transceiver unit out of it, and convince a GM tech to program your headunit so it thinks it's an 09 OR buy the Costar/Bluestar unit and live without OnStar. I was going to get the BlueStar unit a while back, but then I heard from a somewhat reputable source that they were actually going to be releasing the upgrade kit so I held off on the BlueStar unit again...the upgrade never came out again. Basically, I think I'm going to be ordering the Bluestar item here soon.

If you do not want to keep Onstar, the Bluestar is probably your best option. If you want to keep Onstar though, there is a new option from PAC Audio. The BLU-GM11. It is an interface for you car that allows you to plug in a Bluetooth kit to your car. It only fully works with Ego Talk Bluetooth car kits. This will allow you to fully control the kit from the steering wheel controls. I have a 2009 Malibu LTZ with Bluetooth, so I cannot comment on how this works in this scenario, but I also have a 2009 Traverse that I installed the similar BLU-GM29 in. I had to install a microphone, but otherwise the kit plugs into the back of your factory radio with no splicing or cutting of any wires. It works really well in the Traverse and I have been really happy with it. It only took me about 30 minutes to install it myself.

For more details go here:

http://www.pac-audio.com/productDetails.aspx?ProductId=882&CategoryID=25

For the instructions go here:

http://www.pac-audio.com/PACProductData/BLU-GM11/1_Instructions/blu-gm11_instructions_090909.pdf


PS: I am in no way affiliated with PAC Audio, just someone who had the same problem on my Traverse.

As far as adding GM equipment to have GM bluetooth, it's just not possible. I have researched this extensively and even replacing your OnStar VCIM the BCM and assorted other items, it can't be done. GM put this bulletin out telling the dealers to quit calling and asking about doing this upgrade.

#PIT4864: Adding Bluetooth Option RPO UPF - keywords accessories accessory add battery blue blue-tooth body cal calibration factory gen7 gen8 generation heat nav navigation non nonapproved oem onstar options - (May 5, 2009)

Subject: Adding Bluetooth Option RPO UPF

Models: 2007-2010 All Passenger Car and Trucks
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Condition/Concern:
Technical assistance has received several calls from dealers requesting assistance to upfit their vehicle to include the Bluetooth feature RPO UPF.

Recommendation/Instructions:
There are no provisions to up-fit vehicles with this option. This feature is ONLY available on vehicles built with option UPF or offered within an equipment option group (i.e LTZ or SLE type package). Please do not call Technical Assistance, PARTECH or Techline Customer Support Centers with questions on how to add this feature.

So it is a definitive belief that bluetooth isn't integrated into the headunit. I am amazed at how many low cost headunits are out there with it integrated but yet GM uses separate modules and then won't support upgrades. Simply amazing!

Guess I will start looking at after market headunits with with integrated bluetooth, sd, & usb support, and a wiringharnes that will plug into my factory system.

I am sure the Bluestar system is a great solution for some but it isn't a solution I want to use.

"Guess I will start looking at after market headunits with with integrated bluetooth, sd, & usb support, and a wiringharnes that will plug into my factory system."

If you find a unit that lets us use the steering wheel controls, including the "talking head" button next to the volume to make a Bluetooth call - please let me know!

Check out the BLU-GM11 from PAC Audio with an Ego Talk car kit. This should give you what you want. I have the BLU-GM29 with a Motorola car kit installed in my Traverse and I can fully control it with my steering wheel and it plays over my car speakers while muting the radio. It is complete plug and play, no splicing.

srobinso11,

"Check out the BLU-GM11 from PAC Audio with an Ego Talk car kit. This should give you what you want. I have the BLU-GM29 with a Motorola car kit installed in my Traverse and I can fully control it with my steering wheel and it plays over my car speakers while muting the radio. It is complete plug and play, no splicing."

1 - What Motorola Bluetooth unit are you using? The PAC site says they're only plug and play with the Ego Talk units...
2 - Also, did you have to run a mic or does it integrate into the onStar mic?
3 - Lastly, is it true that the audio only plays over the front speakers when using the Bluetooth functionality? I'm looking at the Ego Talk unit with A2DP so I could stream music from my phone to the car's speakers, but if it only uses the front speakers that's kind of a bummer...

1. For whatever reason the BLU-GM29 works with some Parrot, Motorola and Ego Talk car kits, while the BLU-GM11 only works with Ego Talk. I already had a Motorola IHF1000 that I had previously bought, so I used it.

2. I did have to run the Motorola mic, this part took longer than installing all of the rest of the kit. I ran it through the dash, up the A-Pillar, and installed it above the mirror. You can't see it in my Traverse, however it would be visible there in the Malibu. I'm sure you could splice into the Onstar Mic if you really wanted to.

3. Yes, this is true. I believe the BLU-GM11 says that if you are using A2DP, some other accessory is required in addition, but it really didn't specify and I didn't need it so I never looked into it. For reference, the factory Bluetooth does not do A2DP either, although I believe GM is developing that for future models.

Hope this Helps.

Steve

I am trying to find my Motorola Droid on my 09 Malibu bluetooth...It found my LG dare just fine. Is there anything I need to do? I have searched for a bluetooth device on my phone and made my phone discoverable and nothing...

I am trying to find my Motorola Droid on my 09 Malibu bluetooth...It found my LG dare just fine. Is there anything I need to do? I have searched for a bluetooth device on my phone and made my phone discoverable and nothing...

I have a Droid and it was the same as pairing any other phone. You don't need to make the phone discoverable. You need to go into the bluetooth settings for the phone. Be sure bluetooth is turned on. Then, on the car enter the voice commands and say bluetooth. Then say pair. Then on the phone hit scan or search (I forget what it says) for devices. A device named something like General Motors should pop up. Select it and it'll ask you to enter a code which will be read to you via your car through the speakers. Enter that code and, it'll ask you for a name or label for that pairing. Give it one and you're all set.

We have the Malibu setup through Verizon/Onstar as a third line and it only cost us $10 a month and all the 'in' calling is free and works great. It's voice ativated and everything.

I just purchased a 2008 Malibu LT from a private seller. It has a few more options than an average LT. He is adamant about the car having blue tooth, and that you don't need onstar for it to work. He said you would program it to one of the "home-link" buttons and that the steps for setup are in the manual. I cannot find anywhere that tells me this car has bluetooth. Your comment about having a deal w/ verizon makes sense, but i'm wondering how to set this up. any thoughts?

He's wrong. The only thing that gets set up with Homelink is remotes, like for garage doors and such.

To find out for sure if you have BT, press the large Mute button on the right of the steering wheel. Hold it for about 2 seconds and release. When it says, "Ready", say "Bluetooth." If it says, "Bluetooth ready" then you're golden. If it doesn't then you have a problem.