I have my original 2004 Escalade ESV Platinum and I want to add bluetooth for my iPhone since Texas just went handsfree. What is the opinion on the Bluestar/Costar? Do you still have to disable onstar in order to get bluetooth in this car? Any good, better, best solutions?

i have the isimple gateway with the Bluetooth add on by pac you still retain all factory functions, you pickup bluetooth calling and ipod integration

 

? The state of Texas didn't go handsfree
A couple of local jurisdictions may have.

http://www.txdot.gov/driver/laws/cellphones.html

 

Sorry, Austin did.

 

I am failry sure there was an addon for this and the trucks, however did you loose the OnStar thing?

 

I currently still have OnStar.

 

Get the media gateway with the Bluetooth add on its great and allows you to keep the onstar system and factory radio plus it lets you add other audio options to you stock radio

I use the Bluetooth as I like to keep my hands on the wheel as it's safer

 

Sounds nice, part number?

I would like XM radio, however Canada didnt get it (mines a genuine Canada truck, was never exported from USA).

 

Sounds nice, part number? I would like XM radio, however Canada didnt get it (mines a genuine Canada truck, was never exported from USA).

They have coverage up there my guess gmcanada didn't want to put the tuner at factory

You can buy aftermarket tuners that work with the factory radio(I have one and so does my dad in his h2) I love it it's a plug and play deal with just two wires for power

 

You can buy aftermarket tuners that work with the factory radio(I have one and so does my dad in his h2) I love it it's a plug and play deal with just two wires for power[/QUOTE]

What brand is it? Approximate price?

 

You can buy aftermarket tuners that work with the factory radio(I have one and so does my dad in his h2) I love it it's a plug and play deal with just two wires for power

What brand is it? Approximate price?[/QUOTE]

It's the Sirius gm connect
Last I seen it was on Amazon
I forget the price though it's not real pricy

 

Recently purchased 2005 EXT, has sirus XM radio and 3 month free ONSTAR. I chose to buy a rebuilt Garmin GPS unit with Bluetooth and voice commands that I am happy with. Cost under $75.

 

I just installed iSimple module and the bluetooth add on. Took 20 mins to install. Super easy. Now I have Bluetooth talking, Bluestream audio (streams directly from my phone wirelessly), ipod hookup cable, auxilary cable, RCA pre-outs for an aftermarket amp. The iSimple integrated directly to my factory BOSE stereo. It was plug and play. Retained all factory functions, steering wheel controls, XM radio, CD changer, etc...

iSGM575 gateway
iSBT21 bluetooth add on

Total price for everything was $150 shipped. Works excellent, music sounds amazing, and when I am on bluetooth, everyone can says its crystal clear.

 

Glad to hear I ain't the only happy owner of the media gateway

 

I have an '05 with the Lux radio, touch navigation and XM radio. I need to add Android hands-free calling (Houston went HF too) and would love to add a back-up camera. (I don't need to stream music via the phone.)

Is the above the best way to go or is there an Android alternative? Thanks

 

I've had my eye on this one for a while now.
We don't drive the Escalade much, so I'm not sure if I'll spend the money.
iSimple ISGM655
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B54SJIK/_encoding=UTF8?coliid=I24WHEZAY1O100&colid=3NDZ4NH7APBD4

 

I feel that the best way to add Bluetooth,hands free, and a reverse camera is to just upgrade to a modern head-unit.

I paid only about $300 for a Sony media player head unit with Android Auto and Apple Car Play(no CD player or DVD player on unit) that works very well and allows you to use Apple and Google maps off your cell phone to navigate. The head unit also has inputs for a reverse camera.

 

I do not have personal experience nor affiliation only sharing research on the topic.

DIY add bluetooth to 2003-2016 GM vehicles using bluestar II
https://youtu.be/LxuZkKYpVc8

Costar Bluestar Hands Free Bluetooth Kit for GM Vehicles
$299.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006XJF7NW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_bdXgAb81CRXF0

I use a VXi BlueParrott B350-XT Bluetooth headset. <$100.

 

Nice solution for anyone that wants to keep the OEM radio.