Bluetooth -Where does it rest
- Thread starter jcrosi
- Start date
I did it!! ;-)
CaveDweller, your advice was right on the money. I got home from work last night, had a little time on my hands, so I decided "what the heck... I'll try the install tonight." Combining instructions from three sources, plus your pictures and input, I was able to successfully install my BlueTooth module. Just as you did, I chose not to make the committment to install the pairing button just yet -- maybe that'll be a project this weekend.
INSTALLATION:
I got a little frustrated during the installation process -- just as you did, I had a bitch of a time getting the Assist module out of that far back corner of the trunk. Instead of stretching into the trunk, I actually climbed in and contorted myself so I could get to that last screw on the upper left side. VERY hard to do, but I did it. The only other problem was figuring out how to disconnect the assist wiring. I didn't realize that little white clamp swings forward to force the pins out of the plug -- duh! After I got that taken care of it was smooth sailing from there.
Taking apart the center console was a lot less scary than I thought it would be. It's actually really easy. I didn't have any trouble lining up the holes for the antenna bracket either (somone in a post said it was tough, but I didn't find it hard at all).
OPERATION:
My phone is a Sony Ericsson T616. Once I got the center console (mostly) reassembled I paired the phone using the instructions -- worked like a charm. Once the phone was paired, I stuffed the cable and button back into the cubby hole behind where the change holder should go, then reinserted the coin holder and cup holder sections.
Voice dialing totally rocks! I've already added several frequently called numbers to the voice dialing system. I did take a call this morning during my drive to work, and it worked flawlessly. What a joy not to have to reach around looking for my phone.
OBSERVATIONS:
1.] calls work perfectly with the top down providing the wind screen is used and the windows are up -- even voice dialing worked at 85MPH. I tried it with the windows down and the voice system was confused.
2.] It seems as though the incoming caller's voice is coming from the front driver's-side speakers but not the others. This may not be the case, but it sounds that way.
3.] I've noticed it takes about two minutes to reconnect to the BMW BlueTooth ULF if I turn off the ignition, or take the phone more than 30 feet away from the car, then return. I think the manual said it should take about 30 seconds.
4.] Caller data shows up on my Navigation screen when an incoming call is received (very cool) including whether it is from the person's mobile or home number -- it's pulling this directly from the phone's internal phone book. I thought I'd be able to automatically "send" my phone's internal phone book to the BMW BlueTooth unit, and have it display on the Navigation screen -- still haven't figured out how to do that yet.
I'm a little pissed that it was so easy to install, and that it works flawlessly, yet BMW says BlueTooth is not available for 2004 convertibles. It's really silly.
Anyway, I wouldn't have tried this myself if it weren't for you, so thank you!
CaveDweller, your advice was right on the money. I got home from work last night, had a little time on my hands, so I decided "what the heck... I'll try the install tonight." Combining instructions from three sources, plus your pictures and input, I was able to successfully install my BlueTooth module. Just as you did, I chose not to make the committment to install the pairing button just yet -- maybe that'll be a project this weekend.
INSTALLATION:
I got a little frustrated during the installation process -- just as you did, I had a bitch of a time getting the Assist module out of that far back corner of the trunk. Instead of stretching into the trunk, I actually climbed in and contorted myself so I could get to that last screw on the upper left side. VERY hard to do, but I did it. The only other problem was figuring out how to disconnect the assist wiring. I didn't realize that little white clamp swings forward to force the pins out of the plug -- duh! After I got that taken care of it was smooth sailing from there.
Taking apart the center console was a lot less scary than I thought it would be. It's actually really easy. I didn't have any trouble lining up the holes for the antenna bracket either (somone in a post said it was tough, but I didn't find it hard at all).
OPERATION:
My phone is a Sony Ericsson T616. Once I got the center console (mostly) reassembled I paired the phone using the instructions -- worked like a charm. Once the phone was paired, I stuffed the cable and button back into the cubby hole behind where the change holder should go, then reinserted the coin holder and cup holder sections.
Voice dialing totally rocks! I've already added several frequently called numbers to the voice dialing system. I did take a call this morning during my drive to work, and it worked flawlessly. What a joy not to have to reach around looking for my phone.
OBSERVATIONS:
1.] calls work perfectly with the top down providing the wind screen is used and the windows are up -- even voice dialing worked at 85MPH. I tried it with the windows down and the voice system was confused.
2.] It seems as though the incoming caller's voice is coming from the front driver's-side speakers but not the others. This may not be the case, but it sounds that way.
3.] I've noticed it takes about two minutes to reconnect to the BMW BlueTooth ULF if I turn off the ignition, or take the phone more than 30 feet away from the car, then return. I think the manual said it should take about 30 seconds.
4.] Caller data shows up on my Navigation screen when an incoming call is received (very cool) including whether it is from the person's mobile or home number -- it's pulling this directly from the phone's internal phone book. I thought I'd be able to automatically "send" my phone's internal phone book to the BMW BlueTooth unit, and have it display on the Navigation screen -- still haven't figured out how to do that yet.
I'm a little pissed that it was so easy to install, and that it works flawlessly, yet BMW says BlueTooth is not available for 2004 convertibles. It's really silly.
Anyway, I wouldn't have tried this myself if it weren't for you, so thank you!
Great that it worked out so well! I'm very pleased with it. My only issue is the phonebook transfer and that's because my phone isn't 100% compatible. I love the integration. People have no idea they are on speaker. I was driving out to lunch today with a colleague and my wife called. I had to gently remind her that someone was with me because she had no idea I was in my car. (It was a late lunch ![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
)
I can't understand why BMW makes this sound so impossible, either.
)I can't understand why BMW makes this sound so impossible, either.
Well, well, well. Amazing success stories!!!! ![[clap]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_clap.gif "Clap [clap]")
The RAZR V3 is on the list as fully compatible.![[thumb]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_thumb.gif "Thumbs Up [thumb]")
Makes me want to order the kit and figure out the install. A friend of a friend is a "Master" BMW tech or something; maybe I can get some experienced help. I can't believe the dealers don't offer this service. Is the pairing button reachable easily?? Do you have to push it every time??
The RAZR V3 is on the list as fully compatible.
Makes me want to order the kit and figure out the install. A friend of a friend is a "Master" BMW tech or something; maybe I can get some experienced help. I can't believe the dealers don't offer this service. Is the pairing button reachable easily?? Do you have to push it every time??
The installation kit comes with a nice pairing button -- it's even illuminated when the dash lights are on. The kit comes with a template you place over the center console piece so you can cut (yes cut!) a tiny rectangular chunk out of the console, then seat the button and grommet (sp?) into the cutout. The cutout is supposed to be just behind the coin holder. If done right, the finished product should look like a factory installation.
I chose not to do that just yet, but will probably do it this weekend. The reason why I felt comfortable NOT doing that part of the install is because any particular phone needs only be paired once. After that, every time you get within 30 feet of the car, the car will sync with the phone and vise versa. It's a very cool setup.
It's bothering me that I have an illuminated button hidden beneath my cup holders though, so I'll probably do the button work this weekend (which means taking apart the console again).
And... I agree with CaveDweller... it's inexcusable that BMW says 2004 convertibles are not "compatible" with this technology. It's working fine for both of us.
I chose not to do that just yet, but will probably do it this weekend. The reason why I felt comfortable NOT doing that part of the install is because any particular phone needs only be paired once. After that, every time you get within 30 feet of the car, the car will sync with the phone and vise versa. It's a very cool setup.
It's bothering me that I have an illuminated button hidden beneath my cup holders though, so I'll probably do the button work this weekend (which means taking apart the console again).
And... I agree with CaveDweller... it's inexcusable that BMW says 2004 convertibles are not "compatible" with this technology. It's working fine for both of us.
Stopped at the dealer to inquire if they'd install BT. No BT for verts before Sept 2004. The service guy also said that doing it on my own would portentially void the warranty for anything the BT interfered with--kind of a scare tactic. He said that BMW would approve it if they didn't think were any problems, but he didn't know if they were even working on it. I pointed out to him that they continue to deny a new 5 series was coming a few months before it came out. I wonder if in a few months, they'll figure it out.
So, did you guys (CD, Bry) consider the warranty issue?? Or is it something not to worry about?
So, did you guys (CD, Bry) consider the warranty issue?? Or is it something not to worry about?
Even if there is a warranty issue, which I don't believe there is, I could remove the module and replace it inside 30 minutes now. I'm not installing the pairing button because it sits under the cupholder insert, which comes out with a slight tug.
Of course, they would not cover the BT module under the warranty, but they would be VERY hard pressed to prove that it does anything bad to the car considering it has the exact same wiring as all other models. That would be like admitting that the module could break things in cars that had it installed by the dealer.
"You may void the warranty" is a dealer's way of saying "I don't want to deal with it".
Of course, they would not cover the BT module under the warranty, but they would be VERY hard pressed to prove that it does anything bad to the car considering it has the exact same wiring as all other models. That would be like admitting that the module could break things in cars that had it installed by the dealer.
"You may void the warranty" is a dealer's way of saying "I don't want to deal with it".
Just to add to CaveDweller's comments... the issue, in my opinion, has to do with BMW Assist. That module has to be removed in order to use the BlueTooth module. This means potential lost revenue for BMW since BlueTooth and BMW Assist can't coexist in convertibles built prior to Sept 2004. I'm sure BMW dealers get some sort of kick-back for signing up (and keeping) subscribers to this service, so they don't want the module removed. As CD said, the BlueTooth module uses the exact same wiring as Assist... including the built-in microphone. I'm not worried about the warranty issue, because I think I could successfully argue that what I installed (using instructions provided by BMW) doesn't interfere with any other systems. In fact, it USES systems that were otherwise unusable (microphone, r/t button on steeringwheel, spoken command button on steering wheel, etc.)
Strange that the 2005's aren't able to use voice recognition. Are you sure? The module I installed in my 2004 handles voice recognition nicely. I can store up to 50 voice dialed numbers in the system and call each of them up by name. If I don't happen to have a person's name or number stored, I can also dictate a number to the system... it then repeats the number to ensure accuracy and asks if I'd like it to dial. It's pretty nice.
Bry
Do you have to do the voice storing thru the car's BT system? So it's separate from voice dialing thru the phone?
Was reading thru the BT manual posted as PDF earlier in the thread. Does the steering wheel button with the little face mimic the pairing button for all functions except initial pairing? This would imply you could just let the pairing button dangle backe there.
I noticed the kit (Advncd Autovations) for cars with assist doesn't come with the antenna mounting bracket; is this needed?
I wondering where I can find a warm spot these days to do the work. Had to skip the Bears game today--negative windchills in Chi-town.
Do you have to do the voice storing thru the car's BT system? So it's separate from voice dialing thru the phone?
Was reading thru the BT manual posted as PDF earlier in the thread. Does the steering wheel button with the little face mimic the pairing button for all functions except initial pairing? This would imply you could just let the pairing button dangle backe there.
I noticed the kit (Advncd Autovations) for cars with assist doesn't come with the antenna mounting bracket; is this needed?
I wondering where I can find a warm spot these days to do the work. Had to skip the Bears game today--negative windchills in Chi-town.
The Bry!
It seem's so! Check this discussion over at e46 fanatics
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=207570&page=1&pp=20&highlight=bluetooth+2005
It seem's so! Check this discussion over at e46 fanatics
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=207570&page=1&pp=20&highlight=bluetooth+2005
Hey DrKeng,
Voice dialing only works if there is an integrated phone (either the hard-wired Motorola phone, or a wireless one using the BlueTooth module). The module itself stores the verbal names you record.
With regard to the antenna mounting bracket, I'd say it is definitely necessary. Once you get the center armrest completely dismantled, you'll see why the bracket is required.
The "spoken command" button on the steering wheel does mimic the functionality of the pairing button -- minus, of course, the ability to initially pair a BlueTooth phone. Once you pair the phone, the button under the armrest is redundant (which is why CaveDweller and I have opted to leave them concealed under the cup holder). I've been going back and forth about actually making the pairing button visible (cutting a hole, etc.). I was going to do it this weekend, but the weather was too nice here in San Francisco to be poking around in my garage tinkering with my car -- I had more fun driving it ;-)
I'm wondering if CaveDweller wants to chime in with his opinion as well. He's the one who motivated me (and gave me lots of written help) to perform the install myself.
Voice dialing only works if there is an integrated phone (either the hard-wired Motorola phone, or a wireless one using the BlueTooth module). The module itself stores the verbal names you record.
With regard to the antenna mounting bracket, I'd say it is definitely necessary. Once you get the center armrest completely dismantled, you'll see why the bracket is required.
The "spoken command" button on the steering wheel does mimic the functionality of the pairing button -- minus, of course, the ability to initially pair a BlueTooth phone. Once you pair the phone, the button under the armrest is redundant (which is why CaveDweller and I have opted to leave them concealed under the cup holder). I've been going back and forth about actually making the pairing button visible (cutting a hole, etc.). I was going to do it this weekend, but the weather was too nice here in San Francisco to be poking around in my garage tinkering with my car -- I had more fun driving it ;-)
I'm wondering if CaveDweller wants to chime in with his opinion as well. He's the one who motivated me (and gave me lots of written help) to perform the install myself.
You're right on with everything except the antenna mounting bracket. It secures the antenna under the console, but isn't necessary. Mine is just wrapped up under there.
Voice dialing is inded stored in the BT unit and is held seperately from the phone.
It's supposed to be approx 70 degrees here in DFW today so maybe I'll get to try it out with the top down.
I don't have a windscreen, though, because of my daughter's car seat.
Voice dialing is inded stored in the BT unit and is held seperately from the phone.
It's supposed to be approx 70 degrees here in DFW today so maybe I'll get to try it out with the top down.
I don't have a windscreen, though, because of my daughter's car seat.
OK, I know I'm being a PITA. [???1]
The Bimmernav instructions seem simpler. They just reconnect the 54 pin connector and antenna to the BT module in the trunk and say something about hooking up the BT antenna. They just remove the cup holder/coin tray (without removing the gearshift) to hook up the pairing button. Is that what you guys did??
Does the phone work thru its own antenna or the trunk anenna?
Any "coding" problems? Bimmernav implies there shouldn't be any.
CD, Bry: you are lucky. Heat wave here tomorrow--high of 36. Then back below 20, close to 10 later in the week. My top's starting to make strange noises. Must say, the BMW heated seats are some of the best. Toasty behind by the time I'm leaving my subdivision.![[offtopic]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_offtopic.gif "Off Topic [offtopic]")
The Bimmernav instructions seem simpler. They just reconnect the 54 pin connector and antenna to the BT module in the trunk and say something about hooking up the BT antenna. They just remove the cup holder/coin tray (without removing the gearshift) to hook up the pairing button. Is that what you guys did??
Does the phone work thru its own antenna or the trunk anenna?
Any "coding" problems? Bimmernav implies there shouldn't be any.
CD, Bry: you are lucky. Heat wave here tomorrow--high of 36. Then back below 20, close to 10 later in the week. My top's starting to make strange noises. Must say, the BMW heated seats are some of the best. Toasty behind by the time I'm leaving my subdivision.
drkeng said:
OK, I know I'm being a PITA. [???1]
The Bimmernav instructions seem simpler. They just reconnect the 54 pin connector and antenna to the BT module in the trunk and say something about hooking up the BT antenna. They just remove the cup holder/coin tray (without removing the gearshift) to hook up the pairing button. Is that what you guys did??
Does the phone work thru its own antenna or the trunk anenna?
Any "coding" problems? Bimmernav implies there shouldn't be any.
CD, Bry: you are lucky. Heat wave here tomorrow--high of 36. Then back below 20, close to 10 later in the week. My top's starting to make strange noises. Must say, the BMW heated seats are some of the best. Toasty behind by the time I'm leaving my subdivision.
The Bimmernav instructions seem simpler. They just reconnect the 54 pin connector and antenna to the BT module in the trunk and say something about hooking up the BT antenna. They just remove the cup holder/coin tray (without removing the gearshift) to hook up the pairing button. Is that what you guys did??
Does the phone work thru its own antenna or the trunk anenna?
Any "coding" problems? Bimmernav implies there shouldn't be any.
CD, Bry: you are lucky. Heat wave here tomorrow--high of 36. Then back below 20, close to 10 later in the week. My top's starting to make strange noises. Must say, the BMW heated seats are some of the best. Toasty behind by the time I'm leaving my subdivision.
The phone communicates with the BT antenna you put under the ashtray. There are no coding problems if you already have Assist.
Unfortunately, I didn't get to enjoy the weather yesterday due to a nice long meeting that finally ended after dark.
![[bigcry]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_bigcry.gif "Big Cry [bigcry]"){kind=icon}
Today is still supposed to be in the 60's, though, before it goes down to the 30's tomorrow. ![[:)]](/images/smilies/smile.png "Smile [:)]")
I've been having a ball with the voice command feature. Since I have the BMW Navigation system, I'm able to speak commands to the Nav unit. The weather here has been in the 60s for the past several days, so I've been tooling around topless and barking commands like "navigation"... and "...scale 800ft" When I say "navigation," it immediately switches to the Naviagtion screen and starts to verbally direct me to the last destination. In this case, it was home. I was visiting a friend at his new house in a part of the South Bay I've never driven to. I needed some help getting to the highway from his place, so I said "Navigation..." and my system sprang to life and directed me to the freeway. Very cool.
![[V]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_disapprove.gif "Disapprove [V]"){kind=icon}