Pre-Wired for a Phone

[jcrosi]

Other than the obvious what exactly does this mean?

What is involved in installing a phone. Is it a perm fixture or can my exisitng cell phone be used?

Is this the same when I hear people talking about blue-thooth or is this seperate?

Thanks, hope to pick up the new 325 next week!

 

[TheBry]

BlueTooth is separate. Both the phone module and bluetooth modules are simple plug-in modules. Some people have installed them without the aid of a service adviser. If you've got the BMW Assist feature then you already have an integrated phone. What's really cool is bluetooth. If you have this module installed you can pair your bluetooth phone to your BMW, then the phone's services become available whenever your phone is in range of the car (like 30 feet or so). For example, if your phone is in the trunk of your car (and switched on), and you'd like to receive or make a call, you can do so using the built-in microphone (in headliner) and your stereo speakers. In fact, if you're playing the stereo, the volume is automatically lowered so you can hear your caller. Quite cool.

 

[Epi330]

Well, BlueTooth may be cool indeed, but it's pretty expensive (and I don't have any bluetooth phone anyway). Could you please give more details/references to what "phone module" is, and what additional equipment is required for that? (and will the button on my wheel work ?).

Thanks,

 

[gizzy]

Well, BlueTooth may be cool indeed, but it's pretty expensive (and I don't have any bluetooth phone anyway). Could you please give more details/references to what "phone module" is, and what additional equipment is required for that? (and will the button on my wheel work ?).

Thanks,

When compared to the phone module, bluetooth is cheep. The phone module that the car is prewired for is only the BMW Phone (Motorola somthing or another) and they want like $1500 or $1800 for it (can't remember exactly). My advice, go with bluetooth and choose your bluetooth enabled phone. The bluetooth module and installation kit will run you about $500-$600. I'm just waiting for my current phone contract to expire this summer before I put bluetooth in.

 

[Docem2003]

If you have BMW assist you can not use the blue tooth feature. So I was told by the dealer. My cell phone has blue tooth...........

 

[gizzy]

If you have BMW assist you can not use the blue tooth feature. So I was told by the dealer. My cell phone has blue tooth...........

The BMW Assist has to be removed from the car. It uses the same wires that the Bluetooth does. In fact, if you have assist, you don't even need to install the microphone in the overhead console since there is already one there (though that is probably one of the easiest steps of the installation). Also, my dealer claims that they have installed bluetooth in cars that came with assist. You just can't have Assist AND Bluetooth together (at least yet).

 

[Talk2USoon]

The BMW Assist has to be removed from the car. It uses the same wires that the Bluetooth does. In fact, if you have assist, you don't even need to install the microphone in the overhead console since there is already one there (though that is probably one of the easiest steps of the installation). Also, my dealer claims that they have installed bluetooth in cars that came with assist. You just can't have Assist AND Bluetooth together (at least yet).

<<<<<<<

One caution...... Blue tooth is presently incompatible with the convertibles regardless of whether BMW Assist is activated. This is supposed to change when an updated software becomes available in Sept. 2004.
I wouldn't remove the BMW assist, because as a convertible owner, I am able to receive incoming calls from the integrated phone (using the steering wheel's phone icon to answer).

 

[CaveDweller]

Talk2USoon,

Are you sure Bluetooth isn't available on convertibles? I got my 2004 325CiC last week and it has a blutooth code for connecting devices. I don't have a bluetooth cell yet to try it, though.
Also, how do you recieve inbound calls with the integrated BMW Assist? Where did you get the phone number or did you purchase a BMW phone system?

Regards,
CD

 

[Talk2USoon]

Talk2USoon,

Are you sure Bluetooth isn't available on convertibles? I got my 2004 325CiC last week and it has a blutooth code for connecting devices. I don't have a bluetooth cell yet to try it, though.
Also, how do you recieve inbound calls with the integrated BMW Assist? Where did you get the phone number or did you purchase a BMW phone system?

Regards,
CD

I believe the Bluetooth ID card you got with your convertible verifies the car is already pre-wired for Bluetooth. However, it is my understanding that the Bluetooth modual cannot be activated for convertibles at this time due to a software conflict (whose repair is "in the works" for sometime in September 2004).
Your car's inbound phone number is the 10 digit number found on your Bluetooth ID card. Mine has a New Jersey area code because that's the service center ?? my car went to, when it arrived here in the States.
Now, you aren't supposed to use the number for incoming calls, but it was someone's post on receiving a wrong number (in their convertible....... using as I do, the steering wheel's phone icon to "answer") that sent me on a search for my car's direct line.
Now mind you, having a call come through your stereo system whose volume increases as you accelerate, isn't exactly the most PRIVATE way to hold a conversation, but it sure beats not having it at ALL
Just be certain to limit its use as it's more likely than not that BMW ASSIST may see fit to give you a new (read, unknown) # that you would never be able to determine

 

[PatR900]

You may want to just get a Bluetooth phone. I live on the phone in my car and it's nice to be able to keep my hands on the steering wheel-not the phone. Check out blueserker.com for details about Bluetooth phones. You won't regret it.