Hands free phone / Bluetooth

[yuanja]

I am considering getting a 2004 530i over a MB E320. Being a real estate broker, both navigation system and hands free phone systems are very critical to my job. I am dissapointed to learn that people are not optimistic about the navagation system at this point.

I am doing research to learn more about the phone features. I have been told that the new 5s are prewired to interoperable with any bluetooth phone system. however, I am not able to find any public saying about it.

When is it available? How much does it cost? and how well does it work?

Thanks!

Jason

 

[vlad]

Here's all I have at this point, besides it not being cheap...

5 Series Bluetooth

Part Numbers

Owner's Manual

 

[yuanja]

Vlad,
thank you. this is a great start. $435 + labor is still less expensive than that of Mot v60 both BMW and MB charges.

Any idea how well this solution works? does it integrate with other phone buttons on the steering wheel? how is the voice quality?

And is the installation a shop job, or some not so handy guy like myself can give it a try?

Thanks!

Jason

 

[vlad]

I have no real input on how the system is after the installation. I believe that it is supposed to incorporate the steering wheel controls though.

That price you mentioned, (I believe), is if you already have the setup for the older phone installed. It may go up from there if you haven't already have one installed.

The only input that I can offer is that Bluetooth can be a bit finicky, at least that's what I've heard. Not had any problems with any computer to phone connections. I'm waiting to raise the $$ to have it added to my car.

 

[brahtw8]

My TL has a built-in Bluetooth Handsfree system, which I just linked to a Sony T608 Sprint Phone over the weekend.

Very cool system. I can't speak for the others.

I will say this. If you are cross shopping a 530 and 320, you need to check out the new TL. Great Nav, Audio, and Engine/6MT.

 

[vlad]

Hey! brahtw8, I just received my T608 right before Christmas! Any issues that you've ran into so far?

 

[brahtw8]

Nothing beyond trying to get used to the slightly different interface from my previous Samsung phones.

I have heard the battery life of the T608 sucks in Bluetooth mode.

 

[Jewels530i]

They just announced the bluetooth will be available for MY05 starting 09/04 production. The nav will be available in the US shortly. The bluetooth is supposed to be retroable for all previous e60's. The nav will be unavailable to any car built before 11/03 and any built after it becomes available on production line starting 02/04. The ones in between those 2 dates are supposed to be set up to retro and should have a line on the sticker saying nav prep. They can be identified by having the two buttons next to the idrive controller rather than the one large menu button.