I have finally had the bluetooth phone and music integration (that I paid for when I bought the car) added this week. I understand the combox was not available until the Sep 2010 model, and mine's a July 2010 build so I don't think there was any chance of an OEM retrofit solution.
I've had an aftermarket product fitted, which like most of these devices, uses the CD changer system to deliver BT music and phone. The box (Zufatec Fiscon Pro, from Germany) plugs into the existing wiring, and a mic is wired into what I believe is the factory mic position behind the steering wheel (there were already slots in the plastic for what looks like where a mic would be).
Steering wheel and iDrive controls work, but I've only tested music so far. I understand the system will read texts through the car speakers (the installer said he tested this).
So far, the only negative is that it doesn't appear to show any track info. I suspect this is probably because the car is looking for CD track info, and doesn't recognise any ID3 tags from the device. Shame but otherwise I'm well pleased with it so far
.
Here is the unit mounted on the left side of the bulkhead in the boot:
Close-up of the unit (image flipped 180 deg as it is mounted 'upside-down' in the car)
Nicely tucked away behind the carpet
There's now two new menus on the iDrive: CD/Multimedia and Telephone. This was done by coding remotely, I'm not sure what software was used to do this.
Once the phone is paired, CD1 shows "Tel Control."
Selecting "Tel Control" takes you to the track info/controls. Next track, Previous track, Stop, Start and Random play (visible on a second screen once the 'options' button on the iDrive is pressed, or the iDrive selector is pressed to the right) are available.
Audio quality seems good (I only have the 'HiFi' audio option, no DSP), no skipping or stuttering on bluetooth experienced so far.
As I don't have USB/AUX in the centre storage tray, I have connected a USB adapter to the 12V socket so I have the option of charging my phone in the storage tray while using the bluetooth for music and phone operation, keeping everything tidy and out of the way.
Looking at the hardware and installation location it seems like a pretty straightforward DIY job to install, but I'm not sure what's involved in coding the CD-changer/Telephone option on the iDrive.
I've had an aftermarket product fitted, which like most of these devices, uses the CD changer system to deliver BT music and phone. The box (Zufatec Fiscon Pro, from Germany) plugs into the existing wiring, and a mic is wired into what I believe is the factory mic position behind the steering wheel (there were already slots in the plastic for what looks like where a mic would be).
Steering wheel and iDrive controls work, but I've only tested music so far. I understand the system will read texts through the car speakers (the installer said he tested this).
So far, the only negative is that it doesn't appear to show any track info. I suspect this is probably because the car is looking for CD track info, and doesn't recognise any ID3 tags from the device. Shame but otherwise I'm well pleased with it so far
.Here is the unit mounted on the left side of the bulkhead in the boot:
Close-up of the unit (image flipped 180 deg as it is mounted 'upside-down' in the car)
Nicely tucked away behind the carpet
There's now two new menus on the iDrive: CD/Multimedia and Telephone. This was done by coding remotely, I'm not sure what software was used to do this.
Once the phone is paired, CD1 shows "Tel Control."
Selecting "Tel Control" takes you to the track info/controls. Next track, Previous track, Stop, Start and Random play (visible on a second screen once the 'options' button on the iDrive is pressed, or the iDrive selector is pressed to the right) are available.
Audio quality seems good (I only have the 'HiFi' audio option, no DSP), no skipping or stuttering on bluetooth experienced so far.
As I don't have USB/AUX in the centre storage tray, I have connected a USB adapter to the 12V socket so I have the option of charging my phone in the storage tray while using the bluetooth for music and phone operation, keeping everything tidy and out of the way.
Looking at the hardware and installation location it seems like a pretty straightforward DIY job to install, but I'm not sure what's involved in coding the CD-changer/Telephone option on the iDrive.
