Is BMW Bluetooth worth the $?

G

grdesq-z4

New member
 Geneva, IL
I have the iPhone 3G and am considering having the BMW Bluetooth installed. When driving with the top down and the windows up, I can easily hear from my wired earphone but the person on the other side has problems hearing me and hears the wind. Does the BMW Bluetooth kit work well? Please post your comments. Thanks.
 
Seems to depend on the phone. Worked well with my Nokia but it's not as good with the Samsung I currently use. But people seem to be able to hear me OK when the top is down.
 
I retrofitted the oem bluetooth and like it for the integration into the Sat Nav display (directory, dialling, numbers), steering wheel controls, auto dimming of radio, etc. etc.

In terms of technology and costs there are way cheaper options available, but mine was economic as a DIY project.

I find it works very well with Blackberry, but it's not certain any make and model of phone will pair to the system given there are 13 generations of bluetooth ULF module in use. The latest Gen 13 should work on iphone

No chance to converse at speed with the top down but roof up is fine until 70 plus then variable

Hope that helps
 
cj, would you happen to know if there is an install guide for the oem bluetooth system? I would very much appreciate any help with this. I too have the Sat Nav and i too would like to see all the info on the screen ;) Thanks.

Dave
 
I have a guide somewhere in electronic format, but for you guys in the states it's easy as you have the wiring loom already fitted, just need to add the ULF to the trunk, pairing button in the centre console area and Mic on the steering cowel

just remembered where you can find one.

http://www.bimmernav.com/bmw_Z_series_bluetooth_retrofit.html

I have all the bits, just havent got round to fitting.
 
the retrofit kit is 700 dollars??!!!!! :o is there anywhere else to purchase the kit at a more affordable price? wow!
 
ebay ULF is the expensive part though, I bough the entire kit in two lots for £100, about $200 at the time, only got 1st gen ULF at present but it was only £19
 
As sr notes the ULF is the expensive bit. I've done 2 systems now, on the X5 and Z4 and in both cases kept a running search going on eBay until I got a ULF at the correct price. Remember also there are 13 versions of ULF and all work, but the later the more featured and generally better chance of mating to newer phones. When buying on Ebay always cross reference the part number to the module list and beware of those without a part number. They are either the oldest ones or mistakes by Ebayer who don't know what they are selling

The loom is from Bimmernav and very helpful they are too.

I caution this is not project for the faint hearted as you need to strip the car from trunk to steering column to fit the harness, various connectors, cradle, antenna and mike. Not really difficult but just needs time and care with all the parts.
 
CJ USA members cars are all pre wired though which makes life easier for them, strange why BMW did this but not for EU cars, although same can be said for CD changer where it's prwired for UK market but not elsewhere.
 
Is it worth it? No idea. But I love it. I love the integration with the satnav and steering wheel, and at speeds on the highway I might not be able to hear the people I'm talking to, but at least they can hear me. I'd probably not bother with retrofitting it if it were not in my car, but I actually have it on my shortlist of stuff I want on any car I get nowadays, so retrofitting is not an issue for me.
 
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