Another phone

stealthn · 10-30-2002, 07:48 PM

Does anyone know if I can put a non BMW phone in my 1999 528I and still use the buttons for handsfree etc?

Thanks in advance,

stealthn · 11-22-2002, 07:09 AM

Update,

I spoke to BMW today about the factory phone, they said it would be $3500 CDN!! I had to laugh....

I asked if a third part phone could be installed to take advantage of the phone components in the car. The answer is no.

I guess I'll be watching the wreckers to see if one comes in with a phone.
What are all the components involved with the factory phone?

Thanks,

stealthn · 01-03-2003, 06:31 AM

I know I'm just keeping this thread alive to practice my typing skills, but I thought I'd post an update.

I found info on www.bmwtips.com that describes hooking up a phone to the already inplace wiring in later model cars.

(if anyone cares...)

Bart911Man · 01-03-2003, 09:55 AM

But still the buttons on the steering wheel won't work.
Had a nokia kit installed (by the pro's at my BMW dealership), the kit works fine with the stereo speakers and all but the only way to manipulate the phone is via the phone keyboard.

BTW wouldn't it also involve changing the entire centrale console, arm rest etc...?

Good luck,
Bart.

Wayne 962 · Wayne 962's Garage

What a pain. Just like installing a CD-changer...

-Wayne

stealthn · 01-16-2003, 01:47 PM

Update,

After alot of research, it looks like third party kits can be installed in a later Bimmer and use most of the factory wiring. The wiring is already in place. The only issue is you can't use the steering wheel controls.

Alot of good info out there (the internet) and it gives you the ability to have speakers mute when phone is on as well as using the factory wiring for mic (in headliner beside sunroof controls), and wiring for antenna (already in headliner at back window).

I am interested in doing this because I hate the earpieces, and I like to have both hands on wheels when driving.

I will post info if anyone is interested.

Bart911Man · 01-18-2003, 03:42 PM

For the antenna --> check the indoor antenna's.
I have one on my front window.
It's in the upper right hand corner, measures about
1"x1"x0.25" it's glued on the windshield and is nearly
invisible. It saves you from drilling this nasty hole in the
roof (resell value goes up).
In my 2002 525d the wiring for that antenna also whas already in place.
I can post some picks of the installation if you want.

As you said, all works well with the radio muting and all except for the steering wheel controls.

Good luck,

Bart

stealthn · 01-19-2003, 07:07 AM

Bart,

Which phone did you use, and did you use all the factory wiring?

Cheers

Bart911Man · 01-25-2003, 08:59 AM

Hi there,

It is a handsfreeset for my nokia 6210.
I didn't install it personnaly but the guy who did (car hifi specialist) ensured me he used the standard available wiring as much as possible. He's trust worthy.

Bart.

Mike528i · 02-04-2003, 06:22 PM

Yes i too would like to add a hands free phone. I will check out that other too. But if you have a images or other tips it would be appreciated.

stealthn · 02-05-2003, 06:28 AM

Mike,

The articles I was looking at are for later model 5 series. The best one I found is on BMWtips: http://www.bmwtips.com/navbar.htm
Called installing a Nokia car kit.
This one is for the Nokia, but I shows and discusses how the wiring is all there for connections to a phone kit. You can jumper the wiring in the trunk to run everything back to the center console to put a third party car kit there.

I am going to hold off until spring to see if I can find a later 5 series that has been totalled and has a car kit. The VOX module would be nice to have as it's the voice operated dialing, etc.

If I still can't find a factory one, I'll install the car kit for my Audiovox.

Cheers

Javier at Pelican Parts · 02-05-2003, 08:11 AM

On my x5 last year I tried to instal an other than BMW phone, the people at motorola informed me that although the components are motorola they disigned them for use only on BMW's, making it impossible to use another phone. Now I went ahead and had some stereo shop install a basic hands free but no wheel controls, The BMW's are all prewired through the computers for their phones only, or so I'm told.

stealthn · 02-07-2003, 03:15 PM

Javier,

Well maybe that's true for the steering wheel controls and VOX, but there have been several people that have done it with third party phones. Wiring is wiring, it's just a matter of know which one goes where.

The only things BMW that one might want to purchase is the Microphone which goes in the overhead console in the blank next to the sunroof switch, and the rear antenna (if you need one)

If you would like more info I can post an article.

Javier at Pelican Parts · 02-07-2003, 03:53 PM

Bob, As they say, any thing can be done toany thing, but for those who are thinking of having a third party phone custom installed into their BRAND NEW BMW, dbl check your warranty, bmw has strict guidlines as to what can and can't be done without voiding it. And at 40k + for new 3's it would be best not to mess with the warranty.

stealthn · 02-07-2003, 05:02 PM

I agree, I really wasn't speaking of Brand new ones (mine's a 99 out of warranty) but for $3400 CDN for the Bimmer phone it's nice to have alternatives.

Javier at Pelican Parts · 02-10-2003, 07:55 AM

is'nt that the truth, in the U.S. the factory phone can run up to $4000. and an after mrk phone for a fraction of that, its good to shop for alternatives

LeRoux Strydom · 02-17-2003, 05:40 AM

The thing with the factory phone is that the steering wheel buttons add another safety factor as opposed to fiddling with the buttons on the dash while driving, plus the phone book displays just below the odo which is just as useful (and safe). Sorry, I know nothing about the wiring changes required to get the s/w buttons to work with an aftermarket unit. The factory unit on my 530i is actually a Siemens unit, maybe it can be sourced independently of BMW?

good luck

LeRoux

jyagla · 03-09-2003, 10:18 AM

I will sell the factory phone unit out of my 1997 540I. It is a great phone but it is analog only this year. Every cell phone carrier wants you to go digital. So I have this awesome phone that I do not use. it is much cheaper to use a new digital phone with a headset. I also discovered that an upgrade to digital in my year of car would be hugely expensive if it could even be done.