Bluetooth Handsfree

andrew_ireland

Hi, I've just bought a 1999 BMW 318i (e46) and I'm looking for options for handsfree. There is a Nokia cradle already in the car and I'm assuming that it is connected to the controls in the multifunction wheel. Can anyone recommend a bluetooth kit that can replace the Nokia cradle please? I know f-all about handsfree kits so all help is appreciated! Thanks!

DublinDilbert

andrew_ireland wrote: »

Hi, I've just bought a 1999 BMW 318i (e46) and I'm looking for options for handsfree. There is a Nokia cradle already in the car and I'm assuming that it is connected to the controls in the multifunction wheel. Can anyone recommend a bluetooth kit that can replace the Nokia cradle please? I know f-all about handsfree kits so all help is appreciated! Thanks!

What model nokia kit is in your car? it might already be blue tooth (even though it has a cradle) and you just need to pair your phone with it.

Does it have the round nokia button with the white LED on it for answering the phone / volume? if it does, then its probably blue tooth enabled already.

Do a search for blue tooth devices with the phone and pair it up with the car kit, it should come up as "cark" or something similar.

andrew_ireland

Thanks for that, there's no buttons or LEDs on the cradle only a connection at the bottom that looks like it plugs into the phone. The lead that comes out from the console looks like it can unplu from the bottom of the cradle. I'll have a look in the morning and do a scan with the phone for any bluetooth IDs.

colm_mcm

if it's a 99 car, it won't have bluetooth, you''ll need a new kit. If you're after a basic kit something like a Nokia CK7W or CK100 would do.

AFAIK for the warranty a fitter has to use a new loom and can't use the one from the old kit. you might find that a newer kit like a CK7W will have all the same plugs as your old carkit, thus simplifying installation. check beforehand though.

andrew_ireland

Thanks Colm, I use Samsung phones so would there be any compatibility problems with a new Nokia kit? I'd heard people talk about Parrot kits, any opinions?

EPM

Got a Parrot MKi9200 a while back. Good kit, and you can hook your ipod or mp3 player up to it too. It cost €300 installed but you can get cheaper ones from about €150 upwards

R.O.R

andrew_ireland wrote: »

Thanks Colm, I use Samsung phones so would there be any compatibility problems with a new Nokia kit? I'd heard people talk about Parrot kits, any opinions?

I've had reports from driver's who had Nokia kits in their cars then changed from a Nokia phone to something else. Usually they are dropping calls half way through or people on the other end of the line can't hear them.

I'd be going for a Parrott kit as we get very few complaints about them and they are compatible with all Bluetooth phones.

I'd be surprised if it's connected to the steering wheel controls - they generally only work with the manufacturer phone system.