Be careful, that's what I thought too... the "3 hours" labor quote has only to do with the BT kit installation itself. It does not take into account any of the dismantling or reassembling of the car to make that happen.

Also, certain parts, like the pillar covers on either side of your windshield, are designed to break when you remove them, so you'd have to buy new pillar covers. That's just one example, but the install is NOT simple. Keep in mind that the PDF document I sent you to is for installing the "big" Bluetooth kit, for which the parts alone MSRP at $1250... then you still need a phone adapter for your specific phone (and only certain adapters are available), and if you don't have the OEM armrest, you'll need that too (plus the labor of installing it).

It's NOT a simple job. The much cheaper original $450 OEM Bluetooth kit is less complicated to install, as I understand, but you don't get nice things like steering wheel buttons, Nav integration, external antenna and phone charging, etc.

If you don't want to spend the money and time (or labor costs) on the big kahuna kit like I did, you should consider the much cheaper aftermarket solutions, although some people have been very happy with the original OEM Bluetooth kit.

 

I was thinking more along the line of the less expensive Bluetooth kit as I don't really like the center arm rest covering the rear cup holder and I don't need the in-car hidden charger for the phone. Did not realize they had an antennae booster for the phone in the big kit.

I was just looking for a simple solution to where I could walk in the car and have my phone automatically detect the system and use the car as the head set. Sure beats having to remember to put on an actual head set each time I get into the car. I assume this would work even if the phone was left in my pocket as I usually forget it is there and have to work on getting it out while driving. (Not easy, especially with a stick shift)

 

OK - well, ANY Bluetooth solution (OEM or aftermarket) will do what you need. It's also possible to do the "big" kit without the armrest, but if you do, you HAVE to have the keypad mounted on your downtube (just for one extra Bluetooth-related button that isn't included on the steering wheel, but is located in the armrest mount).

One thing to keep in mind - Bluetooth chews your cell's battery faster, which is one of the reasons I like having the armrest dock. Of course you could always use a cigarette lighter charger instead.

Also, note that the OEM armrest does give you a slightly smaller cupholder, (and with less clearance when the armrest is lowered), but you still have a cupholder. I still put decent-sized cardboard drink cups in it, but when I do, I leave the armrest raised for the clearance (especially when I have a straw sticking up - heh).

 

Bluetooth doesn't eat the battery *that* fast! These days phones last for ~3-4 days on their own at least, the extra power drained by having bluetooth on is nothing compared with the convenience! Its also a lot nicer to just get in the car and drive, not have to worry about about plugging your phone in etc. Personally I'm not a fan of the armrests anyway .

Its not a big job installing a handsfree kit, and its easily done without killing the A panel cover as well. Zero chance of rattles if you know what you're doing (i.e. don't leave things bouncing around in the back of the stereo).

 

I noticed a very significant difference in battery life when I first got the Bluetooth kit installed in my MINI (I initially had it without the armrest and charge function).

I agree that Bluetooth headsets don't drain the battery "that" fast... but the one factor that you may be missing is:

Bluetooth headsets only drain phone power when they are turned on (and therefore "connected" to the phone), and good headsets can be easily turned off when not in use.

Bluetooth in-car kits are active at ALL times while you're in the car. This means that even when you're not on a call, the Bluetooth connection is active. That constant Bluetooth connection will drain the battery faster than if it wasn't there. More noticably so then just for actual calltime.

Anyway, although I originally had reservations about adding on the armrest piece (to complete the install), I'm glad I did. I don't hate the armrest as much as I thought I would - it's actually quite nice overall, and you can tilt it out of the way when you don't want it.

 

I have the Newministuff kit linked above. I have installed the kit in my '06 MCS and another in my daughters '06 MC. I think they are fantastic. They allow for the use of the MFSW buttons, they paired easily with my Cingular 2125 and my daughter's Razor, the sound quality is excellent, most people I call cannot tell I am on a BT set.

The install time was short. It is very easy to remove the radio in an '06 and it took me probably a half an hour start to finish for my daughter's car (second install).

There have been concerns on this forum regarding call volume in the MC and MCS due to a high amount of cabin noise. I drive on the freeway at an average speed of 70-75 in a windy area. I have had no issues hearing the calling party.

Battery usage on my 2125 has not noticably increased with the full time BT application open.

For comparison, I also own an '06 650 convertible. I think the BT in my cooper is better than the BT in the 6 due to the better compatibilty of the Parrot kit.

These are my observations, your mileage will vary.

PS.. all the wiring is hidden. You do not see anything you do not want to have seen. I left the pairing button exposed on my kit as I will likely be adding more phones to the profiles. I hid the pairing button on myu daughter's car.

 

Sounds great, Blue!
I'm sold on the Parrot + Interface Kit...

 

I'm talking about the in car kits - trust me, I've installed a lot of them :D.

I'd say if your phone is using a massive amount of power more that its more likely to be a bug in the phones firmware - not uncommon! What phone are you using?

 

Motorola E815 - note I said very significant, not massive. Point being that I definitely noticed the difference!

 

I gotta agree with Edge on this.

The fact is you have to turn the phone on. That by itself just means that it like your normal cell phone.

But then you have to activate BT in the phone itself to make the connection. Some ppl, like me, leave the BT "on" in the phone all the time (it would be foolish to have to keep turning it on/off everytime you got in the car).

At least in our Motorolas, you can see the little BT activated icon in the phone display and it DOES eat the battery much quicker. In fact, in my Razor manual it exlicitly states:

Note: To extend battery life, use the above procedure and set Bluetooth power to Off when not in use.

 

Obviously it does eat some power, but not a stupidly large amount! I've got a Razr myself at the moment, but I've gone through a hell of a lot of phones (as have a lot of my customers with kits). You're right in saying it does eat the battery quicker, but not so much quicker that you'd decide against having a kit!

 

Oh, I agree with that statement 100%. Your last post came across as if it didn't run down the battery and I know it did.

It should never be a reason for not getting BT. I'm sick of seeing ppl with cell phones stuck in their ears

 

I've got a 2006 MCS and I've been interested in one of those Parrot units with the interface from NewMINIStuff.com but I've got a question...
How do I tell which stereo I have (Wave, Boost or HK)?

 

Of course not - I was never suggesting "don't get a kit"... just trying to give a heads up to be aware of the additional power drain - and always carry a car charger with you... or, as in my case, a dock that keeps it always charged.

 

mirth, Boost is the US radio. HK is the upgraded US soundsystem option!

 

I must have the Boost stereo then.
Thanks, thirdrail!

 

To those that have Mike's MFSW loom and control unit and the Parrot CK3000 evo and are able to utilize the Bluetooh functionality (people on the other phone can actually hear and understand you). My setup is not functional. Some of the particulars of my installation:
Palm Treo 700w phone
2006 Cooper with sunroof
Parrot CK3000 Evo 5.10_c
Microphone is located in factory location. Next to sunroof control on drivers side. The end of the microphone extends through the original microphone grill and is unobstructed pointing down. (within 18 inches of drivers head).

My setup works fine except people I am talking to can not hear or understand me. What have you done to make your installation functional. I need help to make the Bluetooth installation functional or I will have to remove it.

 

The last time I installed Mike's loom with a Sony-Ericsson kit it was simply Plug and Play. It should be a plug and play kit, make sure that all of your connections are tight. With the Sony-Ericsson kit one of the connections didn't always stay snug. I ended up wrapping it in electrical tape to hold it in place. Not sure if the Parrot kit has the same problem.

Also swing over to Parrot's website parrot.biz and check out their support forums. Somebody over there might be able to help you out as well. Finally, e-mail Mike over at newministuff he's always been really quick to respond to e-mails and may also have some additional insight.

 

I had a new headunit installed to interface with the HK amp and apeakers that has Bluetooth and full Ipod control. It is the Pioneer P9800BT. It works with Bluetooth v1.2 and above. It pauses my ipod when i call someone or someone calls me. It connects automatically. I able to control the volume of the Ipod and the track from the MFSW. This is a nice unit around $700 installed. I have a picture of the headunit in my gallery. The microphone for the phone is monunted on the a pillar. This might work for someone who needs both bluetooth and Ipod connection.

 

Rhasenohrl,

For my car, I do not have a sunroof and I connect using a Cingular (HTC) 2125. In addition, I installed the microphone in between the chrono pack gauges on the steering column. With this set-up, I am speaking directly into the mic while driving.

In my time with the unit, I have found that the windows must be rolled up in order for the other party to hear me. If your phone is syncing with the Parrot unit, I suspect the problem is not with your phone. Just be sure the unit is syncing as a headset, not hands free. Lastly as someone else noted here, make sure your connections are tight. In your post, you do not distinguish between inaudible and no sound for your calling party... perhaps you can elaborate on this a bit so this board can help to further diagnose your problem.

Best of luck ot your getting this sorted out.

Garth

 

Can they not hear you at all, or are you garbled/echoing to them?

If they can hear you, try removing the mike and speaking directly into it with the car turned off. Does this make it better? This will prove your mike. Have you got access to another phone (friends, family) that you can sync up to the kit and see if that works OK?

Your mounting location is fine, I've installed heaps in there including my own.

I've got a Parrot kit and an ice>Link Plus, works great and maintains the "stock" look (because I've never found an aftermarket headunit that "flows" with the central stack in the dash) .

 

The people on the other end can hear broken conversation, noice and conversation simular to poorly generated computer words. Also now I am experiencing failure with the Mini's main computer . I have gone back to the dealer two time to have it reset. I will be checking the wire connections this weekend and if all looks good I will remove connection from the back of the radio in hopes that the Mini's main computer can be reset. In the event I locate bad connections I will attempt to secure them and the try reseting the Mini computer.

 

has anyone heard that the 07 Nav will have BT built in

 

I believe it will be a direct-from-the-factory option, either with or without Nav.