Greetings!
I just installed a SonyEricsson HCB-30 Bluetooth Handsfree Car kit in my MINI Cooper! The kit was not too difficult to install, as SonyEricsson has a MINI specific phone kit that installs in a similar fashion, with instructions on http://www.bridger.us.

So how does it work you ask? Well, you pair a bluetooth phone, like a SonyEricsson T68i or T39m, or any bluetooth enabled handset to the HCB-30, and once that is done, it acts like a bluetooth headset.

The system is powered by the MINI, so it nevers runs out of battery power while you are on a call (like Bluetooth earpieces). Calls are controlled by a small remote control panel, which I mounted just behind the console underneath the handbrake. This seemed like a good place for it, as you can rest your hand on the brake handle and press buttons without even looking at them. The remote control is scuplted a bit so you can feel the five buttons, and all the buttons are lighted for nighttime use. You can place calls by dialing on the phone's keypad, which then automatically transfers the call to the HCB-30, or, the really cool way... tap the call button and the system beeps. Say the name of the person you want to call, for example 'John Smith', the system beeps, you say where to call, ie 'Mobile' and the person's mobile number is looked up on your phone and dialed automatically. When done calling, just tap the disconnect call button.

I have the system set to voice answer as well, so when the phone rings, the speaker in the MINI chimes, and I say 'Answer' it will pick up the call after a short pause. If I say 'Busy' the call is routed to my voicemail.

The system cost me $230 from a place on Yahoo Shopping, and I spent about four hours installing it. It took that long mainly because I am meticulous when I take stuff apart, and I had to figure out how to run the microphone and remote control wires so they'd be well hidden. I suspect a dealer could install this in less than two hours. My MINI has a sunroof option, with a little panel that has a microphone slot built-in. The included mike fit very nicely there and looks pretty cool. The grey plastic matches the MINI plastic exactly, which is nice, and a rather odd coincidence. The speaker mounts underneath the switch panel for the windows, etc, and looks like it was meant to be there. SonyEricsson has an option to patch the sound into the car stereo speakers, and also a mute-radio function, neither of which did I choose to implement.

In all, this was a fun project, and adds to the safety of my MINI, as now I can make and take calls without taking my eyes off the road! I'll post some pics later on when I get a chance. So, do I have the world's only Bluetooth-enabled MINI Cooper?
Mike

 

Hi!

I'm currently using a T68i and Jabra BT headset, but would be interested in you solution. Any pictures by chance?

Cheers,
Bill

 

I'd have one if Nextel got their act together and got a bluetooth enabled phone out on the market. :evil:

Although right now I think I'll focus more on performance mods...
-Chris

p.s. I keep thinking that the unused button on the MFSW would be great as a direct connect button...

 

Mini will be offering this option on 2004 cars as well. No retrofit though.

 

Congrats on the Bluetooth!

FYI the site url is actually Bridger.us/MINI

 

It was great of you to tell us this item exists... do you think you could provide a link to the retailer so others may share in your bluetooth joy?

 

I was reading about how you installed the HCB-30, did you install the addiotional Mute kit which mutes the stereo, works through the speakers and doesnt need the external speaker that comes with the kit? This is a bit random, but I have an aux input in place, it is a home made wire, but it is exactly like the now available mini made one... my next project is attempting to install a bluetooth hands free kit, I have been looking at posts on other boards and it appears that the additional mute kit requires pins to be plugged into the back of the head unit, are these spaces that I may already be using for the AUX input? does anyone know about installing one of these (HCB-30) with the advanced mute kit (HCE-16), please let me know you can email me as well, mike@fadeawayrecords.com

thanks for your help, sorry if this is a dumb question
mike.

 

>>Mini will be offering this option on 2004 cars as well. No retrofit though.
It is listed in the accessories catalog, so retro fit should be good to go.

 

Z3bum/All:

Now that/when your Mini is wireless(bluetooth enabled) I know this will interest you. Go online and check these Bluetooth GPS Units.
Navman 4400, GR-230, Rayming TN-206, & Navroute HP-700 or Travroute HP-700.
If you're going to get an Aftermarket GPS unit and you have Bluetooth, this is the way to go. I have a Sony Clie' w/Blutu & WiFi ability, with one of these units and a blutu cell you're wired to the world with things you can put in your pocket/purse when you leave your car. My God! Can motoring get any better?

Minian

_________________
Minian(^-^) DrkSlvr/DrkSlvr S/Sprt pkg/Aero/HK Sound/Alta Air & Pulley/
H-Sport Springs & Comp Swaybar (May Club)