anyone find any information on using your existing nav and programming it for blue tooth tech. "hands free phone" i thought that would be really cool.

 

MINI makes a BT kit but the OEM is pricey for what it is many seek aftermarket options. There is a DIY on MINI2.com about tieing a handsfree kit into the stereo system, but I don't think it was for a BT setup but it may provide the insight nessacary for someone interested in adapting a BT kit to appear OEM.

 

Integrated Aftermarket Bluetooth
Integrated Aftermarket Bluetooth: Part 2

 

I liked it pretty much, but as my mods got more and more noisy, the people I was talking to didn't like it that much. So now it's out. Biggest problem was finding a good place for the mike...

Matt

 

If you want full Nav integration with your BT, your only real option is the very expensive "big" OEM Bluetooth kit. I have it, but few people do because of its price.

You need to ask yourself how much you're really willing to spend to get what you want. Unless you are crazy (like me ), you are more likely to find a better compromise with aftermarket solutions.

Note there are TWO OEM Bluetooth solutions though. The smaller one is MUCH cheaper but does not integrate with the Nav.

 

Thanks to everyone. I love this place. I have learned so much from so many great people.

 

Did you ever do a write-up on this system? I keep asking my dealer about BT options and he only shows me the cheaper option - I would join your crazy club to have something integrated with my NAV. Do you have a model number, a link, or some other source of a description for this unit?

Thanks -

Bill

 

No I still haven't done a write-up. I really should get to that soon.

Here's some direct info on the kit, courtesy of MotoringFile:

MotoringFile » Archive » New Bluetooth Kit Comes to the US

MotoringFile » Archive » Universal Bluetooth Handsfree Install PDF

Show the release PDF listed at the end of the first link (the non-install one) to your dealer to "wake them up" to what's available. It's a MINI dealer bulletin, specifically intended to make dealers aware of new products. They've probably never done an install of it before, which would explain why they are so used to quoting the older & cheaper OEM kit.

 

Great - this sounds perfect. Only concern I have is the antiquated phones listed for compatability. I imagine that this is an issue for the armrest coupler - but I can certainly live without the coupler/charger so long as the bluetooth signal of my Motorola phone works with the system. Have you had any compatability issues of this sort with your phone?

Two final questions - I understand that this system employs the NAV screen. What kinds of information or interaction takes place on the screen? Also, does this system FINALLY use those previously dumb buttons on the steering column assembly for phone use?

Thanks, Edge -

Bill