Hi everyone,

I'm a first-time poster, but I've been lurking for the past month or so... learning a lot of new things.

I have a MINI cooper S Auto on order from East Bay MINI in Pleasanton... due to go into production in May. I'm interested in the "universal" bluetooth cradle, but have a few questions about it, if anyone can help.

I plan on ordering the satellite navigation system... does the navigation system support bluetooth phone compatibility, even if I don't order the universal cradle?

Does anyone have a list of what phones are compatible with the cradle? I use windows smartphones... a few of them can be pretty bulky; will it fit into the cradle? Has anyone tried using a smartphone in the cradle?

Thanks in advance!

 

If you email miniusa they will send you an updated list of BT phones that they have tested for compatibility.

 

The cradle's not necessary that I can see. I can use my Nokia 6682 (not on the list of what, 5 compatible phones? ) through the BT if it's in my pocket, on the seat, on the floor from rapid braking, etc. It does give you a nice place to put the phone.

My only gripe is that sometimes when I shift or use the hand brake I open the lid a little bit on the console.

 

My treo 700w works with the BT, and I don't use the arm rest. I am going to take the armrest off of mine because I keep bumping it open or hitting my elbow on it while shifting.

 

I too am confused by the BT option. Do I need the cradle so I can use the MFSC controls?

 

Nope. I drove from Fort Worth to Austin with my Nokia 6682 connected to the 12V outlet in the boot. Worked fine. MFSC voice and dial controls worked too. Interesting that the voice controls are part of the MINI, too.

 

Yeah, the list is sparse. I am about to upgrade my phone to BT. I generally assume that any handset should work with the system. For what we paid for it, the phone should dial itself regardless of MINI testing.

 

I have a Cingular 8125 Pocket PC phone, with 250+ numbers in storage. It works fine with the R56 Bluetooth. When you first connect the phone, it will transfer ALL of your numbers to the car, so you can call them up on the radio (speedometer?) screen to dial. Voice dial works also. My wife has a Sony Ericsson Z520a phone, and it also works perfectly with the MINI bluetooth. I do not believe either of these phones are on 'the list', but both work great.

My wife and I love this feature, especially since our MINI is a 6 speed, and it is tough to answer the phone when your driving.

My wife leaves both her phone and her fob in her purse. She just jumps in the car and goes!

 

I also wanted to mention that the car automatically figures out who is in the car, and connects the bluetooth everytime without you having to do anything.

The only conflict is when we are both in the car with our phones. It will pick one of us, and connect that phone. No big deal, just a different phone book shows up.

 

OK, last point, both phones work with the MFSC controls. We do not have a cradle for either phone. The phone either stays on my (ever expanding) waist, or her's, in her purse.

Sorry about all the posts, but I like to try to contribute when I know something, which isn't too often!

 

Fyi, the Bluetooth kit is actually two parts, a bluetooth radio module that integrates with the steering wheel buttons and stereo system, and a powered insert for the armrest. In Europe, you can get different inserts that work with various mobiles to charge them. I'll find the list and post it another time. The Bluetooth part should work with most Bluetooth enabled mobile phones including Palm OS and Windows Smartphones. (I think the bluetooth module is from the same OEM as the BMW version) After fiddling with my NUVI 360s bluetooth today, I am seriously considering getting the MINI kit and wiring it into the car. I have to see if I can find the installation documention.
Mike

 

FWIW - has anyone complained about the recipient call quality? I'm on T-mobile here in Washington DC and all my friends complain about the quality of the call - I'm wondering if I need a new phone - I have a Nokia 6103.

 

THANKS FOR THE INFO

 

And that button in the armrest....whats that for? Seems to be related to the phone somehow.

 

Has anyone had the problem that the Mini doesn't recognise their phone, but the phone finds the Mini? I've got this issue with my Motorola Razr.

 

For my Nokia, I had to start searching on the MINI, then search from the phone, and it paired up.