I tried to search this thread, but didn't find the answer to my question.

Since MINI is owned by BMW, will the compatible BMW phones work with the MINI Bluetooth? I found the list of approved BMW phones at this link: http://www.wireless4bmw.com/phones2.html

There are 10 approved Verizon/BMW phones which is more than on the Verizon/MINI list which only lists 5 phones.

Some of the BMW phones are not on the master list in this thread (like the LG Venus, LG Voyager, LG VX8350), so I was curious. (Also because it expands the list of compatible phones that are available under my Verizon "new every two" years program.)

Thanks, and sorry if I missed the answer to my question in this thread.
Rich

 

Easy answer - No, Not all the phones on the BMW list will work with a Mini.

The real problem is with the firmware on the phone. Such as a LG Voyager with firmware LGVX10KV03 will work with a BMW and a Mini but at the current firmware versions LGVX10KV07 it will NOT work with either the BMW or the Mini.

I personally had a LG Voyager and with firmware LGVX10KV05 that would pair with my BMW with a very old bluetooth module in the car and i gave me dialing capability with the dash and steering wheel but not phone book and in my new Mini it would pair but dialing was flaky and no phone book transfer. Also the phone could not be programed back to the older firmware. When the phone was upgraded to firmware LBVX10KV07 it would pair but was intermitent at best with either car. Then I could not have it programed back to LGVX10KV05 either so i dumped it and went back to my old Motorola E815 which works perfectly with both my current cars.

Also note that the new voyager and env2 currently can only be purchased with the latest firmware unless bought off of e-bay and then i would want to check it before purchase.

Schatzy

 

I'm not the expert on this subject. I have my own problems with my phone's compatability with the Mini and I'm asking all the smart people here as well for help.

I can say that the 'BMW List' shows my phone listed, the Lg VX8700. The VX8700 is not listed on the MINI site. I too, was optimistic that since my phone was listed in the BMW site, that it would work OK with my Mini. But it's simply not the case. It works ok, but intermittently, and the phone book never synched, and you can't read the phone book. having said that, I did see a post within this thread that others got their phone book synched, but can't hear the phone in the audio system. So it's flaky at best.

So I would not conclude that if listed in the BMW site, that it would automatically be compatible with the MINI>

 

Thanks for the info, Schatzy and kcoccaro.
It sounds like a mess. And I am shelling out for the Convenience Package. They should rename it the "Discomfort Bluetooth" option!

 

The unfortunate thing is that it is not just Mini/BMW it is something all the car manufactures are dealing with.

LG has a reputation of not keeping to the bluetooth standard. Motorola on the other hand has done a better job.

It seems to be hit or miss with many phones. As kcoccaro said his LG VX8700 has the correct firmware and does not seem to work properly with his mini but other have has the LG VX8700 work immediately.

It is very hard to figure out what the exact problem is due to the reluctance of BMW/Mini and the phone manufactures not allowing the details of their software out to the public. I am sure there are members here that could sort it out if they could get their hands on the background data of the software in the phones and car bluetooth modules.

 

Assuming that a phones software/frimware has to be at the right level, wouldn't it be safe to assume there is a similar requirement on the car side? Does anyone know how one can determine what the bluetooth software/firmware level is in the mini's? I was just trying to adjust the time of my clock, pushing differnt buttons and i saw some type of software level. I don't know what that software level referred to, bluetooth or something else.. But since everyone here is comparing phone software levels, maybe we can compare software levels of the car itself?

 

Good questions. And another one might be: Can the vehicle's software/firmware level or version be updated?

 

BTW, I went to my friendly neighborhood Verizon Wireless dealer today armed with the list from this thread along with the MINI and BMW lists. Almost all the phones on the MINI and BMW lists are no longer sold by them. No help at all trying to go down the thread list to see if they could find a phone that works. What a waste of time.

Have any Verizon customers here recently purchased a new phone from them that works in the MINI? That would sure help a bit.

Thanks. And this website is GREAT!!

Rich

 

I just got the new env2 and it works great with my MINI. Contacts transferred, calls work. I'm really happy with it.

 

Thanks, Carjoy. That is good info since they do have that phone and it is available under the "New Every Two Years" plan, too.

Thanks!!

Update: I took a look at that phone and like it, but experience tells me I really need a clamshell phone. I have a tendency to accidentally dial out with surface mounted numbers. Any more recent successful users out there?

 

Hi I just read you post about the lg enV2, but have to ask what year is your MINI. I have an '08 and am on phone # 2 first the lg venus and now the voyager, neither one will adopt the phone book. AAAUUUGGGHHH!

 

My MINI is an 07 MC. I first had the Motorola Rzr, then the enV, and now the enV2 (I'm hard on phones I guess ). All three of these sync'd just fine and transferred the contact information. It was easy to remove the old phone information and have the new phone become the default. I haven't had any issues so I don't know if that is just luck of the draw or the right combination every time. I only have great things to say about my bluetooth connection. I'm very happy I got this option.

 

I wish I could say the same CJ. Tried my old Motorola v710 and it won't work either. My Env now keeps dropping the connection. Since neither of them will work I need to get a new phone... but which one? I feel your frustration loislane and completely agree.

Love my Mini... but not the bluetooth... at least not at the moment.

 

What is the firmware version on your phone?

 

The SW Version = VX910V03
Bluetooth Version = 1.2

I've had the enV2 for about two or three weeks now.

 

Maybe I should just ask a stranger if I can try their phone in the parking lot of a verizon store and see if it will sync up before I buy it. Will people think i'm weird if I try that? On the new voyager I found the firmware # it's VX10KV07 I can't seem to find the bluetooth version though. Is it also on the box the phone comes in? AAAUUGGHHHH! is all I have to say about that!

 

Where did you get it from? All the Verizon places around me only have phones that have the upgraded firmware at LGVX910V05 or LGVX910V07 which is proven not to work.

The only version of Firmware on the enV2 that is supposed to work is the LGVX910KV03.

I had done a hole bunch of testing with this phone and listed it earlier in this thread.

Please where did you get the phone so that I can try to get one.

Schatzy

 

The LG Voyager is also another phone that used to work when it was at Firmware Version LGVX10KV03 but not on the later versions of the firmware. It does not seem to matter what the bluetooth version is.

Schatzy

 

At the Verizon store in Tempe Marketplace in Tempe, Arizona. Just so happened to be the closest store after I killed my enV accidentially Luck of the draw I guess....

 

Usually you have 30 days (At least at AT&T) to return a phone for a full refund. So I say instead of freakin strangers out ( ) just get the phone you like, try it and if it doesn't work, exhange for another.

 

Verizon has the same policy but they were getting rather upset after my third return.

 

Did they charge you? I was told it would cost me $20 activation for each phone.

Kinda bugs me cuz I have been with them for nearly 10 years. How about giving a loyal customer a break Verizon?

 

No, i t did not cost me anything.

I do not have a copy of their written policy in front of me but from what it was told by the store clerk was that under the "New Every Two" you do not have to pay an activation fee. i think they are just trying to rip you off.

But of course their web site does not say anything about activation fees only that you have to have a $34.99 or higher price plan.

 

We are switching from T-Mobile to AT&T just because of the "30 Day" Dealey when our contract expires in 12 Days and COUNTING!! My husband's company also gives us a 20% Discount on our Monthly Service.

 

Got the Blackjack II Phones last night...My Phone had Full Integration w/Molly!! Hubby has yet to load his Contacts. Thanks NAMily!!