I've read through numerous threads here about how crappy the bluetooth microphone is but I have yet to find a real solution. I have the same problem many people here complain about. The people on the other end say that I sound horrible and they can't hear me at all. I end up driving down the street literally yelling almost as loud as I can and I still have to repeat everything 2 or 3 times and eventually we both get frustrated and end up hanging up.



On my 2011 R57 the microphone is on the steering column so the problem isn't that it's on the wrong side of the car like it was on other earlier Minis.

Is there some software hack that can be done to boost the gain level on the microphone? If not, is there maybe some aftermarket microphone that I can replace the OEM one with?

It's a little frustrating to have paid 500 bucks for this feature only to have it be unusable for all practical purposes. Not to mention the ipod/iphone connectivity is pretty much useless too but I can work around that. The bluetooth though is not something I'm willing to give up on.

BTW, if it makes a difference, I have an iphone 3GS. Is there maybe some setting in the iphone that I can tweak?

There has got to be a solution for this.

 

I get the same feedback when just using my cell phone.

Between the pleasant sound from using an Alta JCW replacement air filter element, the sound of the supercharger and my exhaust.....

But then again, it also helps to keep the damn phone calls down so I can enjoy the drive :P

 

I turn the phone off and listen to the beautiful MINI orchestra...

 

Never had any complaints while using mine.

 

switch it from the passenger side to the driver side
if you look up at your upper toggle switches there are two "vent" looking sections. The one on the passenger side houses the microphone

Pull the panel and refit it to the driver side and your good to go.


:ps hatchbacks ONLY

 

Like I mentioned, mine's a convertible and the microphone is mounted on the steering column. What I do notice though is that it's pointing up rather than directly at me. I wonder if there's a way to change that so it's pointing toward me instead of up at the roof. And if that will even make a difference.

Does anyone know how to remove the mic? It looks like the cover just pops off but before I try to just pop it off, I'd like to know for sure so I don't end up breaking it.

 

If it's that close to your mouth leave it alone. You'll probably mess it up if you take it out. The one on the headliner can be far from your mouth, but not yours. Try better enunciation lol.

 

Let me step in - it's not that it's close, it's just a CRAP design. To the OP - I haven't found anything that can be done here. I am thinking of trying to find a quarter sphere thing to glue on it so it kind of makes a megaphone toward me. I agree, it's total sheit as far as location. Though i didn't expect a lot from a convertible mike with top down, it's totally useless up or otherwise. If you find any good solution, please do post back!

 

That's actually an interesting idea. Put some kind of a cone shaped thing over it with the opening pointing directly at the driver. Hrmm....

btw, do you know if the microphone can be easily taken out or at least if the cover comes off easily?