Hello boys and girls,

just wanted to report back after successfully installing the FISCON Bluetooth Interface.

What is the FISCON?
It's a Bluetooth Interface made by german firm KUFATEC which works like the original. It's based on the Parrot CK5050 chipset.

Installation?
It works through the MOST interface as the original, so be carefull with the fiber-optic cables. Also, my car came pre-wired for the CD-Changer and BMW does the mistake of leaving the MOST ring bus open if no other devices are present. You need to circumvent the pre-wiring for the interface to work (i.e. install a loopback cable). The only wire cutting was for the power supply, and that was the easiest part.

Functionality?
It works as the OEM unit with some extra functions (like A2DP) and extra adjustments made by dialling specific numbers. Otherwise on my CCC it appears like the original system. It also comes (if specified) with a Dome Light microphone, installed in the same place as the original (i.e. invisible).

Conclusion?
I am satisfied with the unit as it is and I believe it saves a lot of hassle over installing the original. The FISCON is pretty small and fits under the front trim panels. Also, you dont need to code anything on your car, the system is plug and play (i.e. NO NCSEXpert and VO change). It reports itself as the original MULF, but if you try to access it through INPA you will get errors.

 

Hi....is it true Fiscon pro mini does not support mfsw voice dial button and function....???

 

According to Kufatec, it does support it if you already had it specified from the factory. As my car did not come with voice commands, I cannot verify this. I believe the voice commands must have a MULF module present, but probably without the Bluetooth antenna.

If you have such a setup (with existing voice commands but NO bluetooth) you can add bluetooth functionality by just installing the bluetooth antenna and coding your car with NCSExpert.

If you don't have voice commands, then DO NOT bother! The reason is, even if you install the original Bluetooth unit (MULF2 HIGH) voice commands need an authentication code from BMW to enable. I believe this code costs $400 + the service charge...

However the CALL button on the steering wheel works as intented.

 

I just picked up a new to me 2008 Mini Cooper, it's a hatchback. I think that means R56?

Anyway. I have the HIFI sound, with CD Player, no Changer. I'd like to add bluetooth calling and possibly A2DP to my setup. I see many comments on various threads about Voice Commands. I assume this means Mini voice commands, not phone voice commands.

Will this system A. work with my Mini? B. Allow me to play music, and answer phone calls? C. Is there a button that activates phone voice commands? (Siri for iPhone 4S?)

Thank you for guidance.

 

Quick Answers:

A. Yes, it will work on it. (I assume Radio Boost, as you have HiFi)
B. Yes, it will allow A2DP functionality.
C. The button is the one on your steering wheel, but voice commands DO NOT work with the Fiscon on the MINI. This includes the phone voice commands. From the reading I have done on the very similar BMW unit, it would work only if your car had the voice commands as a factory option, which I assume is only available with the navigation system.

 

I'm less sure as to what I have... I thought I had the Boost/HiFi...

I know I have 1" tweeters on the door frame next to the dash. I know the CD player says something about Boost. I do not have any controls on the steering wheel. This makes me wonder if this addition would be worthwhile or not.

My goal is to have an iphone dock in my armrest (which I haven't purchased yet). I'd like to play music and place/recieve calls. However, I don't have stock ipod or bluetooth support.

 

You cannot use speech input without the multifunction steering wheel, not even with the factory OEM unit.

Also the dock is only available for the OEM unit. Another option is Mobridge which allows direct USB connection to the iphone. But you would need to custom install it, as it appears to be quite large.

Maybe you are better off with a completely non-integrated system, such as the ones from Parrot. Those should have additional functions for the iphone.

 

Alex,
Where did you buy your fiscon? Is there a US distributor? I would like to get one if possible. Also, will this permit Bluetooth streaming of music?

Mark

 

I bought it directly from Kufatec. I don't know about the US, maybe better contact them directly. Yes it does support A2DP.

 

Thanks Alex. I will call them and see if I can make this work for me.

Mark

 

There are other dealers but you can now order directly from Kufatec USA at kufatec.com. I've used their prodicts in the past on my VWs and they've always worked very well. I highly recommend them.

 

what would guys rate the installation difficulty to be?

 

The difficult part is taking the trim apart. Then you need to route the wires etc. It took me a day to do.

 

i understand this is an old thread, so will be surprised if i get an answer...

where can i find a detailed installation guide for the fiscon? also, you mention the trim, what's this, do you mean the dash?