Hey all,

We just got new cell phones that (finally) support bluetooth and I'm pretty ignorant about this feature in our MCS. We got the CABIs (cranial auditory brain implants) and I've been able to get them working. But our MCS "supposedly" came with bluetooth (see packages below) and I'm wondering:

1) How do I know if we really have bluetooth ready to go in our MCS?
2) How do I configure it to work with my phone?
3) Where is there any configuration documentation about this feature?
4) Does anyone here use Bluetooth in their MCS and what are your impressions compared to just using the earpiece?
5) How do you make voice commands drive the car?

Thanks to anyone who can help!!

Best,

-- Don

 

I don't see bluetooth mentioned as an option in your sig.
MCS is bluetooth READY, but it doesn't come in a package.
There are some details in this Motoringfile article.

exerpts:

 

Hi Eric,

Thank you for helping...

According to MINI USA, Combo #4 (Convenience) includes "universal mobile phone prep" and Combo #1 (Premium) includes the "multifunction steering wheel". I've got both combos, the center armrest, and I've got the HK Sound System, which I'm guessing should integrate somehow with the Bluetooth functionality. The steering wheel does have the controls for the phone on it, however I've never had anything to test it with before so I'm pretty clueless about it.

Our new phones are the Motorola Razor V3c... They are not on the live-list on the article you included, so that may also be my problem, but I'm still wondering if this option is functional on my car, and if so, what it should do.

Any further hints?

Best,

-- Don

 

what you quoted just says the wires are in place.

FWIW, I used a sony Bluetooth set up. I liked it a lot until a too loud exhaust made it obsolete.... It was one that would support mutliple phones.

So, you're hosed until you pay more for the Mini kit (I think there are two now) or aftermarket.

And I liked it much more than the earpiece or headset.

Matt

 

Hmmm, thanks Matt. What is the Sony "brain" called? I'll Google it and get details...

Best,

-- Don

 

Something like Sony HBT-300 (handsfree bluetooth). I do know the 300 is correct! Anyway, also check Mike the Mini on MINI2, he's got a shop where he sells lots of electronic integration stuff (the sony doesn't plug straight into the Mini wiring, but sorry I don't remember his shop name). Also, there's a vendor here who's offering a real bitchen blue tooth integration scheme where you can use the nav display to scroll through the phonebook. Check the vendor sites, as their product offerings will provide a bit of an education as well.

So the Mini ones are more expensive but integrate easily, the aftermarket will have a different feature set and price points all over the place, and integration is a case by case issue.

Matt

 

Mikey's shop is www.newministuff.com

 

Thanks again, Matt...

I'll look at the Sony device, but honestly it sounds somewhat daunting for me...

I'm not a wiring guy when it comes to these little cars. Spending a couple of hours upside down, my head crammed against the break pedal, with a flashlight and a wet finger trying to trace leads under the console makes me clausterphobic just thinking about it.

And at the same time I'm not anxious to pay a big bill for the installation at MINI...

But I think I will check at MINI next time I'm in with the car. Since we all (wife, 2 kids and I) have the new phones and the CABIs (earpieces), I guess we can live without the MCS's Bluetooth brains for now.

Hmmm, we don't have NAV though, does that mean this won't work for us anyway?

Thanks again...

[Btw, is Sea Foam still helping the carbon/pinging situation for you? (Different thread, just curious...) I'm still using it in the gas every 6 months or so, and still using CAI insulation...]

Best,

-- Don