hello guys, which phones are compatible in the mini? i got the bluetooth preperation, i just need to buy a phone that iactually fit in the armrest

 

I'm including the e-mailed from Ask Mini when I asked about compatible phones. This list may not be the same as the phones that fit in the armrest. You'll need to make sure that you can buy the adapter for the phone. Call 866-Ask-Mini to find out for sure what's available.

Other phones may work. After some effort, my Motorola Razr V3xx from Cingular works well, but I'm not using the arm rest adapter.

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Here are the phones that we have tested in MINI for Bluetooth. All of the phones we have approved are listed below for you.

Cingular Handsets:
Blackberry 8700c with software 4.1.0.194 The black & Silver Motorola RAZR-V3 with software 0E.40 9CR SonyEricson W810i with software R4GA003

Verizon Handsets:
Blackberry 7130e with software 4.1.0.268 Motorola RAZR-V3m with software NEWC_01.05.0A Motorola V325i with software version 01.07.00R.
Motorola E815 with software 01.17.03R
LG VX8500 with software T85VZB03

Sprint Handsets:
Blackberry 7130 with software 4.1.0.318

T-Mobile Handsets:
Blackberry 7105 with software 4.1.0.309
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I would not assume that the phones listed above will fit in the adapter sleeve in the armrest, and I think that's what you're asking about (as did I in a separate post). My blackberry pearl pairs up with the Mini no problem, but I'm interested in the adapter. The list above is pretty ancient and there's no way a flip phone razr will work in the armrest.

 

Thank you for your effort being a blackburry fan, I suggest you look into the new 8800 Blackburry

http://na.blackberry.com/eng/devices...d=H0,C201,P403

 

My Blackberry doesn't fit in the armrest, but I don't care; it stays in the holster. It was so easy to mate with the bluetooth I was amazed. On the Blackberry, under the bluetooth option, it has its name and a code. Activated bluetooth on the MINI, it picked up the Blackberry and asked for the code. Put it in, and it's activated. I don't know if the technology just got better, but it sure was easier than on my 2003 Benz's and 2005 Infiniti's.

 

And the code is 0000 by the way. I guess nobody on this forum really knows much about the connecting sleeve for cellphones. I saw one person who has his running, but noone else. I guess it's a rarely used option at this point, but to use the car antenna on the phone will get better converage and it will charge the phone as well.

 

The cell phone adapter in the arm rest is the exact same one you would buy from BMW.

 

ASK MINI said that the BMW bluetooth system is different and those cradles are not recommended for the MINI. MINI is "working to develop cradles to use with the MINI system and hope to have them available through the parts department of your MINI dealer in the near future. I would suggest staying in touch with the parts team at your MINI dealer for the latest updates."

Doesn't sound like they'll be available anytime soon...

 

Yesterday, I paired my Sony Ericsson W810i (TMobile) with my new MCS BT and it worked perfectly. I can both make and receive calls from BT.

 

you sure about that? theres lots of room around my razor in the armrest.

 

Where can I get the latest list of BMW cradles for the armrest and a list of compatible phones?

 

My mini is on the way (about 2 weeks). I plan omn MAKING my own adapter to connect my Blackjack to the 12v for charging and external antenna in the armrest. I might just make additional adapters and sell them somewhere. Mini cooper better hurry up if they want to make ANY money on this!! ;-)

 

I just spoke with the service department at my MINI dealer. He said that the only people who can find the list of compatible phones on line are those who work for MINI and have special access. But, the list of compatible phones he gave me over the phone is below. This list is ONLY for cell phones on the Verizon wireless network. I hope this helps some.

You will need to call your dealer directly for other carriers:

Motorola Q
Motorola Razr V3
Blackberry 7130
Motorola E815
The "new" motorola Razr (I'm not sure which one this is, though)
Trio (not sure which model)
Motorola V330 (he called it the V thirty-three zero)

 

I have the 1200 dollar deal in the armrest and MINI gave me the names of phones that go with about four different slide-in adapters. Anyhow I have the one that works with the Nokia 6320i. It is an excellent phone with tons of doo dads, even though it is a couple of years old. So, the slide-in's are $150.00; so instead of changing out, I went and bought the phone online because it works on my service (cingular, at and t). The phone was $300.00 new and I got it on ebay for $150.00. So, its coming by fedex and I'll let you know how it goes, but it is supposed to slide into the armrest seamlessly and connect to the system.

 

I'm using a Motorola Q with my '07 Cooper S and it fits in the armrest. I don't have a phone cradle for the phone so it doesn't charge but it's still nice to have the phone out of the way.

 

So you guys are saying mini sold you a armrest slide in adapter? I didn't know any where available yet...?

 

Doesn't the bluetooth work wirelessly? , does it have to be plugged into a socket in the arm rest?

 

I don't have the armrest slide in adapter but my phone fits into the armrest. The only disadvantage is my phone doesn't charge while I'm driving.

Also, the bluetooth is wireless and requires no physical connection to work properly. The nice part about this is I sometimes store my phone in my laptop bag and I don't have to take the phone out to use it. Very similar to using a bluetooth hands-free headset.

 

cob666 -- So you don't have to enable your blue tooth on your cell each time you get into the car to pair it? I do, but that might be the age of my phone.

 

The whole point of bluetooth is to not have to "plug anything in", although the snap in adapter does charge the phone, and use the MINI's external antenna.

 

No, it doesn't have to be plugged into the armrest to utilize the bluetooth connection. BUt, if you want the phone to charge while your in the car, and/or if you want to use the cars external mobile antenna (read: better reception), then you do have to plug it in.

I'll be making my own connection in the armrest if I can figure out the wires when I get the car this week.

 

No, my phone connects pretty quickly. This afternoon when I was leaving work I was on the phone when I started the car and the audio switched over to the MCS seamlessly.

 

lg 8300 works fine

 

cob666 -- Must be the age of my phone. I've got a Motorola e815. I'm thinking of the LG8600. What phone do you have that allows you to continue a phone conversation on your cell when you get in your car and transfer it to your car's bluetooth?

 

I have a Motorola Q and haven't had many problems with the bluetooth. My phone before the Q was an e815 and I didn't have any problems with the bluetooth stack on that phone. I did use a hands-free headset with my 815 and don't recall having any problems with it.