Not that I consider this a problem, but I am curious. Sometimes, when I start the car, the bluetooth connection icon is present immediately. Sometimes it takes up to 2 minutes to appear. Is this normal and what mught cause it?

On a side note, while I had to specifically program the pairing of my blackberry to my MINI, as I walked around the MINI showroom, my blackberry kept asking me if I wanted to pair with the various MINIs and BMWs hanging out there.

 

Lynn, Yes, this is normal. BMW's ULF sometimes takes a while to pair. Be thankful that the MINI does not have a red LED that lights, until the phone has paired...very annoying on my X5

 

In the instances when it takes a while, could you be on the edge of your cell reception area? If there wasn't a strong enough signal, that could account for it not pairing up and then doing so later when you moved and the signal got stronger.

 

No, I am referring to when I get in my car in the morning and evening (to/from work), always the same locations. Although there is sometimes slight variations in signal strength, that doesn't seem to be the relevant factor.

I agree, a light would be annoying for something like that.

 

No connection between the two..bluetooth is a small area local network, and for pairing purposes, does not care if the cell phone is actually connected to the cell network (Sprint, Verizon, etc)

Some BMW ULF's, such as the X5, will actually light a red LED if there is no cell service, or an orange LED, if roaming. I don't believe that the MINI has this, but once paired, it does know if service exists, or not.

 

Hmm. Mine has been very consistent in pairing up within a few seconds of starting my car. I haven't noticed any delays.