The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com) - View Single Post

FlyM5 · 2nd January 2001, 00:07

Chris:
It's easy to determine if you can install the voice recognition module in your car. Just look in the trunk -- pull down the cover that lets you gain access to your CD changer and look for the presence of an unused blue connector on the wiring harness.

My understanding is that pre 1/00 E39 cars don't have the connector as part of their wiring harnesses. I suppose if you had access to a good wiring diagram, you might be able to splice in a connector. But this also assumes that the navigation system of an older car knows how to "talk" to the voice recognition unit on the wiring bus.

Early adopters always lose out -- Because I got one of the first 2001 M5s (after a 15 month wait), my dealer was unaware of the new M-audio option at the time my order was finalized, nor was it yet listed on the BMW website. Thus it looks like I'll have to live with the standard stereo.

At least you've had the benefit of driving an M5 a year longer than me!
- Dave

P.S: if your car has the blue connector, please let everybody know.

[This message has been edited by FlyM5 (edited 01 January 2001).]

2nd January 2001, 00:07	#9 (permalink)
FlyM5 Member, Sport: Off DSC: On (>50 posts) Join Date: Dec 2000 Location: Great Falls, VA Posts: 80 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Chris: It's easy to determine if you can install the voice recognition module in your car. Just look in the trunk -- pull down the cover that lets you gain access to your CD changer and look for the presence of an unused blue connector on the wiring harness. My understanding is that pre 1/00 E39 cars don't have the connector as part of their wiring harnesses. I suppose if you had access to a good wiring diagram, you might be able to splice in a connector. But this also assumes that the navigation system of an older car knows how to "talk" to the voice recognition unit on the wiring bus. Early adopters always lose out -- Because I got one of the first 2001 M5s (after a 15 month wait), my dealer was unaware of the new M-audio option at the time my order was finalized, nor was it yet listed on the BMW website. Thus it looks like I'll have to live with the standard stereo. At least you've had the benefit of driving an M5 a year longer than me! - Dave P.S: if your car has the blue connector, please let everybody know. [This message has been edited by FlyM5 (edited 01 January 2001).]