FlyM5

Based on some of the information posted on this forum, I thought I'd try to install the new voice recognition module in my 2001 M5. It works even if you don't have a BMW cell phone installed -- but is able to control the navigation system hands free.

The trick is to also install the missing microphone near the rearview mirror -- which normally comes as part of the BMW phone installation kit. (I "borrowed" the mic out of my E39 540i phone system as a temporary measure to prove that this works.)

Here's what to do:

1. Order the following parts:

84 41 6 913 352 Voice recognition module ($300.00)
(note that this model number supersedes the one posted earlier in this forum)
84 13 8 384 866 Mounting bracket ($31.13)
07 12 9 946 304 Nuts (make sure you order four of these). ($.44 each)
84 31 8 380 338 Microphone
(I'm not sure what this costs yet, again since I borrowed this from my 540i).

As of last week, my dealer claimed that BMW has roughly 70 voice recognition modules in stock in their CA warehouse.

Note that NO INSTRUCTIONS are provided, but you really don't need any -- see below.

2. The module physical install went pretty smoothly, since the module and bracket only mount one way, in the trunk right behind the CD changer. The hardest part was reaching your hand in there to put on and tighten the nuts.

3. The single electrical connection required is to plug in the light BLUE connector of the wiring harness into the BLUE connector of the voice recognition module (pretty simple, huh?). The wiring harness cabling is coiled up to prevent rattles, so you'll have to cut a wire tie and one piece of electrical tape so that you can pull it out enough to reach the voice recognition module. But anyone should be able to do this -- no special skills are required.

NOTE that this BLUE wiring harness plug only exists on E39 5-series BMWs produced 1/00 or later, so very early M5 owners unfortunately won't be able to install the voice recognition module in their cars.

4. To test the module operation, just turn on the ignition to the first accessory position, and hold down the button on the steering wheel with the "voice speaking" icon until you hear a beep. The dashboard computer will then display a message VOICE RECOGNITION, followed by SYSTEM OFF after a few seconds.

5. Install the microphone in the car interior by prying out the panel in the headliner that contains the sunroof switch, garage door opener switches (optional on 2000 model M5s), and the empty grill that holds the microphone. Use any flat-bladed screwdriver to pry out the panel -- don't worry, you're not likely to break anything. There's a little BLACK 3-wire/conductor plug in the wiring harness that is for the microphone. Plug in the mike, stick it to the inside of the microphone grill, and snap everything back together. This is about a 5-minute operation.

6. To operate the system, again press the voice icon button on the steering wheel until you hear a beep and see VOICE RECOGNITION in the dashboard display, and then say "Help Navigation." A female voice (different from the navigation voice) will then proceed to recite a long list of voice commands to control the navigation system. You can do the same thing and say "Help Phone" to get the phone system commands, even if you don't have a phone.

Have fun...This should decrease the chances of having an accident while playing with the navigation system.

- Dave

P.S. I don't yet know what the microphone costs, since I just tried this today. I will attempt to order a mic after the Monday holiday -- hopefully BMW will let me order the mic separately from the CPT-7000 phone install kit (which is where I got the microphone part number). I'll let people know what happens.

INVICTO

Does it control the stereo? The Mercedes E55 Command Nav system equipped with the voice activated phone lets you say "Radio Frequency XXXX". Have you tried it? What about activating "Sport" or deactivating "DSC" or adjusting heating/ A/C, etc?

From the posts I've seen, there isn't much technical support in the form of manuals available. I guess it's trial and error.

Steve

FlyM5

Steve:
You asked a great question.

I'm not yet sure about voice commands for controlling the stereo, but since it's part of the same system, it just might work. It's kinda cold in my unheated garage today, so I didn't spend alot of time experimenting. (Hmmmmm. .. I wonder if saying "Help stereo" does anything???) Unfortunately I already reinstalled the microphone back into the 540i, so it may be a few days before I get another mic and can try some more commands.
- Dave

fais2000

thanks for the info,
but can i ask you what kind of nav operations you can do with the voice recog. system. I think it would be worth it alone if you can pop the street map by voice command alone. it takes too many buttons to press to get to the street map. what other things would the nav need, or can you even enter a destination with voice commands !? and how well have you found it so far, as in comprehension. thanks for the info btw, sounds pretty straight forward, think i may invest in one.

fas

INVICTO

Dave,

Also look in the back of Roundel Mag (BMW CCA) for dealers that do ~25-27% off list for mail order parts. www.bavauto.com will also try and beat prices. Also parts departments from Pacific BMW and Circle BMW are very helpful.

The best is to order the BMW TIS and ETK CDs. These are the Electronic Tech/Repair and Parts Manuals.

I have both (somewhat out of date - I bought them for my '99 540/6) as well as the BMW Diagnostic Information System / Mobile Diagnostic Computer DIS/MoDiC software that is used by the dealers techs for troubleshooting repair and electronic fault code reading/clearing.

Steve

Xian

Are there any suggestions on an intelligent BMW dealership in the S.F. Area?

I bought mine at Weatherford in Berkeley, and while they are a nice group of people, they seem to be in the dark with any new upgrades or enhancements (blank stare when I ask for these parts, upgrade to Nav system, etc.).

Best price is nice, but someone the "knows" would be better.

Thanks

1C00lVC

Dave,

Thanks for the great info... I am going to order mine first thing on Tuesday..

Just think of all the M5 owners who aren't on this board... They still push buttons..By hand.. while we talk to ourselves while we drive.

Happy new year y'all..


Arie.

Chris Foote

Wow, I have a 10/99 build (Maybe a 11/99 - I picked the car up 12/99), any chance they have a module available?

How does one put a phone into a older build car? Do they just say "Sorry, you have no voice operation". Sounds kind of fishy

-Chris

FlyM5

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).]

robert47

My LeMans Blue is a 3/00 build and has the blue connector!! I'll be ordering the module asap. My 740iL has hands free voice recognition and I'm spoiled - can't wait to get this installed. I looked in the same general area of my wife's X5 and see no such connector unfortunately! Thanks for all the great information and help - especially Fly M5!.
Robert

FlyM5

For those of you who want to do voice recognition for the navigation system and don't have a BMW cell phone installed, the cost of the required microphone for the headliner (part number 84 31 8 380 338) is $85.20. (This is a tiny little mic that probably sells for less than $10 at Radio Shack.)

It almost makes it worthwhile to order the entire phone installation kit ($405.00) which includes the microphone.

Unfortunately for me, BMW doesn't offer a tri-mode phone (CDMA 800/1900 MHz, AMPS 800 MHz) that's compatible with any of the Verizon (Bell Atlantic/Airtouch/GTE) nationwide plans. Because I use my cellphone mostly when traveling around the country, I'll have to stick with my non-BMW tri-mode StarTAC phone. I like the Verizon service because it offers the best geographic coverage in places such as here in the DC area and Silicon Valley.

(And as we all know, BMW purposely made its system incompatible with non-BMW StarTAC phones.)
- Dave

MEnthusiast

Dave,
MB does the same thing. I didnt realize weve moved on to tri mode phones- if I have verison service in the north east and I have it on my bmw star tac, does that mean my phone is dual mode only?

ME