So - I've copied the page from
BMW Parts and BMW Accessories | Bavarian Autosport which outlines the bluetooth kit they sell which retains the functionality of the steering wheel buttons.
I use a samsung cell phone and an iPhone 4. With a press of the bottom button, voice control is activated (and heard through the car speakers of course), and then you simply speak the command you wish to have executed: Call Jennifer, or Call Sid Smith and that person is called. If you wish to dial a number you simply say Call 689-456-0098 and it is done. Now - the samsung phone is WAY better at executing its voice control as it will repeat the name or number back to me to confirm that it was interpreted correctly, while the iPhone just calls the number it thinks you said, which means you'd better take your eyes off the road and look at the screen of the iPhone or you'll be phoning all sorts of crazy people because the voice recognition software in my 'free' samsung phone is WAY better at getting it right the first time than the iPhone.
All the connections for this kit are found under the armrest and it simply plugs directly into the hardware which is placed underneath the armrest - truly a plug and play. The hardware sits beneath the armrest just fine, totally concealed - nobody would ever know the car didn't come from the factory this way!
:byebye:
Showing products for 2001 M5.
(Click for a larger image)
This plug 'n' play kit lets you use your bluetooth-enabled cell phone for hands-free calling in your BMW using the phone buttons on your multi-function steering wheel! With bluetooth, you can make voice-command calls without ever taking the phone out of your pocket, as long as it is turned on. A great safety upgrade! And with so many states passing new laws about using cell phones while driving, it’s only a matter of time before it’ll be a requirement everywhere. The problem with Bluetooth has been that retrofitting your car has been a technical headache. You had to buy a conversion kit, and a speaker, and electrical connectors, and figure out how to cut into the wiring harness and fuse box, and splice into the radio to mute it when you’re on the phone... way too complicated. (And if you cut the wrong wire, way too expensive!) We have a solution. This Bluetooth conversion kit takes the highly-regarded Parrot CK3000 Bluetooth system and makes it plug ‘n’ play using your BMW’s factory phone hook-up and phone or stereo speakers. Just locate the phone connectors, plug them into the kit, mount the control box under the dash and turn the ignition key. The system quickly pairs with your phone and you’re done! No splicing, no cursing, no screwdriver-throwing. Auto-mute turns the stereo volume down when you place or receive a call. Small microphone included.
Part Number Description Price Qty.
BT AE393
Plain-Talk Bluetooth Kit with Steering Wheel Function
$ 479.95
