Thanks for the reply and my apologies for not responding sooner. I did get the MKIV and it works fine. The guy who sold it to me also sent me the V26 software so I have a great looking map. Only one small glitch, the BMW logo doesn't come on when I unlock the car or open the door. I sometimes comes on when you turn the ignition on.

I was prompted to get the MKIV by what you had written and I'm so pleased I did.

Now I would like to convert the factory installed phone to bluetooth. I've asked several BMW dealers if it can be done. They say I would have to have a completely new system installed at a cost of £1500 (about $2500)! The existing installation takes a Motorola V5 only. I can't beleive a manufacture would be so short sighted as not to alow for furture developement. I have a V5 (don't know what the US equivelent is) and, although it's ancient, it works fine. I also have voice recognition installed. Someone somewhere must have produced a small bluetooth module that you just plug-in in place of the existing phone (which is located in the centre arm rest)?

I'm not too technically minded and wouldn't like to attempt some of the stuff you've done but having read just about everything you've written I'm hoping you might be able to point me in the right direction.

Just got my new registration X5 JKG!

Thanks again for your great advice.
JG