I came across this thread looking for a solution.

I do know that the 7290 will pair, but will not upload phonebook.

My experience to date is that every time the car and the 7290 does he handshake, it tries to load the phonebook. While it tries, I can NOT switch between audio sources (CD, radio) and I can't dial out.

Is there any way to force the X5 not to look for the address book?

Do you have software v4.0.2 loaded? It is a newer release that allows both the BB 7250 and 7290 to integrate better with BMW bluetooth. My 7250 was useless before upgrading the s/w to this release. It is now flawless except that the phonebook download is disabled (it tries to download for a second and then indicates that the phonebook is empty...so I use stored VR commands for phone numbers). The phone does not hang during the process.

I've heard that another newer s/w release is coming (v4.2) for the 7250/7290 that will allow phonebook transfers also...I'm not betting on it but it would be nice.

I have v4.0.0.219 on the handheld and 4.1.0.8 on the desktop side.

How do I find the upgrade for the handheld? It is not on the backberry site.

Yup...you have the older (quirky) software that was very unstable. For my 7250, the upgrade was on the blackberry site. For the 7290, it seems to be on the phone service provider's website instead. For instance, the 7290 is offered by Rogers Wireless here in Calgary, and the updated software for the 7290 is on the Roger's site. Try your service provider. :dunno:

It was a pain in the ass to find the Cingular path to upgrade toe handheld software.

If found links in the Cingular user forum area, NOT on the main Cingular support page.

Here is the linK for others.
https://www.blackberry.com/Downloads/browseSoftware.do

I will test this update.

Update works flawlessly except for the known lack of address book upload.

Now if I can only get better microphone sound, I'd be happy.