V3 Snap-in Installed in my X5
 

Thanks to renegade (Craig) I now have a Razr V3 snap-in adaptor installed in my X5. BMW recently introduced the V3 snap-in, however they did not design it as plug-n-play for the E53 X5. Fortunately for us, Craig figured out a way to modify the existing cradle to accommodate this snap-in.

I opted to mail my cradle to Craig in Canada and he graciously modified my cradle for me for a very reasonable fee (in addition to picking me up a snap-in at his local dealer in Canada, as they weren't available yet in the US :rolleyes: ). His workmanship is OUTSTANDING!!

For those interested in doing the cradle modification themselves, here is a document Craig put together as a step by step guide - http://www.xoutpost.com/pdf/RazrConsoleModification.pdf

Here are pics of my new set-up, complete with the V3i ;), both pre-install and post-install.

Again, Kudos to Craig for coming through for me!!

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-01.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-02.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-03.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-04.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-05.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-06.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-07.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-08.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-09.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-10.jpg

http://xoutpost.com/images/articles/v3-snap-in/v3-11.jpg

Oooh very slick! Very well done! :thumbup:

That looks great, Jeff! Congrats on the new mod!:thumbup:

Rob_

awesome mod! :thumbup:

congrats!!


ps sir, do you need a side mirror to go with that mod? ;)

lol - as a matter of fact....

That looks aces!

love it! now I just need to get the bluetooth module and pick up this cradle :)

so in searching for modules I found this one 84 21 6 934 552 and this one 84.10 912843-01. Neither come with the antenna or cable (ebay) but will they fit a May 02 4.6?

thx

Very nice..I likes!

Very cool Jeff! The first yet again!!! Great job!!

Very nice, I want one.

Does the snap-in utilize the internal X5 phone antenna and do you need a booster/compensator for signal strength?

yes, it does utilize the external vehicle antenna to boost the cell phone signal strength. It'll take me from 3 bars to 5 bars. No booster/compensator necessary.

Cool mod. :thumbup: Another mod added to my list. Is Martin selling these or Canada is the option?

Reportedly BMW released 400 of them in the U.S. on July 21st. I'm not aware if Martin is going to stock these or not. If not then I'd suggest you try Crevier or Macon to see if they have any in stock. Otherwise, I'm sure Craig can get you one from his dealer in Canada.

I think Martin is still enjoying his Maui Chi because I have not heard back from him since he arrived home

Jeff...what is the part number of the snap-in you received and had modified? I have (or rather have had for a while) on backorder with my dealer 84-21-0-415-023 which is what BMW gave him.

The PDF doc with the retrofit has 84-21-6-933-415??

Does the phone signal strength change once plugged in? When I put my phone it nothing really happens to the bars of reception.

Yes. Obviously if you are already at 5 bars then it's not going to get any better then that. But if I'm at 3 bars then it will usually take me to 5 bars.

Mine will stay constant with the phone no matter what. I never get a increase with reception with the snap in. I still don't think it is utilizing the cars antenna.

I got a charge and all. I just don't think its utilizing my cars antenna. I have a 2004 with Assist that I changed over to just Bluetooth. I found this extra wire in the back. Anyone know what it is?

I am back. Sorry if I forgot to get back with you :)

Craig is the way to go on these. He can also help you do a full bluetooth install if you are in Canada.

Martin

What you have there is correct. But no compensator. The compensator will plug between those two connected plugs and be powered by the power wire in your hand.

If you have the snap in adapter, I highly recommend the compensator

Martin

Hey there you are!!! I'm heading back out to Maui in a few weeks before football season starts for me and then I'm traveling for the next 4+ months.

Yes, that's the compensator cable (I actually have one in the rear compartment) that you use to boost the signal quality (it's some small amount) for the cell signal.

I actually ordered (backordered) a snap-in a few months ago when we first started talking about the release date when the part number was released. The part number I ordered is different than the one on the snap-in retrofit instructions.

What's a compensator? Got price or part number? Is this what I need to boost the signal strength? So am I actually using my external antenna or cell?

Benathon,

Since you have an '04 with Assist the extra cable you found is the antenna cable that goes to the eject box. It isn't connected to anything, which explains why you have no improvement in signal stength when the phone is snapped in. If you are not using assist you can disconnect the cable from the assist module and connect it to the cable that goes to the console. If you are using assist, you'll need to add a second antenna. I installed the X5 bumper mounted antenna and some others have used window mounted antennas.

-Jeff

That looks great! Can we get the v3 cradle in the US? Does anyone have the part #. If not, how much would Craig charge for this mod. I have a '04 4.4 X5.
Thanks

I tried but it doesn't fit without me shaving off some plastic. Is that what I'm supposed to do? shave of some plastic?

Whats the little black thing by the way? TIA

Comments/Clarification on Razr Adapter Mods
 

Just a couple of comments regarding the adapter mods.
-the part number listed in the PDF is for the console eject box
-the part number for the razr adpater is 84 21 0 415 023
-cost of me performing the mods to the eject box and adapter $25.00 CDN plus shipping charges. If you use express post, cost would work out to around $20.00 USD for both trips of your eject box.
-cost of the adpater is $170.00 CDN, which with shipping via express post works out to around $161.00 USD.
-may also be possible to exchange your eject box for a modified one, depending on build date.

Craig

UCrew,

Do know if the snap in Adaptor work with the V3X...
my X5 is pre-wire, it pair's with the V3X perfect.. database xfter in all.
only problem is where to I order the Eject Box for my 06 X5 4.4i. part number I received from Junior @ Cervier.. 84-21-6-946-063.. is that correct cause he's tell me I also need a Cellphone Bumper # 84-11-1-470-326 in which I don't know what that is. but the snap in adaptor # 84-21-0-415-023. any sugguestion...

Wood56

Wood

I'm 99% sure it will work with the V3X. The form factor for all the Razr phones are basically the same.

The eject box for an 05 and 06 is a different part from earlier years because the Motorola ULF doesn't require a pairing button.

Because you have Assist, it is using the existing external antenna connection, hence the recommendation from Crevier that you buy the bumper antenna for the Bluetooth phone connection. If you don't use Assist then you could use that antenna connection instead and not bother with the installation of a 2nd antenna.

Jeff

Jeff,

Thanks forthe info..I'll continue with Cervier in ordering the parts.. my only concern is that you mention about the snap in adaptor was mod by craig in Canada.. will the Ejection box/snap in Adapter from Cervier work or do I need to have Craig mod it before using it....???

Wood56

Should fit fine... that's odd. I have an 04/'04 and I disconnected the assist antenna and connected it to the center console connector before installing the new antenna and it worked fine. Shouldn't have to modify anything the adapters are exactly the same. What black thing are you talking about? Can you markup a photo to show what you are talking about?

To work with the Razr snap-in, the cradle is going to have to be modified. You can send it off to Craig to do the mod (see his post above for pricing), or the PDF document I posted at the top of this thread provides instructions on how to modify it yourself.

The farthest left plug on the pic you marked up??? Whats that?

Also, if you look at my 2nd pic, notice how the blue female plug for it is different then the black female.

Craig,

Thank you for the part #'s. I will try and get the the Razor adaptor
(84-21-0415023) from the dealership. I hope it's available in the US. I have a '04 4.4 X5 w/ Assist. However, The Assist is deactivated and I have a Bluetooth module. I will re-connect the wires for cradle antenna functionality. Any interest in doing some work and shipping to the US. Please send me a private message if you are interested ....

Thanks,
Dan

I think one of the cables in your picture may be the antenna cable that goes to the Bluetooth antenna not the cellular antenna.
Questions:
Is you car equipped with BMW Assist?
What is the production date (month/year)?

Here's what I have. I had to go tear my car apart to refresh my memory. I took the cable for the cell phone antenna off the back of the TCU (female cable) and connected it to the antenna cable that goes to the center console (male). Both cables have purple clips on them. I have an 04/'04 with Assist. Since I am using my assist, I purchased and installed the bumper mount antenna since I needed to use both cell antennas. I am not using the booster and am very happy with cell reception.

Hope this clears things up.

I have a 10/03 build with just Bluetooth module. On your first pic, I don't have the two plugs you are pointing at... Because I don't have the combo module. If your car is still taken apart, can you check to see if your blue female Farka is different from the black female Farka? Both the Femals are different.

Shipping my Razr snap-in and eject box to Craig today!!

Received my modified snap-in back today from Craig. He did an outstanding job with it, it looks factory.

Big Mahalo to Craig for a great mod. :thumbup:

Raza V3x don't aline with my Snap-n..Help
 

El Jeffe,

After review this thread from post 1 to end. I have notice one big problem with the Snap-n. today I received my Snap-in, Eject box and Bump Ant..from Crevier BMW. I notice the the Snap-in for the Motorola Raza V3 for V3/V3c/V3i and the V3x (one I have). now before I made the attempt to ship to Craig for the Mod of the Ejec box and Adaptor. I notice the my Cell phone will not aline up the the Snap in connector. the connector is upside down on the Adaptor then what's on my Cell phone. do I have the wrong Snap-in for My Motorola Raza V3x. Is the Mod that Craig perform will correct the silver connect on the Snap-n..

Wood56

Attachment 9394

Attachment 9395

Attachment 9396





Jeff,

Thanks forthe info..I'll continue with Cervier in ordering the parts.. my only concern is that you mention about the snap in adaptor was mod by craig in Canada.. will the Ejection box/snap in Adapter from Cervier work or do I need to have Craig mod it before using it....???

Wood56



UCrew,

Do know if the snap in Adaptor work with the V3X...
my X5 is pre-wire, it pair's with the V3X perfect.. database xfter in all.
only problem is where to I order the Eject Box for my 06 X5 4.4i. part number I received from Junior @ Cervier.. 84-21-6-946-063.. is that correct cause he's tell me I also need a Cellphone Bumper # 84-11-1-470-326 in which I don't know what that is. but the snap in adaptor # 84-21-0-415-023. any sugguestion...

Wood56

Looking at the orientation of the USB connector, I'd say it looks like that snap-in adaptor won't work with the V3X. Sorry :tsk:

Re the V3X
 

Going to be dismantling a razr adapter to see if the power can be tapped into in order to charge a Blackberry. Will see if the mini USB can be inverted. Does the V3X fit the adapter OK other than the USB part?

Craig.

Craig,

I was just about to PM you to see if this can be done to the Snap-n for Rasz V3. can you keep me advise. I only have a until the 29Aug to return
the Adaptor for a refund, also from my point of view it looks like the V3X would fit but not really not sure until I can get the USB Connector to align up and fit into the phone. this is really a fun way that Motorola has change this model connector from all the other Raza. thanks Craig..

Flipping the USB port on a Razr Adapter
 

In completely taking apart and 'cutting' up a razr snap in adapter, it is possible to invert the USB miniport. Now, whether or not the charging feature still works has yet to be determined.
Wood56, if you are interested in this, I would suggest you return the adapter that you have and go with the one that I have modified. This is definitly going to be a 'one of' modification. Also could you provide me with the part number of the AC charger that you use with the V3X.

Need to resolder a connection tonight, and I will post a picture of the modded adapter tomorrow. Also need to stress test the USB port to make sure that it does not move around during docking/undocking of the phone. Unless the adpater is turned upside down and opened up, the mod is not noticable.

Craig

Craig,

I yes, have return the Adpator, and the VX3 Charge is a Motorola Model
PSM5202A 06058A2-0091655-D 110/220 input that came with the Phone. and Motorola SYN0847A 0503003-0825620 Which I brought at a Local Cell phone $tealer...

here a few pic's of what the Charges look like....

Attachment 9545

Attachment 9546

Attachment 9547

Attachment 9548

Craig.. thanks I want your pic.. you have a V3x to test is see if this will work..

wood56

Thanks for the pics. Appears to be the normal chargers, will check out the part numbers this evening. No I do not have a V3X to test with, may be wrong but they are not avaiable in Canada or the US yet. Just going to rig up a male mini USB plug to test with. Have some concerns on the size differnce of the V3X to the other V3 phones. The V3X is 99mm x 55mm x 19.8mm. The V3 is 98mm x 53mm x 14.5mm. Possible to get a measurement of how far up from the back of the phone the USB port is? Thanks.

Craig

USB Inverted Adapter
 

Not completely done, but here is where it is at so far.

Craig

Can I put motorola V3 snap-in in my 320D E46?

Hi Craig-
Any update on this original post regarding getting the V3x to work with the [already modified] V3 cradle?

Have modified the adapter, but I do not have a V3x to test with. I also wonder if the V3x will fit in the adapter correctly as it does differ in size from the V3. See post 48 for measurements.
Craig

Very interesting. I wish I had one to loan you, but I'm just about to buy a new phone and read your write-up and was hoping to use it to make my final decision. It doesn't look too good for the V3x given the differing size.

Should I get a V3, are you still modifying the snap in adapters for a few bucks?

Great Thread!
Thanks for the expert advice, Jeff!
It was a great tip that I could swap the antenna since I am not using BMW Assist. I thought it could be done but you made it crystal clear.

Few questions.
1. Having similar form factor, little fatter but narrower to be exact, but approximately same USB plug location, would KRZR work?
2. Does the kit has parts that adjust the amperage to the RAZR specs?
(My previous snap-on killed few batteries on my V300, and V600. I also noticed that even though many adopters use USB port, they are not created equal... )

e53 snap-in cradle
 

Craig, are you still doing these mods? Have an '04 X5 E53 that I want to mod for an iphone 4/4S.
If not, is anyone out there doing mods for these?

Can Still do the Mods..
 

However if you do not already have a console eject box you may want to consider picking one up of this style from Bimmernav. No modifications required to the console eject box or iPhone adapter.
BMW 5 Series 1997-2003 E39 BMW Bluetooth Eject Cradle Replacement - IPHONE Eject box

Craig

already has one.
 

My X5 already has one. I haven't looked at it in detail, but I think it is one for a Sony Ericsson. Are the iphone ones the same for all phone models? Just wondering if I change phones down the road to something like a Iphone 5 or whatever.

ooops..
 

sorry for the double reply, but I re-read your response and looked closer at the link. I'm a bit of a noob at this, so forgive me for being ignorant. So I could just get the one from bimmernav, and swap out the one that's in there right now?

You will require the console eject box as well as the snap in adapter for the iPhone. So far each version of the iPhone has required it's own snap in adapter. So odds are good when the iPhone5 comes along that another snap in adapter will be released. At that point all you will need to do is purchase the new snap in adapter, take the iPhone4 adapter out, and snap in the new adapter.
Craig

thanks for all the insight. Still debating whether or not this is an effective upgrade for me, as I'm not having any connectivity issues yet. I need to find a similar solution for iphone/ipod hookup to the stereo system.

I shall rather upgrade my lousy audio system lol

6 years after the thread started, I'm sure they're using different phones. :rofl: