Adding Bluetooth for my Blackberry
 

The company just got me a new Bluetooth enabled Blackberry 7520 :rofl:

So I decided to take the plunge and upgrade my '01 4.4 with the Bluetooth ULF. Lots of great info here on X5World that led me to Advanced Autovations.

After visiting their website, I had a few questions including which ULF unit they included in their packages. They initially replied that they were shipping the 552 unit. After some digging I found out that this is the first generation unit and the current unit is the 522. After I questioned why they were shipping the 552 instead of the 522 they told me they just got four 522's in stock and would get me one if I ordered by tomorrow.

I placed my order. They got back to me and confirmed that I would get a 522 unit.

Now I just have to wait for it to get here :(

Any tips on the install would be helpful, even though it looks pretty straightforward.

In their order confirmation e-mail, they had a link for more info on your BMW - go to X5World.net :thumbup:

Dennis

if you need help.. go ahead and bring it over.. I've done a few. PM me.. I'm about 10 mins away from San Ramon.

Hey Josh, I like your new avatar, very cute picture of Sunshine :)

Installation is very straightforward. The only two real challenges are installing the console cradle if your wiring isn't already extended to there, and installing the microphone if it isn't already installed in the vehicle.

Once you have the kit in hand, if something isn't clear then post any questions you may have and we'll be glad to help you through the install.

Jeff

Thx numba 1!

Thanks, I may take you up on that if I get stuck.

Dennis

You have done a great job of documenting the process on the main page, so I think I will be able to figure it out. It appears that the wiring harness is already in my console and I already have a microphone. I did order a new microphone as I think I read that they are better at noise cancelling now.

I saw your post on the Bluetooth forum advising to stay away from the 552 ULF. Looks like I am getting the 522. Just out of curiosity, what are the problems you have heard on the 552 ULF?

Thanks,
Dennis

I myself don't have the -552 module. My reasoning to stay away from it is because it was the first generation module and BMW has implemented a lot of enhancements, fixes, etc. in later generation modules. It's just better, in general, to stay away from a first generation product if there have been several generations of revisions issues in the mean time.

The parts arrived yesterday for my upgrade. Here is what came in the box:

ULF module ...522 with adapter cable attached
Bluetooth antennae
Bluetooth antennae cable
Pairing button
Pairing button connector cable
ELK 800 amplifier (paid for as extra)
Microphone (paid for as extra)
Mounting Bracket (paid for as extra)
Instruction sheet referring to on-line manuals at
http://www.advancedautovations.com/manuals/

The write-up here on X5World by UCrewX5 along with the on-line manual covered the install pretty clearly and it went smoothly. Replacing the existing bracket with the ULF mounting bracket was a bit tedious but not too difficult. The rest of the install was by the book.

System fired up as described and pairing procedure worked per the instructions.

Couple of notes on the operation of the system with the Blackberry 7520 with Nextel service:

• The phonebook does not transfer to ULF (do to size and security?)
• VR works to control ULF phone functions and NAV but not the actual Blackberry functions.
• NAV screen displays number when dialed with VR and shows caller ID on incoming calls. Blackberry screen shows full info on incoming and outgoing calls.
• The system makes a “pop” sound through the speakers when turning the car on and off (is this the amplifier?)
• During My few initial test calls, the person on the other end of the line said it was hard to hear me (can the mic level be adjusted?)

Any advise on solutions to the last two items? Will coding the vehicle for this upgrade solve these issues?

Dennis

My system also made the "pop" noise when the vehicle was turned off - but it seems to have stopped over time - not sure why. I do believe it was associated with the elk800 amp, though.

On the mic, make sure the orientation of the mic is the right direction. There is an arrow on the mic itself and it should be pointing toward the windshield for optimal performance.

Thanks for the suggestions Jeff.

All appears to be installed correctly. I had it re-coded at the stlr today($149-ouch!) and it made a minor improvement.

It is at a level that works but would be much better if it were louder for people on the other end of the line.

Seems like there should be a secret menu that allows some adjustments.

I am waiting to hear back from Advanced Autovations on possible solutions.

Any suggestions are welcome.

Thanks,
Dennis