Does my 2001 X5 3.0 have bluetooth? Need help..
 

Hi newbie here- and am proud to say that I've finally joined the ranks with a 2001 X5 3.0. You guys have an excellent forum here.

But have one major question, and i apologize if its been asked many times over, i've searched, googled and now must ask...

if my steering wheel (has both R/T & voice) and radio have phone buttons-does that mean I have the capability to pair my phone?

Tried pairing it with my blackberry curve....and nothing comes up.
and I've seen the list of compatible phones ( obviously my phone is not on it- is there a software update for the X5?)

BTW- i don't have a navigation/radio/auto climate. I have manual climate controls. And radio-with business cd player.

I want to know if theres a way to see if i have or need to buy the parts.

Thanks and again you guys have a great forum.

In center armrest in front of the space for a phone if you've got bluetooth it'll have a button with a speaking face on.

Thanks for responding so quick.
But damn! my center armrest doesn't have this "button".
i guess the next route is to purchase on of the retrofit kits then?
or
can i purchase a used center armrest that has it and reconnect to existing harness-plug n play?
any help is much appreciated.

you could but it'd be a nightmare...loads of modules mics wires cheaper and easier just to get a parrot or similar

Yup that's what i thought.
BTW, "parrot"...?

sorry I keep forgeting your across the pond. It's just a make of bluetooth phone kit with a little lcd display mounted on the dash to show you who's calling

Yes, the BMW Bluetooth retrofit is plug-and-play. It is totally worth it. It is more expensive than the Parrot kit, but it significantly better in its integration and performance. If you plan to have the car for many years, the investment is worthwhile.

There are two versions to research, the TCU based or ULF based. It comes down to the main module, the microphone, BT antenna, and an adapter harness.

The retrofit kit IS a solid investment but all the examples that I've come across visually show the active participant interfacing with the dash navi.....
I don't have an in dash navi. Does this mean that my 2001 e53 isn't a good candidate for this retrofit kit?

Although-
i did visit the US version of the parrot site.
seems like a really cool alternative.
supposedly they now offer a kit that integrates with the established voice/RT buttons on the steering wheel.
Lucky for me, there's a certified Parrot dealer/installer only a mile from where i live.
I'm going to compare the price difference/consumer reviews on the functionality and then decide.

I'd prefer to keep everything BMW native-but if anyone can let me know
regarding my 2001 E53 non-navi playing nice with the retrofit kit
i'd be very happy.
Thanks again for all your help.
Cheers

The BMT BT systems both work equally well with or without navigation. Do a search on this forum... I wrote up a comparison of the Parrot system versus the BMW system. The Parrot is great for other cars, but the BMW system is superior. I have a Honda Odyssey, and I am planning to install a Parrot in it. But, for the BMW, the BMW BT system is the easy choice.

hey Brian - sorry to be a nuisance, but you think you can point to a few links/vendors where i might score a great deal on an oem BMW BT kit...(that's what you're recommending right?)...

I read some of your posts/ It seems like you know "quite abit" on this specific topic.
thanks for helping a newbie out.

First, some reference posts...

Quick Bluetooth Comparison
Consolidated Bluetooth ULF and TCU Parts Lists…

For best dealer prices, check out Tischer BMW: getBMWparts.com

YOU ROCK.
Thanks

Sorry for bringing u back, sir. But i would like bmw bt system installed in mine. Can u help guide me?
Thanks.
2dmaxo.