Are UK X5s pre-wired for phone?

[Jezzieg]

Hi,

Just bought a UK 2001 4.4 V8 Sport X5 with widescreen sat nav and tv, but no phone installed. I want to retrofit the bluetooth OEM phone system, but need to know if this is going to be easy to do given that there is no phone at present. I know there is no microphone also, but will this also be pre-wired? How do I know whether this is a viable project or not?

Any help very much appreciated.

Cheers,

Jeremy.

[AW8]

Hi Jezzieg & welcome,

My 2002 registered UK 4.4i Sport is a 12/01 build and came with 16:9 comms pack & TV with phone functionality originally supplied with a Motorola V50 corded phone and cradle. My phone was missing, (used car), but I have just sourced a used bmw one. FYI Non BMW V50's or lack bmw firmware & drain battery when engine off and lack some minor functionality such as sms readability on display and caller display. The firmware can be added to a non BMW V50 for £60 and this has been covered elsewhere in another post from bruciebonuz.Easy way to see if a V50 has the firmware whether BMW phone or not is to see if phone has V50 logo on phone screen).
Also my cable plug that goes into the V50 base was mangled so I have sourced cable from an E39 ( believed same configuration but with shorter cables into arm rest and console base). I will have arranged to get my E39 lead spliced in under the phone clip- BMW want £180 just for a new lead and clip ( one part item). I asume that you have looked to see what is in the top of the centre console lid- daft question but some miss this and unusual to go for the comms and tv and not tick the phone option. I do not know the definitive answer as to whether all cars came prewired whether bluetooth ( has a label/tag in the left rear cubby box I think identifying same but dealers can check)or as yours cars that predate the bluetooth phone prep at factory.

To upgrade to bluetooth BMW dealer wanted appx £500 plus vat for the bits and 8.5hrs labour so no change likely from £1500 ( lets's face it that buys a decent used car if you know what you are doing) and IMO you are unlikely to see your £1500 back come future resale. I travel less than 20 mins to work and am not a business phone user presently.
I dont tend to make calls in my car when driving unless I have to so I will only use it say if perhaps away on the odd course or long trip from home and needing to touch base with home enroute. Essentially then bluetooth would be an expensive toy to justify presently for my circumstances.

I haven't looked into bluettoth in detail but I am told the bits can be sourced from ebay and I spoke to someone who did his E39 this way @ £350 for the bits plus his own time to fit it. Bear in mind though that non bluetooth prepped cars need the bluetooth wiring etc. I know my limitations and wiring experience and I will not try to kid myself this would either not be possible or would take me a long time to do properly.

A starting point for you maybe to go to a bmw dealer and ask them what is involved and get a price all in and list for all the bits with part numbers - then you can decide whether to source bits from dealer ebay or elsewhere.

Some people go down the parrot bluetooth route but this will give less functionality but can be cheaper so perhaps worth enquiring with some local car phone suppliers/installers but beware those that don't have a clue re bmw specifics or who may cause more problems than benefits.

My car has a speaking mouth icon on a button on the steering wheel and a grill section to the head console just back of the mirror though I don't know if all cars had this or just those with phones ordered.


More info here re bluetooth retro fits http://www.bimmernav.com/ Martin ( I think)is the man there and regarded highly enough on here and v.helpful.

I know of some bluetooth bits from an E39 5 series but NOT the whole kit and I am not 100% if they are 100% compatable despite interior from X5 based on E39 5 series. Let me know by pm if you want more info re these bits but best to do your homework to see exactly what bits and part numbers you need and what will or will not work.

I'll shut up now as I know little compared to others who know so so much more.
Just bear in mind lots of people on here in different market areas so differences may apply to different cars. Basicaly easiest route will usually be the dealer but you can save hundereds by digging around on here and speaking to the right people whilst knowing your car better as a result- horses for courses.

Good Luck

[JG42]

Hi Guys,

I've just ordered a Bluetooth kit from Baverian Soundwerks in Atlanta, http://www.bavariansoundwerks.com. for about £450, including shipping of about £50. Give Micah a call, he'll tell you what you need.

I have the same car as Jeremy but with a factory fitted phone installation and that dreadful Motorola V50. I have bought what is called a ULF kit from Micahs company. Should arrive this week. I'm no 'techie' so I'll let you know how easy it is to fit! I had no idea about any of these things until I discovered X5 World. Now I have a MKIV sat Nav computer (bought on ebay) and the latest software plus speed camera locations. Next project will be the sound system! Probably never see a return on these investments if and when I sell the car but it keeps me happy!

For more info, have a look in 'Forum' under 'Electronics'.

Hope this helps, JG

[Jezzieg]

Hi,

Thanks for the advice chaps.

I am still having trouble identifying whether my car is likely to have any wiring needed, or whether I will have to install a new loom (this is the bit which is putting me off!). I think that the car came fitted with a mobile of some description clamped to the side of the console, not fitted in the centre armrest. I think it was Motorola, but can't be certain it was factory fit.

Assuming there never was a factory fitted phone, is there a fool proof way of telling if my car has the wiring? What should I look for?

Any help very much appreciated.

Jezzieg.

[sportypants]

To see if your phone is factory prep'd, look in the trunk on the lhs, your looking for a 54pin ( 3 rows 18 pins) which connects to the ulf, also lift the armrest up, undo 4 screws and look if there is any wiring where the ejector box will go, there should be 2 cables present which connect to the box.

I have a facelift X5 and its not pre-wired, I have bought a kit from Martin at bimmernav, he is brilliant and offers retrofit harness which is a breeze to install.

Im installing mine tomorrow, Ill do an article for all to see how simple it is, its not cheap though, around £ 500.00 for all the bits but that does include an 11th gen ULF too and upgraded mic.

[Jezzieg]

Thanks Sportypants, Look forward to reading your install story. I had almost given up the idea, as retofitting the loom sounded too daunting. Maybe you can talk me round!

Hope it all goes well,

Best regards.

[sportypants]

The loom (as we call it in the UK) just plugs into a white connector in the boot. The onther wires just connect to the ulf. The only wire to run is the mic cable which is easy enough as it tucks away under the carpet trim which runs along the door.

The ejector box isnt used as an oem button is included in the loom, you can mount this button somewhere if you like but I will hide it in the boot wiring as it will be used once to pair my phone.

If youd like to install the kit in your car and your near cardiff id be happy to help you (as long as mine goes ok lol )

Ill tell you tomorrow how it goes, watch this space!!!