When was Bluetooth introduced in the E53?

[V12 EGO]

Hi all,

I am not a frequent poster on here as I have never owned an X5 but had a great deal of help from various members when modifying my splash screen in an Alpina B10.

I am now considering jumping in and getting an X5. Fuel prices in the UK are horrendous and as I don't do many miles, now might eb the time to get a 4.6is or, preferably, 4.8is.

One thing it must have is bluetooth. When was BT introduced in to the X5 range?

Thanks all.

[statdoc]

The 2005 model year was a transition year. The earlier builds do not have it, but BT was added uring the April/May time frame of 2005. My X5 was built in May 2005, and I bought it in June. It has the BT built-in.

[Cole]

Double check before you buy as cars destined for markets outside the US seem to have been treated differently. I have a 2006 3.0D and it has no bluetooth. My E53 was purchased in South Africa but was assembled in the USA just like the rest of them. Production date on mine is 2005/8 according to the online VIN decoder.

[statdoc]

Ah, I failed to notice the OP was in England. My information is based on US domestic production only. I don't know what differences might exist for sales of X5's elsewhere.

[V12 EGO]

Thanks guys. I think it was the same for the 7 Series. Strange that the E39 got BT in 2002.

[-chc-]

I have a 2006 4.8is and it has the built-in BT phone. However, as far as I know, you can't pair it with any other BT phone, except the built in one.

[LeMansX5]

I know BT was standard on my 2005 X5 made in Oct 2004.

[ducati2242]

My 06 (manufactured july 05 ) 3.0i pairs to any bluetooth fone . Have ifone 4 now but have had ifone3 and many nokias all work for me.

[x555a]

For the uk i believe it is late 03 plates that first came with bluetooth.Mine is a 54 plate (aug 2004)and has it
I don't think a 4.6 would have it mind.

[cjett]

Originally Posted by x555a

For the uk i believe it is late 03 plates that first came with bluetooth.Mine is a 54 plate (aug 2004)and has it
I don't think a 4.6 would have it mind.

This is the correct answer. The switch over for all of the elements necessary in production happened around April '03 for all geographies. So, mid to late '03 or later should be fine. However, it was sold as a dealer option... so, if it was not installed at delivery it can be easily added by purchasing just the bluetooth box.

FWIW, It can be added to earlier models with a bit of effort and expense. The requirements include an upgraded navigation computer (if nav equipped), radio (the one mounted in the trunk), bluetooth box, mic and possibly cabling (depending on date of mfg). I did this upgrade to my early '03 model (built in oct. '02). Interestingly, mine had all of the cabling, but, none of the upgraded components.