Someone can probably answer better than I can, but I believe if you have BMW Assist the antenna is already there. If not, then I think you need the antenna.

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'08 335i Coupe - Barbera Red / Saddle Leather / Light Poplar Wood / 6spd Manual
Options: Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Comfort Access, Active Steering (awesome!), Power Rear Shade, IPod Adapter, Navigation w/IDrive
Mods: M6 Wheels, Split Armrest, M-Steering Wheel, Euro Light Switch w/Rear Fog Lights, Short Shift Knob w/Matching E-Brake Handle, Clear Reflectors, CDV, Clear Bra

Retired:'04 X5 4.4i

The only reason for needing a cradle is if you want the ability to charge the phone and boost the signal strength by connecting the phone to an external antenna. And there are only snap-in adaptors for a small handful of the total number of Bluetooth enabled phones that will work with the system.

Your Bluetooth system will work just fine without needing to install a cradle and external antenna.

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Xoutpost.com - where you come for the information but stay for the friendships

If it gave me better reception that would be a plus! Do I have the Antenna because of the Assist or do I still need the bumper antenna?

You do have the antenna because of the Assist. Some have disconnected the Assist connection so that they can use the antenna for the phone. Other solutions if you have to keep Assist would be to either install a 2nd antenna or see if you can find some sort of Y-cable and share the antenna.

See http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...bluetooth.html

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Xoutpost.com - where you come for the information but stay for the friendships

I'm one of those who disconnected Assist to use the antenna for my phone, but given that fryem has an '06 4.8, shouldn't he have the luxury of having both Assist and his Bluetooth/Antenna connection simultaneously?

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'08 335i Coupe - Barbera Red / Saddle Leather / Light Poplar Wood / 6spd Manual
Options: Sport, Premium, Cold Weather, Comfort Access, Active Steering (awesome!), Power Rear Shade, IPod Adapter, Navigation w/IDrive
Mods: M6 Wheels, Split Armrest, M-Steering Wheel, Euro Light Switch w/Rear Fog Lights, Short Shift Knob w/Matching E-Brake Handle, Clear Reflectors, CDV, Clear Bra

Retired:'04 X5 4.4i

YES ! Any of the 05 onwards BT/Assist TCUs share the same external antenna for Assist calls and Handset calls when the phone is using the cradle. They updated the wiring harness to accomodate this. If you look at your TCU you should see 3 antenna connections to the TCU. 1 goes to the external antenna. One goes to the BT antenna and one goes to the handset (for antenna signal) when used with a cradle.

The dealer is giving you the run around.

You already have everything you need in your 06 car, and so long as you can find a cradle which works with your handset you'll be all set.

Thanks... just so my simple mind can comprehend this.... I only need to order the cradle and some other plastic piece. My X5 already has a hookup for the cell antenna.

Yes - just tell your dealer your Vin# and they will be able to tell you what cradles are available.