'01 X5 with telephone - how does it work?

[shnz821]

Hi! Newbie here. I just bought a used '01 X5 4.4i and love it!! I'm just trying to figure out a few things. I have the radio/telephone toggle switch on my steering wheel and the other "telephone" buttons on the main console, but I'm not sure how it all works. Since it's an '01, I'm skeptical if it's for bluetooth (which would be awesome if it did, as I have a Motorola Q). Can someone please tell me exactly what the "telephone" feature is for (as the manual is sort of sketchy on the topic)?
Thanks in advance for your help!!

[SilverBullet]

:xoutpost:

[PLAYERPRO]

CG!!

hey i'm not sure if the X5 for 2001 had the bluetooth module installed or equipped for the vehicle(not likely) that button is probaly for the "old style" car phone that were using the motorola's star-tacs or model(can't remember model name) after it but those where not bluetooth enabled.

Also the manuals were not used for Phone features so don't waste anymore time with those usually there was another booklet that cam with the Manual the features all the phone options providing the vehicle had a phone installed.
hope this helps....

Also does the vehicle have a Phone cradle?

[shnz821]

Thanks for the info. There's no phone cradle that I'm aware of...where would that be located?

Also, is there any way to modify the existing "system" to pick up bluetooth?

[raguilar]

I currently have a 01 X5 4.4. I have bluetooth installed and the phone craddle in the X5. It is in the center counsel where the star tech phone used to be. Now with the 01, after a certain month the antenna/power cable was brought all the way up to the center counsel. Before that they weren't and you will need an extension kit. Check with EAS on this. While you are at it I would install the Dice IPod kit if you have an IPod. I have both in mine, I also have DSP and now a wide screen Navigation monitor. They now can do video on the Nav screen for the IPod, that will be my next upgrade. The bluetooth is very cool. I am now waiting for an phone cradle for the Motorola SLVR7. I have also installed the extra antenna in the bumper for better cell service. It really helped with my Motorola V551.

Ron Aguilar

[PLAYERPRO]

Your Existing system maybe outdated....

remember the motorola phones that came out after the infamous "Startac" phones? think they were the ( V phones with the silver-Steel Back)

Well like i said if the 1st Oner got the vehicle with a phone Activated V phone or star tac phone then that " Phone-button" would apply...

Also Phone cradle would probably be inside center console area and you wouldn't miss it cuase you would see impint of where a phone wouls slide into you would see the "copper connection that would charge phone.

BMW does have an Accessory that old BMW owners that had the old phone cradle phone installations already installed. it's a Egg shapped bluetooth device that slides into the old Cradle and would "pair" with any NEW Bluetooth compatible Phone ont he BMW website List....

But like i said you would probably need that installation (cradle) already
there.

there are several options i hear owners that use 3rd part installations.. just do alot of research prior jumping into something that maybe to costly..

I know "Belkin" has a Bluetooth Speaker Device that allows users to use the speakers as Listening/talk Devices it's an Egg" shaped Device Wireless FM modulator ---- research it

and Good Luck!

[UCrewX5]

Here was the install of the BT system into my 2001 X5 - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/all-...01-bmw-x5.html

:xoutpost:

[shnz821]

Thanks for all the info! I'll check into the various systems from EAS and Bavarian Sound Werks. I definitely want the simplest option, as I'm handicapped and can't do alot of wiring and such by myself.

Anyone know if it's cheaper to get this sort of thing installed by Car Toys or Sound Advice, instead of a BMW dealer? or should I not risk having the aftermarket guys messing around in my vehicle?

[UCrewX5]

Personally I wouldn't risk having a non-BMW type messing with your vehicle wiring. The BMW electronics can be very finiky.