wind noise while caller is on x5's bluetooth

drcap · #1 10-06-2010, 04:42 PM

This all happens when my wife calls me from the X5 using the cars oem bluetooth system (07 x5 4.8i). So basically at rest there is a little background noise present, while the x5 is moving there is a loud "wind tunnel" background noise that I here along with her voice??? Everything is closed (windows, roof, sunshade) and a/c / heat also off. It's almost like something is blowing on the mic area but again everything is closed

? Once the car stops moving it becomes quiet again. Is this a normal situation? Anyone else encounter it? Thanks all.

DWill · #2 10-07-2010, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drcap

This all happens when my wife calls me from the X5 using the cars oem bluetooth system (07 x5 4.8i). So basically at rest there is a little background noise present, while the x5 is moving there is a loud "wind tunnel" background noise that I here along with her voice??? Everything is closed (windows, roof, sunshade) and a/c / heat also off. It's almost like something is blowing on the mic area but again everything is closed

? Once the car stops moving it becomes quiet again. Is this a normal situation? Anyone else encounter it? Thanks all.

Do you have run flats?

I have nearly the same issue in both X's at highway/freeway speeds.
There's sometimes so much noise from the RFT's that not only is difficult to talk on the phone but the voice command system sometimes is useless.

Brian-bmw · #3 10-07-2010, 06:51 AM

The only things that come to mind are either a bad microphone or the mic installed backwards. The mic is directional, and there is an arrow embossed that should point toward the windshield. So, pull the mic and confirm that the arrow is pointing forward when installed.

If the mic is oriented correctly, then you might try installing a new mic.

drcap · #4 10-07-2010, 10:28 PM

Thanks for the info I do have run flats and I have not inspected the mic because I am not sure how to get to it. Any instructions available? Thanks all.

drcap · #5 10-26-2010, 01:00 PM

I took it to the dealer finally got, it back Saturday. They have replaced the TCU in the X5 the telecommunications unit, I asked about the mic but they said essentially unlikely and did the replacement of the TCU. Anyway just talked to the wife today and I can not tell a diffrence it sounds just about the same

. Should I go the mic route? or Is this just the nature of the X5, 4.8i engine, runflats, cabin noise when driving 40mph or above?? I guess I might have to just live with it.

Brian-bmw · #6 10-26-2010, 02:24 PM

It should be silent. A friend with an E60 sport (loud, runflats, etc.) sounds silent. Mine, when I had runflats was silent. My hunch it is the mic-- either bad or installed backwards. Mics are cheap, so if the dealer won't do it under warranty, you can do it yourself.

drcap · #7 10-26-2010, 02:55 PM

In the car it sounds great but again its the callee that it sounds lousy for. I just here so much road noise along with my wifes voice. Any diy information on how to get to the micorphone.

Brian-bmw · #8 10-27-2010, 09:34 AM

I don't have first-hand experience, and I can not get my BMW software working. So, this is just a guess... BMW uses the same microphone in the E70 X5 as it does just about every model going back to the early 90s. It snaps into a little plastic cover that typically snaps into either the headliner or sunroof panel on most cars. So, the trick is to find the mic-- it is a little plastic grill piece that measures about 1-1/2" x 3/4". If you find that, just gently pry one of the shorter sides until it pops free. I think that the rearward side of the piece is what snaps out first.

Here is a link to the BMW parts database to give you a basic illustration. It just doesn't show you where in the car it is actually located.

RealOEM.com * BMW E70 X5 4.8i Single parts f hands-free facility

drcap · #9 10-27-2010, 01:14 PM

So again they have replaced the TCU and reprogrammed it in the car, besides the mic is there anything else that could be causing this type of problem?? I wish they would have investigated the microphone as I thought that would be an easy fix if it was the culprit. Bottom line if the mic is replaced is that all that can be done?? Thx all for your time and input.

Brian-bmw · #10 10-27-2010, 03:39 PM

Yes, the microphone and TCU are the only two things in the audio path. Given that the problem is wind noise (it gets louder when you are moving and is quiet when you are still), then the wiring between the mic and TCU is probably not the problem. Also, given that the caller sounds find, that indicates that the Bluetooth connection is good. So, the only thing left is the mic.