CURIOUS - Voice Rec MICROPHONE QUESTION

[MauiKat]

Just curious - has anybody tried/considered swapping the VR mic and sunroof button positions in the headliner console - so that the microphone is on the left side, closer to the driver? I'm kinda bugged that at freeway speeds I usually hafta shout for the Voice Recognition, (for either phone or Nav), to recognize the correct command/phone name. Sometimes it takes 2-3 attempts unless I yell, for the correct name/command to register. I'm wonderin' if I move the mic closer, by swapping the two mentioned above, it'll pickup/recognise better ? Anybody done this, or have the same prob, and solution? Thanks!

[KiwiJochen]

A few people do this. It is easy, the button holders are the same size.

You can also get a newer improved microphone - the later mics were better than the early mics.

[MauiKat]

Thanks for the reply Kiwi...yes, I noticed they were the same size - that's why I was wondering if it were easily possible to switch 'em, or if anyone has done this before... My X is an '05... would you happen to know if they are still using the same microphone currently, or if there were/are newer OEM versions since '05 that would work for an E53?

[Quicksilver]

Just curious I have an 05 and do not have the problems you have stated.
Could it be you need to turn up the volumn?
Just so you know VR isn't that accurate on mine either.

[MauiKat]

Naw, Barry, volume level is just fine... Voice Recog works fine off freeway, at same level, 98% of th' time... it's obviously road noise/external noise, (and I think in regard to phone commands, sometimes bluetooth signal interruption) that disrupts/screws up the recognition... good to know I'm not th' only one, tho... thinkin' about movin' and possibly replacing the mic with a better one, as mentioned above... ~ it's kinda frustratin', when ya need to call someone back, or redirect Nav, in the middle of freeway traffic at nite, and ya hafta shout for it not to %$# up !.... ~ not too mention, doesn't look too cool, if ya have a passenger !!

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by MauiKat

Just curious - has anybody tried/considered swapping the VR mic and sunroof button positions in the headliner console - so that the microphone is on the left side, closer to the driver?

Yes, this is a no-brainer in the E38 community. It significantly improves voice quality. In fact, the later sunroof panels for the E38 have the mic hole positioned by the driver and the sunroof button on the passenger side.

[MauiKat]

Thanks, Brian - good ta know...'guess BMW finally figured out more people would be usin' the VR onna regular basis than th' sunroof! ~ did YOU move and/or your mic on your 750, and if so, what didja replace th' mic with?

[Brian-bmw]

Originally Posted by MauiKat

Thanks, Brian - good ta know...'guess BMW finally figured out more people would be usin' the VR onna regular basis than th' sunroof! :did YOU move and/or your mic on your 750, and if so, what didja replace th' mic with?

My 750iL had the newer style panel with the mic on the driver's side. I used to have a 1998 740iL, and I did get the newer style panel for that one. One thing I did not is that the switch hole and the mic hole are not the same size in all cars. In the early E38, you can not switch them without carving out one of the holes. However, some folks with newer E38s were able to switch the positions without modifying the little panel. I would just do it and see if you like it.

[MauiKat]

'Guess when I get th' time 'n nerve up, I'll pop the panel, n just try swappin' the positions, usin' the OEM mic... 'hope that mod won't give me grief with The Stealer and my warranty coverage !!

[Quicksilver]

If your still under warranty maybe they will do it.