Comments on: MINI Bluetooth Kit Reviewed http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/ MINI Cooper news, reviews and opinion. Mon, 22 Mar 2010 05:20:43 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.9.1 hourly 1 By: robbo http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-195443 robbo Mon, 07 Jan 2008 17:33:27 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-195443 <p>hi my girlfrend just bught a mini one on a 57 plate and it has the phone button on the radio but it dosnt do any thing when i press it can any one tell me how 2 connect her phone or is that button just for show plz help thanks</p> hi my girlfrend just bught a mini one on a 57 plate and it has the phone button on the radio but it dosnt do any thing when i press it can any one tell me how 2 connect her phone or is that button just for show plz help thanks

]]> By: MINI Bluetooth Review on Motoringfile http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-141814 MINI Bluetooth Review on Motoringfile Tue, 17 Jul 2007 02:27:34 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-141814 <p>[...] official MINI Bluetooth kit posted to the venerable MotoringFile blog → by Gabe Bridger. Link: MINI Bluetooth Kit Reviewed→ Tags: auto, Bluetooth, [...]</p> [...] official MINI Bluetooth kit posted to the venerable MotoringFile blog → by Gabe Bridger. Link: MINI Bluetooth Kit Reviewed→ Tags: auto, Bluetooth, [...]

]]> By: Taylor http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-57799 Taylor Fri, 27 Oct 2006 23:46:27 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-57799 <p>I just asked at the dealer today, they tell me that the Bluetooth kit is $1700 installed, which made me fall over backwards. They said they had to put a 'computer' in. Heck, you can by a nice laptop for that price. I'm really amazed that its all that hard to get a car to talk to a bluetooth phone. After all, you can get a bluetooth headset to do it for about a hundred bucks, and I already have one. OK, so the dealer told me that they had another kit for less but it had some extra buttons that needed to be installed somewhere, and did not use the buttons on the wheel. Unacceptable style and even that was $600. Shocking. I'd expect some kind of plug in module and a programming change for $200 tops. Mini - are you listing? Back to my Blackberry in the cup holder on speakerphone.</p> <p>I guess we have to discount the claim that the Mini is bluetooth compatible.</p> I just asked at the dealer today, they tell me that the Bluetooth kit is $1700 installed, which made me fall over backwards. They said they had to put a ‘computer’ in. Heck, you can by a nice laptop for that price. I’m really amazed that its all that hard to get a car to talk to a bluetooth phone. After all, you can get a bluetooth headset to do it for about a hundred bucks, and I already have one. OK, so the dealer told me that they had another kit for less but it had some extra buttons that needed to be installed somewhere, and did not use the buttons on the wheel. Unacceptable style and even that was $600. Shocking. I’d expect some kind of plug in module and a programming change for $200 tops. Mini – are you listing? Back to my Blackberry in the cup holder on speakerphone.

I guess we have to discount the claim that the Mini is bluetooth compatible.

]]> By: Justin http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-53338 Justin Wed, 27 Sep 2006 05:28:40 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-53338 <p>has anybody tried to use the mini bluetooth in a convertible with the top down? if so did it work well? could the other person hear you? Email me @ justin.wolkenberg@gmail.com</p> has anybody tried to use the mini bluetooth in a convertible with the top down? if so did it work well? could the other person hear you? Email me @ justin.wolkenberg@gmail.com

]]> By: Donna http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-48484 Donna Sun, 13 Aug 2006 01:12:41 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-48484 <p>Hi I just had the bluetooth installed in my 2005 mini. I wanted to cry when I saw that ugly thing on my mini. When I bought the car they said it was blue tooth ready and showed me the buttons on the steering wheel. I was so mad I had my husband go back into BMW I new I would explode. We then drove to Mini and again asked them what the buttons on the steering wheel was the Manager said its for the blue tooth also my salesman agreed. When they saw my car they were as shocked as I was. I think MINI should be ashamed of there self. When I cool down I will email Mini. My advise don't buy it.</p> Hi I just had the bluetooth installed in my 2005 mini. I wanted to cry when I saw that ugly thing on my mini. When I bought the car they said it was blue tooth ready and showed me the buttons on the steering wheel. I was so mad I had my husband go back into BMW I new I would explode. We then drove to Mini and again asked them what the buttons on the steering wheel was the Manager said its for the blue tooth also my salesman agreed. When they saw my car they were as shocked as I was. I think MINI should be ashamed of there self. When I cool down I will email Mini. My advise don’t buy it.

]]> By: krenzkes http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-30230 krenzkes Tue, 10 Jan 2006 18:37:26 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-30230 <p>I had the bluetooth install on my 06 MCS and it works well with the Audiovox PPC 6600 too. I was told by my MA that a new kit will be coming out in a year or so or $2500 that will make use of the stearing wheel controls. The current 06 models have the controller mounted to the left side of the pillar and it is out of the way but still easly accessable to reach. I've had some difficulty with the system not reconizing some commands and it would be better to have a British accent vice American fo rthe female voice the system has for commands.</p> I had the bluetooth install on my 06 MCS and it works well with the Audiovox PPC 6600 too. I was told by my MA that a new kit will be coming out in a year or so or $2500 that will make use of the stearing wheel controls. The current 06 models have the controller mounted to the left side of the pillar and it is out of the way but still easly accessable to reach. I’ve had some difficulty with the system not reconizing some commands and it would be better to have a British accent vice American fo rthe female voice the system has for commands.

]]> By: Jonathan http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6093 Jonathan Wed, 05 Oct 2005 23:36:02 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6093 <p>The MINI bluetooth control unit on my 2005 MCS is <a rel="nofollow" href="http://flickr.com/photos/jmj/49648719/">installed on the LEFT pillar</a>. It is discreet and out of the way, and attached with a screw behind the trim (not tape).</p> The MINI bluetooth control unit on my 2005 MCS is installed on the LEFT pillar. It is discreet and out of the way, and attached with a screw behind the trim (not tape).

]]> By: Gabe http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6092 Gabe Sat, 02 Jul 2005 05:15:59 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6092 <p>MINI has since upgraded the kit to something similar to the E46. However it's not yet available in the US.</p> MINI has since upgraded the kit to something similar to the E46. However it’s not yet available in the US.

]]> By: Santiago http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6091 Santiago Sat, 02 Jul 2005 03:31:38 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6091 <p>I've been thinking of getting a Cooper S when the lease runs out on my BMW E46 and have started doing my research. One thing I would like to get is Bluetooth and stumbled across this page. What I find funny is how different the implementation of Bluetooth is between the Mini and the E46. I would have thought that the implementaiton would have been the same as they're both BMWs. The BMW does not have a kludgey add-on module. The controls are on the steering wheel and all displays are on the radio (regular head unit or Nav screen). For Bluetooth phone compatibility MAYBE the BMW compatibility chart maintained by X5World.com might help you choose your phones or let you decide if you have a phone that is compatible. <a rel="nofollow" href=http://www.x5world.com/html.php?file=bmw_bt_phones.htm>X5World Bluetooth Compatibility Chart</A></p> I’ve been thinking of getting a Cooper S when the lease runs out on my BMW E46 and have started doing my research. One thing I would like to get is Bluetooth and stumbled across this page. What I find funny is how different the implementation of Bluetooth is between the Mini and the E46. I would have thought that the implementaiton would have been the same as they’re both BMWs. The BMW does not have a kludgey add-on module. The controls are on the steering wheel and all displays are on the radio (regular head unit or Nav screen). For Bluetooth phone compatibility MAYBE the BMW compatibility chart maintained by X5World.com might help you choose your phones or let you decide if you have a phone that is compatible. X5World Bluetooth Compatibility Chart

]]> By: Paul Conca http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6090 Paul Conca Sat, 25 Jun 2005 12:07:07 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6090 <p>I just ordered motorola's BINC. It's the newest and I think the hottest looking bluetooth handsfree. To come out yet. Still needs to be installed but I have a lot of faith in this product. I believe it is going to be for sure a great buy. I will wright in and let you know the final score after the install.</p> I just ordered motorola’s BINC. It’s the newest and I think the hottest looking bluetooth handsfree. To come out yet. Still needs to be installed but I have a lot of faith in this product. I believe it is going to be for sure a great buy. I will wright in and let you know the final score after the install.

]]> By: rbm4 http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6089 rbm4 Mon, 28 Feb 2005 03:43:28 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6089 <p>I just picked up my 05 MCS the other day and it has 2 buttons for controling a phone on the left side of the steering wheel. Is this supposed to replace the add on control module for the blue tooth phone?</p> I just picked up my 05 MCS the other day and it has 2 buttons for controling a phone on the left side of the steering wheel. Is this supposed to replace the add on control module for the blue tooth phone?

]]> By: RednWhiteCooper http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6088 RednWhiteCooper Sun, 13 Feb 2005 06:24:35 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6088 <p>waste of money. i'm not too lazy to reach over and press TALK on my phone. i can see some of you older fellas might have a hard time holding up the phone to your ear for more than 30 seconds at a time though =)> hehe</p> waste of money. i’m not too lazy to reach over and press TALK on my phone. i can see some of you older fellas might have a hard time holding up the phone to your ear for more than 30 seconds at a time though =)> hehe

]]> By: G.A http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6087 G.A Tue, 01 Feb 2005 00:19:36 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6087 <p>Yes you can have an HK system and sat radio & bluetooth sys at the same time all working I have it on my MCS</p> Yes you can have an HK system and sat radio & bluetooth sys at the same time all working I have it on my MCS

]]> By: roy http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6086 roy Mon, 17 Jan 2005 23:01:27 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6086 <p>Mini Blue Tooth. Just got it installed and tried to get it to connect with a RIM ( Blackberry) 7290 and also a Motorola V-70. neither blue tooth phone would connect. has anyone had a similar problem? Any one have a solution to connection (paring ) problems with the Mini Blue tooth instillation?</p> <p>Roy</p> Mini Blue Tooth. Just got it installed and tried to get it to connect with a RIM ( Blackberry) 7290 and also a Motorola V-70. neither blue tooth phone would connect. has anyone had a similar problem? Any one have a solution to connection (paring ) problems with the Mini Blue tooth instillation?

Roy

]]> By: David Bruski http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6085 David Bruski Fri, 01 Oct 2004 00:17:04 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6085 <p>I have been using a blue tooth kit in my MCS that works very well, matches the interior well, is compatible with many Bluetooth phones, and was an exceptional value at $119.00. Here is a link: http://www.mobilphonekit.com/modeljumbotooth.html</p> <p>You can buy them on www.Mobileplanet.com</p> I have been using a blue tooth kit in my MCS that works very well, matches the interior well, is compatible with many Bluetooth phones, and was an exceptional value at $119.00. Here is a link: http://www.mobilphonekit.com/modeljumbotooth.html

You can buy them on http://www.Mobileplanet.com

]]> By: steve http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6084 steve Tue, 24 Aug 2004 18:06:48 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6084 <p>Well, another data point on the bluetooth installation...</p> <p>I picked up my car after leaving it for the day to have it installed. the first thing I noticed was a wire dangling from the device, disappearing to the right of the support column. They left an enormous loop, just flopping in the breeze. </p> <p>I decided to ignore this, and went to push the button on the device, and it fell off.</p> <p>It's attached with double back table to a secure mounting bracket. The mounting bracket appears bulletproof...but, the doubleback tape...it is, without a doubt, the MOST POORLY DESIGNED accessory I have ever seen, from an installation standpoint. How any company with any sense of integrity could deliver a device that was stuck on with double back tape is completely beyond me.</p> <p>lame, lame, lame....I don't care how good the thing works, it's just pathetic. sheesh...they could have modified something in the new models to make this easier...</p> <p>what's strange is that there are two small holes that look as through they were intented to be use to secure the device...but I guess not. I checked the official instructions and it says to use the tape.</p> <p>if you do get it, don't fault the service department when the thing starts falling off...</p> <p>My suggestion...WAIT for a redesign, or design for yourself a better installation.</p> Well, another data point on the bluetooth installation…

I picked up my car after leaving it for the day to have it installed. the first thing I noticed was a wire dangling from the device, disappearing to the right of the support column. They left an enormous loop, just flopping in the breeze.

I decided to ignore this, and went to push the button on the device, and it fell off.

It's attached with double back table to a secure mounting bracket. The mounting bracket appears bulletproof…but, the doubleback tape…it is, without a doubt, the MOST POORLY DESIGNED accessory I have ever seen, from an installation standpoint. How any company with any sense of integrity could deliver a device that was stuck on with double back tape is completely beyond me.

lame, lame, lame….I don't care how good the thing works, it's just pathetic. sheesh…they could have modified something in the new models to make this easier…

what's strange is that there are two small holes that look as through they were intented to be use to secure the device…but I guess not. I checked the official instructions and it says to use the tape.

if you do get it, don't fault the service department when the thing starts falling off…

My suggestion…WAIT for a redesign, or design for yourself a better installation.

]]> By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6083 Matt Mon, 16 Aug 2004 17:23:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6083 <p>Is it possible to have the HK system, bluetooth enabled, and the satellite radio? Just curious.</p> Is it possible to have the HK system, bluetooth enabled, and the satellite radio? Just curious.

]]> By: Matt http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6082 Matt Sun, 15 Aug 2004 06:35:39 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6082 <p>I am about to buy a 2005 MCS and I was told at Hank Aaron today that the Bluetooth kit will not work with the HK sound system. Can someone answer this question for me?</p> I am about to buy a 2005 MCS and I was told at Hank Aaron today that the Bluetooth kit will not work with the HK sound system. Can someone answer this question for me?

]]> By: J http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6081 J Fri, 13 Aug 2004 23:22:01 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6081 <p>I've had the Sony HCB-30 bluetooth kit in my Cooper for about a year. Its very functional and works with a wide variety of phones. I assumed the official MINI kit would integrate with the dead MFSW button. Since it turns out to have an extra control panel. I don't see much attraction compared to these other aftermarkte kits. With an interface cable from mikeythemini, the sony unit mutes the stereo, causes it to display PHONE, and routes sound over the audio speakers. In this case, bluetooth works very well. (And all the sony lights are blue.)</p> I've had the Sony HCB-30 bluetooth kit in my Cooper for about a year. Its very functional and works with a wide variety of phones. I assumed the official MINI kit would integrate with the dead MFSW button. Since it turns out to have an extra control panel. I don't see much attraction compared to these other aftermarkte kits. With an interface cable from mikeythemini, the sony unit mutes the stereo, causes it to display PHONE, and routes sound over the audio speakers. In this case, bluetooth works very well. (And all the sony lights are blue.)

]]> By: Minibeast http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/04/26/mini_bluetooth_kit_reviewed/comment-page-1/#comment-6080 Minibeast Thu, 24 Jun 2004 18:02:57 +0000 http://matthewgifford.com/2004/04/26/#comment-6080 <p>Anybody have the installation instructions from the MINI Bluetooth kit? Upgrading my stereo system and need the Mute/Speaker Leads to finish the install.</p> Anybody have the installation instructions from the MINI Bluetooth kit? Upgrading my stereo system and need the Mute/Speaker Leads to finish the install.

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