In part 1 of this series I focused mainly on the hard wired cradle-type (i.e. non-Bluetooth) handsfree phone kits that are currently available from MikeyTheMini of NewMiniStuff.com (NMS). Since then, I’ve switched over to using two new Sony Ericsson phones (a K750i “camera” phone and a W800i “WALKMAN” phone), and unfortunately, neither of them will work with the older cradle-type handsfree phone kits. Because of this I was forced into giving up my totally awesome cradle-type kit (with the really cool factory nav address book display) and exploring the newer Bluetooth-type kits that are available instead. As a result, this second part of the handsfree phone kit series will focus on the Bluetooth side of things.
What Bluetooth Handsfree Phone Kits Are Available For The MINI?
MINI currently offers an OEM Bluetooth handsfree phone kit (reviewed here), but it’s quite expensive, is quite difficult/expensive to install, only works with a limited number of Bluetooth phones, and still relies on a small two-button controller that must be installed into the interior of your MINI. It has been nearly a year now since the extra phone buttons on the MINI’s Multi-Function Steering Wheel (MFSW) were introduced and MINI still hasn’t released an updated version of their Bluetooth kit that supports them. I’m so disappointed and frustrated with MINI in this regard that I’ve now totally given up on them and have instead turned to NMS for all of my handsfree phone kit needs.
At the time of this writing, NMS offers several Bluetooth handsfree phone kits that directly integrate with the MINI’s radio (factory or aftermarket). If you have a pre-January 2005 built MINI that doesn’t have the extra phone buttons integrated into the MFSW (or you have any 2002-2006 MINI without the MFSW option), then NMS offers at least three different Bluetooth compatible phone kits for you to choose from. All of the NMS Bluetooth handsfree phone kits are neatly wrapped up with a 100% plug-n-play interface (specific for the MINI) making the kits very easy to install. There’s no cutting or splicing into the MINI’s factory wiring harness required when installing the NMS phone kits and so no harm should come to your MINI’s factory warranty by having one. All of the NMS phone kits install by simply plugging into the back of your factory (or aftermarket) radio. You just unplug the existing radio connector and then plug in the connector from the phone kit in its place. Nice and easy (unlike the MINI OEM Bluetooth kit which is really quite difficult to self-install).
Each of the NMS Bluetooth handsfree phone kits power the respective (Parrot or Nokia) handsfree phone kit, automatically mute the radio during a call, and automatically route the call through your radio’s speakers. Their top-of-the-line Bluetooth handsfree phone kit is based upon the Parrot CK3100 Advanced Car Kit. The CK3100 kit includes a small LSD display that (amazingly enough) uses Bluetooth to show you the contacts in your phone’s address book, display the incoming caller’s ID, etc. In addition, the LCD display is used to answer/end calls, activate voice dialing, and redial the last number called. The two other Bluetooth kits that are available are based upon the Parrot CK3000 (Evolution or non-Evolution) and the Nokia CK7w Bluetooth handsfree phone kits. These two kits function in the same exact way as the top-of-the-line CK3100 kit does except that they don’t include the LCD display. Instead, they use a small two-button controller without the LCD display. NMS can even sell you just a plug-n-play phone interface kit that you can use to connect any handsfree phone kit of your choosing to the MINI (including one that you may already happen to own).
If you have a MINI that was built after January 01, 2005 that happens to have the extra phone buttons on its MFSW, then NMS currently offers two Bluetooth-based handsfree phone kits that completely do away with the separate two-button controller box and integrates with the new phone buttons on your MFSW instead. One of the kits is based upon the Parrot CK3000 (non-Evolution) Bluetooth handsfree phone kit and the other is based upon the Nokia CK7w Bluetooth handsfree phone kit. These two kits are a bit more expensive than the previously mentioned ones because they require an extra controller (or “black box”) that integrates the phone kit with the extra phone buttons on your MINI’s MFSW.
Even though my own MINI is a January 2005 build that has the extra phone buttons on the MFSW, I’ve opted to go with the NMS kit that is based upon the Parrot CK3100 Advanced Car Kit (with the small LCD display) instead. Although the kit won’t support the extra phone buttons on the MFSW, I found that having caller ID and phone book entries show up on the small LCD screen far outweighs using the extra phone buttons. Besides that, if you strategically locate the small LCD display that comes with the CK3100 kit, you’ll find that you won’t miss having those extra phone buttons on the MFSW at all. I sure don’t.
Note: rumors have it that MikeyTheMini is currently working on an interface kit that will make the Parrot CK3100 function with the extra phone buttons on the MFSW. When/if the interface becomes available you can always add it onto your existing CK3100 phone kit at a later date.
It sure was hard for me to give up the really nice factory navigation integration of the cradle-type handsfree phone kit that I reviewed in part one of this series, but having the small LCD display really is the next best thing. Unfortunately, at the time of this writing, there aren’t any Bluetooth-type phone kits available that can integrate with the factory navigation system like the cradle-type kits can.
Installing The Bluetooth Handsfree Phone Kit
I ordered my Parrot CK3100 Advanced Car Kit complete with the plug-n-play interface kit from the NMS website and it arrived at my door in a timely fashion. The kit came completely assembled and ready to be installed. The installation of the phone kit was a breeze as it’s all plug-n-play. I simply removed my factory radio, plugged in the interface kit, re-installed the radio, tucked the kit’s controller box and wiring harness up under the steering wheel (via the removable knee blocker), ran the wire for the external mic up the driver’s side A-pillar (mounting the mic to the headliner using Velcro), and installed the small LCD display. The entire installation took less than 30 minutes and I didn’t have to cut a single wire or drill a single hole.
The CK3100 kit included a handful of different mounting brackets that could be used to mount the small LCD screen in various locations, but I found that using the NMS metal no holes mount worked much better in my MINI. The mount attaches to the radio screws that are hidden behind the down tubes. The small LCD display is then attached to the mount and sits in a perfect position for quick access from the driver’s seat. As its name suggests, no drilling of any holes in your MINI is required in order to install the mount.
Using The Bluetooth Handsfree Phone Kit
Using the Bluetooth handsfree phone kit is a complete joy. Once you’ve properly paired your Bluetooth phone with the kit, each time you turn on the ignition in your MINI the kit automatically locates your Bluetooth phone and makes a connection to it (even if it’s still in your pocket, bag, boot, glove box, etc.). Incoming calls ring over the car radio (and also in your phone if its handsfree profile is setup to do so) and you answer them with a simple click on the green phone button that’s part of the LCD display (or using the R/T button on your MFSW if you’re using one of NMS’s MFSW phone button kits that doesn’t have a two-button controller box). The incoming caller’s ID is displayed on the LCD screen so you know right away who’s calling. To hang up the call, you simply press the red button on the LCD display (or hit the R/T button on your MFSW). The phone kit can also be setup to answer/end calls using voice commands (or “magic words”) if you so desire.
For placing calls, you can use voice commands that you’ve setup in your handsfree phone kit or within your phone itself. The CK3100 kit will even go one step farther and automatically synchronize with your phone’s address book each time it connects allowing you to place a call by simply scrolling through the list of contacts shown on your LCD display. Missed calls, received calls, and dialed calls are also available via the LCD display as well. It’s all done over a wireless Bluetooth connection with your phone and really is quite amazing technology to say the least.
The quality of the sound on my kit is very good. Callers can hear me well (although some say that it sounds a bit like I’m on a speaker phone – which I am), and I can hear them in perfect fidelity over my MINI’s H/K stereo. It’s all very loud and clear. In the end I couldn’t be happier with the Bluetooth kit I’ve chosen to use in my MINI.
A Word Of Caution About Bluetooth Phone Compatibility
One thing to note is that not all Bluetooth phones are created equal and not all Bluetooth phones will work with all Bluetooth handsfree phone kits. There are many reasons for this stemming from different versions of the Bluetooth protocol all the way to bugs in the phone’s firmware (i.e. the software that controls the phone – just like operating system software controls a personal computer) or handsfree kit. Therefore, you really need to make sure that your particular phone is going to be compatible with the Bluetooth handsfree kit that you want to use BEFORE you actually buy it. The best way to do this is to visit the Bluetooth handsfree phone kit manufacturer’s web site and see if they list compatibility with the phone you want to use.
I myself stumbled into this pitfall and so I’ll share a bit of my own experience with you about the Parrot Bluetooth kits that are currently offered by NMS. As you may have noticed, I really love Sony Ericsson phones. So much so, that I’ve given up my nav-integrated cradle-type phone kit just so that I could switch over to using the latest (and very popular) Sony Ericsson K750i and W800i phones. Well, it turns out that these phones use a completely new version of the Bluetooth protocol and so they are not fully compatible with many of the Bluetooth handsfree phone kits currently available on the market.
At the time of this writing, the K750i/W800i will NOT function with the Parrot CK3000 (non-Evo) phone kits. This means that you can’t use them with the NMS CK3000-based kits (which includes the really cool kit that integrates with the extra phone buttons on the MINI’s MFSW). Apparently, Parrot has discontinued support for the older CK3000 (non-Evo) kits and so they have no plans on adding additional Bluetooth phone compatibility with those kits in the future (or so I’m told). An update for the Parrot CK3000 Evolution kit’s firmware is in the works, but isn’t available at the time of this writing (another rumor has it that MikeyTheMini is also working on an interface kit that will make the newer, and still supported, Parrot CK3000 Evolution kit work with the extra phone buttons on the MFSW just like the older Parrot CK3000 non-Evo kit does). Fortunately for me though, Parrot has just released an update of the firmware for their CK3100 kit that makes it fully compatible with these two new Sony Ericsson phones. The update can be installed via a serial cable connection or via a Bluetooth connection with the phone kit’s controller (i.e. the phone kit’s “black box”).
Therefore, really good features to look for in your Bluetooth handsfree phone kit of choice, is whether or not it can have its firmware flashed/updated (which is necessary for compatibility with future Bluetooth phone models), and if it is easy to do so (i.e. do you have to send it back to the manufacturer to get it flashed, can you do the flash yourself using a special cable, or can you do it yourself using a USB Bluetooth dongle, etc.). Another thing to consider when purchasing your Bluetooth handsfree phone kit is the lifespan of the kit itself. How long has the kit already been out on the market and how long will the manufacturer continue supporting it with future firmware upgrades? You don’t really want to get stuck with a kit that you can’t use the next time you upgrade your phone.
The Bluetooth world is full of pitfalls, but if you can find a Bluetooth handsfree phone kit that works in your MINI, it will certainly add to your driving experience/pleasure.
Related:
[ Integrated Aftermatket Bluetooth ] MotoringFile
<p>Excellent – just ordered one!</p>
<p>Oh, for Pete’s sake – Like my friend’s Fric ‘n Frac from NPR’s ‘CarTalk’ say : “Sh*t-up and drive”…</p>
<p>Here in NJ, our state legislature is now moving ‘speaking on a hand-held mobile phone while driving’ from a secondary offense (meaning you can’t be pulled over for that alone) to a primary one (where you can). I commute 80 miles a day on one of our state’s main highways, and if I had a dollar for every person I saw yacking on a phone while driving 80+ MPH, I could retire pretty quickly. There are times I look around and I am the only person NOT on the phone!!</p>
<p>More and more data is proving that if you’re talking on a phone while driving, regardless of whether it’s handheld or hands-free, you’re 5 times more likely of being involved in an accident.</p>
<p>C’mon, folks – is the conversation really THAT important that you can’t just pull over and use your regular ‘ol cell phone while NOT moving?</p>
<p>I’m not sure it’s wise to continue to encourage people to talk on their cell phones while driving by advocating products like this.</p>
<ul>
<li><ul>
<li>m</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>Boy…</p>
<p>It’s comments like this one that make me wonder why I should even bother helping the MINI community out with my articles.</p>
<p>I don’t know how you do it/put up with it Gabe???</p>
<p>I am afraid that Michael’s comments are fairly valid. It is a proven fact that a driver yapping on his/her cell while behind the wheel is as distracted and impared as a drunken individual. Even with handsfree devices, the risks are not significantly minimized. I personally, avoid using the cell while driving and don’t answer calls. People leave me a message and I get back to them when I reach my detination. If it is an emergency I make it a point to pull aside. Unfortunatly a lot of people are married/addicted to cell phones and can’t postpone or put off a conversation while driving. 15-20+ years ago when cell phones were a rarity or emerging technology if people needed to make a phone call, they would look for a public phone booth and pull over. Most individuals can not give up the cell phone. How times/attitudes have changed!</p>
<p>I am not anti-technology as I am a very technically oriented person, but sometimes you have to see beyond the technology to see the implications it entails both at a personal and social level.</p>
<p>Opinions are like …….s and the internet is more often than not like kindergarten. Plus, your treading very close to what is probably a top 20 inet flamewar topic – cellphones in cars. Right up there with what oil is best and do airplanes have ABS . </p>
<p>Just ignore it and remember that the vast majority of us are very appreciative of what Motoringfile does for the Mini community, even if don’t always agree with what you have to say.</p>
<p>Not sure what to say Mike. Some times it can be a thankless job :)</p>
<p>Mobile phones in cars aren’t going away. With that in mind you might as well have a the safest (ie – best) hands free device/integration available.</p>
<p>As Thumper’s mom used to say “if ya can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say nothin’ at all.” We’re all adults here, folks. We each have our opinions that we hold dearly.</p>
<p>If Gabe decides to post an article on how dangerous folks on cell phones are (who are no more dangerous than those disciplining their kids while driving), <em>then</em> we should free to go to town on condemning them. Until then, let’s be thankful that Mike, Gabe and others who contribute to MF do so because they’re enthusiastic. Please take your buzz-kill outside.</p>
<p>I like those type of bracket mounts. I’ve got a Panavise inDash mount that I initially got for my Dension ice>Link: Plus cradle, but I now use it with a grip-type holder for my cell phone. I just ordered a Garmin StreetPilot 2610 and will look into mounting that on the Panavise bracket. I think it’s much nicer than the ProClip mount…</p>
<p>I wasn’t questioning the validity of his comments, but rather his un-appreciation for the time and effort that it took to write the article and share it with the MINI community.</p>
<p>There are lots of things that we don’t agree with in this world (for many reasons), but that surely doesn’t mean that we have to go out and bash folks who do them now does it?</p>
<p>If you guys don’t agree with using cell phones in cars via a hands free kit, then you shouldn’t even bother reading the article (let alone comment on it).</p>
<p>Oh well, I’m over it now. You guys do/say what you want as I won’t be listening (nor sharing) any more.</p>
<p>Sheesh!</p>
<p>I really appreciate Gabe’s (and everyone else’s) contributions on this first rate site. I always read every article even if it is regarding a topic I am not personally interested at the time.</p>
<p>MF is my first morning read and that says a lot about the content/quality/integrity/credibility of this source of information.</p>
<p>There are 4 MINI owners in this office and all of us are MF fans.</p>
<p>Well, When <em>I</em> drive, I never talk to any of my passengers because I wouldn’t want to be distracted. Nor do I listen to the radio just in case there is a song that I like and am tempted to sing along.</p>
<p>Next time you wonder why someone is driving 45 mph (72kmh) and their left hand blinker is on, They’re listening to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.johndenver.com/">John Denver.</a>
Dangerous!</p>
<p>Think people, It could just save your lives!!</p>
<p>Well, Mike, I appreciate your work here. I have motoringfile on my shortlist of rss feeds.</p>
<p>I asked Mike Wildman (Mikeythemini) about an upgraded kit for parrot ck3000 evolution (the more modern kit) that supports the MFSW and he replied:</p>
<p>We are looking at a few months for mfsw to evo or 3100
Mike</p>
<p>I think I’m going to wait as I want to buy a supported unit (that will work with my blackberry) and I really like the idea of putting the MFSW buttons to their intended use.</p>
<blockquote>
<p>We are looking at a few months for mfsw to evo or 3100 Mike</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Wha? speak inglis</p>
<p>You lost me right after mfsw</p>
<p>I bought the CK3000 from NMS a few months ago. It is pretty cool, I have been using it with my Nokia 6630. I have had some complaints about sound quality, but I think that is due to my mic position. Any suggestions for optimum sound placing?</p>
<p>The real reason I got the kit was because my phone runs my navigation software, and I wanted to hear the nav instructions over the stereo. Unfortunatly when she says “Turn left in three hundred meters”, it takes a while for the bluetooth to connect, so I end up with “dred meters”, which is not very useful, so I end up diconecting the phone from the kit so I can hear it over the phone speaker.</p>
<p>Has anyone else tried using navigation with a parrot kit?</p>
<p>Any suggestions welcome</p>
<blockquote>Mike wrote: It has been nearly a year now since the extra phone buttons on the MINI’s Multi-Function Steering Wheel (MFSW) were introduced and MINI still hasn’t released an updated version of their Bluetooth kit that supports them.</blockquote>
<p>I called Mini USA tech support number recently to ask about availability of the patch to activate those MFSW buttons on my 2005 MCS w/Bluetooth option. The rep checked, and then said: “There are no plans to activate the steering wheel buttons in the US market, they are for European use”. Exactly the opposite of what I was told when I ordered bluetooth on promise of upgrade by the local dealer.) </p>
<p>If Mike the Mini is reading, I would certainly like to buy a MFSW connetion kit that would eliminate the “tacky” buttons on the upright (and give me my cup-holder back). There is a definite market for this kit in the US market.
Any chance there is a kin “in the works”?</p>
<p>Mike(TheOfficeMaven),
I appreciate it. I share your extreme disappointment with MINIUSA’s dropping the ball in regards to the bluetooth buttons. (just to remind those who don’t remember I sent an email to MINIUSA asking them why they didn’t intergrate the buttons into the bluetooth kit and they were not very informative or helpful with solutions or future upgrades.)</p>
<p>Eitherway, Thanks mike. I appreciate it. </p>
<p>Cheers
and motor on. Don’t let the
little guy get you down.<br />
Jono</p>
<p>Nice write up 🙂
If you can’t drive & talk maybe you shouldn’t be driving ?? ;), don’t let it get you down Mike, I know lots of people appreciate your work & advice
We are working on a solution for the Parrot 3000 evo & parrot 3100 to connect them to the mfsw but the company who is making interfaces for us a a few months away on that.
We are also looking at doing a bluetooth kit that displays on the nav screen – but there is no current timescale on that as the current mess of different bluetooth protocols is making things difficult.
Finally – we have anounced on our site & on Mini2 & NAM that we have discovered a problem with our mfsw to parrot 3000 interface when used with an icelink – if text is turned on on the icelink to stereo display – one of the buttons (end) on the mfsw stops working. We have developed a different interface that uses the one button for answer & end for people with icelink plus text.</p>
<p>Gabe ‘n Mike –</p>
<p>Don’t get me wrong, I appreciate the time and effort that went into your write-up. And I too support this community (and appreciate this site when it has something news worthy to say), but I had to jump in on this one. Sorry if it comes across on the harsh side, but hey, I’m from New Joisey. If you don’t like the heat, don’t go in the kitchen. people are entitled to an opinion.</p>
<p>Obviously cell phones aren’t going away… but keep up the stupid behavior while driving and your privelidge to drive just might – with the help of a raft of new laws coming to a state near you.</p>
<p>Frank – Nicely said.</p>
<ul>
<li><ul>
<li>m</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>Mike great write up, I work for MINI and I am intrigued by your application of this device. I have a few questions; I already have gone on <a href="http://www.pricegrabber.com" rel="nofollow ugc">http://www.pricegrabber.com</a> and checked the lowest price etc… I’m pretty sure I’m going to do this. Q1) did the kit come with that mount or did you fabricate that? And Q2) is there any issue with having NAV or the AUXILARY input with this device? Thanks for your time. Please e-mail me.=-) (if you have time)</p>
<p>My only objection to the “Shut up and Drive” comment is that Click and Clack are the chaps from CarTalk, not “Fric & Frac”. Must be an avid listener – ha!</p>
<p>I stand corrected – Thanks, Nat.</p>
<ul>
<li><ul>
<li>m</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>I’m glad I live in america were my rights are legislated.</p>
<p>I think that cup holders should be banned. Don’t drink and drive after all.</p>
<p>Or maybe we should just ban Mickey Burchill.</p>
<p>Hey Mickey, Any relation to JimOhio?</p>
<p>Hey guys… let’s go easy on both Mikes here. They both have valid points and I think neither meant anything personal by their comments.</p>
<p>Mike, please don’t refrain from future write-ups. Your experience, expertise and taking-the-time are greatly appreciated.</p>
<p>Michael, whatever the validity of your position regarding cell phone use while driving, you have essentially hijacked this thread. Referring to those who disagree with you as stupid will never help your case. With due respect, please let it go.</p>
<p>Gabe, this site is invaluable. I think you should invoke your right to make some ground rules on the fly here. I, for one, would like to find future comments on point and not a continuation of what has occurred.</p>
<p>Here’s an idea. Everyone join me in not responding to Michael’s inevitable response to this post. -:)</p>
<p>Hey Mike,</p>
<p>Excellent review – as always – please CONTINUE posting info like this – it is invaluable! The net is a place to share info – no matter what it is. If I don’t wanna read your thoughts I won’t search for them ;)</p>
<p>Rich</p>
<p>Hey, lighten up “jeff”….Never called anyone stupid. </p>
<p>Just described behavior. Can’t help it if it happens to describe your’s.</p>
<p>Sorry if you guys think I hi-jacked the thread. I just responded and got mostly snide remarks for what I think is a valid point of view. At least ‘frank’ seemed to understand where I was coming from…. geezz.</p>
<ul>
<li><ul>
<li>m</li>
</ul></li>
</ul>
<p>…and as for the MFSW buttons and bluetooth integration to cope with the K750i – I am in the same boat as jdmarino – once Mikey has a kit ready I’ll buy it – but I am gonna wait for it to surface first rather than buy and then upgrade.</p>
<p>Rich</p>
<blockquote>
<p>…and as for the MFSW buttons and bluetooth integration to cope with the K750i – I am in the same boat as jdmarino – once Mikey has a kit ready I’ll buy it – but I am gonna wait for it to surface first rather than buy and then upgrade.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Man… am I the only one <em>without</em> a SE K750i? Feels like it reading these comments. I’m stuck with this damn Razr scheming on a 850mhz K750i or non-orange W800i.</p>
<p>I think everyone here, as active enthusiasts, are aware of the issues around talking on the cell and driving. Fact is talking to passengers is shown to also be a dangerous distraction (esp. children in the back) but that’s not what this is about – I mean you don’t go to headphone reviews and state how they cause people to lose hearing, right?</p>
<p>Anyway, thanks for all the info and work on the handsfree kit reviews. I’d like a nicely integrated kit to have on hand to work with my Nokia 6680 (i’d love it to work with the wheel and nav too and I don’t see why it shouldn’t :P) but, of course, then it wouldn’t work with the SO’s Sony 910 too would it?</p>
<p>Cheers</p>
<p>Mike,</p>
<p>You provide us with invaluable information and great write-ups that help us make smart decisions about our MINIs. Please continue with your work. </p>
<p>David</p>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<blockquote>
<p>Fact is talking to passengers is shown to also be a dangerous distraction </p>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
</blockquote>
<p>Actually, the study I’ve heard about says the opposite (children notwithstanding): that passengers partially participate in driving (e.g. they point out dangerous happenings) whereas the person at the other end of the phone cannot do that. Moreover, your mind is half with the other person who is not in the car.</p>
<p>Now as for me, since I use my phone only a little in the car, I never set up my headset in advance. That means when I’m driving and the phone rings, fumbling for the “hands-free” earpiece is more dangerous than just answering. But if I had NMS’s bluetooth interface, there would be no fumbling — a button press has my wife telling me to pick up the milk.</p>
<p>How is your ipod connected??</p>
<p>Nice writeup, Mike (the office maven).</p>
<p>I’m not an avid cellphone user, especially in a car. But I’ve found that during long trips on a freeway, talking to a friend helps me stay alert. So as far as <em>my</em> driving is concerned, this product would actually improve my safety and the safety of those around me.</p>
<p>close this, Gabe….</p>
<p>Is that a Threat?</p>
<p>add another to the banned list.</p>
<p>I don’t have a clue what you guys are talking about…</p>
<p>What the heck is going on in here, you think they would be talking about..SUVs and Hummers…lol</p>
<p>-alpinamike</p>