I read some posts recently that discussed needing a bluetooth module that cost $350 to be able to use a Blackberry 8700 in my E63. I called the dealer today and they said that I would need to install a phone cradle for $1500-2000 to be able to provide a plug-in for the bluetooth module. Wow!!! Just a little on the expensive side. Are they right?

 

I don’t think you need a phone cradle. If your car is like mine, you can plug the blue tooth module right into the existing port within your center console.

 

thats what the cradle is.. the port you are plugging into.

 

Are you saying that you need to have the cradle installed? Thanks,

 

that is correct.

there were some posts that you may be able to get just the cradle installed (and no other part of the phone kit) and plug the bluetooth into that and it would work once the car was adjusted in star to recognize the phone. use the search.

 

Correct, as long as the car already has the MHI electronics. Otherwise, it's big $$$.

 

People are really overcomplicating this. If when you press the phone button it says, “please insert phone” you have everything you need other than the $350 bluetooth module. There is nothing to adjust in star either to “recognize the phone.” All you have to do is plug in the module and enter a code into your phone (that is included with your new module) and your done. One thing I’m not sure of is if your blackberry will work with the system.

 

I believe that is also correct. You'd only need STAR programming if the MHI isn't in the car now. The Blackberry should work, but like my Motorola Q, you probably won't get the phone book to sync. The Razr worked perfectly, including the phone book.

 

Sounds great, just one question, where do I plug in this $350 module? Thanks,

 

It’s in the back of your center consol. Look at the very top. It’s hard to see as it’s covered with a black pice of plastic. Remove the plastic and you can see the port.

 

But please tell us if you have the $1500 phone option that came with your car or not.

This is the plug that I have, I pulled the cover off, and there is no port, and I did not order the $1500 phone option for the car.

 

I did not order a $1,500 phone option. In case you didn’t notice, I was responding to a 63 owner. Do you own a 63?

 

PTL I found out that I already have the plug. It is located at the very back of the console under a cap that pops off. It comes standard in E63s with the P2 package. The module itself is $420 at the stealer which is a definite hose job.

 

so 63's just need the module and us 55's get screwed?

 

Yep. Sorry that sucks...

 

Is there an internet source for the module, given that stealer is marked the module up above the $350 asking price? Thanks,