Question on E39 phone system

E36White · 12-27-2011, 06:08 PM

2002 530i with OEM phone system, but handset was missing when I bought the car, is there a way I can change that wire adapter to fit a Samsung phone while maintaining full functionality of the system (steering controls, charging etc..) ??

Before getting flamed, I ran a quick search but all suggestions pretty much came to retrofitting bluetooth adapters and I'm not really sure if that's what I want to do here..

feedback is appreciated.

E36White · 01-04-2012, 09:05 AM

anyone?

bmwm5lover · 01-04-2012, 01:06 PM

No clue...
but is there even a way that you could use the phone system?

E36White · 01-04-2012, 01:12 PM

no unless if I try to source a handset, but I think there were a few models offered with the E39 like siemens nokia and ericsson etc (as per realoem.com)...

so how do I know what originally came with my car? is there a way I can decode my vin maybe?

Blue530 · 03-06-2012, 05:49 PM

Did you put the VIN into realoem.com to see if it came to any conclusions?

As i bought my car used, I had BMW run my VIN (to check on some parts I was ordering) and the parts counter guy was nice enough to printout the vehicle information page, which included the entire list of factory installed options. Although there was nothing on there that indicated specific parts replacement numbers I wouldn't be surprised if they could give you that information.

***Gamite*** · 03-07-2012, 05:13 AM

I think if you want to go with the cradle for your phone, it will still require you to use the bluetooth.

I did the bluetooth retrofit, and let me tell you its a pain in the ass. especially for us 2002. One harness you actually have to fabricate yourself and there's a button that doesn't exist anymore so you have to find an alternative.

bmwm5lover · 03-07-2012, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gamite

I think if you want to go with the cradle for your phone, it will still require you to use the bluetooth.

I did the bluetooth retrofit, and let me tell you its a pain in the ass. especially for us 2002. One harness you actually have to fabricate yourself and there's a button that doesn't exist anymore so you have to find an alternative.

Can we get more info on this?

I've just been considering other aftermarket options such as dice/media bridge.

***Gamite*** · 03-09-2012, 03:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bmwm5lover

Can we get more info on this?

I've just been considering other aftermarket options such as dice/media bridge.

Terry it depends on the year. I did a lot of searching and googling to find out what to get. I can show you what I did, and we can compare, but from what I remember your harness is different from mine.

mech9T8 · 04-20-2012, 11:38 PM

I'm about to try a bluetooth retrofit in my 2001 530i.
Hopefully all goes well. Got the TCU and ordering the other stuff I need.
I found PDF instructions that looked pretty straight forward.
I'll post it here when i can find it again.

bmwm5lover · 05-01-2012, 09:32 PM

updates?

E39M5 · 05-02-2012, 07:47 AM

I could be wrong, but from the research I did, going the Dice route was easier, then you also have iPod integration.

mech9T8 · 05-06-2012, 08:33 AM

For the life of me I can't find the link to that PDF.
I'm going to make a trip to the states in a month and just order/pick up all the parts from there...along with a few other goodies

540guy · 05-12-2012, 04:03 PM

I could be wrong but oem phone system costs more, involves more work, and has fewer features in comparison to the aftermarket offerings. Doesn't seem worth it unless you're going for the pure oem everything image.

I'm personally using the dice mediabridge with bluetooth

mech9T8 · 07-06-2012, 12:12 PM

So I finally got around to installing everything and it worked great. Phone paired, phoenbook downloaded and was able to send and receive calls. VR was enabled so that is a bonus.
But, I can barely hear incoming calls and could not adjust the volume. After doing more research it looks like I may need a small amp to boost volume. No biggie.