Motorola and BMW next matchup for car Bluetooth bliss

Just as Nokia and Volkswagen got hitched last week, Motorola and BMW are now tying the knot in the auto integrated Bluetooth department. Each time you get in your car, your contacts are downloaded wirelessly to an integrated handset in the vehicle (though that's clearly a Sony Ericsson phone in the photo, and not a Motorola handset — not sure what's up with that). They're also including their "iDrive" feature that allows drivers to browse contacts and place and hang up calls from steering wheel controls. Also included will be voice activation and voice dialing features. We'd like to be the first to wish the newlyweds a happy honeymoon.

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

This was revealed last November, actually. Compatible phones listed so far are the SonyEricsson T610, Siemens S55/S65 and Nokia 6310i. Never heard anything about Motorola.

Link:

http://www.motoringfile.com/2004/11/06/new_bluetooth_integration_and_armrest

[MarkT @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

BMW have had iDrive on the go for quite some time now, since 2002. The current 7 series was the first model to introduce this with current models offering variations along the theme of iDrive UI. I doubt the name had anything to do with the Apple naming convention.

[TomI @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Yeah, iDrive has been around for awhile. It actually does a lot more than integrate phone calls. Its the interface used to adjust everything from climate controls to their navigation system. It's been heavily criticized for its awkward interface.

[Chris Whatley @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Is this an old story that got regurgitated. I bought a BMW last year that has a Motorola-built bluetooth module that does all the things you describe in the article.

[Adam @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Idrive, Ipod, Imac, Iradio, Ilink, Isick of all.

[Warren @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Wow, you sure know how to stay on the cutting edge of tech news... not.

I've been using this setup (with a SE phone) since last October now.

And iDrive has been around for 3 years now. LOL.

[Brandon Carson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Yeah, I'm using my Motorola bluetooth in my X5 for over a year now. I could use a snazzy custom-designed holder for it like shown in your photo, though.

Also had to pay $1000 to have my system put into my X5... and when talking I usually have to SHOUT just to be heard, but hey, it's really all about being the "early adopter" more than the actual functionality of what you're adopting, right? right?

[OldNews Johnson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Is this Circuits? OLD NEWS. iDrive has been out for 4+ years.

[changingman @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Mercedes has a nice system in the S-Class, but it only works with a 6310i (which is available on the options list). The phone plugs into a cradle in the centre armrest, and then the large display on the console can be used to dial, access the phonebook, and read texts. Bluetooth would be nice, but it makes sense to have the phone charging while in the car, so unless someone comes up with magnetic induction cupholders to throw your phone in, might as well go for a cradle arrangement.

[madtracer @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

#6) "LOL"? talk about cutting edge...

[Steve @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Same functionality is available in our 4 year old 5 series with our 4 year old built in Motorola phone. Only difference is that we have to plug in our phone to download the phone book. Big Plus is that we don't have to deal with iDrive!

[Stephen @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Minor thing, but it's spelled Volkswagen, not Volkswagon..

[Alternate Energy Blog @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

As others have pointed out this post could have done with some more research (a quick email to your brethren at Autoblog would have put you straight on iDrive).

The official BMW site for bluetooth is:

http://www.bmwtransact.com/bluetooth/

There are also individual sites for some countries e.g.:

http://www.bmw.co.uk/bluetooth/

James
Alternate Energy Blog

[Scott Johnson @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

#13, MANY recent posts on this site could have used more research. Rojas seems to always come through with the good stuff, though. :)

[Dave @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

Yep, all Motorola 5xx/6xx phones plus the RAZR work and were amongst the first to be certified compatible with BMW. Also one of the first cradles avalable as well. No real news here.

[julian @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

My iwfe has a 2002 X5 with a motorola fitting - does anyone knoe the phone model number please

[Richard @ Dec 19th 2005 1:22AM]

I own a 2005 BMW x5 and purchased a compatible
Motorola V551 for Bluetooth easy use.
The dealer had to install the Bluetooth module whioch should have been installed from the factory. The conectivity worked however the voice activation did not. I was told it needed the updated softwear to allow voice activation.
After installation the voice commands fail to work therefore rendering the voice activation capabilities. the dealers service dept. Advised to use voice command "Telephone Menu".