OhmBlog - No Bluetooth in 330ci After All

Monday, January 02, 2006

No Bluetooth in 330ci After All

Early last year I was enticed to buy a 330cic in large part because of all the cool gadget integration - the built-in bluetooth module, and the factory-installed iPod hookup. Well, both of those turned out to be a bust. I whined about the iPod integration in a previous post so I won't belabor it here. As far as cellphone integration, last year I was looking for the best of both worlds - a smartphone that would sync with outlook seamlessly (like the MPx220). Well, in December I finally gave in and got a nice black MOTO RAZR (yes, they are irresistable). But imagine my dismay at finding out that my 330cic didn't come with a BT module after all! In fact, it's the only model in the 3-series where the premium package does not include BT (and save for the M3, it's the highest-end 3-series you can get). Don't let the little handsfree button on the dash fool you - no circuitry behind that puppy. ARGH.

The sales guy actually remembered selling me the car as having the built-in module, and he said he'd give me a good deal on installing it (what, not free?) but it turns out BMW doesn't even sell a BT package for the 33cic.

Next move - Car Toys. They sell the Parrot CK3100 which looks like a great fit, and appears to be the best system (features / value) when you compare it to what's out there. They agreed to sell it for 2 bills, plus about 3 in installation == $500. Installation is a bear because the BMW has no usable empty space on the console, so they have to mount a bracket.

While I'm at it, I'm also getting a Harman Kardon Drive + Play and improve my iPod car experience as well :-) Car Toys will sell that one for $199 (list) but the installation will be pretty pricy (order of $500) because they have to put in brackets for both pieces. Still, if it comes out nice, I'll be a happy guy :-)