Interior Microphone

[Greydog]

Hi Folks
I have changed the X5, not my choice a tree fell on the last one. Hardly a mark on the damn tree!!!

I have a small issue (well I hope its small) I am using the BMW phone kit and just divert calls from my mobile. Everything works fine apart from callers have started to hear a buzzing sound.
Has anyone experienced this before? Could it be a fault with the mike?

[CondorX5]

Year of car and model?  Is it an early E53 with the Siemens /Motorola or one that you can use plug in cradles for different phones? 

[Greydog]

Morning Condor

The replacement is a 2002 Oct registered 4.6is in Estoril Blue 78k with full history. The phone is a Motorola V50.
Everything is clear in the car but whoever I am talking to hears buzzing.

Thanks for any help

[james8whippy]

Funnily enough I have the same issue with my 2002 4.6is Blue. Only that its has bluetooth instead of the Motorola V50.

I found out the person at the other end only hears the buzzing noise (I think it sounds like a hand glider engine) when my lights on are ON whether that be slide lights or dipped beam. When they are OFF there is no noise.

People suggested on here that I change the microphone to a newer noise cancelling one: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/151110717902?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649

I haven't got round to this yet. Also I am probably going to but a new gen ULF bluetooth module in.

Check to see if whether the lights in the ON/OFF position make a difference to your problem too..

Thanks
James

[Greydog]

Hi James
People can still hear me but they get a lot of background buzz, it doesn't seem to make a difference lights on or off.
I have tried changing the V50 for another, no change. I have gone through all the plugs/connectors I can find/reach with contact cleaner but so far no joy. That's what brought me to wondering if it could be a faulty mike, so if they are not too pricey I may try that.

Dave

[CondorX5]

Greydog, I think there may be slight Bluetooth variances in units of this age- they were early BT models which are sometimes not compatible with newer phones.  Your solution might end up being a Parrot kit instead.  I would think you could install a BMW BT unit but its a pricey option when a Parrot is both cheaper and in many ways for this model, better.

[Greydog]

Hi Condor
I don't have bluetooth my system is still the original Motorola V50, James has the bluetooth but it seems we both have had the same issue.
This week (sunny weather helps) I have carried out a few jobs on the X5 one of which was changing the micro phone simple job and problem fixed, callers can now hear me clearly.
I am seriously considering a bluetooth upgrade though as having to remember to divert and cancel divert is a pain.
I would like to keep the car as original as possible so I have started to look at what is involved in changing the Motorola to a Bluetooth unit. As far as I can tell its pretty much plug and play needing just a ULF, bluetooth antenna and an eject box with pairing button, unless someone knows different of course.

[james8whippy]

Dave,

Sorry for the late reply only just stumbled across this thread again....

Glad the new microphone fixed the issue. I will be doing the same now!

In answer to your second question I am not sure what is need exactly for the bluetooth upgrade but from what you have listed looks about right to me...

If you are buying a ULF module take a read here: http://www.bimmernav.com/ulfchanges.html

I have a 2002 built module in my car and the sound quality sucks! I need to buy a newer Gen module myself so there are some helpful part numbers in that link.

Let me how you get on.

Thanks
James

[james8whippy]

UPDATE: I fitted the new noise cancelling Mic and its fixed the buzzing noise Even with the lights on there is no noise!

Only annoying thing now is the quality of the sound. It sounds pretty distorted through my speakers. Apparently this is down to my module being a 2002 model and the later ones had a better DSP system integrated.

Just need a later ULF Module to come up cheap somewhere and I will swap it out.

Cheers
James

[Nick73]

Hi guys- where did you get the noise cancelling mic?  Ive the BT option (its a 55 plate it that makes any difference) and the call quality in the car is fantastic but the person calling me can hear an echo of their own voice as they speak.

Also is it an easy replacement?

cheers

[Greydog]

Hi Nick73
Got my replacement mike from BMW parts online fitting is just pries open the Mike cover above the rear view mirror unclip and unplug the mike then fit the new one.

[Nick73]

awesome thanks!  Sounds easy enough... what could possible go wrong.... )

[james8whippy]

I bought mine from eBay but came from USA - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=201054453282

Not sure how much on BMW parts online but I've used them before so can recommend too.

Fitting is easy. I personally found it easier to pop the interior light out and then I could push the Mic out from inside.

Took less than 10mins start to finish.

Good luck!