OK, I'm hoping someone out there has tried this, and can verify whether or not this is feasible. I just bought a 2005 MINI Cooper S, but I decided to hold off on getting the Bluetooth option for now. Why? Because I have a Motorola V710 from Verizon Wireless, and I know that VZW has crippled much of the Bluetooth functionality. I can't be sure the phone will work with the car! Apparenly the only phones listed officially as working with the official MINI bluetooth integration kit are: Sony/Ericsson T610 Siemens S55/S56 Nokia 6310i That being said, I have to wonder if it can be made to work with the V710. Even if it involves installing a custom firmware update such as SuperDave's, I'd be happy with that. The catch 22 is that I can't test it before buying it because there aren't any other MINIs with the BT option installed that I'm aware of right now. NOTE: For those who may not have realized, the MINI is owned and manufactured by BMW, and shares many of the accessory and electronic parts with BMW cars. Although I am not 100% certain, it is my expectation that any Bluetooth option offered in current BMW cars is the same kit... so if any of you have experience with the VZW V710 in a recent BMW, that feedback would be useful too! Thanks Edge
I believe the crippiling that was done to the V710's BlueTooth functionality only had to do with sending and receiving files, which you wouldn't be doing with the car. You would be using the car's hands free options with the phone, which I would think would work fine with the V710. I think you should have went for the BT option in the car....even if it didn't work with the V710, odds are you would end up with a phone down the line that would work. My opinion anyway...
It's a dealer-installed option, therefore available at any time. I'd just hate to get it installed and have it sit there, taunting me! I just wish there was someone else around here that I knew, that already had it installed, so I could test it on my phone before buying it! Edge
I would think they would have a car on the lot equiped with the option....then you could pair your phone with that car and try it. The process should only take a few minutes. They should be willing to let you try it, since you are considering spending the money.
I have a v710 with an 01 BMW 3 series. It does work, the only thing that is crippled is phonebook transfer.. i miss that from my v600...
