There were a limited number of e30s that were purchased with an optional carphone mounted in the ebrake console. Unfortunately, mine was not one of these. Even if it was, it wouldn't matter now as all of the BMW carphones sold in the US were analog. AMPS service ceased to exist in 2008. However, I have always wanted to have a carphone in my e30, specifically one that I could actually use.
During a trip to a PnP yard two weeks ago, I came across a e38 with option SA629, the in-car telecommunications package. I managed to get the entire system out, and purchased it for the low price of $5! The only problem here, of course, is that it is an analog phone and would be of no use to me. So, I decided to build what I wanted. Here is what I started with:
What I wanted to do was to convert the receiver into a bluetooth unit capable of answering, ending, and talking on a call, all while maintaining as much of the original BMW electronics as possible so that I could still light up the phone using the LCD display. However, it would not be able to dial or display any call information on the LCD. I bought this for $10 to use its internals.
After taking apart the receiver, I began to combine the two units.
Don't worry, it is soldered underneath the crappy tape. I couldn't find anything else to use. As for what exactly I did, I just cut the speaker and microphone feeds from the hipster-ish retro handset and soldered it in to the carphone's speaker and mic. As for volume control, I didn't worry about it as I was able to adjust it through the phone paired to the handset. For charging capabilities, a small hole was cut in the bottom of the phone for the USB port. You could use a voltage regulator and power it via the car if you wanted, but I don't have a problem with occasionally charging it.
Lastly is the issue of controlling the bluetooth module. Other people that have modded these or similar units used a button on the original keypad. For me, that was not an option as I did not want to disturb the original electronics. So, I did this
Two holes were drilled. One, for the main control button. The other was for the indicator light. I made two short tabs to hold the board in place with 2 stage epoxy. Then, I sealed it all back up.
Its not very obvious, is it?
As for getting it into my e30, that is the next challenge. It will be in my heated garage later this month for suspension work ,which is when I will be doing the install. Yes, the large pile of BMW wires and modules will be used so that it will light up correctly, along with allowing all of the original functions to appear useable (such as the original owner's contact list). I'm even planning on using a glass mount antenna in the rear window.
The phone itself will set where the rear change tray currently is. If I use an old console to start with, I may move the change tray forward. When I reach that point, I'll update this thread.
Oh, its going in this:
If you have any questions, please ask. I'll be happy to answer them.
During a trip to a PnP yard two weeks ago, I came across a e38 with option SA629, the in-car telecommunications package. I managed to get the entire system out, and purchased it for the low price of $5! The only problem here, of course, is that it is an analog phone and would be of no use to me. So, I decided to build what I wanted. Here is what I started with:
What I wanted to do was to convert the receiver into a bluetooth unit capable of answering, ending, and talking on a call, all while maintaining as much of the original BMW electronics as possible so that I could still light up the phone using the LCD display. However, it would not be able to dial or display any call information on the LCD. I bought this for $10 to use its internals.
After taking apart the receiver, I began to combine the two units.
Don't worry, it is soldered underneath the crappy tape. I couldn't find anything else to use. As for what exactly I did, I just cut the speaker and microphone feeds from the hipster-ish retro handset and soldered it in to the carphone's speaker and mic. As for volume control, I didn't worry about it as I was able to adjust it through the phone paired to the handset. For charging capabilities, a small hole was cut in the bottom of the phone for the USB port. You could use a voltage regulator and power it via the car if you wanted, but I don't have a problem with occasionally charging it.
Lastly is the issue of controlling the bluetooth module. Other people that have modded these or similar units used a button on the original keypad. For me, that was not an option as I did not want to disturb the original electronics. So, I did this
Two holes were drilled. One, for the main control button. The other was for the indicator light. I made two short tabs to hold the board in place with 2 stage epoxy. Then, I sealed it all back up.
Its not very obvious, is it?
As for getting it into my e30, that is the next challenge. It will be in my heated garage later this month for suspension work ,which is when I will be doing the install. Yes, the large pile of BMW wires and modules will be used so that it will light up correctly, along with allowing all of the original functions to appear useable (such as the original owner's contact list). I'm even planning on using a glass mount antenna in the rear window.
The phone itself will set where the rear change tray currently is. If I use an old console to start with, I may move the change tray forward. When I reach that point, I'll update this thread.
Oh, its going in this:
If you have any questions, please ask. I'll be happy to answer them.
DREWLIENTE
Comment