any way to use the integrated phone wiring?

[tivoaaron]

Newbie here. Sorry if this question has been covered a million times, although I did do a search and didn't see anything.

When I first got my 1995 540i (around 1997) I used the integrated analog phone for a while. It was awesome in terms of functionality, using the stereo, etc.

Of course, now everything is digital.

Any way I can use what's there but hook it up to my current phone? I don't need charging or anything, but it would sure be nice to use the mic and the speakers that are already there.

If anyone's done this or has any leads I'd sure appreciate it.

Thanks!
Aaron

[Cambridge]

Another newbie here...

I just got a 1995 540i a month ago. It has a hands free phone system installed in it. The phone is missing. I was wondering how I could tell whether it is a BMW integrated system or some other aftermarket system?

Just as you mentioned, I'd like to get the integrated system in my car (if it is indeed the BMW system) to work with my digital phone.

I can't be certain, but it looks like the system in my car was designed to work with some sort of Nokia phone. In fact, some of the hands free kits at www.connects2.com look similar to the one in my car. I've not been able to find a picture of the BMW system.

In any case, the Nokia phone I have now (3100) is way to small for the cradle and none of the plugs match. I was hoping that I'd just have to replace the cradle and everything else would work. But from other messages I've seen on the web (www.expansys.com, et. al.) it looks like there are some voltage differences, too. It seems that there is some sort of control unit that would have to be replaced also.

BTW: what functions does the integrated BMW phone system have?

Thanks!

[winfred]

you can hook a garage door opener to it and use the stalk switch to open the door, plus you can run the remote off the cars power and say good bye to battery replacment (most of em run on 12v)

[Anton CH.]

Mine opener runs at 9, been running at 12 for a while and it hasn't complained yet.

[JR'Z 525]

a garage door opener into the phone system? Can a home alarm system remote control also be hooked to it? Tell us more!
Thanks,
John R :D

[Tiger]

It is as simple as using soldering the switch of the remote to the system. The question is... do you want to lose your display for OBC... you know... time, MPG, etc... by your speedometer? If no, then forget it.

If yes, then you have to determine if your remote control can handle 14V... most remote these days are 3V... sometime 9V... you will need some sort of a voltage reducer to make it work... without frying your remote control to crisp.

[JR'Z 525]

Where do you solder the switch to the system? Is the harness in the trunk? Why would I loose the OBC display? I looked at the owners manual this morning and it said the phone displayed to the instrument panel readout. If I did wire a remote to the phone system, would it only momentarily loose the OBC display, like when I push the stalk in to open the door? Sounds like I've found a weekend project since Hurricane Charlie might send some tropical fluids my way!

John R :D

[John D]

I believe that I saved the procedure and will check on my computer at home since this was one mod I was interested in doing a while back.

JDillon

[winfred]

the phone is switched from the wiper stalk not the turn signal stalk, so you should still be able to scroll through the obc


It is as simple as using soldering the switch of the remote to the system. The question is... do you want to lose your display for OBC... you know... time, MPG, etc... by your speedometer? If no, then forget it.

[Anton CH.]

The harness is located underneath the center console (where the bmw phone is suposed to be located). The center console I believe is held by two screws located in the rear. I don't remember exactly but I believe the the phone stalk switch grounds the +12v purple wire. Check it with a DMM first. Make sure that the openere isn't too close to metal as from my experience it decreases the signal strentgh greatly. Ideally you want to run a voltage regulator, but you are only going to be running this thing for a second or two, it may handle larger voltages than what it was designed for.

[John D]

Aaron,

Here's a post of the procedure I found a while back and copied when I was looking to do the same. It has been done many times, just not by me yet! Sorry it took so long to find it and get back to you.....

John D
94 525, 125K

Posted by Richard V. on March 28, 2000 at 21:03:33:
In Reply to: Adding Garage door opener posted by Richard V. on March 25, 2000 at 16:13:34:

Instructions for Connecting Garage Door Opener to the Wiper Stalk Phone Switch
E36, E34, probably older 7's, 8's and E38's have a BMW cell phone operable using the in-dash display and the turn-signal and wiper push-in buttons. Since most of us won't buy the BMW phone, a garage door opener connected to it is useful to some.
The wiper stalk supplies a ground through a black/green/yellow wire which terminates under the rear console (for the phone) in my E34. Also there is a violet wire to supply +12V for the opener (so you don't have to ever replace batteries).
In more detail, if you're also an E34'er of the same year as mine (probably works for the others) - you should find 2 small yellow plugs, one has three wires and the other two. The three wire one is yellow/red, black/green/yellow (the one you want), and yellow/red/white I believe. The two yellow wires will be jumped together with a plug - the yellow/red goes to the turn signal push-in so the jumper lets the OBC be thusly activated in the absence of the cell phone.
The wires on the other plug are brown and violet with no attachments.
Pop the rear plastic cover from the bottom up and shine a flashlight in. Good Luck - I'd try not removing the rear console first. (I simply cut the two wires I was interested in leaving, of course, room to resolder in the event I want to buy the BMW phone - it would be sweet). In case you're no radio expert, keep the opener antenna away from metal, the brassy bracket securing the rear of the console for example.
You have to figure out a little about how your opener works. One way is for the (+) from the opener battery to go to the opener button - another is for the + to go to the circuit and then to the switch and from the other switch terminal to the battery. Assuming the former, connect the + (violet wire) to the appropriate switch terminal and the black/green/yellow to the (-) battery terminal.
END EMAIL 2

[Tiger]

Ahh.... I didn't know that...

[JR'Z 525]

my next mod/project!
thanks,
John R :D