When you say "in-built" what do you mean? Is it an integrted car kit that was fitted from the factory. Or is it an aftermarket unit with the cradle screwed to the side ofthe centre console?

If it is the OEM BMW kit with the phone cradle sited/built in to the centre console then there are cradles that can be swapped out to suit a lmiited number of types of phones such as the iPhone 3/4.

However if it is something like a Nokia car kit then it is probably just junk now that should be removed. It migh have Bluetooth functionality, in which case the kit might be worth saving, but I'd still be removing the cradle.

The other options are fitting a Parrot or Dension kit.

 

Is it for the old 6310i? (Cark91)

If so you can buy a bluetooth adaptor that'll clip into it and you can connect your HTC via bluetooth then.

 

My new car is that setup.. Where can i buy this bluetooth adaptor please..
Edit. I see rock asked same question

 

Thanks for the replies folks.

It appears to be a factory installed kit for one of the olders type phones, appears to be the 6310i. Cradle is just beside the centre armrest.

Is it just a matter of unscrewing the thing and installing one these?
http://www.incarhandsfree.co.uk/han...ng-holders/htc-system-9-cradles/bury-htc-desire-system-9-active-charging-cradle

Ross,
Do you know where you can get one of those adapters? Apologies if this is a very basic question!

 

The snap in that the phone slots in to can be changed easily - there are a variety available from BMW. Depending on the phone you want to equip the car for it may also require that you change the Eject Box that the snap in is connected to in the centre console.

My 330 has factory bluetooth but didn't have a snap in fitted, just an ejector box and the oddments tray on the console. I fitted the snap in and eject box for an iphone in about 15-20 minutes, it just involved undoing and removing the armrest and centre console trim to get at the wiring underneath. The ejector box needed to be replaced because of the phone I wanted the snap in for. You may or may not need to replace that on your car. Can't remember precisely but I think each component from a main dealer was a little over €100 - total cost was less than €250. For the iphone it has the advantage that it uses the shark fin antenna to boost the signal on the move - avoiding dropping so many calls - a PITA with an iphone - and also charges the phone.

BMW can be a bit slow in releasing snap-in's for the most recent phones though - not sure, for example, if they have one yet for the iphone5.

See RealOEM link to the options for my car - you can use the VIN number from your car to get more correct info for yours. See Retrofit section towards the bottom. http://www.realoem.com/bmw/partgrp.do?model=BD52&mospid=47620&hg=84#8495