BMW Launches 5 Series Special Edition with bluetooth technology

A Special Edition of BMW 5 Series in Bluewater paintwork is the first car in the region to feature this innovative technology.

"Yet again, BMW is setting the standards in bringing innovative technologies to our discerned customers across the region. With the introduction of Bluetooth technology, BMW will turn the automobile into a mobile information platform," said Robert Bailey-McEwan, Managing Director, BMW Group Middle East.

At present, the bluetooth interface in BMW cars is compatible with either the Nokia, Ericsson or Siemens bluetooth mobile phones.

This new link-up technology incorporates the use of a specific wireless data-transmitting standard. As soon as the mobile phone is brought within the range of the chip installed in the vehicle (the range is around 10 metres), the system login is automatically activated as if the connection had been made by cable.

As soon as the mobile phone is linked to the vehicle's electronic system via bluetooth technology, calls can be made via the multifunctional steering wheel and vehicle displays - this is a completely hands-free system.

"With Bluetooth technology, BMW drivers can enjoy wireless communication in and around the car - no cable connections required," added Bailey-McEwan.

All-important data such as phonebook entries, top 8-priority list and numbers last called are synchronized with the vehicle's electronic system and displayed on the car monitor. In order to guarantee an optimum signal, the mobile phone is connected to the exterior antenna via an easy to use snap-in adapter situated in the centre console, which is also used for charging the mobile phone battery.

One of the big advantages of the universal provision of a bluetooth interface is that the customer can buy a new mobile phone model at any time, then it is only necessary to change the snap-in adapter available from the BMW.

The original concept for the bluetooth standard was developed by Ericsson. Nine companies formed the Special Interest Group (SIG) and introduced the first standard to the market. Around one hundred and fifty partners, including the BMW Group, are now involved in the continued development of the technology. More than two thousand further leading manufacturers are applying the bluetooth standard for their products.

The advantages of this standard are favourable retail prices for the set of chips, a high data transmittance rate of one megabit per second as well as increased compatibility and reliability.

Today, many mobile phones, laptops, modems, printers, cameras and other electronic appliances are equipped with a bluetooth interface. In the not too distant future there will be almost no further need for cable connections when using such appliances.