Bluetooth for 2006 SLE Convertible

[brilliantmind38]

Has anyone found a bluetooth unit that works well with a 2006 SLE Convertible. I was told there is some problem hooking up to the JBL system in this car. Any experience?

[RDKamikaze]

Ya, I got one in my car. It's really portable too! It's about the size of your thumb, pocket-size, and even foldable!

Just kidding, I don't have an in-car Bluetooth. I have a headset though, which is by far the BEST investment ever (since touch-screen Sudoku). For the $30-100 you can't go wrong.

[MCOjerry]

Hmmm...I have a bluetooth heasdset too, but it doesn't work the greatest with the top down...wind noise.

I'd be interested in what you are able to find out about one that connects through the HU, because a well placed microphone might do the trick! Not to mention sound through the speakers.

[linmk2]

Motorola makes a Blue-Tooth Kit, which according to it's website can be professional installed to work with the radio. It can also be installed as a stand alone device with it's own speaker. The only part that shows is a chrome array that has three bottons which can be mounted on the dash or console. On our Solaras, I'm not sure where a good placement would be, because holes would have to be drilled. I've not seen this unit in action, but by some of the reviews I've read, it works pretty well. Here is a link to the device: http://www.motorola.com/automotive/solution_blnc.html

[brilliantmind38]

I'm not talking about headsets but installed hands free kits. I do know that units exist and which manufacturers make them - but they don't all work or work well and/or some features wont function with the JBL in the 2nd Gen Solara Convertible. I was hoping to find someone who has one installed and uses it on a regular basis.

Thanks,

Bob

[MCOjerry]

The couple of us that posted know what you are talking about, just don't know if they work well. Linmk2 gave you an option. I am just curious as to what you find and how well it ends up working for you.

[brilliantmind38]

I just received an email reply from Parrot who makes very highly rated units. They claim their 3100 or 3200 will work equally well with this car. They also say that non-European cars can purchase a wiring harness that will make no cutting of wires necessary. Some of the features (IE: your phone book syncing with the Parrot unit) are dependant upon which service provider you have. In my case - Verizon - only the Razor, Krazor, the LG Chocolate and most of their 'smart phones" will sync. Others will not.

[MCOjerry]

What's their website?

[brilliantmind38]

WWW.driveblue.com

They also operate www.parrotkits.com and www.installer.com

[brilliantmind38]

I recently had the Parrot CK3100 installed in my Solara. Everything seems to function well. Your phonebook will sync with all Razors and Smart Phones so your entire phone book will also be stored on the Parrot unit. Some brand phones will not sync the phone book with the Parrot. It has it's own voice commands so you won't have to take your eyes off the road to use your phone. So far - it seems like a great unit. It works through the speakers in your car. All speakers work - front and back. Some cars will only work through the front speakers.

[jaipurking]

some questions for you;
1. where did you install the microphone?
2. how much did you pay for installation?
3. how is the sound quality for people you are calling?
4. was any splicing of wires required, if not did you buy a seperate kit?
5. does this void the factory warranty?
6. have you used it with the top down?

thank you very much.

[brilliantmind38]

The mic was installed high up on the left (drivers) window pillar. The installation cost $125.00. The sound quality is excellent - fully duplex - no drop outs when one person is talking. Wires do have to be spliced unless you buy the wiring harness which is available for this car - but it costs 60 or 70 bucks. Too much for that convenience in my book. As long as your installer is a pro there shouldnt be any problem. Mine has installed hundreds of these because he stocks it and it sells well. But he wanted 250 for it and i bought it for 100.00 online at shipdog.com. Its now 119.00 AS far as voiding any warantee - the only thing they could void would be the radio warantee - and I've bought more than 30 cars over the years and have never had a radio go bad or need repairs. Since it was installed in January and I'm in NY - I havent used it with the top down yet. But I can tell you any phone is a challenge with the top down. It's probably going to be better than a bluetooth earpiece or just using the phone to your ear. Going through the radio speakers - your volume on the steering wheel controls it - so you can make it very loud. You also have great mic volume and unit volume controls. I think it works great.

[linmk2]

Where did you install the display? On the console or dash?

[brilliantmind38]

I had a Cellport installed in my car before. There was a bracket that was attached to the back of my radio and came out on the right side of the radio which tilted toward the driver. I just attached the display to the bracket that was in a good position rather than having to remove it. But honestly - you can attach it anywhere close enough for the driver to reach - near the center console or to the left of the steering wheel.