Bluetooth Hands Free and UConnect

[magnesium]

I have to admit, one of the things that excited me most about my 300C was the integrated communications courtesy of uConnect. I've been a Bluetooth phone fan since the beginning, and feel at last vindicated by its availability in one of the coolest cars on the market (IMHO).

That said, I have a couple complaints/suggestions that I hope D-C might eventually get around to fixing, since it's a software thing for the most part.

I'm no NBA center at 6'1", but with my pilot's seat in its rightful place, I simply cannot reach the uConnect button on the rear view without a big lean forward...far from the convenience and safety that are the fundamental themes of the whole system.

For a car with so much functionality built into its steering wheel, some of it relatively useless, why is there no way to activate uConnect from the wheel? I am presently considering having a surrogate button located in a more ergonomically sensible location, but would prefer not having to tinker.

There you have it.

Michael

[E55 KEV]

Wow, you cannot reach the rear view mirror from your seating position? That is hard to believe? What are you 6'1" with 4'9" arms or something?

[MKeep]

4'9" arms? Those are really long arms! LOL

[magnesium]

Well, fellas, according to the limb:body size ratios I am well within the norm for a 6'1" guy with a 34" inseam. Dunno. It's just a bit of a reach, I can do it, mind you, it's just a distrction. Can't we all just agree it should be on the wheel???

peace

[300C Madd Dogg]

I agree it should be on the wheel, but I bet it was a lot less expensive to have two different mirrors made, then 2 different steering wheels. $$$ is usually a factor in ergonomics. What works best, AND is cheap . . .

[mileshoover]

are the technological advances in the 300C this year other than the hemi.

Bluetooth is simply a committee-agreed upon protocol for wireless merging and pairing of electronic devices into the UConnect which is a "receiver" of such signals. For the most part, we'll be using cell phones.

You need a cell phone capable of Bluetooth operation PLUS a phone service which supports that capability. The pairing guidance given in that huge ol' manual is decent and works as given, so just follow it.

What cell phones are Bluetooth enabled? Well, you got to search for one, but the Sony Ericsson 600 line seems mostly to be so enabled. I purchased two T616 models for $99.99 each from Best Buy last week. My cell provider is Cingular who does support Bluetooth now. The beauty of the Best Buy sale is that there was a $100 rebate per phone, thus making them free eventually. I believe that sale was due to end on 5/15/04 (TODAY) but I'd check them out anyway if later because they always seem to offer some kind of deal.

With these phones, my wife and I can enter the car with a conversation going, the car recognizes and accepts them both by priority (which you assign in setting up). The conversation is them converted to hands free, mutes the NAV/stereo system, and you can continue your conversation. Only one phone at a time, up to 7 different ones, can be handled by UConnect.

Anyone need any further info, just yell and I'll attempt to provide the answer.

This is a great system but unlike OnStar in GM products, it does NOT offer satellite location of stolen autos in conjunction with the phone and NAV operation. IMO, not a problem. The hands free operation and movement into and out of the car with a continuing conversation is well worth the price of admission.

[Cdnhemi]

Miles, I just came from my local cell kiosk in the mall and found out that they do have Bluetooth phones but I sure don't like the price. I will have to contact the main office to find out if I can switch phones as I am on a contract.

[mileshoover]

Mike --

Look around, there's always a sale on somewhere. Buying from the provider might not be the best way to get that discount, though.

BTW, I forgot to include the following info about UConnect and the mirror in this car.

That is -- be sure to pull the mirror assembly down from the headliner/overhead console. Mine was flush with them when delivered. The mike is on the top of the mirror and needs some space to "hear" one speak to it. At least a 1/2 inch will do it, but not less. It also gives someone about my size (70 inches, 165 lbs.) a better look to the rear due to the lower view angle. The mirror can still be leveled properly for good (and better, for me)rear vision.

This mirror is on a link which permits it to come down and rearward a bit toward the driver. That should gain the space needed and make it a bit easier to reach the "GO" button for on and off. It's tight, just pull downward carefully.

[mileshoover]

Try relocating the mirror. It has a link on it which permits it to be pulled downward and slightly rearward. This is so the mike for the phone on top is clear of the headliner and overhead console. There should be at least a 1/2 inch clear; otherwise, the mike will not "hear" your speech properly.

It will also give you a better rear view by lowering the angle of sight and bring it a bit closer to you. Perhaps you could also sit a bit more erect. I'm 70 inches, 165 lbs and have no trouble reaching the mirror without unduly stretching. But i do like an erect seating position and love these chair heighth seats. Much more relaxing and better control/vision than with the previous LH models.

[300C]

I was thinking today what other things the UConnect system might be useful for, and an idea popped into my head:

-Aftermarket CD changers or File Storing Devices could transmit a Bluetooth signal so your music wouldn't lose quality

Now, I'm not too sure of how well it would actually sound or how reliable it could be, but I thought it was a pretty clever idea.

Maybe there could also be a device that allows you to "call" a nearby 300C so you can talk without the inconvenience of rolling down your window.

Any other ideas for how the system could be used?