Microphones For Hands-Free Mode And Voice Recognition: E60, E61, E63, E64, E90, E91

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Installation location

E60, E61, E63 The microphones are fitted in the front center roof lining.

E64 The microphones are fitted under the upper section of the steering column trim on the SZL (steering column switch cluster).

E90, E91 The microphones are fitted in the FZD (roof control panel).

Fig 1: Locating Microphones For Hands-Free Mode And Voice Recognition

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

MICROPHONES FOR HANDS-FREE MODE AND VOICE RECOGNITION LEGEND

Item	Description	Item	Description
1	Hands-free microphone	2	Sliding/tilting sunroof switch
3	Emergency call button (behind flap)	4	Microphone for voice recognition system (only with option 620 "Voice recognition system"), discontinued from 09/2005

How it works

The hands-free microphone is used for hands-free mode, that is for voice input while you are driving. In hands-free mode, the TCU (Telematic Control Unit) works with full duplex transmission. That means the low-frequency signals generated by the speech of both partners are activated at the same time. This makes it possible to speak and hear at the same time. An unwanted whistling noised caused by feedback is prevented by an echo compensation circuit in the TCU. If option 620 "Voice recognition system" is fitted, the microphone for voice recognition will pick up the voice commands. (This microphone is discontinued from 09/2005; voice commands are then input through the hands-free microphone).