Phone bluetooth unreliable with in-car bluetooth system

[techit]

Hi all,

After searching around these forums for similar issues and trying a few things, I've still not been able to resolve my problem hence I'm posting this.

My Xperia SP simply does not work reliably with the integrated Bluetooth system in my car (E46 BMW, mfg 03/2004).

The in-car system works fine with other phones (Motorola Razr V3, iPhone 3GS, 4 & 4S) but not with the Xperia SP.

What I can do:

- Pair the phone with the in-car Bluetooth.

What I can't do:

- Make or Answer calls. With the latter, it does a very strange thing where it rings via the in-car system 2-3 times, then drops out and returns to the radio), but the handset itself still keeps ringing?!?!

- View the phone's contacts via the in-car monitor. I get a message saying "Phone Book Empty"

I tried some of the suggestions I found in other postings where similar problems were reported (i.e., disabling Wi-Fi and also turning on BT only after turning the key) - but still no go.

My phone is running Android 4.1.2. Last I checked there were no new updates for it.

This is a big deal for me - any suggestions/fixes?

Thanks.

[techit]

Could someone from Sony please provide some assistance with my query?

[Rickard]

I recommend that you first try your phone with a bluetooth headset to see if bluetooth is working in your phone. If you also notice problems with a headset, contact a service location or local Sony Xperia support (http://www.sonymobile.com/global-en/support/contact-us/) for assistance.

If a headset works i recommend that you contact BMW to see if there are any software updates for your cars bluetooth. BMW doesn't list SP as a compatible model on their webpage but they list some of our other new models as compatible with the 2013-model so i think the SP should work as well but you may need an update.

[smartboy]

I have just noticed this thread but have started a similar one a few days ago.

I have exactly the same problem. Thinking it was due to the Bluetooth on my car kit I called BMW to see if updates were available and they asked me to take my car in which I was intending to do.

In the meantime I thought I'd try my wife's Samsung Galaxy S4 and to my suprise it paired and worked perfectly.

I am now confused as I'm sure the S4 uses the latest version of Bluetooth hands free.

Can you explain please Sony.

[techit]

Interesting how a Samsung Galaxy S4 works without issue. I await Sony's response with great interest.

And reading through these forums, there are lots of people with different vehicle types complaining about BT issues with their handsfree kits too. Surely someone thought about backward compatibility?

Can someone from Sony please advise what will be done to fix these problems. I simply don't accept the explanation of incompatibility with the car as there are way too many other people with similar issues. This is the ONLY phone that I've ever had a problem with - and it's far easier to return the phone than it is to change the car....

[smartboy]

Unfortunately I won't be able to assist you with this any more techit as I returned my phone. I held out 'til the last day of the return policy in the hope that Sony would offer advice or give words of encouragement about a future fix but it didn't come and I can't work without a bluetooth car kit. Good luck!

[techit]

Sorry to hear that Smartboy.

SInce my last post, I managed to get my hands on a new iPhone 5 to test with my in-car bluetooth because I wanted to confirm this isn't a case of incompatibility with new phones.

And surprise surprise - the iPhone 5 works.

Since I'm not getting any support to resolve my issue, I think I'll have to replace this with an iPhone.