Operating Instructions

BMW Motorrad Communication System

BMW Motorrad - The Ultimate Riding Machine

Vehicle Data and Dealership Details

This section is for recording vehicle and dealership information.

Vehicle Data

  • Model:
  • Vehicle Identification Number:
  • Colour code:
  • Date of first registration:
  • Registration number:

Dealership Details

  • Person to contact in Service department:
  • Ms/Mr:
  • Phone number:
  • Dealership address/phone number (company stamp):

Welcome to BMW

Congratulations on choosing a BMW Motorrad vehicle and welcome to the community of BMW riders. Familiarize yourself with your new vehicle to ride safely and confidently in all traffic situations.

About this Rider's Manual

Please read this Rider's Manual carefully before using your new BMW. It contains important information on operating controls and making the best use of BMW's technical features. It also includes information on maintenance and care to help maintain your vehicle's reliability, safety, and value.

Suggestions and Criticism

For questions concerning your motorcycle, your authorized BMW Motorrad dealer will gladly provide advice and assistance. We hope you will enjoy riding your BMW and that all your journeys will be pleasant and safe.

1 General Instructions

Overview

This section provides an overview of these instructions and general information on the BMW Motorrad communication system. Before using the system as described in part 2, pair devices as described in part 3 (page 20). Comply with care and maintenance instructions for rechargeable batteries in part 4 (page 28). Consult the index at the end for quick information retrieval. Hand over these instructions when selling the system.

Abbreviations and Symbols

[!] Warning: Indicates warnings for safety and product protection.

[Symbol for specific instructions] Specific instructions: Instructions on operating, controlling, adjusting, or maintaining equipment on the motorcycle.

[Symbol for end of item] End of item: Indicates the end of an information item.

[Symbol for instruction] Instruction: Instruction.

[Symbol for result of activity] Result of activity: Result of an activity.

[Symbol for reference] Reference: Reference to a page with more detailed information.

[Symbol for end of passage] End of passage: Indicates the end of a passage relating to specific accessories or items of equipment.

[Symbol for tightening torque] Tightening torque: Tightening torque.

[Symbol for technical data] Technical data: Technical data.

BMW Motorrad Communication System

The BMW Motorrad communication system enables wireless voice communication between two helmet units using Bluetooth technology. It can connect to other Bluetooth-compatible devices like mobile phones, MP3 players, or navigation systems. The reliable communication range is approximately ten meters.

Bluetooth

Bluetooth is a short-range wireless technology operating on the license-free ISM band (2.402-2.480 GHz), usable worldwide without a license.

Note on Wireless Connections

While Bluetooth is designed for robust short-distance connections, disruptions and interference are possible, as with all wireless technologies. This can affect connections or cause them to fail, especially in networks with multiple devices.

Note on Health Compatibility

Current scientific data provides no grounds for assuming negative health effects from Bluetooth. The BMW Motorrad communication system transmits at a maximum of 2.5 mW, significantly less than a mobile phone's transmit power (up to 2 W). Bluetooth devices are considered safe regarding potential health risks due to their low transmit power and use of the ISM band.

Disposal

Do not dispose of spent rechargeable batteries as domestic waste. Hand them in at an approved collection point for end-of-life electrical devices.

Currency

BMW accessory quality and safety are ensured through continuous evolution. The purchased accessory may differ slightly from the manual's information. BMW Motorrad cannot entirely rule out errors and omissions. Claims cannot be entertained based on the data, illustrations, or descriptions in this manual.

Technical Data

All dimensions, weights, and power ratings quoted comply with Deutsches Institut für Normung e.V. (DIN) standards and tolerance requirements. Versions may differ by country.

2 Operation

Operating Panel

The operating panel features:

  • 1: Reduce volume (See page 11)
  • 2: Switch the communication system on or off (See page 10)
  • 3: Toggle between communication and music (See page 15) / Use telephone functions (See page 13)
  • 4: Red LED - Warning for low battery charge level (See page 28)
  • 5: Yellow LED - Indicator for 'battery charging in progress' (See page 29)
  • 6: Green LED - Indicator for operating status (See page 9)

Status as Indicated by the Green LED

The green LED (6) indicates status:

  • 1 flash per second: Standby mode.
  • LED is ON: Active Bluetooth connection to a second communication system, telephone, or navigation device.
  • LED flashes twice per second: Communication system is visible as a Bluetooth device.
  • LED flashes four times per second: Communication system is searching for other Bluetooth devices.
  • LED flashes twice, then OFF for one second: Music mode without music reception.
  • LED goes out briefly twice, then shows for one second (reverse of 5): Music mode with music reception.

Closing the Flip-Up Helmet

Before closing, position the microphone in front of your mouth so it is not trapped. Then close the chin section.

Checking Microphone Alignment

At regular intervals, check that the microphone is still correctly aligned relative to your mouth.

Switching On Communication System

Press and hold button 2 until a high-pitched confirmation tone sounds and the green LED (6) starts flashing. The system initializes and then goes to standby mode (slow green LED flashes).

Troubleshooting: If the system does not switch on, check battery charge. If the red LED (4) lights up and stays ON, a system error has occurred; seek specialist workshop advice.

Switching Off Communication System

Press and hold button 2 until a low-pitched confirmation tone sounds and the red LED (4) starts flashing. The system also switches off automatically after 15 minutes of inactivity to save battery.

Adjust the Volume

Use button 1 to reduce volume and button 3 to increase volume. Be mindful of high volume levels which can impair awareness of road users and cause hearing damage.

Connection from Helmet to Helmet

Connection is automatic when both systems are switched on. Communication is interrupted by telephone calls or navigation announcements, with an acoustic alert. It resumes automatically afterward. Helmet-to-helmet communication may continue during navigation announcements with BMW Motorrad Navigator IV/V.

To interrupt/restore connection: Briefly press button 2 twice.

Connection from Telephone to Helmet

Pairing is required. Each helmet can be paired with one telephone, but a telephone can only be paired with one helmet. Bluetooth function must be active and the system may need authorization/authentication. Incoming calls are indicated by an acoustic alert and can be rejected or accepted. Calls interrupt helmet-to-helmet communication and music playback. Calls can be passed back to the phone or terminated via controls.

To establish connection: Switch on the telephone and communication system. Check the telephone for automatic connection. If no connection, check telephone settings or manually establish it.

Connection from Navigation Device to Helmet

Similar pairing process as with a telephone. Music playback is interrupted for navigation announcements. If using other navigation systems, helmet-to-helmet communication may also be interrupted.

To establish connection: Switch on the navigation device and communication system. Check the navigation device for automatic connection. If no connection, check settings or manually establish it.

Connection from Music Playback Device to Helmet

Pairing is required. Only A2DP format is supported. Music playback is interrupted by telephone calls or navigation announcements. For best sound quality, BMW Motorrad recommends specific settings for tone control, loudness, and equalizer on the playback device. The communication system's tone control is optimized for helmet speakers.

To establish connection: Switch on the music playback device and communication system. Check for automatic connection. If no connection, check settings or manually establish it.

Connection Between Telephone, Navigation Device and Helmet

A single helmet cannot connect to both a telephone and a navigation device simultaneously. To use both, the telephone must be linked via the navigation device, which is then paired to the helmet system.

Connections to Several Devices

Each communication system can connect to one device from each category at a time: another communication system, an A2DP-compatible music playback device, or an HFP/HSP telephone/navigation device. Many phones/navigators have built-in music playback; if connected for music, no other music devices can be connected.

Devices No Longer in Use

Delete pairing entries for unused devices to avoid delaying setup of new devices.

3 Pairing

General Pairing Process

Bluetooth devices must recognize each other (pair) before communicating. This process is usually done only once. The BMW Motorrad communication system can connect to a maximum of three Bluetooth devices, each from a different category.

Pairing with a second device in the same category overwrites the original entry. Re-pairing is needed if the original device is to be used again. During pairing, devices search for compatible devices within range. Both devices must have Bluetooth active and be visible.

Despite Bluetooth standardization, full interoperability is not guaranteed for all devices.

Pairing Two Helmets

Step 1: Make the first helmet visible: Simultaneously press and hold buttons 2 and 3 until green LED 6 flashes at double speed (2 Hz). The system is visible for 60 seconds.

Step 2: Make the second helmet search: Simultaneously press and hold buttons 2 and 3 until green LED 6 flashes at quadruple speed (4 Hz). The system searches for 60 seconds.

The green LED of the searching helmet flashes faster than the visible one. If successful, both green LEDs light up, and a confirmation tone sounds. If pairing fails, the red LED flashes three times, and the green LED reverts to slow flashing. If unsuccessful, switch off other nearby Bluetooth devices and try again.

Pairing Telephone and Helmet

Consult telephone's manual for Bluetooth functions. Switch on the communication system and telephone. Make the communication system visible (press and hold buttons 2 and 3 until green LED 6 flashes at 2 Hz for 60 seconds). Start the telephone's search function. The system may appear as "BMW_HELMET_II_xxxx". Enter security code "0000".

Pairing Navigation Device and Helmet

Consult navigation device's manual for Bluetooth functions. Switch on the communication system and navigation device. Make the communication system visible (press and hold buttons 2 and 3 until green LED 6 flashes at 2 Hz for 60 seconds). Start the navigation device's search function. The system may appear as "BMW_HELMET_II_xxxx".

Pairing Music Playback Device and Helmet

Consult music playback device's manual for Bluetooth and A2DP compatibility. Switch on the communication system and music playback device. Make the communication system visible (press and hold buttons 2 and 3 until green LED 6 flashes at 2 Hz for 60 seconds). Start the music playback device's search function. The system may appear as "BMW_HELMET_II_xxxx". Enter security code "0000".

Deleting Pairing Entries

Switch on the communication system. Simultaneously press and hold buttons 1 and 2. All pairing entries are deleted. If a new device is to be saved, the existing entry is overwritten.

4 Power Supply

Battery Maintenance

The system has three NiMH rechargeable batteries (1900 mAh total capacity). They have no memory effect and can be recharged anytime. Charge-control electronics prevent overcharging. For maximum capacity, batteries require at least 20 full charge/discharge cycles. Charging takes 4-8 hours, providing 10-12 hours of operation. To prevent premature aging, charge every six weeks when not in use. Battery life is approximately three years.

Warning: Incorrect charging can damage batteries. Use only the supplied charger or a USB cable.

The USB connector tucks under the helmet's neck pad. It can be connected to the supplied charging cable or a commercially available USB cable.

Disposal

Dispose of rechargeable batteries at approved collection centers, not as domestic waste.

Charge-Status Indicator

The red LED (4) indicates battery status. A low-toned buzzer and spoken "low battery" alerts occur at critical levels.

  • LED OFF: Charge status adequate.
  • LED flashes once every two minutes: Battery charge sufficient for approx. 20 minutes operation.
  • LED flashes twice every 60 seconds: Battery charge sufficient for approx. 10 minutes operation.
  • LED flashes three times every 30 seconds: Battery charge sufficient for approx. 5 minutes operation.

Charging Batteries

Pull the charging adapter (1) from under the cheek pad and remove the protective cap (2). The charging socket must be easily accessible. Note permissible temperature ranges for charging (see Technical Data).

Use the supplied charging cable or a USB cable to connect to a computer's USB port. Ensure the USB interface is USB 2.0 or higher; avoid "power USB" interfaces. Switch on the computer to start charging.

The yellow LED (5) indicates charging progress:

  • LED continually lit: Battery is being charged.
  • LED not lit: Charge complete; conservation charging active.
  • LED flashing: Ambient temperature is outside acceptable limits or battery is being tested.

If the LED blinks and ambient temperature is normal, the battery may be defective. If the battery is charged, disconnect, replace the cap, and tuck the adapter back.

5 Technical Data

Radio Connection

Transmit power<2.5 mW
Frequency range2.402...2.483 GHz
Transmission methodFHSS (Frequency Hopping Spread Spectrum)
Bluetooth standard2.1
Bluetooth classmax 2.5 mW, Class II
Bluetooth protocolsHeadset, handsfree, A2DP, SPP

Rechargeable Batteries

Battery typeNiMH (nickel metal hydride) rechargeable battery
Battery sizeAA (Mignon)
Battery capacity1900 mAh

General Information

Weight150 g
Maximum permissible relative humiditymax 90 %, non-condensating
Ambient-temperature range-20...50 °C, in operation
0...45 °C, when charging
Frequency response, voice0.3...3.4 kHz
Frequency response, music0.06...20 kHz

Disclaimer

Details described or illustrated may differ from the vehicle's actual specification, fitted accessories, or national-market specification. No claims will be entertained due to such discrepancies. Dimensions, weights, fuel consumption, and performance data are quoted to customary tolerances. The right to modify designs, equipment, and accessories is reserved. Errors and omissions excepted.

© 2014 Bayerische Motoren Werke Aktiengesellschaft, 80788 Munich, Germany. Not to be reproduced wholly or in part without written permission from BMW Motorrad, After Sales.

Original operating instructions, printed in Germany.

For further information on all aspects of your motorcycle, visit bmw-motorrad.com

Order No.: 76 01 7 723 987

09.2014, 5th edition, 01

PDF preview unavailable. Download the PDF instead.

X 0998 UM 0914 01 Kommsystem GRIPS Viewer V2012.2 (Build 87)

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