2005 with CB

[Reno]

Anyone heard anything about the great non working CB installed on our 2005 LTs, Maybe a date for a fix?

[mneblett]

Anyone heard anything about the great non working CB installed on our 2005 LTs, Maybe a date for a fix?

Expect it VERY, very soon -- apparently a new lower headset cable with some magic mod which kills the mic-induced interference. Already coming down the pipeline -- days or weeks, not months.

[Hopalong1]

Expect it VERY, very soon -- apparently a new lower headset cable with some magic mod which kills the mic-induced interference. Already coming down the pipeline -- days or weeks, not months.

Another part of "The Fix" is to make sure the CB part number ends in 074. This must be a particular board revision.

[Reno]

Thanks for the heads up on this one.

[hammick]

Expect it VERY, very soon -- apparently a new lower headset cable with some magic mod which kills the mic-induced interference. Already coming down the pipeline -- days or weeks, not months.
I installed a VoiceII and the dealer could not get the lower cords because BMW is having them redesigned to fix the CB issue. Thankfully my service technician loaned me his two cords until mine come in. Very nice of him.

[Reno]

Just today I was talking to Sierra BMW and they also said the same thing hope it is sooner than later

[jerrywritebol]

Have been talking with dealer but they don't have any date for the change.
Also talked to BMW Customer Service and they said that they are working on the fix but did not have any date. The first time I ask them about this was in Sept 05 and have talked to them several time with the same answer. Again in Dec 27,05 with the same answer. Guess they do not have anything working. About ready to send it all back and look some place else.

[Lynn_Keen]

Have been talking with dealer but they don't have any date for the change.
Also talked to BMW Customer Service and they said that they are working on the fix but did not have any date. The first time I ask them about this was in Sept 05 and have talked to them several time with the same answer. Again in Dec 27,05 with the same answer. Guess they do not have anything working. About ready to send it all back and look some place else.

I would also like BMW to "buy back" my CB and VOICE II so I can purchase one of the aftermarket units that actually works, probably the J& M. Having read you comment in the quote above I have to ask, Has BMW or your dealer offered to take your radio back and refund your cash?

[jerrywritebol]

I have talked with them about this but have not requested any refund or any thing from them. If we do not get something soon may ask for that. In talking with J&M, the CB maker they do not have anything to work with the voice II unit either.Hope this helps you.

[Lynn_Keen]

Last Thur I took my bike over to Daytona BMW and ask them to look at the nonworking CB. They of course denied any knowledge of a wide spread problem and said they would take a look. They put their electrical expert on the job promptly. About an hour and a half later they told me that they couldn't see anything obvious that would cause the problem that I was having but because I installed the VOICE II and CB myself the only way they could continue is if I allowed them to un-install all of it and then reinstall it. After that it would be covered by warranty. I said,"YEA right-just go ahead and button it back up" or something like that. They said OK and oh by the way you owe us $118 just for looking! So, as soon as I have a few days in a row available, in about a week, my plan is to remove the "BMW" CB and attempt to take the old Clarion CB/Intercom that I had on my '99 and create a jumper that I hope will tie the CB portion of the old unit into the VOICE II in a manner similar to the new CB. I've already tested the old unit as a stand alone when wired into the bike and know it works. So, if I'm successful, I should be able to determine if the noise problem with the new unit is a problem with the CB or the VOICE II. Of course sometimes my brilliant ideas aren't always successful. So, stay tuned and I'll let ya'll know how I make out.

[jwb4207]

Last Thur I took my bike over to Daytona BMW and ask them to look at the nonworking CB. They of course denied any knowledge of a wide spread problem and said they would take a look. They put their electrical expert on the job promptly. About an hour and a half later they told me that they couldn't see anything obvious that would cause the problem that I was having but because I installed the VOICE II and CB myself the only way they could continue is if I allowed them to un-install all of it and then reinstall it. After that it would be covered by warranty. I said,"YEA right-just go ahead and button it back up" or something like that. They said OK and oh by the way you owe us $118 just for looking! So, as soon as I have a few days in a row available, in about a week, my plan is to remove the "BMW" CB and attempt to take the old Clarion CB/Intercom that I had on my '99 and create a jumper that I hope will tie the CB portion of the old unit into the VOICE II in a manner similar to the new CB. I've already tested the old unit as a stand alone when wired into the bike and know it works. So, if I'm successful, I should be able to determine if the noise problem with the new unit is a problem with the CB or the VOICE II. Of course sometimes my brilliant ideas aren't always successful. So, stay tuned and I'll let ya'll know how I make out.
Hi Lynn,
I to am having problem with my J&M (Dealer installed CB) like others very short transmition range. Now after a visit to one of my local BMW DEALERS Extreme Motorcycles a 69.00 charge I now have no transmit at all. (Thanks guys) I ask its this not a warranty issue? Sorry not a factory install ! Give me a break. Next question I ask "What the name and number for BMW area rep."

I'm now waiting on that call back. So you problem is not a dealer install my problem is a dealer install but, I'm 500 miles away. I think this along with the rest of my experience with this dealer would be a great negative dealer post!!

[jamesgoodchild]

A couple of us up here in the Great North have 05 bikes and a desire to install CB units. One of us has a VoiceII (me) and the other guy has the J&M BC3. I've been avidly reading all the discussions on problems with the BMW CB unit on the VoiceII equipped bikes and if anyone has a unit working well, I'd REALLY like to hear about it. As I understand it, if you have the BC3 - its a slam dunk no-brainer. The other option I've been considering given the problems with the BMW CB is a handheld like the Cobra HH 38 WXST. Anyone using one of these with a VoiceII and if so, are you running it through the FRS inputs of the VoiceII or the actual CB input. Actually, lets make this even easier, who's got an 05 or later bike with a VoiceII installed and a working CB? If you could add to this thread or send me a PM and let me know what and how you've installed yours, that be great. If anyone has the install manual for the BMW CB unit, I'd REALLY love a copy of it so I can see if there is anything that can be done to help with the transmit problem.

[jamesgoodchild]

One more thing, if anyone has any confirmed part numbers of lower cables, specific CB unit part numbers, etc that are known to work, that'd be great to post as well. The start of this thread mentions a part number for the CB, but that was a couple of months ago and it may have been updated. I also am not sure what the lower cord part number is.

Thanks in advance.

[jamesgoodchild]

Anyone? Any info on 05 and working CB?

[Lynn_Keen]

The BMW Part Numbers for the new and correct lower cables are; 71600412989 and 71600413232. One is for the rider and the other is for the passenger. Unfortunately I don't remember which is which. The only difference is that one is longer than the other. There are at least a few '05's out there with working VOICE II's and BMW CB's. I have seen at least 2. Unfortunately mine is not one of them. I have talked to my dealer and BMW Motorad (USA) and have been told by both repeatedly that since I installed the radio they will not honor the warranty. I think that stinks but at this point there's not much I can do about it. It all comes back to my dealer who is obviously unwilling to stick up for me and help me out. OH well, seems to be a sign of the times.

[jamesgoodchild]

Thanks Lynn

That's what I was looking for - confirmation that the CB CAN work with an 05 and VoiceII. Thanks also for the part numbers. Its too bad your's has issues. I'm wondering if the revision number of the VoiceII has anything to do with it. I've seen a few posts that lead me to suspect the first batch of VoiceII intercomms had issues.

[Sharkey]

Hey Linn After about 8 monthes of trying to get my CB fixed they found that connector for the ant. that screws into the radio(there are 3 cables,1 that come from the radio thru the handle bar cover,1 that comes from there to underneath the seat,and 1 from underneath the seat to the ant.) had pulled apart. Don't try to take the ant. apart at the mast. After they replace that middle cable it worked. May not be your problem but that's how they fixed mine.

[Lynn_Keen]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. Unfortunately I do have the later issue VOICE II and I'm not using the BMW antenna. I have a FIRESTISK CB antenna that I used on my '99 and it worked just fine on that bike.

[Ranger6]

James,

I have a friend in the area with your same setup ('05, VOICE II, CB, etc.,in fact one of the two Lynn was referring to), who about pulled out what little hair he had left at the time trying to resolve the very same issue and finally did. Different lower cords did the trick if I'm not mistaken. His username is jern...real name is Bob Jernigan...and you might send him a PM to discuss. He is extremely knowledgable and savvy on this subject, having gone through it himself.

[jamesgoodchild]

Thanks - I'll do that. I just wanted to know before I dumped a bunch of money into it that the problem has been addressed or is resolvable.

[Ranger6]

And to top it off, I believe I understood someone to say that starting with the '06 models BMW is no longer even offering a CB as an accessory...what's up with that?!? As if to say, "Rather than fix the problem, let's just make it go away!" :mad:

[a05_lt_rider]

Wow, wish I would have checked here before I bought my non-working CB. I bought the new sku "made for the VOICE II" and it will recieve but no transmit. I think we should all get together and file a law suit. The most frustrating thing of all is you can't get past customer satisfaction at BMW I guess the satisfaction is an oxymoron.... Or maybe we are all morons for buying this piece of junk.

If you hear of a fix before I end up pulling it off my LT please let me know.

Thanks
Jay

:mad:

[Lynn_Keen]

Wow, wish I would have checked here before I bought my non-working CB. I bought the new sku "made for the VOICE II" and it will recieve but no transmit. I think we should all get together and file a law suit. The most frustrating thing of all is you can't get past customer satisfaction at BMW I guess the satisfaction is an oxymoron.... Or maybe we are all morons for buying this piece of junk.

If you hear of a fix before I end up pulling it off my LT please let me know.

Thanks
Jay

:mad:
Don't know if you've been following some of the other threads on this subject but I had reported that I had success after a year of messing around. What worked for me was simply by-passing the little black box that's supposed to be a relay/filter that supplies 12V to the radio and filters electrical noise out of the transmissions. I simply connected the CB directly to the bike battery through an automotive relay triggered by the heted seat circuit. Don't know if it'll help you but it fixed my transmission problems.

[a05_lt_rider]

Lynn is this relay already installed on the LT or do I need to pick one up? If I need to pick one up can you give me a part number and manufacturer..

Thanks for your help, Lynn.

Jay

[namrehwp]

call clays radio shop www.claysradioshop.com (http://www.claysradioshop.com/) mine did not work they reconnected the antennas and fixed the squeal on the reception by using a j&m cable. they played with the unit for over an hour , they where going to put an filter in -line, but using the j&m cable with the resister fixed the squeal/ give them a try. They also mount headsets into Schuberth helmets as well as other helmets. I found them to be fair in their prices and very thorough in their work. good people give them a call to fix your problem,

[jamesgoodchild]

The relay is not part of the default bike setup. It is included with the CB. Thanks to Lynn, mine also works, although just recently I found a problem with the cell port on my VOICEII. I received a new VOICEII and low and behold, my cell port works, but my CB unit does not transmit. I bypassed the PTT button but still couldn't get the unit to transmit - in fact the transmit bars on the bottom of the CB didn't even light up. I figured maybe I pinched a cable in the new wiring harness, so I got the old wiring harness back and put it in. Still no luck, so I got my old VOICEII back and magically the CB can now transmit. I put the new wiring harness back in with the old VOICEII and the CB still works, although the cell phone jack doesn't. So, now that I know all the wiring is good, I simply removed the 2 plugs at the back of the VOICEII, removed the old unit and plugged the wiring harness into the new VOICEII. CB no longer works. I noticed that the new VOICEII has a newer release date on the back. Maybe they broke something with the newer VOICEII unit's firmware. Anyway, BMW is still trying to figure out what to do. In the meantime, I've got the old unit in place and a working CB and I'll see what happens.

[Lynn_Keen]

Lynn is this relay already installed on the LT or do I need to pick one up? If I need to pick one up can you give me a part number and manufacturer..

Thanks for your help, Lynn.

Jay
Jay,
Not sure which relay you mean. There is combined relay/noise filter included with the BMW CB radio. It's a simple black box that is intended to be mounted on the left side frame member above the left side rider's foot peg. It connect directly to the +12 volt battery terminal, ground, pin 6 ( I think) at the back of the radio in the sting ray and through a connector to the CB radio harness. That is the unit that I by-passed.

The relay that I used in it's place is a simple 12 volt automotive relay that you can pick up in any auto parts store. I connected power to that new relay directly to the battery and used the switched 12 volts from the heated seat connector to turn on and off the new relay with the ignition switch.

As someone else suggested, you also need to be sure that you have the new BMW lower headset cable. BMW introduced that modified cable to reduce noise in the CB radio. Although, with a 2005 model I'd be surprised if you had the old cable as I believe it was discontinued back around 2000.

Hope this helpes

Lynn

[GBaker]

Lynn,

Where/to what did you ground your automotive relay?

Thanks

[Lynn_Keen]

Lynn,

Where/to what did you ground your automotive relay?

Thanks
Any good solid chassis ground will do for -12 V and tie + 12V directly to the battery.

[a05_lt_rider]

Jay,
Not sure which relay you mean. There is combined relay/noise filter included with the BMW CB radio. It's a simple black box that is intended to be mounted on the left side frame member above the left side rider's foot peg. It connect directly to the +12 volt battery terminal, ground, pin 6 ( I think) at the back of the radio in the sting ray and through a connector to the CB radio harness. That is the unit that I by-passed.

The relay that I used in it's place is a simple 12 volt automotive relay that you can pick up in any auto parts store. I connected power to that new relay directly to the battery and used the switched 12 volts from the heated seat connector to turn on and off the new relay with the ignition switch.

As someone else suggested, you also need to be sure that you have the new BMW lower headset cable. BMW introduced that modified cable to reduce noise in the CB radio. Although, with a 2005 model I'd be surprised if you had the old cable as I believe it was discontinued back around 2000.

Hope this helpes

Lynn



My lower headset cords always worked great with my VOICE II so I never thought that was the problem..... Ordered some new ones and the CB now transmits..... Can anyone tell me why the lower cord is the diff. of transmit or not?

Anyone have a fix for the engine/alternator noise?

Thanks for your help, Lynn. Maybe I can buy you a beer in Wisconsin.

Jay

:bmw:

[Lynn_Keen]

My lower headset cords always worked great with my VOICE II so I never thought that was the problem..... Ordered some new ones and the CB now transmits..... Can anyone tell me why the lower cord is the diff. of transmit or not?

Anyone have a fix for the engine/alternator noise?

Thanks for your help, Lynn. Maybe I can buy you a beer in Wisconsin.

Jay

:bmw:
Jay,
Glad to hear you had success. I'll take a rain check on the beer. We had planned to make the MOA Rally but the wife has come up with a few issues that prevent us from doing any long distance travel this summer.

Cheers

[GBaker]

Just an update here. I got a guy to make up a set of 3.5/2.5 mm plugs and connector cords for my Midland hand held Model 75-822 to plug into the Voice Comm II. (~$40.00 but $20.00 of that was because I had to buy two packs of 10 each of the 3.5/2.5 mm plugs!!!) The connection works great and am able to use the PTT on the handle bar just like with the Kenwood FRS/GMRS radio.

This midland has the auto pack i.e. cig lighter plug and exterior antenna plug. So you can hook it to the bike power and CB antenna. I broke down and bought the BMW CB antenna which arrived this week but yet to mount it.

Last night I plugged in the midland to the V COMII using the units portable antenna and powered it to the bikes aux outlets. With each one of the outlets I could hear interference on the transmit with the motor running or just with the bike on. When I used the Midland battery pack instead of plugging it into to bike power. NO NOISE!! So Saturday is project day!!

Mount the antenna, and play with the radio and where to put it. I may do as Lynn suggests and power to the battery or may put a cig lighter in the glove box (powered direct as well). All fused of course. Will aslo have a noise filter (similar to the one that comes with the BMW CB) from radio shack on standby. And my father-in-laws SRS meter to tune the antenna (if a BMW antenna can be tuned, damn Germans may not believe theirs needs tuning...)

At this point I plan to place it in the condiment box, drill holes for the power and antenna cable. Whi doing this as the plastic will be off I will find out the specs on the pre wired Voice II CB plug (a six pin female) and get another set of cords made for it as I may mount it on the handle bar later or run it to the sme box for easy hook up and removal. It ain't water proof.

Also rechecked the Kenwood. If the radio is in the condiment box or in the top lid bag to the right it works fine. If it is in the top lid bag to the left you can hear but you get a dull click click click noise like an old rotary phone when transmitting and no one can hear you but they get the same noise. i thought it may be the lower headset cable but had it against it in all positions and it had no affect. I am still thinking it is the pre wired cb plug under the plastic on the right side of the VCII.

Any thoughts or suggestions are most welcome.

Gene

[Scotty2]

What a trip...here I thought I could make a quick purchase and install the unit this weekend so I had it for the ride to WI.

So do I have this straight? The VOICE II is made by J&M for BMW, but the CB that is sold as OEM is made by BMW or someone other then J&M?

Whats the price, ballpark figures, to purchase the CB, antenna kit, harness, lower cables etc... I want to know what it cost to join Mr. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band (CB)

Thank you all for all the information you have provided! :dance:

[GBaker]

Yes it is a trip... Prior comm systems for the LT were made by J & M. The VOICE COMM II is not. The BMW CB for the LT with VCII is made by J & M BUT it is not the same wiring for the mic and speaker as the J & M logo cb. There in lies the problem. I will attach a wiring diagram for the hand held radio head sets to the VCII and it show the different radios and wiring needed (right side of diagram). These go from the hand held CB or FRS radio the the jacks in the condiment compartment VCII jacks for the radio hook up. One 2.5mm plug and one 3.5 mm plug. i had a local TV Repair/electronics shop make them from the diagram ~$30.00. It also shows the direct hook up needed if you hook from the radio head set jacks to the prewired cb cable ie taking the hand held spkr and mic to the female 6 pin din plug on the VCII. i may do this later but am trying to get ready for a Iron Butt run early next month. Whew...

The simplest is to buy the $450.00 BMW CB and their $160.00 antenna and install it. I am after cheaper and do not want a CB on the handle bar. After much searching for a permanent antenna I did order and get the BMW one as it matches the bike and aviods a lot of issues in modifying the mount. The Midland 75-822 came from Beach Audio http://www.beachaudio.com/Communications/Radios-Marine-Radios-Scanners/Cb-Radios/Midland-75822-Mini-Channel-With-Weather-All-Hazard-Monitor-Mobile-Adapter-p-3433.html ~95.00 including shipping. With its auto pack I can use it with its batteries and the made up cables (see wiriing diagram) or power it from the bike (yet to figure that out as to actually how with no noise) and hook it to the bikes CB antenna. Either way for now it can rest in the condiment box and later may figure some other place. I will drill holes in the condiment box to run the antenna cable and power cord. Will probably for now rig a fused cig lighter plug direct to the battery and ground it on the frame. Also I already had installed the OME BMW PTT button on the left hand grip as I used it for the BMW recommended Kenwood FRS/GMRS hand held. It also works for the Midland CB when it is plugged into the VCOM II. Do not remenber the cost but it was veryeasy to install as there is a prewired connection in the plastic of the left handle bar.

Re helmet head sets, i assume you have those. This works thru the BMW head sets and lower cables. I can get more info on mine if you need it. That is another story as we have half helmets and our headset/mics came from J & M.

Hope this helps and I will post more after the Saturday project.

[GBaker]

Spent Saturday afternoon and Sunday afternoon and evening on this project. When I left for work Monday morning the bike was still in a few hundred pieces. Boy I hope I do not have any screws left over if I can ever get it put back together.

Long story short is as many of you know to get to one area you have to peel tupperware off of many. Trunk off mounted antenna almost no problem. Something did not seem right re the gounding of the antenna. Was it grounded or not? The instructions with the BMW CB antenna kit made no mention of a ground. Sure enough glad I looked at some BMW cb install instuctions. Yes there are two ground wires from the antenna to the fuse box housing plus one loop from one side of the housing to the other.

Next was where to put the Radio Shack Noise Filter. Take off more tupperware, take off saddle bags, it will not fit here, no not there, it will fit here but no room the get my hands in there without taking the rear tire off, no not doing that, ........ oh my it will fit on the frame just behind the top of the license tag holder under the rear light assembly. Self tapping screws do not work. This damn frame must be made from titanium. Dang Germans!!

Stingray off to pop hole in condiment box for cig socket to power the Midland and a hole for the antenna cable. No real problem just lots of tupperware to remove on both sides. Amazing as to how they got all that crap under there. WOW. Found the pre wired cb female DIN (made reference for later project)
Stingray back togther but side panels, turn signals, chrome strip, wind deflectors, and both Mick-O-Pegs got to go back on.

Made up and routed all the wires. Now have to zip tie all and hook power lead to the battery. Have all this out side of the bikes internal wiring on its own fused circuit. Put the battery side covers and passenger foot boards back on as well as the saddlebags, and the trunk and the passenger seat. Then use my father-in-laws SWR meter to see how or if it will work. Ain't going to do this again.

Boy I hope all those screws find the correct home.......

More later as we move to the testing phase......