Using your own phone with OnStar

I just got a new Saab 9-3 Linear. I was wondering, is there any way to attach your own phone (Ericsson 68is, GPRS) to the Infotainment? Currently it has some of the features I like in my cell phone Voice Recognition, address book, etc, but it has to go through OnStar which is very expensive and not available in my area.

Ideally I'd like to plug my phone in and have it use the steering wheel controls, stereo speakers, and the OnStar Microphones for hands free use.

Any info?

thanks,
James

Hi James-

I am looking at the new 9-3 as well and am hoping to learn the answer as well. I think the official answer is 'no' in the US, but that it is bluetooth enabled in Europe. My belief is that this to support the OnStar telephone package that you have to buy minutes for.

It would be a dealmaker for me if I could link my cell-phone to the system to make it work. Include an option that includes the wiring and a cradle and I think you would have a big response- particularly as govts in the US are looking to make it illegal to use cells while driving.

It would also fit nicely with Saab's positioning as a safety-conscious automaker.

Cheers,

Kevin

http://www.uhltronics.com/ This place makes the exact thing you are looking for. Check it out.

http://www.uhltronics.com/ This place makes the exact thing you are looking for. Check it out.


Guys, their products don't work on the new 9-3. Infotainment system is fiberoptic-based.

[You don't want to get me started on how useless OnStar is.]

No, you cannot use your own phone with OnStar. You must subscribe to a separate phone number and pay a separate monthly mobile/cell-phone bill for that account. So if you already have a mobile phone you will be paying two bills a month and you will have to give your friends two phone numbers. Completely unacceptable.

However... Some of the new Saabs are Bluetooth equipped. If you have a Bluetooth equipped cellphone, you can do exactly what you want: use your car's speakers and microphone to talk on your cellphone. All wirelessly. Look into whether your car is so equipped.

All -
Was at a Saab dealership two weeks ago and asked this exact question about bluetooth. They told me that they expect the technology to be available in the Saabs later in '04, and that you'll need a chip installed in the car to accomodate it. Didn't ask if that would cost anything, but my assumption is, parts and labor will be chargeable.