Bluetooth 365/370 modules failing-multiple platform,multiple Bluetooth versions

Hello,

I am posting this in an effort (however likely or unlikely) to get Dells attention to a serious matter affecting numerous laptop platforms and multiple Blutooth module versions. Here is the issue-

I have need to use Bluetooth stereo audio functionality (A2DP profile) almost exclusively when I use my laptop.

I had owned a M1330 with the Dell 355 Bluetooth Module for several years without issue. Last November, I decided to upgrade and purchased an M15x (laptop #1) with the Dell 370 Bluetooth module included,running Windows 7 x64 Ultimate. Not more than one day out of the box,the 370 module failed while watching a movie. It literally disappeared from device manager and no uninstalling/reinstallation of drivers alleviated the situation. The only way to get the radio to be recognized by the operating system was, and is, to shutdown,reboot into bios,disable the card in bios,reboot into windows,restart,boot into bios,enable the card and then reboot into Windows. The card would then work for awhile but eventually fail again. The module works for short periods of time but if put under an extended load,fails. That and other issues with the M15x caused me to return it.

Contacted Dell and returned the M15x and bought and built a Studio XPS 1645 (laptop #2) to replace it. Received the unit and literally within the 1st few hours,the 370 module failed exactly like the M15x.I thought o.k. a bad card and had tech support send out a new module for the XPS 1645. Received and installed it and the exact same problem happened. Failed when under an extended load. Again called tech support and was then dispatched an onsite tech to replace the entire motherboard and card. No resolution-card failed again. Spoke with a resolution specialist and returned it and again purchased a M15x (laptop #3-really liked the M15x over the XPS 1645)

Received the M15x-Bluetooth failure again. At this point, was considering dropping Dell altogether but thought I'd try the Studio 1558 (laptop #4) with the Bluetooth 365 module, in order to rule out the 370 card, first. Ordered and was delivered on the 5th of April, same exact issue-failure of card under a load. I am returning this defective Studio 1558 and again getting a M15x (laptop #5). I realize that the M15x Bluetooth card will fail again-in fact,am 100% sure it will fail,but have bought a Sony Bluetooth transmitter as a workaround.

What appears to be happening is that the card will shutdown when it gets warm.This is either a Broadcom manufacturing defect or a Dell engineering issue. I know now through personal experience that there is a serious issue with Dell Bluetooth cards.

If this was happening with only one laptop, I'd be ok with it but, this is occuring across multiple laptop platforms, with both Broadcom Bluetooth cards that Dell brands and sells.

This is either an oversight by engineering-maybe they didn't test the card under a heavy load, or Dell is knowingly selling defective equipment.

If anyone has a resolution that actually works for this specific situation,please advise.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showpost.php?p=6095978&postcount=57

I'm pushing both stereo audio and connecting an external mouse thru Dell Wireless 370 using latest WIDCOMM bluetooth software version 6.3.0.3800.

Dell Wireless 375 is the latest bluetooth module released by Dell that supports bluetooth software 3.0 version rather than the older 2.1 w/DW370. Since you are having so many problems with your bluetooth maybe Dell would offer you this upgrade?

 

I just received a call from Dell corporate after many attempts to get this issue recognized through their community channels and was told that they are escalating this issue to engineering. Hopefully a resolution will be forthcoming, It would be nice if the 375 module is offered,and thanks for the new WIDCOMM software. Will check it out right away.

 

No resolution as of yet

 

somms,

Still haven't heard back from Dell but,the newest software/driver package that you told me about is working great-no drops since I installed it, so looks like it was a BroadCom issue. Thanks again.
Now we'll see if Dell even acknowledges the issue and updates their driver package.

 

Glad its working good for you now.

Still would like to get my hands on a newer Dell Wireless 375 mini-PCIe card myself. Hopefully Dell will start selling them seperately like the 370.

In the future, I would recommend installing the Broadcom (WIDCOMM) driver updates that begin with v6.3 = bluetooth 3.0 support and stay away from any future updates that are v6.2.1 = legacy bluetooth 2.1

 

So, not fixed. Bluetooth A2DP dropped on me tonight while watching a movie. Looks like it still is a hardware/overheating problem that Dell and Broadcom need to fix.

 

I have had this issue since the release of the E-series. I also posted on your thread on the Dell Community forum. I have tried everything to resolve this issue, even using the Bluesoleil drivers.

I deploy the E-series laptops here and have personally gone through 6 of these laptops and also swapped out 2 other 370 cards from other ones. My current E6400 370 card worked great for a few months then dropped daily for a couple weeks, then ran fine again for a month or so and now is dropping randomly. I get in at 8am and sync my headphones. Sometimes it will drop after 5 minutes, sometimes I get through most of day or the entire day. No rhyme or reason.

I also use a E4200 but never sync either set of my headphones with it.

When it drops I just insert a Jabra BT module so I can keep going without having to shut down.

I have a new E6410 on the way so if this doesn't get resolved soon I will update this thread if the 375 is also experiencing this issue.

 

If you have contacted technical support and have a case number, you can submit an escalation here: https://support.dell.com/support/to...lcare/outstanding_issues_tech?c=us&l=en&s=gen

 

How to install Dell wireless Bluetooth 370 on Dell studio 1557 and Dell XPS 16.
In Windows 7, this Bluetooth adapter is not recognised as present, and Windows will not prompt you to install drivers for it and you will not see any evidence of its presence in device manager. However, when you download the latest driver for Dell wireless Bluetooth 370, extract it into a folder. Open this folder and then click the setup, If you're using Windows 732 bit. However, if you are using a 64-bit Windows 7, do not click setup in the main folder. Open the folder that is labelled Win64 meant for 64-bit Windows, then click the install button, which is labelled as (Inst.exe). This should install the Bluetooth adapter, and Windows will now recognise it.
When I did this, although Windows can recognise this adapter, it did not expose any of the Bluetooth services, which meant I could not use anything to connect to my laptop, including my Bluetooth headset and my mobile phone. After trawling the Internet for two months, I stumbled on a post on notebook forum.com ( http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...s-370-bluetooth-mini-card-problems-fixed.html) which pointed to an upgrade of this Bluetooth adapter (which has a broadcom chipset). The URL is as follows:
Gateway.com: Support

After downloading this upgraded software, extract it, and then just directly click on setup, and install over the previous installation. This seems to upgrade the software to allow exposure of various Bluetooth services which made it possible to connect to Bluetooth peripherals.

 

I have had similar problems with the 370 on my studio 1537.

 

Hi all, this issue was also killing me (Latitude e4200 w/ 365 chipset). I found someone that found the solution and posted over on this site:

MuchTall.com Finicky: A2DP Bluetooth Stereo on Dell Latitude E6500 w/ Windows 7 64-bit

 

Went to the link and it's not a fix, in fact the op over there commented it was still happening and in the responses one person linked the drivers that are currently on Dell's site and he said he got them from engineering. Those drivers don't help at all. I have received numerous calls from a supposed Dell "corporate" rep who is not helpful at all. He keeps insisting to speak about the laptop itself even though I have pointed out to him multiple times that this is not a single laptop issue but it is multiplatform and multi version of Broadcom cards.

 

These drivers seem to help somewhat but eventually the card will fail if using the A2DP profile.

 

Been escalated numerous times with no resolution-but thx for trying to help

 

Yeah, they work fine. Just spend 2 minutes reading and realize it's not the drivers that fix it, it's the firmware. Run the exe in the svcpack folder.

 

I'm not a noob at this and yes I ran the exe but still fails.Do this,run A2DP for extended periods,and eventually it will fail.

 

I know this post is a little old, but thought I would chime in since I just found it now. I've been having the same issue and was trollin' on eBay and found someone selling the BT 375 separately, but they don't list the M6400/M6500 as compatible, only the Latitudes. It doesn't look like it will connect properly based on the pictures though.

I've been racking my brain on this one for weeks now on my M6400. Tried everything so far. Any one got a solution on this since the last post and mine?

 

I just updated windows 7 and it downloaded a broadcom driver for the bluetooth this might fix it. I am running a m1530 with windows 7 and the bluetooth drops out just like everyone else. I can delete the dell travel mouse and then reinstall it and things work for a while or a cold boot restarts it. My computer is slated to be replaced by dell for multiple problems, but I don't know just what I will get. I live in Austin Texas and we have a store here (discount electronics) who has every part dell ever made i think. May go talk to them and see if they have a solution.

Gar

 

After reading some other thread I went and got the driver from Broadcom directly. It's version 6.3.0.4300 and it worked fine. Then it just cut-out on me again just now. This is really frustrating. I really hate that Dell hasn't released any software updates or at least admitted to a problem and a possible solution, hardware or software. I'm still curious if a 365 or 375 module would work in this laptop instead of the 370. I really don't want to have to use a USB BT dongle as that would defeat the purpose really.

Back to the drawing board I guess. Unless someone knows if the 365 or 375 will work in a M6400.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...h-mini-card-problems-fixed-7.html#post6669187

FWIW: Grabbed the latest WIDCOMM bluetooth driver Version 6.3.0.6300
from above link over at HP's ftp site...working fine w/Dell Wireless 370...

 

I saw that and tried those drivers. Same issue. I've been using the 365 drivers from Dell and those also come up with the same issue. I'm starting to think it's a hardware problem. I just figured that if I'm on eBay to buy a replacement module, might as well upgrade to the 375 over the 370, if I could. These are times I wish I stuck to the HP lineup instead of coming to Dell.

 

http://forum.notebookreview.com/del...h-mini-card-problems-fixed-7.html#post6819328

FWIW: WIDCOMM bluetooth software version 6.3.0.6900 has been uploaded to Dell's ftp server today...

 

Hi does 370 Driver works with 365 Module?

 

Suffered quite a bit (result of my stubbornness to get the bluetooth adapter working). Trolling through all these forums... but the bit of advice that finally resolved the problem was: "Run the exe in the svcpack folder."
I had to reflash the card (it wouldn't even power up anymore). I was vainly trying to force the drivers to install... but it wasn't even a software problem but rather firmware.

 

The modules themselves are FAILING? Well, my DW365, which I don't need anymore, served me well for a year and still works fine. I no longer need it and will guarantee it against DOA for anyone who might.