Dell :: Bluetooth 365/370 Modules Failing-multiple Platform,multiple Bluetooth Versions

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.