Just got back my 2004 (Feb) 525i with NAV and the shop foreman tells me that since the car was manufactured in Feb 2004 They are not allowed to sell me the TCU with the BT capability because the "holster" for the TCU will not accomodate the newer TCU with BT. I do not understand this since my car has voice controls, Nav and the BMW Assist commands show up in the menu, but do not work.

Is the dealership correct that I cannot Bluetooth enable my car?

 

I had the TCU in my March 01/2004 build 530 replaced with no issues. Dealer is misinformed I believe.

Noting that you do not have your location identified, I am making the comment assuming it is a NA car. I am not sure if cars outside of NA have the same TCU and wiring harnesses.

 

Thanks for the reply. I am located in NA in NJ/USA. I think I need soemthing more specific like the replacement model # of the TCU I need to get. The shop foreman at DeSimone BMW in Mt.Laurel NJ said that my car was 2 months too old to get the upgraded TCU. He thought it was a problem with the harness. My car was built in Germany and has a manufacture date of 02/2004.

Any idea on the model #?

Any idea on the cost?

Can I get this done by an auto shop tht is not a dealer?

 

I'm sorry but I cannot help you with the model number. Cost has varied from $2000 three years ago to about $600 for rebuilt units today.

The part is coded to the vehicle so it is not a DIY or for an independent shop.

For sure though, there is no issue with the wiring harness. It should involve swapping the parts and programming.

 

I got a response back from BMW NA on this. Here it is.
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Thank you for contacting BMW of North America, LLC regarding Bluetooth integration in your 2004 BMW 525i. Please accept my apologies for the confusion and misunderstanding.

Bluetooth technology was not integrated into your vehicle. However, BMW created an aftermarket retrofit to install Bluetooth. The retrofit we have available will only work in the 2004 BMW 5 Series produced from 03/2004 - 08/2004. Our records show your BMW was produced 02/2004.

If you have any further questions, please reply to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations and Services
Representative
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I am looking into an EGO Flash BT Unit from Funkwerk Americas Inc ( www.egohandsfree.com ). If this is not an option I may be selling the car on eBAY.

Thanks for the assistance

 

Not a serious reason to sell the car

 

What is that retrofit?
My car is manf 3/04 and it is European model if that has something to do it.

 

The BTUM is a BT emulator that uses the CPT 9000 cradle in the armrest. Brought out by BMW to solve the problem of having a TCU replaced in early E60's You will need the cradle, the snap in phone seat and the BTUM to get BT to work via this route.

 

Why you don't install GW500 and BTA1500. In half the price of the Bluetooth retrofit from BMW you will enjoy BT, i-pod & usb connectivity.

 

I do believe you can retrofit BT using the SA644 retrofit kit and a MULF unit. Not a TCU. For european cars, TCU is commonly used for SA638.
The european dealers kan easily use the DIS to code the option into the car.

Just rembember that retrofitting the SA644 kit wiring harness is a pain. You have to removed almost all the trim from back to front...

Tommy.