I am new to this forum and have read the many posts on BT retrofits, but have not been able to specifically find the answer to my questions. I have a July 2004 built 530i and my dealer keeps telling me that I need a new TCU to enable BT (I have shown them Service Bulletin B841304 and they still insist that I need a new TCU).

My TCU's part number is 84-11-6-948-921. Can anybody confirm whether Bluetooth can be enabled with this TCU via a software upgrade or whether I need a new TCU? My dealer is less than helpful.

Thanks in advance.

 

Your build date is well past the March 2004 date when the newer TCU's were put into the cars. I think I would call BMWNA first, and verity that this is a newer TCU that can support blueotooth with a software update. They were able to tell me just by my vin# that my car could have bluetooth activated. If your dealer still does not believe this even with the Service Bulletin in front of them, I think I would look for another dealer for not only this but all of your business. Good luck.

Out of curiousity, you might ask the dealer for the part number of the TCU that they would put in if they upgraded your car. It would be interesting to see their reaction if it was the same part number you already have.

 

A couple of thoughts on the BT issue.
Are you the original owner of the car? I.e. do you know if the TCU has ever been replaced?
If the original owner then based on your date of built, then BT should be enabled via software and no new TCU is needed.

 

Thanks. I actually inspected the TCU in the trunk of the car to get the part number, so I know that the car actually has that TCU.

 

Is there an easy way to remove the panels in the trunk to view the part number of the TCU?

 

Well, I got my car back from the dealer yesterday and they managed to successful install the software upgrade so that bluetooth works. Many thanks to everyone on this forum for all the useful information -- without it, I would have given up when my dealer intially told me "it can't be done".

 

Great news. Did you make them eat crow?

 

Not yet -- I'm still fighting with them over a couple minor warranty issues.

 

HPMAN
I have exactly the same problem, with exactly same car (June 2004), which are both pre09/2004 as per the SIBB4 1304. The only question is how DONT KNOW HOW I find out the TCU details and what version of Firmware Im running. The Bulletin for BIB84 1304, indicates that on page 2, the TCU does support Bluetooth (when CIP 13.2 is installed).

So JUST SHOW HIM (the dum dealer) THE EVIDENCE - THE SI B84 13 04 BULLETIN and watch his face and go to the SERVICE MANAGER for the ultimate answer. it then should then allow the much WANTED options in the iDrive Comms Menu. Thats what MY CUSTOERS WOULD DO TO ME !!!

Id like to see how U go, I will be putting the same Questions to my local dealership in Sydney Australia. this coming week.
Its the cost of the the FIRMWARE ( which should be done under warranty) as you Service a Vehicle over time, which is coming back to byte (ha) the next owner ( thats me).

As you a HPMAN, Im a IBM BLOKE, so interested to understand what U do for HP - Software, Hardware, Services ??

Augustrain2004.
with Mystic Blue E60 2004/06

 

Unless he means "horsepower"...