dc1

i have a 2004 530i 02/04 build. took the car into the dealer today for an oil change and had to update the software. i asked about bluetooth capabilities. service advisor said all they need to do is program. got a call back from the dealer and a new TCU would be needed for bluetooth to work. i already knew that. i was checking out the new idrive menu. i have bluetooth...... connected my nextel i870 and can make calls & receive calls, but i can't talk to anyone and can't hear me. i guess i don't have a mic? can i get a mic installed??? if so, how much would that be?

Rudy

Without the new TCU, I'm not sure you'll get BT to work -- even if the menu shows it.

As far as I know, the new TCUs (the ones that support BT) were installed beginning with 3/2004 production so you might not have it (unless it was replaced during a software update or something -- TCUs tend to crash a lot during the update process which forces them to replace it...)

Then again, as you mentioned, it might be a simple as a microphone...

dc1

i just hope its the mic... my vehicle history says 02/04 build. on the door it says 03/04 build. will contact the dealer tomorrow and see what they say about this bluetooth compatability issue. will update, as soon as i find anything out.

cobradav

I am pretty sure this is the typical symptom of not having the correct TCU but I may be mistaken. I the SIB it was never mentioned that a mic had to be added, only get the new TCU (also stated at "customer expense"). I'll do a little more research, but I believe this to be the case.

Here is the paragraph from the relavant SIB 84 13 04

"For E60/63/64 vehicles produced from 3/04 to 8/04, Bluetooth? functionality can be added to most of these vehicles by updating the vehicle software using CIP 13.2 or higher. After this is performed "Retrofit" of "Tel Bluetooth" needs to be performed. Follow the procedure as described in this Service Information for "Activating Bluetooth" and "Pairing the Handset". Vehicles prior to 3/04 would need to have the TCU replaced with the 2005 MY TCU at the customer's expense and the vehicle updated to CIP 13.2 or higher. Phone docking cradles may not be added to these vehicles because of wiring incompatibility. Note: This software update and retrofit is not covered under warranty and is at the customer's expense."

AS u can see no mention is made of needing a mic. AND as I remember some successes posted here on the board, I do not recollect anyone mentioning getting a mic to make it work. BUT..... I am approaching wheezerhood so my memory could be .... what was I saying, oh yea, failing.

Rudy

I think cobradav is correct. The key here is whether or not your car has the new TCU or not. Your car and mine (and JDN's) must have been made within the same few days of each other.

The dealer should be able to give you the "official" production date based on the VIN. In addition, you can get this information directly from BMW NA Customer Relations...

bmw4life

Im glad that i didnt buy a 04, , i dont have to worry about bluetooth upgrades