Hello,

Picked up my 2004 545i up last week. Great car. The build date is 01/2004. Reading this forum makes me think the car does not have bluetooth because of the build date. However there is a bluetooth pin card in the packet of stuff that came with the car. Is this normal? I can not find anything about bluetooth on the iDrive. If the car does not have bluetooth, what do I need to add it? Something about replacing a TCU. What part number and what would be the cost? Is it an easy DIY?

Thanks

Bill

 

Most likely you dont have bluetooth if you dont see it in the iDrive. You will need a TCU replacement which is about $1000 to $1200 plus about an hour worth of labor for your dealer to program it.

 

Back in early 2004 production, that little BT card came with pretty much every car but BT didn't actually work until the updated TCU came out in 3/2004.

Unless your TCU was already replaced due to a crash (fairly common with early TCU's and software updates), you'll need a new TCU or you can opt for the BTUM method of getting BT.

Pretty much everything you need to know is here for the searching -- you might want to go as far as getting the actual part number off of your TCU to be sure it wasn't already replaced under the previous ownership. If it was, then you'll likley only need a software update (and a dealer willing to do it...)

 

What is the BTUM method?

If I locate a wrecked E60 can I take the TCU out of it? How about TCU's from other BMW cars?

I have the chance to get a TCU part# 84.10.9.120.844 for $150. Will this work?

Thanks

Bill

 

I dont know if the TCU you have found it will work as I cannot locate the part number. If you can provide some additional info such as year and model of the car it came out then I might be able to help. In the mean time here are some TCU part nums that will work.

84106972696
84106982067
84109120741
84109122446

 

My dealer told me that the updated TCU came out in 9/2004, which is why my 3/2004 can't have bluetooth unless I upgrade my TCU.

 

Your dealer is incorrect. Depending upon when in March 04 your car was built, you should only require enabling of the BT. This is spelled out in BMW SI B84 13 04. I have attached a copy for you to show the dealer. Specifically look at Point 4, it covers cars built between 03/04 and 09/04.

SI_B84_13_04.pdf

 

My car is an 01/2004 build 545i. It has TCU 84.11 6942592-01. What TCU's from want cars and year cars will work? Does the TCU need to be new or will one out of a wrecked car work?

 

The Telematics Control Units (TCU's) are vin coded. That means that the TCU must be installed by your service department and coded to your vehicle. I would suggest spending a few minutes with a parts department representative and find what the BT compatible part numbers are for your car. I would expect that any TCU part number listed after March 04 would be fully compatible.

 

The TCU 84 11 6 942 592 was used up to 3/2004 superceeded by 84 11 6 948 921 which was used up to 9/04. Both of these TCUs have been retired and the current ones are 84 10 6 978 659 and 84 10 9 126 660. Their prices should be around $1500 from the dealer.

Most likely your current TCU does not have Bluetooth as the production date is Jan 04. You can always get a TCU from a wrecked car and your friendly dealer can recode it to your car.
Good luck