Bluetooth Retrofit Success - 04 530i (US)
04-20-2007, 02:43 PM
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My Ride: 2004 BMW 530i - Oxford Green/Black/Dark Poplar, Stepronic, MOST iPod, Aux Input.
I finally got the BT working in my 2004 530i (11/03 Build) and as it turns out the cost was not too high.
Initially I tried the BimmerNav ULF unit. For whatever reason, the dealers (I tried two) could not get the computer to recognize the ULF unit and therefore programming and activating BT was not accomplished. Despite the failure, thanks to Martin at BimmerNav for working with dealers personally. Bimmernav provided great service - too bad it didn't work.
My dealer sold me a new re-manufactured TCU (Part 84109126660) for $500 (BMWCCA discount) and installed it for $125 - so that is pretty reasonable compared to the $1500+ prices I was seeing. The new unit works perfectly with the RAZR so I'm very happy that it all came together. Thanks again to all for all the infomative posts on this subject.
P.S. The only issue I have found is that the Voice Command system only works with the button on the steering wheel. The Voice button on the center console does nothing. I checked the wiring and it appears to be connected. Has this been a problem for anyone else?
Initially I tried the BimmerNav ULF unit. For whatever reason, the dealers (I tried two) could not get the computer to recognize the ULF unit and therefore programming and activating BT was not accomplished. Despite the failure, thanks to Martin at BimmerNav for working with dealers personally. Bimmernav provided great service - too bad it didn't work.
My dealer sold me a new re-manufactured TCU (Part 84109126660) for $500 (BMWCCA discount) and installed it for $125 - so that is pretty reasonable compared to the $1500+ prices I was seeing. The new unit works perfectly with the RAZR so I'm very happy that it all came together. Thanks again to all for all the infomative posts on this subject.
P.S. The only issue I have found is that the Voice Command system only works with the button on the steering wheel. The Voice button on the center console does nothing. I checked the wiring and it appears to be connected. Has this been a problem for anyone else?
04-20-2007, 02:59 PM
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Just took your advice and ordered the same part # my cost was quoted at 657.00 installed and labor should be here in 3 days. thanks for the heads up. My SA was VERY surprised that i knew that part number since they never offer it to anyone. thanks again
04-21-2007, 01:02 AM
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My Ride: 2004 530i Titanium Silver Metallic w/ gray leather
Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, navigation, iPod retrofit
That is great news. I guess I'll be contacting my local service center this morning. Thanks.
04-21-2007, 08:25 AM
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Originally Posted by Falterkammer' post='416275' date='Apr 21 2007, 04:02 AM
That is great news. I guess I'll be contacting my local service center this morning. Thanks.
04-21-2007, 01:14 PM
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My Ride: 2004 530i Titanium Silver Metallic w/ gray leather
Premium Package, Cold Weather Package, navigation, iPod retrofit
As luck would have it, my local dealership's service department is closed on Saturdays. I had to settle for an email inquiry abou the rebuilt TCU and installation. I did do the hard wired install on my Valentine One so the day wasn't a total waste.
04-22-2007, 11:39 AM
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gents,
I've been out for a while (so this might have been answered, sorry already if so), but I have the (European) proffesional in build phone, which as far as my latest check was only works with 2 sims. Is this TCU upgrade also available for my kind of phone set up?
I've been out for a while (so this might have been answered, sorry already if so), but I have the (European) proffesional in build phone, which as far as my latest check was only works with 2 sims. Is this TCU upgrade also available for my kind of phone set up?
04-22-2007, 12:32 PM
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Originally Posted by The Shrike' post='416624' date='Apr 22 2007, 07:39 PM
gents,
I've been out for a while (so this might have been answered, sorry already if so), but I have the (European) proffesional in build phone, which as far as my latest check was only works with 2 sims. Is this TCU upgrade also available for my kind of phone set up?
I've been out for a while (so this might have been answered, sorry already if so), but I have the (European) proffesional in build phone, which as far as my latest check was only works with 2 sims. Is this TCU upgrade also available for my kind of phone set up?
Things to note though.....the existing TCU needs to be in place, so the dealer can bring the car up to the latest Progman, then they can swap out the TCU for the Bluetooth enabled unit. You can do all the cradle, armrest stuff yourself though.
04-22-2007, 03:38 PM
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one quick noob question. im kinda new with this TCU thing and i really wanted that bluetooth on my car, an '04 530i built 9/2003, as i read some of other posts regarding BT, is it just the TCU that needs to be changed to have BT working on the car?
how about the microphone?
the software?
mine doesnt have a nav, does it matter as well?
how about the microphone?
the software?
mine doesnt have a nav, does it matter as well?
04-22-2007, 04:05 PM
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Originally Posted by qtrxist' post='416669' date='Apr 22 2007, 06:38 PM
one quick noob question. im kinda new with this TCU thing and i really wanted that bluetooth on my car, an '04 530i built 9/2003, as i read some of other posts regarding BT, is it just the TCU that needs to be changed to have BT working on the car?
how about the microphone?
the software?
mine doesnt have a nav, does it matter as well?
how about the microphone?
the software?
mine doesnt have a nav, does it matter as well?
04-23-2007, 05:57 AM
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Originally Posted by DINAN530i' post='416676' date='Apr 23 2007, 12:05 AM
all e60's have a built in mic for the bmw assit option. I do not have nav and it was not an issue. the SW will be updated when the install takes place. and yes its the TCU that has the BT enabled on it. Hope this helps
Us people over in Europe don't get BMW Assist, and it's not there by default.