Can someone tell me if there is a difference between BMW Assist w/ Bluetooth vs. Bluetooth pre-wiring?? I purchased my CPO 2004 530i from a dealer that is 3 hours away. At time of purchase I was given the original sticker price statement that describes my car as pre-wired for Bluetooth. However, a separate vehicle description of my 530 from the BMW dealer states that my car is equipped with BMW Assist w/ Bluetooth. I just got a new cell phone with bluetooth capability, so I would like to snyc it with my car. The communication function on idrive directs me to contact my local dealer. I called my local dealer and they said it may cost up to $1500?? :nono: Activation should not be that much, i can't imagine having to get a TCU replace if I already have bluetooth capability...I am correct?!? Any insight in this matter is appreciated.

thanks.

You need to know your "build" date. Reason is contained in theis paragraph extracted from Service Information Bulletin 84 13 04, updated June 05.

4. 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.

My build date is 30/04...I should be good for software update only!! As for "Retrofit" of "Tel bluetooth" is that the same is pairing to the handset??

No, pairing the handset and activating BT are two separate processes.

BT software must be enabled in your car's software by the dealer. This is equivalent to turning the BT feature "ON".

Pairing your handset can be done once the software is enabled. Think of this as linking communication between your phone and your car.