Help with Bluetooth
10-01-2012, 09:02 PM
#1
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Help with Bluetooth
Hi there,
I have a 2004 525i.
I am wondering if I can use bluetooth.
1) car was made 09/2003
2) I use iPhone bluetooth to search, could not find New device (BMW). My iPhone bluetooth can easily find my pioneer receiver in another car.
3) I could not find bluetooth command in iDrive.
4) some threads say at the time the car was produced, this car does not have bluetooth hardware. But I found a card in the Manual with a bluetooth passkey.
My question is: does my phone have Bluetooth installed? Did I miss anything?
Thanks in advance for any help.
With best regards
HB
I have a 2004 525i.
I am wondering if I can use bluetooth.
1) car was made 09/2003
2) I use iPhone bluetooth to search, could not find New device (BMW). My iPhone bluetooth can easily find my pioneer receiver in another car.
3) I could not find bluetooth command in iDrive.
4) some threads say at the time the car was produced, this car does not have bluetooth hardware. But I found a card in the Manual with a bluetooth passkey.
My question is: does my phone have Bluetooth installed? Did I miss anything?
Thanks in advance for any help.
With best regards
HB
Last edited by hzhang; 10-01-2012 at 09:20 PM.
10-02-2012, 01:13 PM
#2
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My Ride: 2011 F10 535i, Graphite on Oyster, ///Msport, Executive Package, XDrive
With your build date you will need to replace the TCU and update the software in your car if it was not done previously. Pre 03/2004 TCU's would not permit complete BT functionality.
If I recall correctly, 2004 models produced before 06/2004 were shipped with BT turned off and required software to be updated to function properly.
If I recall correctly, 2004 models produced before 06/2004 were shipped with BT turned off and required software to be updated to function properly.
10-02-2012, 01:50 PM
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My Ride: 2011 F10 535i, Graphite on Oyster, ///Msport, Executive Package, XDrive
They all came with the card. I went through exactly the same process on my 2004 530. Once the BT software is enabled the phone will pair, you will be able to dial out and hear people on the other end but they will not hear you until the TCU is replaced.
10-03-2012, 08:52 AM
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My Ride: 04 545i - Titanium Silver/Black, Sport pkg, Comfort Seats w/ Lumbar, Premium Sound, power rear sunshade, Adaptive Xenon Headlights, Steptronic, Park Distance Control, Fold down rear seats w/ski bag, Aux jack, 6-disk changer, puddle lamps...
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With your build date you will need to replace the TCU and update the software in your car if it was not done previously. Pre 03/2004 TCU's would not permit complete BT functionality.
If I recall correctly, 2004 models produced before 06/2004 were shipped with BT turned off and required software to be updated to function properly.
If I recall correctly, 2004 models produced before 06/2004 were shipped with BT turned off and required software to be updated to function properly.
10-03-2012, 11:50 AM
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Thank you both for your time.
What is the best solution for me? I prefer to have Bluetooth and USB or aux input for music since I do not want to burn cd all the time. I also want to use the original control buttons.
I found a Grom kit. It costs 500$. Is there any cheaper solutions?
What is the best solution for me? I prefer to have Bluetooth and USB or aux input for music since I do not want to burn cd all the time. I also want to use the original control buttons.
I found a Grom kit. It costs 500$. Is there any cheaper solutions?
10-03-2012, 12:40 PM
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My Ride: 2011 F10 535i, Graphite on Oyster, ///Msport, Executive Package, XDrive
TCU's before 3/2004 were hardware-disabled. There is no way to activate. The reason is a post-manufacturing defect was discovered with the units in US-spec cars. The problem lies with BMW Assist telematics. The units had trouble properly engaging emergency telematics with bluetooth enabled (processing issue). Telematics couldn't be assured while bluetooth was enabled. Safety was chosen over functionality and the bluetooth radios disabled until they could develop a more robust architecture that would allow simultaneous Assist and bluetooth capabilities. Those were released beginning 03/2004.
10-03-2012, 12:46 PM
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My Ride: 2011 F10 535i, Graphite on Oyster, ///Msport, Executive Package, XDrive
Thank you both for your time.
What is the best solution for me? I prefer to have Bluetooth and USB or aux input for music since I do not want to burn cd all the time. I also want to use the original control buttons.
I found a Grom kit. It costs 500$. Is there any cheaper solutions?
What is the best solution for me? I prefer to have Bluetooth and USB or aux input for music since I do not want to burn cd all the time. I also want to use the original control buttons.
I found a Grom kit. It costs 500$. Is there any cheaper solutions?
You may want to check with Dension to see if they still have retrofit kits for the early production E60's. Many people used them rather than the OEM kits as they reportedly had more functionality than the BMW OEM products. look them up at iPod Car | iPod car Adapters | iPhone Car Kit | iPhone Car Adapter | Hands Free Car Kits - Dension
10-03-2012, 12:51 PM
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My Ride: G30 M550i
Model Year: 2018
Hi there,
I have a 2004 525i.
I am wondering if I can use bluetooth.
1) car was made 09/2003
2) I use iPhone bluetooth to search, could not find New device (BMW). My iPhone bluetooth can easily find my pioneer receiver in another car.
3) I could not find bluetooth command in iDrive.
4) some threads say at the time the car was produced, this car does not have bluetooth hardware. But I found a card in the Manual with a bluetooth passkey.
My question is: does my phone have Bluetooth installed? Did I miss anything?
Thanks in advance for any help.
With best regards
HB
I have a 2004 525i.
I am wondering if I can use bluetooth.
1) car was made 09/2003
2) I use iPhone bluetooth to search, could not find New device (BMW). My iPhone bluetooth can easily find my pioneer receiver in another car.
3) I could not find bluetooth command in iDrive.
4) some threads say at the time the car was produced, this car does not have bluetooth hardware. But I found a card in the Manual with a bluetooth passkey.
My question is: does my phone have Bluetooth installed? Did I miss anything?
Thanks in advance for any help.
With best regards
HB
This may be simpler than the TCU upgrade but then again, I can't say for sure. There are tons of posts about the BTUM so please do some searching and see what may work for you...
Good luck!