I have a 2004 (1/2004) 530 that I bought used. I recently upgraded my cell phone to a Razr V3xx and worked through this forum for advice on how to connect using Bluetooth.

The phone seems to pair up perfectly, so I assume the TCU was replaced at some time; though I didn't take the trunk apart to check part numbers.

The car and the phone recognize each other, and the address book seemed to synch from the phone to the car w/o any trouble. I can dial and complete a call using iDrive and clearly hear the other party. However, no one can hear me, either shouting at the mikes above the mirror or into the phone.

My voice input for the iDrive works fine; BMW Assist also works, so I'm pretty sure the microphones and TCU are OK.

Any idea what's going on and how to fix it??

 

I don't have the solution but take care that the microphones are two: on the left for BT phone, on the right for iDrive command, AFAIK.

 

Ricky is right!
Check your mic connectors, or swap them to check for a defect mic

 

The symptoms you describe indicate that you have the original TCU in the car. I went through the same issues with my March 01/2004 build E60. You will need to either replace the TCU or go with the BTUM if you want BT in the vehicle.

 

Thanks to all for your suggestions/comments.

Sounds like the first step is to remove the trunk panels and check the TCU part number. I thought that the "old" TCU meant no Bluetooth at all, but it appears that it provides a crippled version...?? If I have the old TCU, then no need to take down the front headliner panel and check the mikes...

Thanks again. Another example of what a great forum this is!

 

Tom,

The problem with the original TCU's related to an innability to provide BMW Assist and BT services at the same time.

I am attaching a pdf of the SIB that deals with BT in early E60's. In your case, the last half of paragraph 4 applies.