vaca

What do I need to be able to use a regular (non-BMW) bluetooth phone in my 2004 530i?

It never had a BMW phone by the way.

Thanks.

starpup

I looked into this not too long ago. You have to update your TCU the computer or equipment that runs the bluetooth and than have you idrive software programmed. Never got a quote from the dealer but I would venture to say your better off just buying the bluetooth headset

vaca

I'm new to this site and just found the Bluetooth forum and it sounds like there are lots of different stories about bluetooth installs...from what I distilled from several of those threads is:

1) you're really screwed if you have a pre 03/04 build date as you'll need a hardware update
2) for post 03/04 build date you need a software update. And this is where I read several different versions...some people said the dealers say it cannot be done or that it'll cost $1000, etc. I also read a few post where people said they had it done for ~$250...which seems reasonable...but then other stories of the dealer not guaranteeing that the software uupdate will work, etc.

I have a 08/04 build date so I'm pretty sure the car just needs a software update....I'll research a bit more.

Does anyone else have anything to add to this discussion? I'm sure many people have tried or at least wished that BT would work in the e60.

Thanks.

nigxdoof

I'll let you know for my experience.

I have a 09/2003 build.

I believe the car has BMW Assist so that means it has a Mic.

I upgraded my mic (newer and better performance) before the TCU retrofit fit.

I got a newer TCU and installed it myself. Took the car to the dealer and they were able to put the bluetooth software into it. Took a long time but worked fine.


So if you have a pre03/2004, that's the route you can go.

vaca

I assume that since I have an 08/04 build date I have the newer TCU and mic so all I would need is the software upgrade?

How much did the dealer charge you for the upgrade? Which dealer did you use?

Thanks.

nigxdoof

Hassel BMW, and it was $140 for the software upgrade, even though it took like 6 hours to do. lol.