Action Jaxs

Hello all
I am the newbie here but I must thank you all for the valuable info on this form. Today I dropped off the 545I for the recall (DME and Pwr Steering cap) and some additonal upgrades. I have decided to add the Sirius and AUX input along w/ the request for the BT. I will keep you all informed on the outcome (I say they will have it for two weeks) . My car is a 2004 545i 6 speed built in September 03. Happy holidays.
Jaxs

katmai

What is Pwr Steering cap? Is that a recall item? Bluetooth retrofit (software only) is not available for pre March 2004 built.

Can you tell me which OC dealer that you're using? Let me know, if you like their service level. I need to find a good service advisor and dealer in OC area.

Iceman

Welcome aboard, Action Jaxs !

Jaxs

Katmai

Well I asked Gary ,Irvine BMW service writer, to check for this recall (popped up when he entered my vin in the the computer) and he said it was a cap or cover for the power steering and it required no mechanical service.

Now for the Bluetooth, I am trying to see what the outcome will be......New TCU???

Now for service, Gary was recommended to me by my previous boss. He gets the job done and is honest. Irvine BMW is doing some major construction so it may not be the place to get service right now unless you live close, like I do. The key is finding the right service guy, I just got lucky.

BTW I debating on my next BMW; new M5 or new M4...I have the need for speed. Any ideas?

See ya

Jaxs

katmai

Jaxs,

I think you may need a new TCU to get bluetooth for pre March 04 built. I did some research on the bluetooth retrofit for pre March already. I believe the TCU part number is 84 11 6 948 921. Fellow e60 members (johnmac and moballa) already performed this retrofit. They said no new wiring harness is required. They spent about $2000 for parts and labor. The TCU is about $1850 retail. My dealer told me he would give me at Sales Dept cost at $1312 for the TCU. A RF member 645i owner got the retrofit with new TCU under warranty.

I haven't taken action on bluetooth retrofit, because my Verizon contract won't expire for another 3 months. I may go with Motorola V3 RAZR quad band with Cingular and a bluetooth ear phone first. If I'm not satisfied with that solution, I'll spend the money on bluetooth retrofit.

Shelly BMW and McKenna BMW are closer to my home, but I'm willing to drive further to get better service. Maybe I just need to bribe the service advisor with Lakers tickets.

Both new M5 or M3 (I don't think BMW will rename the 2 doors 3 serie to 4 serie) will be awesome. M5 will cost around $100K out of door. M3 around $60K out of door.

alohalc

welcome aboard, action jaxs !

Action Jaxs

Katmai

I just going to see what Irvine BMW and BMWNA come up with on the TCU & Bluetooth issue. I am sure I will get a call in the next couple of days on this, but maybe I will have some luck.

I agree if that is the price then a bluetooth headset (which I already have anyways) is the best solution. At least it travels with you right.

I see you live in north Orange County area. I have heard that Crevier is not bad, supposely it is rated number one but by who? BTW Shelly BMW owns Irvine BMW.

I plan either to keep the 545i and get the new M3/4 or get rid of the 545i and get the new M5. Either model will require higher maintenance so it will be a weekend car. Plus I will wait for a third year production, let the others work out the bugs (u know what I am talking about). Also I was not impressed with the SMG in the current M3 so I will wait for a manual transmission (looks like a M3/4 couple).

katmai

Jaxs,

I might try Crevier BWM next time. It seems to me that most of them are too busy to answer or return any phone calls. A lot of service writers do not have enough training or knowledge.

Please keep us inform on your bluetooth upgrade progress.

Thanks,