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Possible to upgrade computer in 2/04 build to 9/05 build computer?

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Old 09-24-2006, 04:22 AM
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Default Possible to upgrade computer in 2/04 build to 9/05 build computer?

Hi all. I have a 545 2/04 build with Nav. I'm tired of not being able to get some of the recent updates like Bluetooth or the ability to connect the new ipod adapter. Is it possible to upgrade the computer to the level of a 9/05 or later build? What specifically needs to be upgraded (I'm using the term 'computer' generically)? Just the computer located in the trunk? Would the new computer 'fit' in my current car (same connections, etc), or are there wiring differences, etc? A while back, I asked this question about bluetooth, and was told I needed the 3/04 computer or later, but now want a 9/05 computer or later due to the ipod interface requirements, and wanted to confirm it would fit.

If it is possible, any idea on how much it would run me? I thought I heard $1500-$2000 for just the part. Does anyone know if there is a way to get one 'used' - i.e. from a wrecked car, etc?

One other question - are the newer computers faster? Since I have Nav, iDrive is sluggish to input from the controller.

Thx!
Old 09-24-2006, 04:51 AM
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I don't know for sure, but changing out the computer seems to be a risky proposition in a car with so many known computer glitches. I wouldn't try it in mine.
Old 09-24-2006, 04:54 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following: 530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman. Mods done: � Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110 � Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130, � Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120 � Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122 � Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216 � Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber , � Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 � Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117 � Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111 � Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409) � ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports) � ///M pack rear � HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm. most improtant: �real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3 � CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows). � Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20" Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315 10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625 Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20 � Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125 � Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM � Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120 � Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235 � Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange) � Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! E60.net Clings Still to do list;-): � Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com). � Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
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sorry my friends, which computer you speak of? I thought you want to upgrade your CIP aka SW to play the Ipod...not the hardware. I would not mees up what BMW puts in the factory, look I have NO nav otw full loaded, so my car has only "13 computers" so which you would like to change?
Old 09-24-2006, 05:01 AM
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> sorry my friends, which computer you speak of? I thought you want to upgrade your CIP aka SW to play > the Ipod...not the hardware. I would not mees up what BMW puts in the factory, look I have NO nav otw
> full loaded, so my car has only "13 computers" so which you would like to change?

I'm not sure, to be honest - all I know is that there is a unit located in the trunk that I was told I could upgrade to get bluetooth (needs a 3/04 build or later). I thought this might be the 'main' computer, but I'm not really sure.

As for the SW - yes - if that's all it took to get the ipod connection working, I would do it, but I'm told that my current HW won't support ipod, even with latest SW.

Thx.
Old 09-24-2006, 05:05 AM
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My Ride: MY RIDE is DA real .-) HAMANN 5 aka BLACK MAMBA born on 16/06/2005/delivered on 05/08/2005 as following: 530dA (steptronic), Black II (JET), leather Dakota auburn black, mapple trim, head-up display, dynamic drive, active steering, adaptive xenon headlights (auto levelling) with headlight washers, alarm, comfort seats with massage function, advanced A/C, big compartment armrest, aux-in, MP3, Logic 7, Radio PRO, CD in-dash+cd changer, power rear sunshades, rear airbags, park distance control, auto dimming folding mirrors, smoking package, shiny shadow line (individual), fold down rear seats, ski bag, sport suspension, run flats on �116-style� rims (Good Year NCT5+), cup holders, debadged, fire extinguishers, additional permanent power outlet, BMW coat hanger, trunk release button (installed by Hobi), GPS tracking device and a big thx 2 Iceman. Mods done: � Authentic HAMANN FRONT APRON Including ellipsoid fog lights Item-No.: 10 060 110 � Authentic HAMANN REAR SPOILER Item-No.: 10 060 130, � Authentic HAMANN HAMANN ALUMINIUM PEDALS For cars with manual gearbox Item-No.: 80 099 100 81,00 For cars with automatic transmission Item-No.: 80 099 120 � Authentic HAMANN FOOT REST In aluminium For left-hand drive vehicles Item No. : 80 099 122 � Authentic HAMANN HAND-BRAKE LEVER In aluminium For left- and right-hand drive cars Item No. : 80 099 216 � Authentic HAMANN Idrive of alu (sorry this is the only one in the World) but you can have it in carbon fiber , � Authentic HAMANN EXCLUSIVE FLOORMAT SET In black with HAMANN logo in silver For left-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 120 For right-hand drive cars Item-No. : 80 060 � Authentic HAMANN COVER FOR OIL FILLER CAP In aluminium Item-No.: 80 099 117 � Authentic HAMANN SPORT REAR MUFFLER 4 TAILPIPES Sport rear muffler with four round stainless-steel tailpipes ( � 76mm ) Item-No.: 50 060 111 � Authentic HAMANN new add-on for M pack rear with diffusor for quad pipes -AVAILABLE NOW (http://forums.e60.net/index.php?act=ST&f=22&t=30630&st=0#entry332409) � ///M steering wheel w Pegasus logo (this will be also changed to three spoke sports) � ///M pack rear � HAMANN ECU upgrade 265 HP 608 Nm. most improtant: �real and working like a charm forumsbuy real LED tails and PIAA 4700k fogs!!! for HAMANN full front apron you need H3 � CustomAngels, Angel Eyes Brighter than stocks 10X, WHITE & (REd for shows). � Authentic HAMANN LIGHT-ALLOY WHEELS DESIGN EDITION RACE 20" Ultra-light forged 3-pieced light-alloy wheel, Cross-spoke-design,Spider in black, titanium, screwing,polished flange DIMENSIONS : 9.0 J x 20 FA Item No.: 91 207 315 10.5 J x 20 only RA Item No.: 91 207 625 Recommended 20" Complete Wheel Set DESIGN EDITION RACE I went with most aggressive Combination A.10 FA 9.0 J x 20 / RA 10.5 J x 20 with tires: FA 245/30 ZR 20 / RA 285/25 ZR 20 � Authentic HAMANN LOWERING KIT 4 progressive sport springs Lowering by approx. 40 mm FA, 20 mm RA Item-No.: 20 060 125 � Authentic HAMANN TIRE - PRESSURE CHECK SENSOR SYSTEM � Authentic HAMANN SIDE SILLS Item-No.: 10 060 120 � Authentic HAMANN REAL CF ROOF SPOLIER Item-No.: 10 060 235 � Authentic HAMANN AIRBAG SPORT STEERING WHEEL 3-SPOKE Three-spoke design w their SMG paddles (For assembly O.E. airbag in exchange) � Authentic HAMANN sports mirrors (all functions) !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and of course !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! E60.net Clings Still to do list;-): � Our Hobi's camera system from : ww.switchchange.com). � Individual leather interior (auburn+auburn alcantara)... and drive with sheer drivin' pleasure ... until 2009/2010 F10 comes or E60 possibly a 540d V8 diesel early in 2009 badly juiced!
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Originally Posted by stickboy' post='338040' date='Sep 24 2006, 03:01 PM
> sorry my friends, which computer you speak of? I thought you want to upgrade your CIP aka SW to play > the Ipod...not the hardware. I would not mees up what BMW puts in the factory, look I have NO nav otw
> full loaded, so my car has only "13 computers" so which you would like to change?

I'm not sure, to be honest - all I know is that there is a unit located in the trunk that I was told I could upgrade to get bluetooth (needs a 3/04 build or later). I thought this might be the 'main' computer, but I'm not really sure.

As for the SW - yes - if that's all it took to get the ipod connection working, I would do it, but I'm told that my current HW won't support ipod, even with latest SW.

Thx.
see, so maybe contact BMW NA or Germany and ask what are your possibilities, I guess you are in USA, these responses seams like very common there, I mean from your dealers, I guess they got no clue what to do with a German car no offence. PM Rudy he might know this better! Good luck and thx for question, interesting.
Old 09-24-2006, 05:18 AM
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Originally Posted by ats77' post='338042' date='Sep 24 2006, 09:05 AM
see, so maybe contact BMW NA or Germany and ask what are your possibilities, I guess you are in USA, these responses seams like very common there, I mean from your dealers, I guess they got no clue what to do with a German car no offence. PM Rudy he might know this better! Good luck and thx for question, interesting.
You're probably referring to the TCU? I will be getting mine replaced tomorrow because my last software update did not complete successfully because of my car's TCU. My dealer opened a PuMA case and I guess BMWNA must have agreed to have it changed.

Hopefully this will mean that I will be getting bluetooth soon.

Also, does anyone know if this will also mean that I can also get MP3 capability? or is that a different module?

Thanks
Old 09-24-2006, 06:54 AM
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Originally Posted by stickboy' post='338029' date='Sep 24 2006, 06:22 AM
Hi all. I have a 545 2/04 build with Nav. I'm tired of not being able to get some of the recent updates like Bluetooth or the ability to connect the new ipod adapter. Is it possible to upgrade the computer to the level of a 9/05 or later build? What specifically needs to be upgraded (I'm using the term 'computer' generically)? Just the computer located in the trunk? Would the new computer 'fit' in my current car (same connections, etc), or are there wiring differences, etc? A while back, I asked this question about bluetooth, and was told I needed the 3/04 computer or later, but now want a 9/05 computer or later due to the ipod interface requirements, and wanted to confirm it would fit.

If it is possible, any idea on how much it would run me? I thought I heard $1500-$2000 for just the part. Does anyone know if there is a way to get one 'used' - i.e. from a wrecked car, etc?

One other question - are the newer computers faster? Since I have Nav, iDrive is sluggish to input from the controller.

Thx!
You are refering to the TCU. I had mine replaced in my E60 to get BT just after I bought it. It will cost you about $1500 to $2000 to have it done. It will only allow you to have BT. It will not change your ability to connect your ipod through the MOST interface. The TCU is also coded to your VIN so I am not sure that you can purchased one from a wrecker and have it installed properly.

A less expensive option is to use the Motorola BTUM adapter which will allow older cars to have BT without the expense of repacing the TCU. It takes the place of the CPT 9000 phone and emulates BT in pre 03/04 builds. Several members have the BTUM and have posted extensively in the BT Forum.

If your idrive is sluggish, you may need a SW update depending upon what version is in you car presently.
Old 02-12-2022, 12:31 AM
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Default Put in an android system

I have an 04 530i and for 500$ you can just put in a really good android system. I have had mine for a year and a half I have a sim card in it and it has its own 4g service from tmobile. I recommend AVINUSA. I did my research and this by far had the best reviews completely plug and play (you send them your vin) support is instantly responsive. But that will fix your problem. Oh and you hold your idrive button down for 3 sec and it switches back to factory idrive. ( I already had iPad port with my spec and upgraded audio think it was included with m sport spec)

Good luck install was a snap.
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