I was under the impression, too...that a 6/06 build date e53 would have the TCU unit which uses the talking head to pair.
If that's the case...I have to say that my experience was like TX5...I had the instructions & Pass Key code and would attempt to pair within the first few minutes as the instructions stated...and it didn't work. I got up the next morning and thought I followed the same procedure...and VOILA!...it paired.
Also, it helps if you give us a step by step procedure of what you did. Writing that you followed several instructions...is vague...and doesn't help us to help you better (in case you are missing a step)...we have no idea of what you actually tried to do.
These are the pairing instructions for the e53s with the factory TCU units...you must have the pass key code ready...and you will be looking for BMW XXXX (last digits of your X5's VIN) to appear on your smart PHONE (not our X5's MID/Nav/instr cluster). Note that it mentions nothing about "pressing a button on the steering wheel or armrest to pair the vehicle to the phone...all searching and entering of PK code is done on your smartphone:
(from a 10/2004-up build date...the E53 has the TCU and uses the talking head button (to activate the system once paired) on the steering wheel & the Pass Key Code from the TCU or it's owners manual to pair)
TIPS:
- KL R = ignition position 1
- KL 15 = ignition position 2
- STEP 3 (below) refers to following the instructions for our smartphone & looking for "BMW XXXXX" (where x=last 5 digits of your X's VIN) on your smartphone as the device you want to pair with
