Contributed by: navin in KC





Changing '04 BMW Assist over to Bluetooth - detailed instructions





It is actually easier than installing one in a car without BMW assist.
Just follow the not normal installation directions, except you have to remove
the BMW assist module and plug in the Bluetooth module in its place.


next you install the kit in the armrest and then you pair the phone.


It took about 30 to 40 min to do, without rushing.


The differences between doing a Bluetooth in a BMW assist vehicle and a
non-BMW assist are:


1) remove the BMW assist module and plug in there.


2) no overhead microphone installation needed (its already there)


3) you don't have to take the vehicle to the dealer to get it "coded" (have
the software for the radio updated) because its already been done so that the
BMW assist would work.


4) When you remove the Assist kit, you have to disconnect two (purple-tipped)
antenna wires. One of these wires goes to the antenna in the rear bumper and the
other wire goes to the connection in the armrest. You simply connect these two
wires together, and voila, your armrest is connected to the external antenna.



It is really great.


navin in KC

---

As I've mentioned before I was able to successfully remove the BMW Assist
module in my '04 X5 and replace it with the Bluetooth module. I've had no issues
with this configuration.


I took my X5 in to have the transmission replaced and asked them to change
some of the car and key memory settings. I got a call later that the module that
controls car and key memory would not accept reprogramming since it could no
longer talk to the BMW Assist module. This makes sense since BMW Assist has the
ability to interrogate the car. The dealer offered two options:


1) put the BMW Assist module back in, code the General module, and then put
Bluetooth back in. They aren't sure if this will work or not.


2) Replace the general module with one that is not intended for use with BMW
Assist. That will allow the general module to be re-coded at will without
impacting the bluetooth functionality. They offered to do this replacement at no
charge.


I'm planning on trading in my 3.0 when my 4.8 comes in later this year so I
opted not to have the general module replaced (I want to put BMW Assist back in
when I give it to the dealer). Depending on what's available when the 4.8 comes
out I may opt to have this done on that car.


Just FYI...


-Andrew


References:
http://xoutpost.com/bluetooth.htm