TCU Replace
 

On My 2004 X5 (4.4i), I have BMW Assist but missed the Bluetooth integration by just a few months ( :( ).

I have since bought a box of tissues and decided to deal with the issue by attempting to replace the TCU. I have heard that the TCU part no changed recently to a new control unit, ending in -114 i think. Also, where is the TCU located in the vehcile? I want to look at the one I have right now.

Anybody know how hard it is to change the TCU myself? If I do that, I'll have to get it re-coded by dealership. Think it's possible for me to swap the TCU and say that Assist stopped working, possibly re-code for free?

Or even somehow break my current TCU and have them give me the new one as replacement?

Any ideas? Most importantly, where is the tcu in the car?

IFlyX5's article gives you a good idea where to find the TCU and how to get it out - http://www.xoutpost.com/articles.php?...icle&artid=190 (it's down below the CD changer).

Swapping out the TCU should be an easy DIY. I am pretty sure that you will need to have the vehicle recoded, however.

do you think i could swap the TCUs and then just go to the stealership and say that Assist stopped working? Under warranty, wouldn't they probably re-code for free?

In the my experience the "recoding" is inexpensive, at least a 1/2 hour to an hours labor max... My dealer provided the recoding for free as I also needed an Inspection I performed...