ULF & Car\Key Memory Options ...
 

Hi Guys,

My Dealer is having an issues setting the Car\Key Memory after my engine ECU was replaced for another issue. My car originally came with BMWAssist, but it is an early '04 w/o BT.

So I opted to retrofit the BT with a European ULF. Is this something that the ULF is preventing? I know that during the install there was a wiring harness, that did not connect up to the ULF (which I assumed was only for Assist).

Since this is a Euro ULF is there some other way that they are suppose to set these settings? I had some features added prior to the ULF install w/o any issues.

Any help would be appreciated.

Did some searching and found out the issue.

http://www.bmwmotorsports.org/pdf/BM...st_ULF_TSB.pdf

Hi,
I had the same problem with getting my key programed after I installed the ULF kit. The dealership wasn't able to program my key; they said my ULF was the problem.
I guess you could put in the old TCU, get your key program and then put back the ULF module.

Good Luck!

Do you know if the the dealer new about the TSB? It looks like they just need to make a simple coding change, and then they can program the settings. If they're still having issues on Monday, I'll probably bring them the TCU, just so they can program the car.

My service dealership is Crevier BMW. I think they are #1 in sales worldwide and last in service. I would hope they looked at the TSB you were talking about. I do know they didn't program my key and made things worst. Horrible dealership.

Crossing my fingers that BMWNA will help me.

good luck to you.

Thanks!! Does not look like it is in my favor. I spoke with the shop forman today, and advised him of the TSB. He said that he would look into it and for me to call back in an hour or so.

So I called back and they said the car is ready to be picked up, but the Car\Key Memory issue has not been resolved. I referred to the TSB, and he indicated that had been performed, and it is still not working. They believe that there is something wrong with the ULF, and it needs to be replaced. They order a replacement from Germany, and I waiting for it to arrive.

I feel a little un easy about them replacing the ULF, as I have heard the horror stories of BMW tryingto sell americans the old ULFs and mine is a 13 Gen that I purchased from EAS.

I was even under the impression that US BMW Dealers could not even order replament units.... :(

I would not let them take out a ULF from EAS and replace it with something else unless you know what you are getting. It is possible they will give you a newer TCU with Assist and Bluetooth, but it is equally likely you will get an older ULF. If the ULF is truely defective (seems unlikely) EAS would probably replace it for you.

That was my thought exactly.. Especially knowing how hard the "358" ULFs are to get in the U.S. I already spoke with Tom @ EAS who offerred to take a look at the car when I get some time. So I will probably take him up on that prior to bringing the car back to the dealer.

I was also going to touch base with my buddy in parts and see if he can get me the part number for the ULF that they ordered. It would be great if they wanted to give me a new TCU w/BT, but I find that to be unlikely.

could someone tell me what the accronyms mean? im still learning X5 talk, im used to E36 and E46 talk.thanks. ULF/EAS/TCU

Not a problem...

TCU = Telecommunications Control Unit
ULF = I am not quite sure, but it is the European equivalant of a TCU
EAS = European Auto Source (They're a vendor that sells electronics)