TCU teardown
 

Originally posted here but I thought I'd give it a new thread so it gets displays better on Google

I've had the TCU apart. The TCU Has Black [GSM 1], Blue [GPS-US Only], Violet [GSM 2] and Cream [WDCT/BT] Fakra positions.
Here you can see the GSM/GPRS module, with connections for two antenna.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...U/DSC06839.jpg
Cream is the bluetooth.
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...U/DSC06835.jpg
Since this is an EU model, there is no GPS [blue]
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...U/DSC06827.jpg


ANT_BT = Bluetooth = Cream Fakra
ANT_GPS = USA only = Blue Fakra
ANT_TEL = Telephone = Wine Fakra (Wine socket)
ANT_EJEC = antenna connection to Eject box = Wine Fakra (Black socket)

Tthere is a T Mobile.de SIM in the module, but it is PIN locked, and the PIN is not 1234 or 0000. The sim must be roaming enabled and BMW is picking up the bills. :wow:
http://i88.photobucket.com/albums/k1...U/DSC06836.jpg

MY TCU looks nothing like that on the inside!
The following detail is just for info really. Hopefully someone might find it useful!
On the sticker on the front it says:
84116978533-01
16921111
27.05.2007
BMW everest ibus ece
sw31 hw30
bt 00e00c5246a3
pk8084
imei 352etc
ejas001085. Sveibs22b4

Please excuse the table cover - it is anti jam/snot/crayon etc from my kids!

First of all, it has a slot in the side for (presumably) a sim in a carrier.
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_0730.jpg

Overview with it all opened up.
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_0724.jpg

close up of the bluetooth module.
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_0726.jpg

close up of the (assist?) bit under the metal plate. (nb my O2 sim. It didn't work).
http://i833.photobucket.com/albums/z...s/IMG_0725.jpg

Hi, I bought at ebay the similar TCU modul ( I have already another one, working great, but thought that this one will support Cyrillic). I also stripped mine, because it didn't pair via Bluetooth as I connected it (it was a message "INISERT CARD" when I pressed RT button) and I was interesting what is the slot on the side.

You're right, the slot on the side is for the Molex SIM card holder.
http://uk.farnell.com/productimages/...d/42580898.jpg

So you have to buy it (Pt Nr: MOLEX - 912360001 )

So finally I find out that this TCU using two sim cards, one in the Assist module (I suppose that your O2 card inserted there ) and personal card that have to be inserted in the slot on tha side.

I inserted the SIM card into this slot and found that TCU recognise it - It can read phonebook from it, can dial numbers and I also able to call it from another phone, but the problem is that I can't answer incoming calls, and when I put outgoing calls and the other side answering it doesn't hear me :(

The message "INSERT CARD" still appeared on the radio screen, so I also removed allu plate inside TCU and insert my SIM card there, but didn't try yet... Hope will do it next weekend.

PS: SIM card need to be unlocked from PIN (configure this on mobile phone)
PPS: car X3'2004, working TCU - 06'2005 (voice control, bluetoth etc - OK)
nonworking TCU - Continental Everest Ibus ECE (07.2008)

Thanks for your reply. Can I suggest something which might also solve my problem?
First of all you need to turn Bluetooth on in the new tcu. You can do this using navcoder. I suggest that you buy it. Jochen is the author and is a very helpful chap.
Once you have turned it on, with the molex card inserted it might start the pairing process - both I and another member of the forum - big bob have problems getting it to start as we don't have the handset that these tcus are designed for. Inserting the sim in the side slot may bypass that requirement and kick-start pairing.
Any questions, please ask & keep us posted.
Ps did you get the molex bit from BMW? If so, how much was it?

2 mins. Not bad!
Just registered on their site but can't check out as the minimum order is £20. The part is £1.09!
Anyone live near them or going to order anything soon?

PM sent.

Stringbag, sure no :) I bought mine at local electronic supply e-shop, it was cost $0,5, but it was not so easy to find it.
Hmmm, you mean that this TCU need to be coded? Never heard about it, usualy coding required for the craddle installations, or when phone option is initially installed in the car, but probably you're right, please post the results as you finish it, I've subscribed for this thread, so I will wait.

Yes, you need to code it. I Have an adaptor on order (thanks bob) and I'll post the results.

Stringbag

Are you able to use BT with yours?

My TCU looks similar to yours (without he side slot)

Would appreciate any comments in this post.

http://www.xoutpost.com/electronics/...incorrect.html