Need Help for Bluetooth
 

Hello everyone, I'm new here and really need your help getting Bluetooth for my 2004 X5 (E53) production date:10/03
I've confirmed it has a TCU, Navigation (Software:18-03-88), BMW Assist(innactive), microphone, V/R button, R/T button.
I don't think it has bluetooth, and for sure it doesn't have: a cradle/phone in the console.

I wan't to get bluetooth working with my iphone 3gs. I found a cradle on ebay but don't know if it'll help. 3gs Cradle

This is my rack(click to view)
http://media.use.com/images/s_1/cc5f...66df91cc_1.jpg

and here is the pics of the TCU,
http://media.use.com/images/s_1/cc5f...66df91cc_2.jpg http://media.use.com/images/s_1/cc5f...66df91cc_3.jpg http://media.use.com/images/s_1/cc5f...66df91cc_4.jpg

These two wires are hanging loose, I guess this is the free connector for the bluetooth?
http://media.use.com/images/s_1/cc5f...66df91cc_5.jpg

I *think* the TCU didn't get BT until 2004 (not sure about US models), irrespective of the BT logo on the sticker. You may need a later model TCU and/or Navcoder and Resler interface to enable the BT. The BT antenna is usually a cream connector on the TCU, which your TCU doesn't have, lending weight to the lack of BT.

The spare connectors are for a GSM antenna switch/booster/filter device for the snap in cradle.

You may or may not have the snap in 12 pin connector under the console du to the lack of GSM wiring in the trunk area (unless you have to wire the purple FARKA to the missing switchbox and the black/purple goes up to the front of the car). That would be something to check. On X5 retrofit the BT antenna goes in the trunk, and the signal strength can be a little low for some handsets.

All you need to do is upgrade to a current TCU module. Your car has all the other wiring and connectors in place. It probably already has the Bluetooth antenna installed, but you would want to confirm that. You just need a new TCU and to have it coded for your car.

Thank you big bob:thumbup:, what year models or p/n should I be looking for and how could I check if it will be compatible with my X?
I will look under the console tonight.

How do I check for the Bluetooth antenna and after upgrading to the current TCU, who can code it for me?

The iBus TCU was fitted to the E46, Z4, X5 and X3. After that they went to the MOST bus which has an additional optical fibre connector and is not compatible. I think the last X3/X5 units were about 2006. Obviously they' have the latest and best hardware and software, assuming they aren't RFMD (re manufactured) old ones.

The BT antenna looks like this and is unlikely to be in your car if you don't have the antenna compensator, a cream FAKRA cable etc.

http://www.mwstewart.co.uk/images/ca...uetooth_29.jpg

It is not mandatory to code the TCU to your car. Only if you want BMW assist do you need to set the VIN. Only Navcoder can enable the occasionally dormant voice control in the TCU, as well as set the VIN, BT name and BT passkey.

Where exactly should I look for the bluetooth antenna? do you have a picture of the cream colored connector?

Here is a post with all of the Bluetooth-compatlble (and other) ULF modules. Look for a TCU with one of the part numbers under the heading "Units below have bluetooth and Assist" that also has voice recognition.
Here's a great TCU part number reference

Your BT antenna is located on top of the brackets that support the nav computer, CD changer, and TCU module in the trunk compartment. Is the picture you posted described as "This is my Rack," is that your actual car, or someone elses? If it is yours, it does not appear that you have the BT antenna.

I think I got the wires ready if these are it, I popped it open and took a picture.
http://media.use.com/images/s_1/cc5f...66df91cc_6.jpg
(click to view)

yes I took all these pictures from my X

OK so I see the snap in 18 pin plug and only see one RF connector there, unless that one that looks like a bowden cable is in fact a screw down RF connector in which case you have two.

It is your choice whether you use that RF cable for the GSM antenna coupler in the snap-in cradle, or if you use it for the BT antenna.

If the former, you will need a second RF cable for the BT. Short ones are available for trunk mounted BT antenna, and long ones if you want to fit the BT antenna up front for a better signal strength.

The cream coloured FAKRA looks like the black and violet FAKRA, except it is cream coloured and has a different mechanical keying.

I will try to backup a couple steps to help simplify things for you...

First, these are the only parts you need to get Bluetooth working with your iPhone 3GS. It does not answer your question about a charging cradle, but that is totally optional. This gets you fully functional Bluetooth.
84.10-9 195 455 Bluetooth Assist TCU module (Or another BT-enabled TCU from the prior list)
84.50-6 928 461 Bluetooth antenna
61.12-0 137 616 Bluetooth antenna cable

If you want to get the charging cradle also, you will need to add the support base, the snap-in cradle, and the 3GS snap-in adapter you reference in the original eBay post. I am not sure which base & snap-in cradle parts are correct for the X5 with a TCU-- more digging to come there. However, all of this is optional and you can add it at any time in the future.

I believe that this is the eject box you need in your center console that works with the TCU and can accept the snap-in adpater for your iPhone 3GS. Definitely confirm with a BMW dealer, though.

84.10-9 168 940 Eject box, mobile telephone

Thanks guys I will start shopping around.

Hey Guys i have a 2001 M5 bz97995 and at one point i put the ULF voice recongnition module in my 2001 540 vin GC96452. what do i need in my M5 to get the BT set up? accorning to real OEM Bmw i have modlule 84116916769, I have not verified this as yet. Where is it located.

Thanx in advance for the help

If you have a ULF or TCU t's in the trunk above the left wheel, tucked right down the back between the inner and outer wing. RealOEM cannot tell you what options your car is fitted with from the VIN.