Bluetooth & BMW Assist: Incompatible?

[grfan]

I'm confused. Today I take delivery of a 2005 X5 3.0i, and am told that I must choose between having BMW Assist active, or using a Bluetooth phone, but it isn't possible to have both working. The Parts guy prints out a page from https://www.dealerspeed.net/centerne...tsInfo/X5.html that says

BMW ULF Hands Free
Phone System with
Bluetooth 4/2002-on

Restrictions? Cannot be installed with BMW Assist

Is this right?
Also, would I have to buy a control module ($435) and an instllation kit ($164), and a phone cradle base plate ($82.50), and a snap-in adapter ($125 for SE T637), plus installation, plus the cost of the phone (and give up BMW Assist)?!! Surely this can't be so.

[Jeff330xi]

The 2005 TCU should work with both just fine. I bought and installed the 2005 TCU for my 2004 X5, and assist and bluetooth both work. I struggled with the dealer on this and they said it wouldn't work, etc.
Try pairing a bluetooth phone with your car. When you turn the ignition on it will look for a bluetooth phone within the first 2 minutes. look here
If it doesn't work, you might have to have the dealer recode the car, print this out and take it to your dealer.
Also make sure the phone you are using is compatible. Bluetooth phones
X5world Blueooth page

The snap in is a whole different deal. This is not necessary unless you want to use an external cell phone antenna. Unfortunately, the one and only cell phone antenna your X5 has is being used by assist, so you will need to add a second antenna. (this is what I'm looking at doing, since my snap-in only charges my phone and degrades my signal).

-Jeff

[Kewl X5]

The dealer is mistaken. That was true for the 2004 BMW models, but I also retrofitted the 2005 BMW Assist/Bluetooth module in my 2004 M3.

I assume you got the premium package which includes the BMW Assist module. What the dealer doesn't know is that the 2005 BMW with BMW Assist module also has the bluetooth module built-in. It is made by Motorola.

You need to get the bluetooth passkey which is a sticker on the module.

However, 2004 BMWs with BMW Assist does not have a working Bluetooth. You need to remove the 2004 BMW Assist module and replace with a standalone ULF module.

Your sales guy/dealer/parts guy is mistaken. What dealer is that?

Originally Posted by grfan

I'm confused. Today I take delivery of a 2005 X5 3.0i, and am told that I must choose between having BMW Assist active, or using a Bluetooth phone, but it isn't possible to have both working. The Parts guy prints out a page from https://www.dealerspeed.net/centerne...tsInfo/X5.html that says

BMW ULF Hands Free
Phone System with
Bluetooth 4/2002-on

Restrictions? Cannot be installed with BMW Assist

Is this right?
Also, would I have to buy a control module ($435) and an instllation kit ($164), and a phone cradle base plate ($82.50), and a snap-in adapter ($125 for SE T637), plus installation, plus the cost of the phone (and give up BMW Assist)?!! Surely this can't be so.

[LeMansX5]

Check this link on BMWUSA website.
BMW Assist with Bluetooth® Wireless Technology

[grfan]

The Dealer is Basney BMW in South Bend, Indiana. While I was there another X5 was having his BMW Assist disabled so that he could have a functioning Bluetooth phone! I'm thinking of printing out this thread and taking it in to show them they are mistaken, but if they don't already know that, how can I expect them to be know how to perform the work to get me set up with BMW Assist and Bluetooth? Any ideas of a dealer in this area (I can go to Chicago if needed) who knows what they are doing?

Originally Posted by Kewl X5

The dealer is mistaken. That was true for the 2004 BMW models, but I also retrofitted the 2005 BMW Assist/Bluetooth module in my 2004 M3.

I assume you got the premium package which includes the BMW Assist module. What the dealer doesn't know is that the 2005 BMW with BMW Assist module also has the bluetooth module built-in. It is made by Motorola.

You need to get the bluetooth passkey which is a sticker on the module.

However, 2004 BMWs with BMW Assist does not have a working Bluetooth. You need to remove the 2004 BMW Assist module and replace with a standalone ULF module.

Your sales guy/dealer/parts guy is mistaken. What dealer is that?

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by grfan

The Dealer is Basney BMW in South Bend, Indiana. While I was there another X5 was having his BMW Assist disabled so that he could have a functioning Bluetooth phone! I'm thinking of printing out this thread and taking it in to show them they are mistaken, but if they don't already know that, how can I expect them to be know how to perform the work to get me set up with BMW Assist and Bluetooth? Any ideas of a dealer in this area (I can go to Chicago if needed) who knows what they are doing?

Hopefully the one that was at the dealership having the Assist disabled to install the BT was a 2004, not a 2005. If it is a 2005, that dealer definately doesn't have a clue

On a 2005 that has Assist, you already have BT enabled. In order to pair the Bluetooth phone, do the following:

1. Enable Bluetooth on your phone (this is phone-specific)

2. Press the R/T button on the steering wheel. The vehicle will ask you for the Bluetooth passkey. Enter the passkey that is located on the white laminated sheet that came with your BMW. (note: it should also be located on the Assist/Bluetooth module as well)

3. The phone will pair with the vehicle and you will get the following message displayed on the phone: "BMWXXXX" (BMW & the last 5 digits of your VIN).

Pairing is a one-time activity, so after this the phone will automatically pair and update the address book every time you enter the vehicle. There is a maximum of 4 devices that can be paired with the BMW Bluetooth ULF. After a fifth device is paired it will bump off the first one paired (FIFO).

2005 BMW Bluetooth pairing TSB

[grfan]

Jeff, Thank you Very much for the information. Now I know to not give up on the idea of having both BT and BA. Now I just need to find someplace with a "can do" attitude, instead of "can't be done". BTW, what is TCU?

Originally Posted by Jeff330xi

The 2005 TCU should work with both just fine. I bought and installed the 2005 TCU for my 2004 X5, and assist and bluetooth both work. I struggled with the dealer on this and they said it wouldn't work, etc.
Try pairing a bluetooth phone with your car. When you turn the ignition on it will look for a bluetooth phone within the first 2 minutes. look here
If it doesn't work, you might have to have the dealer recode the car, print this out and take it to your dealer.
Also make sure the phone you are using is compatible. Bluetooth phones
X5world Blueooth page

The snap in is a whole different deal. This is not necessary unless you want to use an external cell phone antenna. Unfortunately, the one and only cell phone antenna your X5 has is being used by assist, so you will need to add a second antenna. (this is what I'm looking at doing, since my snap-in only charges my phone and degrades my signal).

-Jeff

[UCrewX5]

Originally Posted by grfan

BTW, what is TCU?

I believe TCU stands for Telephone Control Unit

Kewl X5: TCU=Telemetric Control Unit

[Kewl X5]

Actually, it is Telematic Control Unit (translated from German to English).

Originally Posted by UCrewX5

I believe TCU stands for Telephone Control Unit

[CarbonX5]

On a 2005 that has Assist you will have BT enabled, However it will not active. I had to spend $135 on my 05 X5 to have the BT turn on via software. Request the sales person to have the BT activated when you have your key & car memory selections made.