Homelink device in UK - my learnings

[Andrew Campbell-Laing]

I bought a homelink device from ebay and it appears this is now a US version of the device. I did finally find the little white connector, but had to remove the sun visor catch to get to it.

Once all installed i tried to prgram the device, Here is where I came a cropper.

I can not get my device to learn the codes from any of my transmitters (garage door opener/ X10 transmitter).

After much research it appears the EU is licensing transmitters in the frequency 433 mhz. Hence why nearly everything is on this range in the UK.

The European version of the homelink device supports 433 mhz, where as the US version does not. The FAQ on the US site states:

Check the frequency of the device’s hand-held transmitter (usually found on the back). HomeLink is compatible with radio-frequency devices operating between 288-399MHz (some 2001 and newer vehicles may be compatible up to 418MHz. Please contact us for vehicle compatibility).

So obviously as the homelink device does not support 433mhz, there is no way I can get the device to learn any of my transmitters. That will teach me to do far more research beforfe i buy.

As my garage door opener can have additional recievers plugged in, I could buy a US receiver and transmitter for it that operate in the range required by the US device, albeit this will not be licensed for use in the EU and I will be operating these devices illegally. So I shall not go down this route.

I have sent an email to Homelink US and Homelink Europe to see if there is a way to recode the region code in the Homelink device (I fear not).

So my learnings are after thinking I was saving a lot of money (especially with the exchange rate presently) by buying the device off ebay from the US, the device is in fact as useful to me as the blanking plate it replaced.

I will keep you updated on anything that comes back from homelink.

Andrew

[xnsf]

ehhh...lesson learned...

actually there are posts about the US and Euro-spec transmitter on this site.

use the search

[Andrew Campbell-Laing]

Here is the update of the fun I am having with this.

I spoke to the guy who sold me the device, and to be fair to him he has offered me to return the device and he will replace it with the correct part number. here is where the fun starts.....

Speaking to the dealer they have said I never had option 319 installed on my car (factory fit) and as such I have to have the mirror. They say that there isnt a part number for the devicde overhead.

Speaking to homelink in germany they said no, factory fit is overhead and retrofit is the mirror. They dont have the part number either.

So it appears BMW UK will not give me the part number for the device so looks like unless I go down the expensive new mirror option. Then I cant actually have one!!!!! Even though the car has the wiring loom for the overhead device.

Anyone else know where the hell I can get a european part number of a european version of this device?

Andrew

[Andrew Campbell-Laing]

So to recapo BMW UK say that in the UK homelink is always on the mirror, never overhead.

Anybody got the overhead homelink device that actually works with 433mhz garage dor openers in the UK?

I dont want to go down the mirror route.

Andrew

[xnsf]

according to adrian.b, http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...light=homelink, and you already found the connector. this transceiver is a lot less expensive than the mirror option, so maybe that's why your dealer wants you to buy that...(?)

[Andrew Campbell-Laing]

OK finally got a part number, it is 61316 944 860 and from BMW in the UK would cost £215.32 excl VAT.

So now to find this part somewhere in the world cheaper !!!!!

Andrew

[kostas]

Hi Andrew !

Ignore the private message sent earlier as I just read this post.
I had exactly the same problem (and eventualy ordered a new transmitter from european homelink) but before my electrician told me that he could transfer the electronic board from the old transmitter to the homelink. It's quite easy mod and he could connect the butons directly on the board. It sounds logic and pretty easy. Unfotunately he told me when I had already ordered the transmitter.

maybe this helps

kostas

[ccfj1]

Sorry to resurrect this thread.

Kostas, do you have any more info on this mod please?