Stupid person needs help

apw2607 · #1 04-18-2006, 07:44 PM

First off, with the BT/Assist TCU, the idea is that the external antenna (shark fin / bumper antenna ... whatever) is shared between Assist and Bluetooth calls (when the handset is plugged into the cradle).

From what I figured out on my 04 (be it a M3 with the shark fin) the cable incompatibility was caused because there wasn't a correct cable that ran from the center console back to the trunk for BT handset antenna signal. On the 05's that cable is there. 04's ... is not. There is however a old style CPT9000 antenna cable there ... however I never figured out how to make it work, so gave up. BMW ofcourse were no help, since it wasn't supported, and they dont plan to support it. So for powering my handset I just use the glovebox torch light adapter. The handset (SE T637) works fine and doesn't seem to need a external antenna.

If you make any progress with the cradle and your '04 please share it with the rest of us ! :-)

fnelson9 · #2 04-18-2006, 08:09 PM

typical - but ridiculous.

The wiring issues are just WAY too simple to not have a solution. My MOTO E815 actually uses the same power connection as my CPT9000 so I've gotta believe I can make the existing wiring charge the E815 in the cradle.

The antenna connection might be more challenging, but is this just an issue of connector compatibility? If there's an antenna connector coming out of the eject box (and there appears to be) and an antenna connector for the CPT9000, there MUST be a way to connect them together - e.g., through a fabricated adapter or something.

This, of course, would explain why the stealer is telling me I can have the TCU installed, but I won't be able to use the cradle. Considering how simple the wiring issues seems to be, I can't believe nobody else has come up with a fix. Since I'm going to be tearing up the interior anyway to do video integration and seaker/amp upgrades, I'll just run a new ^&**& antenna to the rear bumper if I have to.

apw2607 · #3 04-18-2006, 08:28 PM

Frank, just for clarity sake, the rear bumper or shark fin antenna connects directly with the BT/Assist TCU. Then a second antenna cable goes from the TCU to the cradle for handset antenna (thats the one missing in my '04). Finally a 3rd cable goes from the TCU to the center console for the bluetooth antenna. (In the E46 the bluetooth antenna is located in the center console). Not sure when thats located on a X5.

Cheers, Adrian

SuperGreg · #4 04-18-2006, 08:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by apw2607

Frank, just for clarity sake, the rear bumper or shark fin antenna connects directly with the BT/Assist TCU. Then a second antenna cable goes from the TCU to the cradle for handset antenna (thats the one missing in my '04). Finally a 3rd cable goes from the TCU to the center console for the bluetooth antenna. (In the E46 the bluetooth antenna is located in the center console). Not sure when thats located on a X5.

Cheers, Adrian

BT antenna for the X5 is at the top of the component rack.

fnelson9 · #5 04-18-2006, 11:14 PM

Might one of those be the ticket to connect the CPT9000 to the BT eject box?

If one of those is the answer to my antenna connection, all that's left is charging the battery from the cradle. Only five pins. How hard can it be?

SuperGreg · #6 04-19-2006, 07:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fnelson9

Might one of those be the ticket to connect the CPT9000 to the BT eject box?

If one of those is the answer to my antenna connection, all that's left is charging the battery from the cradle. Only five pins. How hard can it be?

Your eject box will have the purple FAKRA connector. The antenna connection under your armrest will either have a FAKRA connector or a male or female mini coax connector. This cable adapter is used if your car has the mini coax connector to allow you to connect to the FAKRA connector in your new eject box. My 2002 had the mini coax and I needed one of those. I'm sure getting power won't be an issue for you. Pull your armrest apart and see if you have an antenna connection in there right now for your CPT9000. If you do, shouldn't be an issue.

apw2607 · #7 04-19-2006, 07:09 PM

Checking the Trunk end of the connection ..... The Antenna cable used for the old CPT 9000 phone terminates in the trunk to a Male Fakra in my 04 M3. In order for it to be connected to the BT/Assist TCU (for the handset in the cradle to take advantage of the external antenna) you would need a Female Fakra to Female Fakra adapter cable !!

I would imagine this will be the same as your 04 as well !! You could ofcourse connect the female Fakra connector from the external antenna, directly to the male Fakra connector of the cradle antenna cable, however if you did this, now the TCU would not have a antenna connection ... which would mean Assist would not be able to make calls !! :-) So it would be best to try and find the adapter cable I mention above.