Retrofit Bluetooth with a TCU instead of a ULF in any I-Bus Car - Page 7

SLX5 · #1 07-03-2009, 08:20 AM

I came across this on the BMW bluetooth

http://www.e38.org/BMW-03_00-Voice-Control-en.pdf

(pg 10)

The names and telephone numbers
entered in your voice control
phonebook are independent of the
telephone or SIM card memory of your
BMW car telephone or BMW mobile
phone.
In other words, it is not possible to call
up the numbers stored in the telephone
itself or on the SIM card by voice input,
nor is it possible to store numbers there
by voice input.

But people in here have being able to do it.

JT///MC · #2 07-12-2009, 12:19 PM

Hey Brian. I did install (update) my mk4 with a ver that had the ///M logo that I dl'd from the M5 boards. I wonder if that has anything to do with it. Unfortunately, navcoder is pc based and I'm a Mac user. Do you think if I just reinstalled he most recent mk4 software update it may fix my issue? Currently with the tcu I bought, it says "phone connected?" when you go to the telephone screen. Does that mean something? Any help is appreciated! TIA!

Brian-bmw · #3 07-12-2009, 01:44 PM

The updated nav OS has nothing to do with the Bluetooth function on the TCU. They are independent of one another.

I am not as familiar with the TCU messages, so I can only think of three potential causes of a "phone connected" message.

1) Bluetooth is disabled
2) A Bluetoth phone is not paired with the car
3) The TCU does not support Bluetooth, and the wired handset is not connected

Just to go back and double-check, what is the part number of your TCU module? I looked back through one of your other threads, and you mentioned a part number 84.10-9 120 844 that you were helping install in a friend's car. I originally said that was a good PN, but I must have misread the number. Part number 84.10-9 120 844 does not support Bluetooth.

abster641 · #4 09-30-2009, 10:12 AM

I updated my TCU with the latest model and no luck. I have to do some more research. I had installed a pairing button with the intent of getting a ULF before all this new info about the TCU. I will remove the pairing button and see if I can even get it to recognize. I purchased a re manufactured unit from Tischer. Any ideas of what I should check for? I will verify that there is a bluetooth antenna. That is the only other thing I can think of that may be missing. I have a 04X5 made in August of 03.

Thanks!

Brian-bmw · #5 09-30-2009, 11:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by abster641

I had installed a pairing button with the intent of getting a ULF before all this new info about the TCU. I will remove the pairing button and see if I can even get it to recognize.

Definitely remove the pairing button and eject box if you have that too. These are incompatible with the TCU.

Next, your car most likely does not have a Bluetooth antenn. It might have the BT antenna cable, though. So, if you have not installed a BT antenna and have not visually verified that one is in the car, then you will need to add that.

Finally +1 to everything SLX5 suggested. The TCU goes into pairing mode for a couple minutes every time you start the car. So, just be ready to pair your phone as soon as you switch the ignition on.

SLX5 · #6 09-30-2009, 10:26 AM

As soon as you start your car it, it goes into pairing mode. I would suggest to put the phone into pairing mode, start the car and take the phone to the trunk where you have installed the TCU. Even if you don't have an Antenna, it should pick up. Remember you will need the pass key once it pairs. Also check for the mic.

abster641 · #7 09-30-2009, 10:54 AM

SL,
Thanks for the tips. I also replaced the mic with the newer model. I will try it from the trunk area though that is a good point.

Abster

abster641 · #8 09-30-2009, 12:04 PM

Brian,
Thanks for the feedback. I have one question about verifying that there is an antenna, where is the antenna usually located? I remember something about the pillar of the drivers side door? Also, do you have part number for the antenna? I need to return the core to Tischer and I will use the refund to purchase an antenna if required.

Thanks!

Brian-bmw · #9 09-30-2009, 01:15 PM

I am not sure where the BT antenna is officially located in the X5. I think that it is on a bracket above the nav computer/CD changer.

Here is the BT antenna part number, and a BT antenna cable if you need that too.
84.50-6 928 461 Bluetooth antenna
61.12-0 137 616 Bluetooth antenna cable

themoth · #10 10-06-2009, 11:36 PM

what TCU is needed to add Bluetooth to an 04 4.4i MY 8/04, thanks