Retrofit Bluetooth with a TCU instead of a ULF in any I-Bus Car - Page 5

X5Bill · #41 06-24-2009, 11:10 AM

Brian, Hi, Thank you, It has a BT antenna mounted, but is it for the assist, if so then I would need a second antenna? I would need coding to get the VR to work?
What is it that Jochen is working on with navcoder, will that allow us all to have VR, or will we have to use the GT1 softwae?

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Brian-bmw · #42 06-24-2009, 11:25 AM

The car only needs one BT antenna. So, if it is there, then it is all the newer BT TCU needs. However, you will probably have to visually confirm the presence of the BT antenna to be sure.

The dealer's Progman (GT1, etc.) software is what you probably want to use to code it. It will fully configure the Assist and other settings for your car. However, if you do not care about Assist, then all you really need is Jochen's NavCoder to enable voice recognition.

X5Bill · #43 06-24-2009, 11:35 AM

Well I wonder why there is a BT antenna, it is even mounted where the BT antenna goes and it says bluetooth antenna...I better check the part number on the TCU, something is up...oh and Brian I am 750il96erbill over on the BB!!

Brian-bmw · #44 06-24-2009, 11:43 AM

Very cool-- good to make the connection. Your X5 is stunning, by the way. I love that color. It is not Imola, right? It looks like it has a little more blue than Imola in the pictures.

Anyway, you probably do have the BT antenna. BMW installed a lot of BT antennas in cars that did not come with BT-capable TCU modules. So, you could be in that lucky crew. My hunch is that all you need is a TCU swap and coding.

X5Bill · #45 06-24-2009, 11:59 AM

Thank you! and it is Imola, I was using my cellphone for the pic and that is when it was still on the lot.
I will check the TCU tonight for a P/N.

VetteRacer · #46 06-24-2009, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brian-bmw

Yes, this would be plug-and-play in your car. I helped a friend of mine do this installation in his 2001 750iL with SES. Your in-car wiring is essentially identical to his. All you need is the 25-pin to 54-pin adapter and the TCU part number listed above. That is it.

Do not use an E90 TCU; that would be incompatible with your car. This TCU, part number 84.10-9 195 455 is described as a "CDMA" TCU. Other units described as "GSM" are for European-markets, I think, and would not be compatible with your car.

Thanks Brian.
I am guessing you have a ULF setup in your E38? Did you notice a difference between the ULF in yours and TCU in his, as far as features of BT or Voice Recognition?
BTW, Any pics of your car? I love the Highline Interior on those... Was planning to get an E38 before I test drove an M5 and fell in love with the power...
Also, any pictures of the BT Antenna connector, or anyone know what kind of connector is used?
Matt

Brian-bmw · #47 06-24-2009, 04:19 PM

Thanks for the interior compliments. I love it-- it is the reason I bought the car, actually. I had a 1998 740iL for 6 years, and I developed a serious Jones for the Highline. So, I sold it and bought the 2000 750iL a couple years ago. Unfortunately, I do not have any good pictures handy. Also, the Bluetooth antenna plug is called a "Fakra" plug, but I do not have any handy pictures of that either.

Yes, I have a ULF, and I have installed a TCU in my Dad's 2002 E46 and helped my friend install a TCU in his 2001 750iL.

Here is a list of the major differences we have identified so far between the two:

ULF has voice recognition enabled in the factory default coding
TCU has voice recognition disabled in the factory default coding
NavCoder can enable and disable voice recognition in both TCU and ULF modules

ULF has the complete VR instruction set that includes navigation commands
TCU only has the telephone-related Vr instruction set

ULF requires a pairing button (typically with an eject box and and adapter wiring)
TCU does not require a pairing button

ULF 13th generation discounted "official" retail price is $455 (Tischer BMW as of June 2009), but unavailable through US dealers
ULF 13th gen typically costs >$600 from eBay and other non-BMW sellers
TCU costs $328 + $50 core (Tischer as of June 2009), and is easily available through all US dealers

ULF 13th prices used on eBay are typically around $500
TCU used prices on ebay are typically arond $250 for the newest version

TCU seems to have better in-car volume than the ULF (my own personal experience comparing my ULF to two other TCU installations).

TCU shows signal strength on the navigation screen telephone menu.

TCU has a slightly cooler ring sound (my own personal preference)

VetteRacer · #48 06-24-2009, 05:17 PM

Thanks for the feedback Brian, too bad GA is so far from San Diego...
With the stock SES module I dont need the VR (TCU) enabled right? SES will take care of nav and phone?

What should I search for on Ebay? I only found a non BT TCU, and a few E90 units (which are MOST right?)
Wish I could try it out before kicking down the $, not sure if its something I really need or not...
Thanks again.
Matt

Brian-bmw · #49 06-24-2009, 05:42 PM

Right, since you have VR covered with your SES, the TCU is perfect. If you buy a used TCU, it could have VR turned on. In that case, you could use NavCoder to disable VR. Here is a great TCU part number reference. This will help guide you to the TCUs that have Bluetooth (and VR). In your case, you could live with a slightly older TCU that has BT but not VR.

http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/p...artNumbers.pdf

abster641 · #50 07-01-2009, 11:11 PM

Has any one actually tried to swap a TCU in a pre March 2004 build of the X5? Any one done the swap of TCU in an X5 and actually gotten it to work? I was considering trying it but I can't return the module if it does not work. All the anecdotal evidence seems to be in other cars and not the X5. I know there was a specific wiring issue with the X5 that prevented the early adopters that thought they had bluetooth from actually installing a TCU. The only known option is still a ULF. Anyone have any feedback?
Thanks!

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