FYI re: -522 ULF Module

[Kewl X5]

If anyone is interested in -522 ULF module (6th generation Visteon), which came out in 1/05, you can get them from www.bimmernav.com

(Info on Bluetooth Generation Modules--check out this article: http://www.xoutpost.com/bluetooth-pho...r-history.html)

Currently, the BMW dealers only stock the -552 (not to be confused with the -522 ULF) and the -552 modules are the 1st generation modules. The newer the generation, the more Bluetooth phones it is compatible with and plus it has newer firmware.

This is just an FYI....I have no financial interest with bimmernav.com and just passing the information.

[Randy@EIS]

As an additional FYI, the only real difference between the two modules is support for SMS text messaging. The 552 module doesn't support that whereas the 522 module does allow you to read them on the MID. This, I believe, is the main reason why the 522 modules are available in Europe and the 552 modules are available in the states. Anyone who travels to Europe will note that people use SMS like crazy over there and here in the states it isn't used hardly at all by most people. This is simply BMW trying to service as many customers and fit the needs of the audience as best they can. There are no specific issues with the firmware in the 552 module and if someone tells you there is ask them specifically what - I would challenge anyone to find a direct reference to a problem versus a marketing oriented statment such as "problematic." I have used 4 different versions of this module in my E39 and none work better than the others.
I would also suspect that if you ask E39 owners if "newer is better" (ie E60) you might not get consensus there.
Just my opinion of course but we have sold of 1000 ULF modules in the past 2 years and more than 85% have been the 552. We have never had a return due to issues related to the version of firmware.

[Kewl X5]

Thank you for your explanation. This was not meant to sway people away from -552 module. I guess, if anyone wants the -522 module, it is available.

Anyhow, SMS ala Text Messaging is used quite alot here these days. However, I don't know if what phones are supported by the -522 module SMS function.

Randy, thanks for the clarification.

Originally Posted by Randy@EIS

As an additional FYI, the only real difference between the two modules is support for SMS text messaging. The 552 module doesn't support that whereas the 522 module does allow you to read them on the MID. This, I believe, is the main reason why the 522 modules are available in Europe and the 552 modules are available in the states. Anyone who travels to Europe will note that people use SMS like crazy over there and here in the states it isn't used hardly at all by most people. This is simply BMW trying to service as many customers and fit the needs of the audience as best they can. There are no specific issues with the firmware in the 552 module and if someone tells you there is ask them specifically what - I would challenge anyone to find a direct reference to a problem versus a marketing oriented statment such as "problematic." I have used 4 different versions of this module in my E39 and none work better than the others.
I would also suspect that if you ask E39 owners if "newer is better" (ie E60) you might not get consensus there.
Just my opinion of course but we have sold of 1000 ULF modules in the past 2 years and more than 85% have been the 552. We have never had a return due to issues related to the version of firmware.

[Randy@EIS]

Hi Kewl, I do appreciate your objectivity and I wasn't trying to be defensive. You are right - there aren't alot of phone and service providers that support SMS over Bluetooth yet anyway. As is always the case - people will vote with their pocketbooks.

[Kewl X5]

We do appreciate all your support and candor and all your help. Again, X5World does support EIS kit!

Originally Posted by Randy@EIS

Hi Kewl, I do appreciate your objectivity and I wasn't trying to be defensive. You are right - there aren't alot of phone and service providers that support SMS over Bluetooth yet anyway. As is always the case - people will vote with their pocketbooks.

[TQ2K]

Originally Posted by Randy@EIS

As an additional FYI, the only real difference between the two modules is support for SMS text messaging. The 552 module doesn't support that whereas the 522 module does allow you to read them on the MID. This, I believe, is the main reason why the 522 modules are available in Europe and the 552 modules are available in the states. Anyone who travels to Europe will note that people use SMS like crazy over there and here in the states it isn't used hardly at all by most people. This is simply BMW trying to service as many customers and fit the needs of the audience as best they can. There are no specific issues with the firmware in the 552 module and if someone tells you there is ask them specifically what - I would challenge anyone to find a direct reference to a problem versus a marketing oriented statment such as "problematic." I have used 4 different versions of this module in my E39 and none work better than the others.
I would also suspect that if you ask E39 owners if "newer is better" (ie E60) you might not get consensus there.
Just my opinion of course but we have sold of 1000 ULF modules in the past 2 years and more than 85% have been the 552. We have never had a return due to issues related to the version of firmware.

- I have both (522 & 552) on our bimmers and there really isn't any audio or connection quality differences.

The 522 is indeed capable of SMS but does not support all BMW BT compatible phones. The phone I've used to test SMS is a SE T610 and I've attached a picture.

For the second ULF, I came to realize why buy a more expensive ULF module where I can't even use it's extra functionality... given that quality is just the same I opted for the cheaper 552 ULF module.

[Kewl X5]

Just curious, what is the price difference on -522 and -552. Also, why does BMW have several generations of ULF bluetooth modules? There have been reports that certain ULF work better than other.

Originally Posted by TQ2K

- I have both (522 & 552) on our bimmers and there really isn't any audio or connection quality differences.

The 522 is indeed capable of SMS but does not support all BMW BT compatible phones. The phone I've used to test SMS is a SE T610 and I've attached a picture.

For the second ULF, I came to realize why buy a more expensive ULF module where I can't even use it's extra functionality... given that quality is just the same I opted for the cheaper 552 ULF module.

[Clem]

Great info. I was actually looking for the differences between the "Generations" of ULF.

1 question I have is since the 522 allows you to receive/read SMS messages in the vehicle's display does it also allow you to send them?