BTW, you can find the passkey on the TCU module itself. There will be a sticker on it and the 4 digit passkey is on that sticker. No need to go to the dealer. Here is an example. "PK" is the passkey.

how do I locate the TCU?

ya know what... I just found out the dealer gave me a wrong set of owner's manual... I confirmed it by trying my spare key and it's not working... after a close look they game me a Z4 set of books with a Z4 key spare key.

I definitely have to go back now and get my proper documentation

What a bonehead dealer. TCU is on the left side of the trunk. Remove the left side trunk panel (where the nav system & cd changer (if you have it) are located). Look down. The TCU is the rectangular aluminum module, about 4" x 9" (rough estimate from memory). You'll need to remove the black plastic panel that is partially covering it (2 or 3 plastic screws). The TCU is fixed in that locatation with a bracket. You might be able to read the label without removing the bracket, but maybe not, don't remember. Should take you 15 minutes to find it. Get it and write it down in a safe place.

Look at the tip of the blue arrow in the picture. Ignore the red arrow.

Ok, I took this to the dealer (BMW). They brought it into look at the vehicle (spent 15 - 20 minutes). It in fact has the TCU (I saw the picture someone posted and yes, it looks just like that), the manager said they tried a "hard reset" on the TCU and still could not solve the problem and want the vehicle for the day to resolve the issue -- he stated that sometimes the TCU needs to be recoded.

I suspect he knows more about this than I do. My feeling is that the prior owner had BMW Assist, let the subscription run out thus disabling the TCU unit in the car, which requires the dealer to go in and do *something* to solve the problem.

However, I'm skeptical. I'm afraid that this is basically a "reset" someplace and I'm going to pay $500 to fix something that is going to be nothing more than a couple minutes of work.

Couple of things. I don't know anything about your car and it's TCU module, but there was a recall on a bunch and those needed recoding, etc. In addition, yes the system need to be re-initialized. I can't recall if it is covered under a warranty or not. Have to look.

Well, my car is out of warranty as it has 51K and is a 2005. Unfortunately.
The service manager mentioned a "bulletin", so If its a recall, is that covered?

Is your car CPO?

I went to the dealer today and picked up the right owner's manual as well as the 2 set of spare keys and valet key

passkey code leaflet was in the kit and boom... as easy as blinking an eye my blackberry 8820 connected to my nav system and uploaded all address book... I'm a happy camper

:thumbup:

Not a recall. A reactivation of it is required if it has not been used.