[KenH]

Originally Posted by rakone

Ok, just be 100% clear as of today there is no USB interface retrofit kit for an e90?

Thanks

It depends on where you are.
If you are in Europe it would seem that there is indeed a retrofit kit available.
With part numbers, installation instructions, etc.
But if you are in the USA it would seem there is no retrofit kit.
And no definite news as to whether there will be one in the future.
Anywhere else in the world - who knows?

[AoshichanX]

I've resigned back to MP3 CDs for now. It isn't so bad. I still eagerly await updates!! Especially more info on whether any potential retrofit is tied to the production month/year of the e90/2

[BavarianBullet]

I think I'm leaning towards getting something like a Garmin streetpilot 7200 rather than this stupid 6FL enigma. GPS/NAV/Sat-Traffic/MP3[w/8GB SD card]/Satellite Radio (XM, the real thing).

Since I basically don't have many options other than sport and cold weather, this pretty much covers it all, and in a device that one can actually use. Sure it's not as nice as something built into the dash but it seems a lot more useful vs iDrive and a ton cheaper. I'm looking to spy one in person so I can see how the interface works.

I've seen a Nuvi 550 and played MP3 over it via my Aux connector and it sounded pretty good on my logic7. Given road noise and the type of music I listen to, I doubt I'd notice the difference in good aux vs real digital quality via USB.

BB

[keithdbodoh]

My dealer wrote the following:

Also, I just got your letter about the 6FL interface, and they are not offering that retrofit for the US Models yet. My shop foreman looked at the instructions for it that you sent, and he estimated that even if we could do it, it would cost in excess of $1000, which is probably not worth it for the extra couple of features that it may offer.

[KenH]

Originally Posted by keithdbodoh

My dealer wrote the following:

Also, I just got your letter about the 6FL interface, and they are not offering that retrofit for the US Models yet. My shop foreman looked at the instructions for it that you sent, and he estimated that even if we could do it, it would cost in excess of $1000, which is probably not worth it for the extra couple of features that it may offer.

I think your dealer is absolutely right in their price estimate although whether or not it is "worth it" depends on the individual.
My guess is that the prices will be something like this:
1. Basic e90 Kit $300-$350
2. ULF-High Box $500-$600
3. 2 - 2.5 hours dealer labor at ? per hour
So definitely more than $1,000. It makes the $400 original option price seem cheap.

[KenH]

I just got feedback that the basic e90 kit cost 196 pounds (+ value added tax) in the UK.
Multiply that by around 2x for US dollars.
So around $390.

[KenH]

In response to a request here are some additional wiring diagrams relevant to this topic.

[KenH]

In response to a further request here are the wiring diagrams for the Telematics.
Everest Telematics non-USA 3-07 to 9-07.pdf

Everest Telematics non-USA from 9-07.pdf

Everest Telematics USA 3-07 to 9-07.pdf

Everest Telematics USA from 9-07.pdf

Telematics Power Supply non-USA from 3-07 to 9-07.pdf

Telematics Power Supply non-USA from 9-07.pdf

Telematics Power Supply USA from 3-07.pdf

[djdaveyg]

I have 2 MULF2 High units with the intention to get bluetooth in my car. I have a NOV 2007 E90 that is not pre wired for BT, but i have already retro fitted the pro navigation.

I have part numbers 84109149843 and 84109187625. The first is for cars upto sept 2007 and the second for cars after sept 2007. I got both should one not work in my car.

I spent some time at autologic here in the UK yesterday. First of all, the autologic sysytem can see either of the 2 units and was happy to code either to the car. I chose to install the 7625 unit as it matches what i should have in my car.

The autologic system has the 6FL retrofit option available, but until yesterday the system could not code a MULF2 High for bluetooth. When trying to enable bluetooth the system looked for a MULF OR MULF 2 non high version.

They have the software enginners that configure the autologic system here in the UK so the guy took the autologic unit away and reconfigured it to add the option to code a MULF2 High for bluetooth. Now for any further applications that need this there is a autologic update that this guy has written so when you code a MULF2 High ther is an option for just 6FL or 6FL and Bluetooth. As i retrofitted the pro nav system i do not have assist and SOS options, so no TCU. I saw on the autologic system the option for TCU's but im not sure what would happen if people wanted to add a MULF2 High to a car with a TCU. I would say that if the autologic system has issues configuing any options the software guys writ a fix within an hour, and the even have software to simulate the car so they can test it.

So, i got the MULF2 High coded, bluetooth works with IDRIVE and i now have the oiption for USB audio under AUX inputs. I cant select it yet but i assume that that because i have now USB device attached.

I can also confirm that the retrofit kit is now available to buy, it has been released from hold. I am collecting mine tomorrow. The only one available is the second part number that kenH supplied, it comes with the power loom aswell as the USB loom, thas good for me as i have no pre wire in the boot. The only additional wires i need to run will be 2 or the mic.

I was expecting some sort of voice control form the MULF2 High but there was none. I even got autologic to add the option number to my VO. I think this is because i have the pro nav and the car wants to use the CCC as the voice command controller. I need to get the activation for this (maybe rom BMW)??

I will update tomorrow when i get the loom. I will not have time to fully fit it but i will hook it all up to see if i get the usb audio working. Its an added bonus if it works as i only set outy to get bluetooth.

I have the other MULF2 High on ebay if anyone needs it.

[gIzzE]

Hi Dave, good to see you are cracking on with this mate and you're right the USB is a nice bonus. Do you know who did the coding over at Autologic??

In the US they use TCU and the MULF2 HI together, but I think you replace it over here with the MULF2 HI completely when adding bluetooth.

I know Booster had problems with voice, he had it originally and then lost it when he put his nav in. Must just be a coding issue.

[djdaveyg]

Hi Mate,

I was working with Keith at autologic, one of there software engineers (i forget his name) he was a french guy. Knows the cars inside out and recoded the autologic system to code the MULF2 in about half hour. He pretty much said there not much he cant do with the cars.

I will speak with Booster because i know he was working on a crack to get the code needed for the voice activation. The guys said if i get the code for my car chasis number then they can load it into the the CCC to get it working.

[gIzzE]

Was it Edgar??? Something like that??

Post that reply in the UK forum as well will you mate?

[djdaveyg]

Yep, thats the guy..knows his stuff.

I got the retrofit kit today and have just hooked it up in the car to test. Bluetooth and usb audio are working!

You get both wire looms in the kit, one for usb and one for power to the MULF2. I guess if you already have bluetooth or BT pre wire you dont need the power loom with the fiber connetion. I needed both looms so its good value for me. I suppect you could by pass the usb hub and connect directly to the usb connector in the arm rest. However i would say that bmw would not sell me just the looms from the kit and also the fakra connector has different slots on the usb hub connection than the armrest connection.

Usb audio sounds much better, is the audio spec different than the ipod connecto

[1clean335i]

would make a lot more sense just to get the optioin when you order the car.... and that 2-2.5hr labor for install is way off... it would be double that if not more...

[toughluck]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

would make a lot more sense just to get the optioin when you order the car

[nidget]

Originally Posted by etik

BTW, I'm from Belgium in Europe and as per my dealer feedback the USB/Ipod retrofit is available to any car in Europe regardless of Idrive / non-Idrive / business radio / non business etc... I will ask confirmation by tomorrow.

But I know US and European car gets very different hifi installation, that could explain the option is available in Europe only ??

I'm from Belgium too. Can I ask how much you paid for this (including installation) ? Thanks.

Side note: I can use a USB key with any mid-level radio, but not in a 50k$ BMW car (even some toys of my 2 years daughter can plug a USB key in). This should be standard, but it's still an option ! Hey BMW, we are in the 21th century ! It makes you wonder...

[mkoesel]

So is it certain that the European upgrade kit will not work in a US car, even perhaps with some relatively trivial modification, due to the differences in the hardware between US and Europe?

We have a pre-03/07 335i and now that my M3 has 6FL my wife really wants it in the 335i too.

[jmonier]

Unless things have changed recently, the USB retrofit is only for the low end audio systems. It will not work in the high end audio systems even in Europe and those are the only ones that are supplied in US cars.

[mkoesel]

Originally Posted by jmonier

Unless things have changed recently, the USB retrofit is only for the low end audio systems. It will not work in the high end audio systems even in Europe and those are the only ones that are supplied
in US cars.

Really? Where did you read that?

Plus all, US 328i's get the lower end system standard and US 335i's get the lower end standard as of MY2009, so even if what you say is true it would still apply in some cases, but not mine unfortunately.

[freshwhite335]

Originally Posted by nj323ci

+1

+2

[freshwhite335]

Originally Posted by mkoesel

So is it certain that the European upgrade kit will not work in a US car, even perhaps with some relatively trivial modification, due to the differences in the hardware between US and Europe?

We have a pre-03/07 335i and now that my M3 has 6FL my wife really wants it in the 335i too.

+1 my 335 didnt have 6FL as an option and i dont have the paddles either its so sad

[HighVoltage]

Originally Posted by 1clean335i

would make a lot more sense just to get the optioin when you order the car.... and that 2-2.5hr labor for install is way off... it would be double that if not more...

Its not an option on a CPO...

Even new, it could turn out to be cost effective to do as a retrofit. Have you seen the IDrive/Nav retrofit? As much as $500 USD less than factory if you shop around for the parts.