[cyow5]

I have read through a bit of the numerous threads on the topic, so I just want to confirm that I'm understanding this all correctly. I have options S693 (sat radio prep), S645 (US radio), S640 (telephone prep), S676 (hi fi speakers), and S663 (pre radio). I think that all I need to add for bluetooth and for sat radio are the trunk boxes and of course the coding to make them work. I don't really need any advanced features with the phone - mostly just answering calls with the steering wheel - so I am reading this all correctly? Any reason I should go with MUFL instead of TCU?

[ctuna]

a mulf 2 hi has usb .
But I would go with this it's much less hard to install and it
gives you way more features.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499808

[cyow5]

Originally Posted by ctuna

a mulf 2 hi has usb .
But I would go with this it's much less hard to install and it
gives you way more features.
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1499808

Less hard to install? To add a TCU, all I need to do is connect the box to the existing wiring in the trunk, no?

I don't want to spend the time running wires for USB, so is there any functional reason for the MULF over TCU? Better BT, better call functionality, etc?

[ctuna]

No. The Mulf is a separate unit it could not do SOS but BMW
abandoned SOS on 2g anyway.
You may have to program a TCU when you get it from another car.
They don't always turn on all the functions and its voice recognition
may be from another country and its Vin will be different.

[cyow5]

Originally Posted by ctuna

No. The Mulf is a separate unit it could not do SOS but BMW
abandoned SOS on 2g anyway.
You may have to program a TCU when you get it from another car.
They don't always turn on all the functions and its voice recognition
may be from another country and its Vin will be different.

You're saying no to what? Your first response was that adding the Ebay unit was easier even though it looks like more work, so I asked to clarify that.

[ctuna]

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1181654

usb is nice for music library if you don't have any other method of storing
music.

ebay box has both usb , sd card for music storage and bluetooth streaming for music although the interface is kind of wonky.

TCU gets you bluetooth phone(only) and voice control.

Also some of if you can program modules on the Most Bus is dependent
on the year of the car. Cars made after 3/07 require a more expensive
Icom cable to program Most Bus attached modules.

The think is a TCU doesn't give you very much.

Diagnostic Manuals Inpa/Ista D
https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF
https://carmod.ru/files/icom/istad_en.pdf
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-P-actually-do
primary links
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...9&d=1539905743
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573

[cyow5]

Originally Posted by ctuna

https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1181654

usb is nice for music library if you don't have any other method of storing
music.

ebay box has both usb , sd card for music storage and bluetooth streaming for music although the interface is kind of wonky.

TCU gets you bluetooth phone(only) and voice control.

Also some of if you can program modules on the Most Bus is dependent
on the year of the car. Cars made after 3/07 require a more expensive
Icom cable to program Most Bus attached modules.

The think is a TCU doesn't give you very much.

Diagnostic Manuals Inpa/Ista D
https://bimmerprofs.com/diagnostics-inpa-part-1/
https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...7x8H3pN8h1fMuF
https://carmod.ru/files/icom/istad_en.pdf
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573
https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...-P-actually-do
primary links
https://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/at...9&d=1539905743
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1681573

I don't care for USB or anything. No value added there. As in my original post, my only goal is hands-free calling. I'd only go with MUFL if it is cheaper, more reliable, easier to install, etc. More features is a moot point.

[ctuna]

You have to rewire that Mike with a lot of car so just go ahead
and buy your TCU.

[cyow5]

So to confirm then, the only hardware I need for a TCU retrofit is the TCU itself, right? I've looked through those threads you linked and the only info I think I had missed was the different cable. Otherwise, I *think* I have it all covered but just want to check before digging in and finding out I wasn't as close as I thought. I have enough other projects, so this needs to be an in-and-out kinda job