**Bluetooth Retrofit Guide** for TCU and ULF

Fugly M3 · 06-02-2010, 06:48 PM

look in the trunk- pull the floor panel out and check for a big wiring harness on the passenger side or leading to the passenger side- if it is not there or if you dont have multiple wiring harnesses then you dont have prewiring

jimk · 06-02-2010, 06:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricepaper

Hi guys,

I've just bought a used 2009 335i but it doesn't come with bluetooth. I think it has the prewiring, but I called 4 dealership and they say they can't install bluetooth in my car?? I emailed bimmernav and they say to order their retrofit kit, but was wonder how I would make it work if the dealership doesn't want to do it or say it's not possible?
I live in Orange county, CA if anyone knows a dealership that would be willing to program it let me know I think I would be ordering the kit if it's doable.

thanks

What's the production date of your 09 335? If it is 03/2009 or after, you won't have the prewiring. Do you have the USB/IPod options?

ricepaper · 06-03-2010, 05:20 PM

I checked the trunk it does have wiring cables that is not connected to anything. I think my production date is after 3/2009. I have ipod/usb installed. and pre-wiring for car alarm? don't know if that's the wiring in the trunk. will take picture an post if needed.

Fugly M3 · 06-03-2010, 06:02 PM

there has to be more than one set of wires to have phone pre-wiring. the phone wiring will be 3 different groups of cables- one with a green and black fiber optic cable into a black plastic plug, one with a bundle of wires (wrapped together) going into an SES jumper connector (rectangualr, about 2 inches by .75 inches) and then three or four cables to connectors are marked by color- white, blue, purple and black if you have all four of them, missing one of those colors if you have just three of them

jimk · 06-03-2010, 06:06 PM

You can code the USB module (MULF2) for bluetooth. Problem is you have to find an Autologic equiped shop to do it as the dealer won't do it. Then, you have to change some pins in the wiring and add an antenna and a mic. Do a search and you'll find out more.

ricepaper · 06-04-2010, 04:36 PM

sounds complicated. any suggestion to where to get it recoded? or better off buying tcu unit?

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...s640/MULF2.jpg

WIRES:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...AND%20WIRE.jpg

Fugly M3 · 06-04-2010, 05:01 PM

those don't look like the right wires for the phone- I think those are sat radio prep and that you dont have phone prep

jimk · 06-04-2010, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricepaper

sounds complicated. any suggestion to where to get it recoded? or better off buying tcu unit?

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...s640/MULF2.jpg

WIRES:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...AND%20WIRE.jpg

The TCU won't work because you don't have the proper wiring. You can go the mObridge route but you'd loose the USB. Still, you'd have to code the vehicle with AutoLogic for ULF while the MULF2 (USB) is connected, then disconnect the MULF2 and connect the mObridge. I have a mObridge BT1000 that I currently use that soon will be up for sale. Let me know if there's any interest.

tom @ eas · 06-04-2010, 05:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricepaper

sounds complicated. any suggestion to where to get it recoded? or better off buying tcu unit?

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...s640/MULF2.jpg

WIRES:
http://lh4.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...AND%20WIRE.jpg

The wiring you have pictured is for Satellite radio.

ricepaper · 06-09-2010, 01:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

The wiring you have pictured is for Satellite radio.

Guess i would have to go w/ the non-factory option. I Love my USB option if I recode like Jimk state i would lose the usb that would be sad.

any opinion on the plain plug n play bluetooth from
http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=411

tom @ eas · 06-09-2010, 11:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ricepaper

Guess i would have to go w/ the non-factory option. I Love my USB option if I recode like Jimk state i would lose the usb that would be sad.

any opinion on the plain plug n play bluetooth from
http://www.bavauto.com/se1.asp?dept_id=411

I would advise checking the mObridge options on our site, which emulate the factory TCU fully and support more phones.

discoboy1 · 06-18-2010, 01:33 PM

Sorry but it is mentionned in the first page that all US cars have phone prep, is this the case also for Canadian cars???

bavaddict · 06-18-2010, 01:53 PM

I believe in 09 (could be late 08 production as well) they stopped doing that.

Best thing is to get your last 7 digits of your vin, call Laval or Canbec and ask parts guys to tell you if they see "SA640" option listed.

SGxi · 06-22-2010, 05:52 PM

I bought a TCU module off a local member for $200CAD and asked my dealer to see if my MY06 Sept build will work with the TCU. I was provided with the TCU module, the bluetooth antenna and the mic when I bought it.

Since my car has Premium pack with the telephone prep (Canadian spec 328xi), they managed to get it to work. However, I was told I will get an error at startup because I don't have the overhead console with the SOS/telemetic button. The dealer is ordering me the trunk TCU holder, which is $25 to keep the module from moving in the trunk. Total cost, including the TCU that I sourced myself, plus labour will come to probably $850 CAD at my dealer. It is a 5 hour labour charge for the install and programming.

If I can get the overhead console with the SOS button, I would be able to get rid of the error, however, dealer quoted $600+ for the part itself, plus install...etc.

E92Vancouver · 06-22-2010, 06:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGxi

I bought a TCU module off a local member for $200CAD and asked my dealer to see if my MY06 Sept build will work with the TCU. I was provided with the TCU module, the bluetooth antenna and the mic when I bought it.

Since my car has Premium pack with the telephone prep (Canadian spec 328xi), they managed to get it to work. However, I was told I will get an error at startup because I don't have the overhead console with the SOS/telemetic button. The dealer is ordering me the trunk TCU holder, which is $25 to keep the module from moving in the trunk. Total cost, including the TCU that I sourced myself, plus labour will come to probably $850 CAD at my dealer. It is a 5 hour labour charge for the install and programming.

If I can get the overhead console with the SOS button, I would be able to get rid of the error, however, dealer quoted $600+ for the part itself, plus install...etc.

The labour to install my Bluetooth system after the fact was 2.5 hours.

I have the roof unit which gives me BMW Assist. I use this for directions. You get 1 year free service.

It was expensive, but absolutely worth it!!!

SGxi · 06-22-2010, 07:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by E92Vancouver

The labour to install my Bluetooth system after the fact was 2.5 hours.

I have the roof unit which gives me BMW Assist. I use this for directions. You get 1 year free service.

It was expensive, but absolutely worth it!!!

Retrofit for BMW assist will also get you 1 year free service? That is interesting!

I guess since I sourced my own parts, the dealer had to find some way to make some money.

I will most likely try to source the overhead console from US or from other sources. It looks like your dealer gave you a discount for your parts!

E92Vancouver · 06-22-2010, 11:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGxi

Retrofit for BMW assist will also get you 1 year free service? That is interesting!

I guess since I sourced my own parts, the dealer had to find some way to make some money.

I will most likely try to source the overhead console from US or from other sources. It looks like your dealer gave you a discount for your parts!

Yes, I got a discount. I told the dealer I was on the fence about this option even though I wasn't. They asked if 10% would push me off the fence and do the deal. The rest is history.

The BMW Assist is awesome. If you get into an accident, BMW Assist is called right away. They know if the air bags have gone off and how many people are in the car. An operator will ask you if you are okay. Pretty cool.

The cost is expensive but worth it and this is why it is so expensive:

1. The TCU has a GPS built into it. If you get into an accident or need assistance, BMW Assist knows exactly where you are. When I call in, they tell me what street I am on.

2. The TCU has a built in 3 watt GSM cell phone. If you forget your cell phone, you can still talk to BMW Assist. If you get into an accident and don't have a cell phone or if your cell battery is dead, BMW Assist can call you and vice versa with the built in 3 watt GSM cell phone. This phone has its own phone number but BMW will not tell you the number. It is strictly for communications between BMW Assist and the car.

3. You get a bluetooth hands free kit. When a call comes in, the stereo is automatically muted and the caller ID is displayed on the radio. Your steering wheel controls work.

The call comes through on all of the car's front speakers and sounds awesome.

The stereo head unit has some cool features like caller ID, last 8 numbers dialed (with names), call time, length of call and your top 8 calls.

The other thing I love is that my address book on my PC (outlook) syncs wirelessly with my Blackberry, My Blackberry syncs wirelessly with my BMW address book. Very cool.

The voice dialing is awesome too!!!

Syncing between the car and the phone is seamless as you get in and out of the car.

SGxi · 06-23-2010, 10:01 PM

Dealer got it to work today, without the FZD. Their solution to doing this is to program the car with a FZD they have that has BMW Assist then remove and reinstall the original one back into the car. The only problem with this solution is you will get an error at startup, and the small warning triangle in your trip computer. If you can live with this, then it's not all bad because you will save at least $350. (This is Tischer's price for the FZD)

If your car has the telephone prep, all you need is the TCU, the BT antenna and the microphone. If you can't stand having an error on your car, then you will need to get the FZD, which my dealer wants $700 (tax incl.). I ended up getting it through them since they will make sure the part is correct and will work on my car.

carbidetech · 06-24-2010, 10:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SGxi

Dealer got it to work today, without the FZD. Their solution to doing this is to program the car with a FZD they have that has BMW Assist then remove and reinstall the original one back into the car. The only problem with this solution is you will get an error at startup, and the small warning triangle in your trip computer. If you can live with this, then it's not all bad because you will save at least $350. (This is Tischer's price for the FZD)

If your car has the telephone prep, all you need is the TCU, the BT antenna and the microphone. If you can't stand having an error on your car, then you will need to get the FZD, which my dealer wants $700 (tax incl.). I ended up getting it through them since they will make sure the part is correct and will work on my car.

I posted on this in the diy section I believe. I did essentially what your saying but I supplied the FZD with the SOS button. They programmed with that one, removed it, then put my non-sos FZD back in. I had the little error triangle all the way home from the dealer. Just for shits and giggles, I put the SOS equipped FZD back in when I got home. Started the car up and still had the same warning triangle. The next morning, I started up the car, heading out of the neighborhood, I noticed the error had cleared itself! It's been a few days now and it's still gone.

My car is a 02/2007 328i non I drive. The FZD I purchased was from a 2008 335i. Wrong part number for sure but it works.

olili2010 · 08-29-2010, 04:54 PM

If you want to delete the eror message, it isn't necessary to replace the FZD module.
Simply put a capacity of 470µf (unpolorize) between the TCU (PIN 31 emergency SOS button) and the ground of the TCU modul.
I did it on my car and the sos message has disappeared.

Don't forget to close the car and wait 10 minutes before to check if really the message has disappeared.

tylerdurdon · 10-02-2010, 01:16 PM

Hey fellas,

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this post...lots of good information here!

I am going to do the TCU install (with all additional components) in a '07 335i. I was wondering if salvaging the components would cause any issue, but from the previous posts, none of the folks who said they were salvaging and then getting them programmed came back with any woes. (I didn't know if there was some kind of registration within the TCU that would assign that particular model to the VIN of the wrecked car or something and cause me grief if I installed that into mine)

Anywho, having read, I'm looking forward to hitting the salvage lots and seeing what I can find.

I do have an issue though. Having just bought the car (used), I took it into my local dealer (Dallas) and had the regular maintenance done. While I was there, I talked to the SA about what I planned to do and pretty much had to convince him at first that this was possible. Once he talked to his shop folks, he quoted me the estimate for reprogramming (saying they'd never done one, and that there would be no warranty, etc) for $657!!!! Programming only!

Now, I've seen other quotes within this thread that go as low as $157 for the programming (in OKC).

Can any of you give me any tips on the best way to get this done? Should I just shop around to the various BMW dealerships to see who's got the lowest price? I'm guessing I'll probably have to drive to OKC if I can get them to honor that price I saw earlier, but I wanted to make sure there was nothing else that I was missing since some of you seem "in the know."

Thanks for any info you can give, and have given.

AoshichanX · 10-02-2010, 02:22 PM

PM Patrys with your VIN. Once you have the TCU/FZD/rest of the parts Patrys should be able to code your car.

If you are interested in the 6FL retrofit down the road, you may want a newer TCU.

Quote:

Originally Posted by tylerdurdon

Hey fellas,

Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this post...lots of good information here!

I am going to do the TCU install (with all additional components) in a '07 335i. I was wondering if salvaging the components would cause any issue, but from the previous posts, none of the folks who said they were salvaging and then getting them programmed came back with any woes. (I didn't know if there was some kind of registration within the TCU that would assign that particular model to the VIN of the wrecked car or something and cause me grief if I installed that into mine)

Anywho, having read, I'm looking forward to hitting the salvage lots and seeing what I can find.

I do have an issue though. Having just bought the car (used), I took it into my local dealer (Dallas) and had the regular maintenance done. While I was there, I talked to the SA about what I planned to do and pretty much had to convince him at first that this was possible. Once he talked to his shop folks, he quoted me the estimate for reprogramming (saying they'd never done one, and that there would be no warranty, etc) for $657!!!! Programming only!

Now, I've seen other quotes within this thread that go as low as $157 for the programming (in OKC).

Can any of you give me any tips on the best way to get this done? Should I just shop around to the various BMW dealerships to see who's got the lowest price? I'm guessing I'll probably have to drive to OKC if I can get them to honor that price I saw earlier, but I wanted to make sure there was nothing else that I was missing since some of you seem "in the know."

Thanks for any info you can give, and have given.

06-02-2010, 06:48 PM	#199
Fugly M3 Major General 5029 Rep 5,094 Posts Drives: 2023 M3CX Join Date: May 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (5)	look in the trunk- pull the floor panel out and check for a big wiring harness on the passenger side or leading to the passenger side- if it is not there or if you dont have multiple wiring harnesses then you dont have prewiring __________________ 2024 M4CX M2C PCD M2C Mountain West Roadie M4 Cross Country Roadie 2017 230i ED 2023 G87 Nurburgring Trip
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06-03-2010, 05:20 PM	#201
ricepaper New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335I 2009 Join Date: May 2010 Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CA iTrader: (0)	I checked the trunk it does have wiring cables that is not connected to anything. I think my production date is after 3/2009. I have ipod/usb installed. and pre-wiring for car alarm? don't know if that's the wiring in the trunk. will take picture an post if needed.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2010, 06:02 PM	#202
Fugly M3 Major General 5029 Rep 5,094 Posts Drives: 2023 M3CX Join Date: May 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (5)	there has to be more than one set of wires to have phone pre-wiring. the phone wiring will be 3 different groups of cables- one with a green and black fiber optic cable into a black plastic plug, one with a bundle of wires (wrapped together) going into an SES jumper connector (rectangualr, about 2 inches by .75 inches) and then three or four cables to connectors are marked by color- white, blue, purple and black if you have all four of them, missing one of those colors if you have just three of them __________________ 2024 M4CX M2C PCD M2C Mountain West Roadie M4 Cross Country Roadie 2017 230i ED 2023 G87 Nurburgring Trip
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-03-2010, 06:06 PM	#203
jimk Captain 101 Rep 933 Posts Drives: 2018 M550i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Camarillo, CA iTrader: (8)	You can code the USB module (MULF2) for bluetooth. Problem is you have to find an Autologic equiped shop to do it as the dealer won't do it. Then, you have to change some pins in the wiring and add an antenna and a mic. Do a search and you'll find out more.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2010, 04:36 PM	#204
ricepaper New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: 335I 2009 Join Date: May 2010 Location: ORANGE COUNTY, CA iTrader: (0)	sounds complicated. any suggestion to where to get it recoded? or better off buying tcu unit? http://lh5.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...s640/MULF2.jpg WIRES: http://lh4.ggpht.com/_a7zydThJCEE/TA...AND%20WIRE.jpg
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06-04-2010, 05:01 PM	#205
Fugly M3 Major General 5029 Rep 5,094 Posts Drives: 2023 M3CX Join Date: May 2006 Location: SoCal iTrader: (5)	those don't look like the right wires for the phone- I think those are sat radio prep and that you dont have phone prep __________________ 2024 M4CX M2C PCD M2C Mountain West Roadie M4 Cross Country Roadie 2017 230i ED 2023 G87 Nurburgring Trip
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06-18-2010, 01:33 PM	#210
discoboy1 Lieutenant Colonel 120 Rep 1,555 Posts Drives: E82 1M VO/F30 328D Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Montreal iTrader: (3)	Sorry but it is mentionned in the first page that all US cars have phone prep, is this the case also for Canadian cars??? __________________ 2011 E82 1M VO 2013 F84 35i VO
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06-18-2010, 01:53 PM	#211
bavaddict Lieutenant 51 Rep 443 Posts Drives: F32 435i MPerf Edit Join Date: May 2010 Location: East Coast iTrader: (0)	I believe in 09 (could be late 08 production as well) they stopped doing that. Best thing is to get your last 7 digits of your vin, call Laval or Canbec and ask parts guys to tell you if they see "SA640" option listed.
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06-22-2010, 05:52 PM	#212
SGxi Major General 158 Rep 6,805 Posts Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 328xi [0.00]	I bought a TCU module off a local member for $200CAD and asked my dealer to see if my MY06 Sept build will work with the TCU. I was provided with the TCU module, the bluetooth antenna and the mic when I bought it. Since my car has Premium pack with the telephone prep (Canadian spec 328xi), they managed to get it to work. However, I was told I will get an error at startup because I don't have the overhead console with the SOS/telemetic button. The dealer is ordering me the trunk TCU holder, which is $25 to keep the module from moving in the trunk. Total cost, including the TCU that I sourced myself, plus labour will come to probably $850 CAD at my dealer. It is a 5 hour labour charge for the install and programming. If I can get the overhead console with the SOS button, I would be able to get rid of the error, however, dealer quoted $600+ for the part itself, plus install...etc. __________________ MY07 A22 E90 N52Nxi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-23-2010, 10:01 PM	#216
SGxi Major General 158 Rep 6,805 Posts Drives: E90 328xi Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto iTrader: (17) Garage List 2007 328xi [0.00]	Dealer got it to work today, without the FZD. Their solution to doing this is to program the car with a FZD they have that has BMW Assist then remove and reinstall the original one back into the car. The only problem with this solution is you will get an error at startup, and the small warning triangle in your trip computer. If you can live with this, then it's not all bad because you will save at least $350. (This is Tischer's price for the FZD) If your car has the telephone prep, all you need is the TCU, the BT antenna and the microphone. If you can't stand having an error on your car, then you will need to get the FZD, which my dealer wants $700 (tax incl.). I ended up getting it through them since they will make sure the part is correct and will work on my car. __________________ MY07 A22 E90 N52Nxi
	Appreciate 0 Quote

08-29-2010, 04:54 PM	#218
olili2010 Registered 0 Rep 1 Posts Drives: 118d Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: France iTrader: (0)	If you want to delete the eror message, it isn't necessary to replace the FZD module. Simply put a capacity of 470µf (unpolorize) between the TCU (PIN 31 emergency SOS button) and the ground of the TCU modul. I did it on my car and the sos message has disappeared. Don't forget to close the car and wait 10 minutes before to check if really the message has disappeared.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-02-2010, 01:16 PM	#219
tylerdurdon Private 22 Rep 68 Posts Drives: BMW 335i Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	Hey fellas, Thanks to all of you who have contributed to this post...lots of good information here! I am going to do the TCU install (with all additional components) in a '07 335i. I was wondering if salvaging the components would cause any issue, but from the previous posts, none of the folks who said they were salvaging and then getting them programmed came back with any woes. (I didn't know if there was some kind of registration within the TCU that would assign that particular model to the VIN of the wrecked car or something and cause me grief if I installed that into mine) Anywho, having read, I'm looking forward to hitting the salvage lots and seeing what I can find. I do have an issue though. Having just bought the car (used), I took it into my local dealer (Dallas) and had the regular maintenance done. While I was there, I talked to the SA about what I planned to do and pretty much had to convince him at first that this was possible. Once he talked to his shop folks, he quoted me the estimate for reprogramming (saying they'd never done one, and that there would be no warranty, etc) for $657!!!! Programming only! Now, I've seen other quotes within this thread that go as low as $157 for the programming (in OKC). Can any of you give me any tips on the best way to get this done? Should I just shop around to the various BMW dealerships to see who's got the lowest price? I'm guessing I'll probably have to drive to OKC if I can get them to honor that price I saw earlier, but I wanted to make sure there was nothing else that I was missing since some of you seem "in the know." Thanks for any info you can give, and have given.
	Appreciate 0 Quote