[Rodolfox]

Hi,

I just bought a 2007 330i (pre-LCI) and although the previous owner had the bluetooth connection up and running (I witnessed it working), when (after) I received the car, the radio shows a double-dash ("--") on the "Phone" option and thus have not been able to get my phone paired vía Bluetooth.

I've seen several related posts on this issue (No Bluetooth, etc.), but in my case, the symptoms don't add-up (i.e. other radio functions like CD, CDC and tuner are working just fine with no interruptions).

Since the rest of my audio functions seem to be OK I'm guessing (hoping) it's not my MULF that's gone bad. I tried disconnecting the negative battery terminal for 10-15 minutes without success. Also, when I press the phone button inside the armtray for a few seconds, the radio screen will switch to the BC config options.

Any clues?

Thanks to all.

Regards,
Rudy

[stinkfoot_e92]

TCU or aftermarket bluetooth?

[Rodolfox]

Originally Posted by stinkfoot_e92

TCU or aftermarket bluetooth?

No aftermarket parts. Car is 330i euro version manufactured 11/2006. BMW Professional head unit (HiFi version: tweeters on front doors, no center speaker on central vent), BMW Assist with Bluetooth. Aux input in center armrest. Found a MULF unit (not 100% sure it's not the older ULF) located in boot behind right passenger seat.

Any clues?

[Bbbeemer]

Are you still able to use the SOS function? if not (when you start up the car it will show SOS on the dash with a / through it) then I would say its a dodgy bluetooth module.

[Rodolfox]

Originally Posted by Bbbeemer

Are you still able to use the SOS function? if not (when you start up the car it will show SOS on the dash with a / through it) then I would say its a dodgy bluetooth module.

I'm not sure what the SOS function is supposed to accomplish. When I press the BMW Assist button it only displays a couple a phone numbers to call for assist (I don't have an SOS button on my headliner lights console. Just the BMW Assist option on the Menú of the HU). Also no errors or warnings are displayed on startup or ever. Only symptom is the two dashes "--" on the Phone menú and being unable to access or pair my phone vía Bluetooth.

Bought an (Ebay) ELM327 bluetooth ODB2 adapter to scan for faults using the Torque Android app, but diagnosis showed no faults whatsoever. Not completely sure if this adapter allows for connection to all required components through the ODB2 / bluetooth, but at least it seemed like it was doing a deep scan and returned no faults.

I'm hoping the BT issue is software related. Is there a way I can somehow force a system reset? Should I try disconnecting the battery for a longer period? I saw some posts suggesting you short the positive and negative terminals for a couple of minutes after disconnecting in order to drain the stored memory? I have not yet tried this out of fear. I was reluctant to even try disconnecting the battery out of fear of a new fault code (Airbags and alike... maybe too much forum reading got me wet feet!).

Finally, disconnecting the negtive battery terminal for 10 minutes did not solve anything.

Any advice will be highly appreciated.

Regards

[SpeeDemoN]

look under the trunk liner and make sure the bluetooth module is actually there...

[ctuna]

Torque won't get all the BMW fault codes.
Have you tried checking the connections at the Mulf
and seeing if it has power.

You need a coding setup to go deeper.
If you had that you could read the rad or idrive files.

[Rodolfox]

Hi, I do have what seems to be a MULF or ULF unit in the back behind the rear seat. Here's a picture:



And this is what shows in the Head Unit:



You can see the two dashes above the phone menu option. Also, I'm guessing the "BMW" option at the right means it has BMW Assist. Clicking this leads to a display of two local phone numbers.

My armrest with 12v socket and 3.5mm AUX Input jack (no USB):



And finally, this is an attempt of a close-up on the mulf/ulf module connectors in the trunk:



P.S.: there's also a CD changer in the left side of the trunk. No problem with it, as well as with the front loading CD Player, FM Radio and AUX Input. Only issue is Bluetooth phone not working.

P.P.S: any chance this is due to a blown fuse?

[Rodolfox]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Torque won't get all the BMW fault codes.
Have you tried checking the connections at the Mulf
and seeing if it has power.

You need a coding setup to go deeper.
If you had that you could read the rad or idrive files.

Beginning to look down that road... I'm still figuring out whether to get a WIFI adapter or a just a USB cable. The BMWhat App seems very promising and I have several handy iOS devices. Also this avoids all the hassle of the "true" coding with a PC. Anyways, I was relieved to see no faults showing up on Torque!

I'm running out of DIY options... but still reluctant to take it to the dealership. I'm the second owner and although the car has only 37k miles, it's out of warranty.

[Rodolfox]

Bump.... Anyone?

[ptpending]

this is very old MULF module which is know to fail sometime
disconnect green two wire plastic cable from it, close car, let it sleep and open
you should see red visible light from module MOST connector
if there is no red light - module is dead
get updated MULF2 from ebay instead, code it and all will work

[Rodolfox]

Originally Posted by ptpending

this is very old MULF module which is know to fail sometime
disconnect green two wire plastic cable from it, close car, let it sleep and open
you should see red visible light from module MOST connector
if there is no red light - module is dead
get updated MULF2 from ebay instead, code it and all will work

Thanks! Can you please clarify what you mean by "you should see red visible light from module MOST connector" and also some other issues regarding the workflow? This is where I'am at following your previous post:

1. Without disconnecting battery, disconnect green cable from Mulf in the boot. Only the connector with the green cable? Other connections remain attached?

2. Close car and wait for it to sleep. How long does this take? I've read somewhere it was 16 minutes. Can you confirm this?

3. Open car and Get in? Or where should I see the red light you mention?

Edit: Went ahead and tried the following:

1. unplugged the green connector on the MULF, without disconnecting battery.

2. Closed trunk, Locked-up and let the car sit for 20 min (sleep mode).

3. Got into the car switched it on and no anomalies (I'm looking for a red light in the dash, but nothing). The only issue was that my CD Changer was now disabled (two dashes over the CDC menu). Switched off, got out, replugged MULF connector, switch on and CDC was back to normal. Still no bluetooth.

Was this what you meant? Now, in afterthought, I'm guessing the red light you mention could have come from the unplugged fibre-optic/green cable in the boot, or am I right in looking for some error on the dash?

Also, are there any other connections I should check? I went through all the fuses and all are good. Is this the most practical way of confirming my MULF has gone bad? Everything else seems to be working OK (Radio, CD, CDC and AUX input) so I'm hoping the MULF is still working.

[ptpending]

red light should be visible from MULF green cable socket when cable is unplugged from it
it is meaning that MULF getting power and tries to communicate with other modules via MOST bus
if there is no red light from it - mulf is dead
other way is to connect diagnostic program and try to diagnose MULF

[Rodolfox]

Originally Posted by ptpending

red light should be visible from MULF green cable socket when cable is unplugged from it
it is meaning that MULF getting power and tries to communicate with other modules via MOST bus
if there is no red light from it - mulf is dead
other way is to connect diagnostic program and try to diagnose MULF

Thanks again! So I should be able to see the red light 15 min or so after disconnecting?

[Rodolfox]

Originally Posted by ptpending

red light should be visible from MULF green cable socket when cable is unplugged from it
it is meaning that MULF getting power and tries to communicate with other modules via MOST bus
if there is no red light from it - mulf is dead
other way is to connect diagnostic program and try to diagnose MULF

Just curious: if my CDC stopped working when the cable was unplugged from the MULF and works fine when plugged in, doesn't this confirm that my MULF is operative?

[ptpending]

you need to check mulf, not cdc

[BOTUS]

can't see from the pictures...

but the most is a loop, if you disconnect and break loop that's why the cdc stops.

if the ulf is in circuit but doesn't work its probably dead... did the guy pull a fast one and swap out a working one for dead when u picked the car up....


MULF can add USB connection, but maybe you can jump to a combox and get BT usb and bt music streaming in one hit?

[TDF9]

Hoping to revive this thread... I'm retrofitting Bluetooth to my 2006 325i and having identical symptoms. I added the ULF, mic and antenna, and just today finally figured out the coding via NCS Expert.

When I perform the test recommended here, I see no red light from the MOST socket on the ULF or cable going into the ULF. However, I do see a pulsing red light from the other MOST cable sitting unused nearby (I believe that one is for the TCU?).

Since I understand the MOST system is a single circuit, it seems off for a cable that's not in use to be transmitting a signal, no?

Wondering if I needed to "plug" that other unused MOST cable with a loop? Or if this means I somehow messed up the MOST cable configuration (under the left rear seat side bolster)? Or am I just latching onto a red herring here?

Any insight much appreciated!!

[ctuna]

Have you programmed the Radio or Idrive?
There is a line in the pro radio file that say's ring status.
It has to be set to aktiv to turn on the most ring.
There is also a diagnositc most port on the dash panel
under the steering wheel that has to have a jumper in it
to complete the most loop to the trunk.
Plus if you adding this in was there a TCU in the place o it.
It you add modules to the Most loop the Fibers for that
Module Must be moved into the active location at the Most Hub.
Most test point
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347222

Logic 7
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1056432
http://www.bmwlogicseven.com/?p=3837
http://www.bmwgm5.com/
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...5#post24455335
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447
http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&...slMu2A&cad=rjt
https://www.bmwgm5.com/Logic7_E90_91_92_93.htm
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=982666

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605
Most
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727663
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347222
https://www.google.com/search?q=BMW+...VCkMqy2aCK09M:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...php?p=19256760
https://www.teacremotes.com/bmwgm5/

You can ignore the L7 links if you don't have it.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1181654

[TDF9]

Originally Posted by ctuna

Have you programmed the Radio or Idrive?
There is a line in the pro radio file that say's ring status.
It has to be set to aktiv to turn on the most ring.
There is also a diagnositc most port on the dash panel
under the steering wheel that has to have a jumper in it
to complete the most loop to the trunk.
Plus if you adding this in was there a TCU in the place o it.
It you add modules to the Most loop the Fibers for that
Module Must be moved into the active location at the Most Hub.
Most test point
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347222

Logic 7
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1056432
http://www.bmwlogicseven.com/?p=3837
http://www.bmwgm5.com/
https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...5#post24455335
http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...2&d=1260829447
http://www.google.fr/url?sa=t&rct=j&...slMu2A&cad=rjt
https://www.bmwgm5.com/Logic7_E90_91_92_93.htm
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...d.php?t=982666

http://www.e90post.com/forums/attach...1&d=1209780605
Most
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=727663
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=347222
https://www.google.com/search?q=BMW+...VCkMqy2aCK09M:
http://www.1addicts.com/forums/showt...php?p=19256760
https://www.teacremotes.com/bmwgm5/

You can ignore the L7 links if you don't have it.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1181654

so, so helpful - huge thanks.

"ring status" was nicht_activ, and I've no re-coded that. Unfortunately, still hasn't solved the problem (phone shows "-- --" on the radio menu).

I'm guessing I may have mis-wired the MOST block when I installed the ULF unit, and I will take out the rear seat tomorrow and check. Or would my radio not be working, if I'd messed that up (it seems to be fine)?

But I am curious if I should be able to see the ULF or MULF in NCS Expert, even if the MOST is not wired correctly. Attached is a screen shot of the modules I can see, and none look like ULF - does that indicate a problem (independent of the MOST wiring, which I understand carries sound)?

Also, no Logic 7 in my car (as far as I know!). Does every 2006 e90 have an amplifier, though, even if not equipped with Logic 7?

[ctuna]

You should see red light
coming out of one side of the Radio or at the
Test point right next to the Radio .

Are you using Inpa Functional Jobs to get a readout
from the modules . It will tell you which modules it see's
and there are hardware and software versions.

You should be able to make copy's of the modules that
can be read and open the files in a note to see which options
are enables ncs dummy will do that to but I trust or am more
used to just reading the raw trace files.

the other thing if you didn't notice is on a 06 the ulf module did not exist .
so you have to change the production date temporarily to get the ulf
software to download into the mulf module . you should be able to use
the TCU fiberoptic if you had it rather than routing another. (leave the tcu out)
See the link on tcu and mulf differences.

[TDF9]

Originally Posted by ctuna

You should see red light
coming out of one side of the Radio or at the
Test point right next to the Radio .

Are you using Inpa Functional Jobs to get a readout
from the modules . It will tell you which modules it see's
and there are hardware and software versions.

You should be able to make copy's of the modules that
can be read and open the files in a note to see which options
are enables ncs dummy will do that to but I trust or am more
used to just reading the raw trace files.

the other thing if you didn't notice is on a 06 the ulf module did not exist .
so you have to change the production date temporarily to get the ulf
software to download into the mulf module . you should be able to use
the TCU fiberoptic if you had it rather than routing another. (leave the tcu out)
See the link on tcu and mulf differences.

In the end it seems to have been a bad fiber optic cable between the hub under the rear seat bolster and the ULF. So I moved the functional cable headed to the TCU, which I didn't need, into the plug headed to the ULF, and that worked - phone dials and receives calls, radio works.

Now I have two issues: a) SOS error message upon start-up, and b) head unit won't store call history or display addresses. I need to read up on both (lots of posts about each).

I do wonder if the software for my ULF - or my head unit - needs to be updated. Is that possible? I'll attach some print outs from INPA in case that provides a clue.

ctuna, you've been amazingly helpful, and I can see from the forums you're very generous in helping those of us with vastly less experience and knowledge. I certainly understand if you've reached your limit (of patience or time) with me!