Bluetooth -Where does it rest
- Thread starter jcrosi
- Start date
drkeng said:
Puck:
Can you confirm that the radio displays the caller ID??
Which aftermarket kit did you get (and from where) and who installed it?
Lucky me; called Verizon and my contract expires tomorrow!!!![[clap]](/images/smilies/icon_smile_clap.gif "Clap [clap]")
They said Cingular may even give me a temporary number to use until my old number is "ported" over (same as wifey's with different area code; she stays with Verizon). Heard the built in speaker; it sounds pretty good.
Looking forward to the RAZR; will get the new HS 850 earpiece, too, said to be improved from 810 and 820.
Can you confirm that the radio displays the caller ID??
Which aftermarket kit did you get (and from where) and who installed it?
Lucky me; called Verizon and my contract expires tomorrow!!!
They said Cingular may even give me a temporary number to use until my old number is "ported" over (same as wifey's with different area code; she stays with Verizon). Heard the built in speaker; it sounds pretty good.Looking forward to the RAZR; will get the new HS 850 earpiece, too, said to be improved from 810 and 820.
My car was pre-wired for bluetooth and already had the antenna installed, so all I had to do was purchase the jumper connector and pairing button from CircleBMW and bought my ULF module from Martin at bmwnav.com. I installed everything myself (in about 20 minutes), using gollim's DIY.
I remain somewhat confused. I know I have Assist and a microphone; I assume the mic would work. How can I find out if the bluetooth antenna is there (or is that unlikely on an 04)? Also, no shark fin on the convertible, but Assist obviously works. Could the outside antenna do this? On my old '00 convertible, the outside antenna worked with my old Startac phone that I had installed with a hands free kit. I'm tempted to ask the dealer, but I wonder how much experience they've had with this. I have a friend who knows a BMW master tech; perhaps I'll have him look at these websites and my car. I, for one, am not going to disassemble the center console and start making new holes.
DigitalDawn said:
Bry,
I may have some good news for you next week. I have pretty much the same car as you, and my BMW dealer has relented and will yank out assist and swap it for the BT module for $345. We were going round and round on this and I finally showed him Adam's instructions and he couldn't deny that it was possible any longer.
http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/
The only caveat is that I have to sign a disclaimer and hold onto the assist module and turn it in when I sell the vehicle.
Don't run out to your dealer yet. Once mine is installed and working, then you'll have some more ammunition
Dawn
I may have some good news for you next week. I have pretty much the same car as you, and my BMW dealer has relented and will yank out assist and swap it for the BT module for $345. We were going round and round on this and I finally showed him Adam's instructions and he couldn't deny that it was possible any longer.
http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/
The only caveat is that I have to sign a disclaimer and hold onto the assist module and turn it in when I sell the vehicle.
Don't run out to your dealer yet. Once mine is installed and working, then you'll have some more ammunition
Dawn
DigitalDawn said:
Bry,
I may have some good news for you next week. I have pretty much the same car as you, and my BMW dealer has relented and will yank out assist and swap it for the BT module for $345. We were going round and round on this and I finally showed him Adam's instructions and he couldn't deny that it was possible any longer.
http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/
The only caveat is that I have to sign a disclaimer and hold onto the assist module and turn it in when I sell the vehicle.
Don't run out to your dealer yet. Once mine is installed and working, then you'll have some more ammunition
Dawn
I may have some good news for you next week. I have pretty much the same car as you, and my BMW dealer has relented and will yank out assist and swap it for the BT module for $345. We were going round and round on this and I finally showed him Adam's instructions and he couldn't deny that it was possible any longer.
http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/
The only caveat is that I have to sign a disclaimer and hold onto the assist module and turn it in when I sell the vehicle.
Don't run out to your dealer yet. Once mine is installed and working, then you'll have some more ammunition
Dawn
Did you get it installed? If so, please let us know how the installation went. It's been a couple of weeks... I can't hold my breath much longer ;-)
Guys,
I'm so sorry I didn't get back to you on this. Work has been so busy (it seems that everyone wants a plasma display for the holidays), and I've been running around shopping for Christmas etc.
I was all set to get the BT installed (a gift for my husband) complete with a new phone from Verizon. As it turns out, the Moto V710 is an awful phone and doesn't work well with the BT system in any car -- and it's the only BT phone currently available from Verizon.
So, at this point I'm waiting for another phone from Verizon, or at least a firmware upgrade for the V710. I didn't want to install the BT module until I had a phone to test it.
I'm also waiting to see if a manufacturer comes out with a kit that can interface a non-bluetooth phone with a bluetooth car system. I love my Kyocera 7135, and would love to make it BT capable somehow.
Again, please accept my apologies for not responding sooner.
Dawn
I'm so sorry I didn't get back to you on this. Work has been so busy (it seems that everyone wants a plasma display for the holidays), and I've been running around shopping for Christmas etc.
I was all set to get the BT installed (a gift for my husband) complete with a new phone from Verizon. As it turns out, the Moto V710 is an awful phone and doesn't work well with the BT system in any car -- and it's the only BT phone currently available from Verizon.
So, at this point I'm waiting for another phone from Verizon, or at least a firmware upgrade for the V710. I didn't want to install the BT module until I had a phone to test it.
I'm also waiting to see if a manufacturer comes out with a kit that can interface a non-bluetooth phone with a bluetooth car system. I love my Kyocera 7135, and would love to make it BT capable somehow.
Again, please accept my apologies for not responding sooner.
Dawn
I just ordered the bluetooth kit from www.advancedautovations.com. They're the same people who do TVonNav as well as iWindows, iTop, etc. They've got a pretty good reputation. I'll try to post pics and a detailed DIY when it gets here and I can put it in.
I'll use Adam's instructions. I've talked to him in person about it and he's assured me that it's not a tough install.
I'll use Adam's instructions. I've talked to him in person about it and he's assured me that it's not a tough install.
I have a 330Ci but its the coupe, not the convertible. I had the BMW bluetooth kit installed by an installer recommended by Stevens Creek BMW (don't remember his name). I got the referral to him simply by calling their service dept. I have the Motorola V600 phone and it works perfectly with the unit. Pairs immediately, and the address book is visible on the nav system.
BMW makes pains to point out that the BlueTooth kit won't work with the 2004 convertible. It works with every other car... just not the 2004 3-series convertible. This is what really makes me sore, because the communication components in the convertible are exactly the same as the ones in the coupe. I think it's a liability issue.
If CaveDweller's solution works, I'm gonna find myself an audio installer that will do it for me. I really could have used this feature last night. I was driving home from an event and my phone rang. I was wearing a pair of cargo pants and was frantically (while driving) searching each pocket for my ringing phone. When I finally did find it, the caller had hung up. Wouldn't it have been nice to answer the phone while it was still "lost" in my pockets?
If CaveDweller's solution works, I'm gonna find myself an audio installer that will do it for me. I really could have used this feature last night. I was driving home from an event and my phone rang. I was wearing a pair of cargo pants and was frantically (while driving) searching each pocket for my ringing phone. When I finally did find it, the caller had hung up. Wouldn't it have been nice to answer the phone while it was still "lost" in my pockets?
For some of us, the $700 is worth it since we have long commutes and spend a lot of time on the phone. If you start that commute and discover along the way your phone is in your briefcase in the trunk (or in a pocket you can't reach while driving) you're screwed. It could mean lost business, etc. BlueTooth solves that handily -- just not in 2004 Convertibles.
CaveDweller, what's the verdict? Have you received your parts yet?
CaveDweller, what's the verdict? Have you received your parts yet?
Haven't rec'd the parts, yet. I just did USPS so I don't have tracking info. It was quite a bit more for a tracked service. Typical travel time from MN to Dallas is two to three days so I'm hoping for today or tomorrow.
Edit: Another reason for BT is the number of times I drop my phone in my car. It's a b**** trying to pick it up off the floor.![[:p]](/images/smilies/tongue.png "Stick Out Tongue [:p]")
Edit: Another reason for BT is the number of times I drop my phone in my car. It's a b**** trying to pick it up off the floor.
Success!
The parts came in today and I am happy to report a successful installation on an '04 vert with BMW Assist. [bmwdance] Of course the assist module had to come out, but no big deal there.
It took about 2 1/2 hours because the instructions on Adam's website aren't entirely correct. On his, the BT and assist modules appear to be right behind the driver's side rear passenger. In my car, the module was in the trunk next to the subwoofer. You can see the spot if you look in the trunk. The driver's side of the trunk liner has a bulge in it next to the subwoofer. Of course, I had the entire rear seat out before I learned of this discrepancy.
The center console setup was actually pretty easy. It is a total of six screws. Four in the ash tray and two under the shifter plate. I'm probably going to leave the pairing button under the console rather than cut a hole. If I need to get to it, I just have to remove the cup holders. The e-brake boot and shift boots both came up pretty easily so don't worry about tearing or breaking anything when you pull on them.
The Assist module itself was quite a pain in the a$$ to get to because of its location and the fact that you have to remove the sub to remove the trunk liner. I just folded the liner over a bit and stretched as much as I could to reach the module rather than remove the sub. I broke one of the connectors while removing it, but it's not one that's necessary for BT. I was able to fix it, though, so no worries.
Overall, a combination of Adam's 'vert pictures, his sedan pictures and the BMW instructions were enough. None of them give a complete picture because there really aren't any complete ones for a 'vert. With the exception of the module location, though, they were good enough.
Some things to know when you start working:
- Some of the instructions will make no sense until you look at the wiring, but then they will make complete sense
- There is a second cable wound up with the pairing cable that looks EXACTLY like the one that you plug into the BT antenna. It is an extra cable and is not used. Adam references it in his sedan instructions.
- There are three round connectors that can be plugged into the BT module, but you only need the white one. That is the one that is strapped back. The other two are used for BMW Assist.
- READ BMW'S PAIRING INSTRUCTIONS. I sat there for five minutes before I RTFM and got it working after it was all plugged in. You have to press the pairing button before turning on the car.
- You need a phillips head screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver (to pull out the trunk liner studs), and an 8mm socket screwdriver. No other tools are necessary unless you do it at night in a dim garage like I did. I had to use a flashlight in the trunk.
Overall, it was not a technically challenging project, but did require a lot of patience when removing Assist and placing the BT module. Voice dialing works better than I expected. It's late and I'm tired so I won't try it on the road until tomorrow, but I am very pleased that it worked so easily.
Sorry for any typos. I'll correct those tomorrow.
Edit: I've added some pictures.
1. In the first picture, you can see that there is no BMW Assist module behind that plate. The silver unit is the roll bar housing.
2. The second picture shows the raised bump in the trunk liner next to the subwoofer.
3. The third picture is the BMW Assist module. It sits at an angle. There are two connectors on the right and one large one on the left.
4. The fourth picture is the BT module in place. I used the clips that held the Assist module. You have to relocate them to the alternate holes because the BT module is about 3 inches shorter than the assist module. Not to worry, the mounting bracket is designed for this module and the clips and holes line up perfectly.
5. Another close up shot of the module. The wire with the purple square on it is the one I broke. It was at the bottom right corner of the assist module and I could barely reach it. The end came off, but I was able to get it back on for later reattachment of the assist module.
The parts came in today and I am happy to report a successful installation on an '04 vert with BMW Assist.
[bmwdance] Of course the assist module had to come out, but no big deal there.It took about 2 1/2 hours because the instructions on Adam's website aren't entirely correct. On his, the BT and assist modules appear to be right behind the driver's side rear passenger. In my car, the module was in the trunk next to the subwoofer. You can see the spot if you look in the trunk. The driver's side of the trunk liner has a bulge in it next to the subwoofer. Of course, I had the entire rear seat out before I learned of this discrepancy.
The center console setup was actually pretty easy. It is a total of six screws. Four in the ash tray and two under the shifter plate. I'm probably going to leave the pairing button under the console rather than cut a hole. If I need to get to it, I just have to remove the cup holders. The e-brake boot and shift boots both came up pretty easily so don't worry about tearing or breaking anything when you pull on them.
The Assist module itself was quite a pain in the a$$ to get to because of its location and the fact that you have to remove the sub to remove the trunk liner. I just folded the liner over a bit and stretched as much as I could to reach the module rather than remove the sub. I broke one of the connectors while removing it, but it's not one that's necessary for BT. I was able to fix it, though, so no worries.
Overall, a combination of Adam's 'vert pictures, his sedan pictures and the BMW instructions were enough. None of them give a complete picture because there really aren't any complete ones for a 'vert. With the exception of the module location, though, they were good enough.
Some things to know when you start working:
- Some of the instructions will make no sense until you look at the wiring, but then they will make complete sense
- There is a second cable wound up with the pairing cable that looks EXACTLY like the one that you plug into the BT antenna. It is an extra cable and is not used. Adam references it in his sedan instructions.
- There are three round connectors that can be plugged into the BT module, but you only need the white one. That is the one that is strapped back. The other two are used for BMW Assist.
- READ BMW'S PAIRING INSTRUCTIONS. I sat there for five minutes before I RTFM and got it working after it was all plugged in. You have to press the pairing button before turning on the car.
- You need a phillips head screwdriver, a small flathead screwdriver (to pull out the trunk liner studs), and an 8mm socket screwdriver. No other tools are necessary unless you do it at night in a dim garage like I did. I had to use a flashlight in the trunk.
Overall, it was not a technically challenging project, but did require a lot of patience when removing Assist and placing the BT module. Voice dialing works better than I expected. It's late and I'm tired so I won't try it on the road until tomorrow, but I am very pleased that it worked so easily.
Sorry for any typos. I'll correct those tomorrow.
Edit: I've added some pictures.
1. In the first picture, you can see that there is no BMW Assist module behind that plate. The silver unit is the roll bar housing.
2. The second picture shows the raised bump in the trunk liner next to the subwoofer.
3. The third picture is the BMW Assist module. It sits at an angle. There are two connectors on the right and one large one on the left.
4. The fourth picture is the BT module in place. I used the clips that held the Assist module. You have to relocate them to the alternate holes because the BT module is about 3 inches shorter than the assist module. Not to worry, the mounting bracket is designed for this module and the clips and holes line up perfectly.
5. Another close up shot of the module. The wire with the purple square on it is the one I broke. It was at the bottom right corner of the assist module and I could barely reach it. The end came off, but I was able to get it back on for later reattachment of the assist module.
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I just read a post on the bimmerfest X forums that someone with an '04 X5 replaced his assist module with one from an '05 and was able to get it working after getting the dealer to code it to his car. No info on doing that with an e46, but you never know. I am tired of waiting, though, so I'm happy.
CaveDweller... you realize you're gonna be my hero after this, right?
Could you forward the links to the instructions on Adam's website? I'm sure they're here someplace, but if you could bring them to this point in the thread, that'd be cool. Also, do you know if his (or BMWs) instructructions talk about Navigation? I'm assuming there are some different things I'll have to do since I have the NAV screen in the car (it's supposed to display phone book / caller info, etc.). And, finally, if you could list exactly what you bought, that'd be great too... was it the BMW kit, or some other kit?
Thanks! And congratulations! I'm really looking forward to equipping my own silver grey '04 'vert with BlueTooth!
Could you forward the links to the instructions on Adam's website? I'm sure they're here someplace, but if you could bring them to this point in the thread, that'd be cool. Also, do you know if his (or BMWs) instructructions talk about Navigation? I'm assuming there are some different things I'll have to do since I have the NAV screen in the car (it's supposed to display phone book / caller info, etc.). And, finally, if you could list exactly what you bought, that'd be great too... was it the BMW kit, or some other kit?
Thanks! And congratulations! I'm really looking forward to equipping my own silver grey '04 'vert with BlueTooth!
Note that there are NO convertible instructions anywhere that I have found. The center console installation is the same for all models, but the assist module is in a different spot than either the sedan, coupe, or touring. It's location and the installation have no interaction with the nav system at all that I can tell, except electronically. The nav system is not next to the assist module. The install and user docs tell you what you can expect through your nav console, though. You will have more functionality than I have. You will also be able to input some voice commands into your nav unit for the phone, nav control, and notepad.
Adam's sedan instructions are the most complete for the center console:
http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/
His vert instructions did not apply to my installation except for the center console pics. The sedan onees are more than adequate for that, though.
You may also want to use the BMW install docs as an additional reference:
http://www.golilm.com/Docs/3SeriesInstallationBluetooth.pdf
Note: You will most likely not have to worry about pins 7 and 8 on the 54-pin connector you plug into the ULF module. They are most likely not there because they aren't needed for Assist either.
Parts needed:
BMW Bluetooth ULF Module P/N 84 21 6 945 387
Pairing button 84 13 0 302 715
Adapter harness 84 11 0 302 181
Bluetooth Antenna 1 84 50 6 928 461
Bluetooth Antenna Mounting Bracket 1 84 13 6 912 160 (not required because the antenna is under the center console, but you may want it. I didn't get one)
I got mine from www.advancedautovations.com, but you may want to consider using www.bimmernav.com. Thier prices appear to be a little better.
Check your phone against this chart. I have the Nokia 6820 and I am having address book issues, but I can enter voice entries for the phone book instead.
http://www.x5world.net/bluetooth_compatible_phones.htm
Users manual:
http://www.bmwnav.com/OwnersManualBluetooth.pdf
Voice control manual:
http://www.bmwnav.com/BMW-03_00-Voice-Control-en.pdf
Interestingly, I was looking at my assist module and a picture of the '05 module. Mine has a hole where the BT antenna would plug in, but no adapter. The '05 module has the BT antenna plug in there. I wonder if all of this lack of retrofit stuff we hear is because BMW doesn't want to have to replace or open up all of those assist modules.
Adam's sedan instructions are the most complete for the center console:
http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/
His vert instructions did not apply to my installation except for the center console pics. The sedan onees are more than adequate for that, though.
You may also want to use the BMW install docs as an additional reference:
http://www.golilm.com/Docs/3SeriesInstallationBluetooth.pdf
Note: You will most likely not have to worry about pins 7 and 8 on the 54-pin connector you plug into the ULF module. They are most likely not there because they aren't needed for Assist either.
Parts needed:
BMW Bluetooth ULF Module P/N 84 21 6 945 387
Pairing button 84 13 0 302 715
Adapter harness 84 11 0 302 181
Bluetooth Antenna 1 84 50 6 928 461
Bluetooth Antenna Mounting Bracket 1 84 13 6 912 160 (not required because the antenna is under the center console, but you may want it. I didn't get one)
I got mine from www.advancedautovations.com, but you may want to consider using www.bimmernav.com. Thier prices appear to be a little better.
Check your phone against this chart. I have the Nokia 6820 and I am having address book issues, but I can enter voice entries for the phone book instead.
http://www.x5world.net/bluetooth_compatible_phones.htm
Users manual:
http://www.bmwnav.com/OwnersManualBluetooth.pdf
Voice control manual:
http://www.bmwnav.com/BMW-03_00-Voice-Control-en.pdf
Interestingly, I was looking at my assist module and a picture of the '05 module. Mine has a hole where the BT antenna would plug in, but no adapter. The '05 module has the BT antenna plug in there. I wonder if all of this lack of retrofit stuff we hear is because BMW doesn't want to have to replace or open up all of those assist modules.
You're the man! Thanks for all the info. I'm definitely going to give this a shot after the Holidays. I'll take pics and will let you know the outcome. Thanks again for being so thorough. You're a shining example of what this site is supposed to deliver -- support and camaraderie for like-minded BMW owners ;-) Thanks again man.
Hey CaveDweller... got a sec for more questions? I bought the parts today and am going to try to install sometime this weekend. I've downloaded the instructions to which you directed me, but am puzzled about one thing. How do you raise the wood shift plate (where the shifter and window controls rest)? According to the instructions, there are a couple of screws under there I need to be able to get to so I can remove the center console. I don't want to chip or crack the plate. Is there a secret to "gingerly" lifting this out of the way so I can get to the screws?
I bought the parts today and am going to try to install sometime this weekend. I've downloaded the instructions to which you directed me, but am puzzled about one thing. How do you raise the wood shift plate (where the shifter and window controls rest)? According to the instructions, there are a couple of screws under there I need to be able to get to so I can remove the center console. I don't want to chip or crack the plate. Is there a secret to "gingerly" lifting this out of the way so I can get to the screws?Just pull on the leather at the base of the shifter. Don't use anything to pry it up.
There is some foam around the edge of the plastic touching the wood trim and four plastic ridges (two on each side) that hold the plate in place. It will pull out pretty easily. I was suprised at how easily it came out.
One more thing: The ebrake leather boot comes out by pulling at the top edge of it. There are platic connectors that use friction to hold it in place. Once again, I was surprised at how easily it came out. It dod not require any excessive force. Just pull firmly with no tools.
You need only a phillips screwdriver and an 8mm socket with a long reach.
There is some foam around the edge of the plastic touching the wood trim and four plastic ridges (two on each side) that hold the plate in place. It will pull out pretty easily. I was suprised at how easily it came out.
One more thing: The ebrake leather boot comes out by pulling at the top edge of it. There are platic connectors that use friction to hold it in place. Once again, I was surprised at how easily it came out. It dod not require any excessive force. Just pull firmly with no tools.
You need only a phillips screwdriver and an 8mm socket with a long reach.
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