Bluetooth -Where does it rest

[TheBry]

I see over at e46fanatics that new car's CD players play MP 3's now, too. They really hosed us.

Don't really care about that... my iPod connector is all I need. I'm carrying around 5,000 of my favorite songs!

 

[izzyracer]

OK, I know I'm being a PITA. [???1]
The Bimmernav instructions seem simpler. They just reconnect the 54 pin connector and antenna to the BT module in the trunk and say something about hooking up the BT antenna. They just remove the cup holder/coin tray (without removing the gearshift) to hook up the pairing button. Is that what you guys did??
Does the phone work thru its own antenna or the trunk anenna?
Any "coding" problems? Bimmernav implies there shouldn't be any.

CD, Bry: you are lucky. Heat wave here tomorrow--high of 36. Then back below 20, close to 10 later in the week. My top's starting to make strange noises. Must say, the BMW heated seats are some of the best. Toasty behind by the time I'm leaving my subdivision.

Bimmernav instructions are incomplete, please refer to http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/, and you will still need the BMW instruction manual. I just installed my bluetooth module from Bimmernav on my 04 330I with assist. There were several things that I had to figure out like the antenna mounting bracket, since I did not have it, I just tried my best to secure the Antenna itself by using double sided tape, but I will probably order that part and re-do that step to have a clean install. In Bimmernav instructions, he suggest to just place the bluetooth on top of the assist. The problem is you will not be able to put back the rear panel properly, so I ended up going back in there and taking out the assist and double sided the bluetooth to the module mounting bracket. So if you really want to do a clean install invest in the install kit. Anyway, my install was a success and I am just hype that I can do all this phone stuff with voice activation in my car. I'm gonna have to name that lady talking in my car sooner or later. I also made a hole on my center console for the pairing button and I'm just glad it came out very clean... suggestion get as many variety of cutting tools for your dremel and DON'T RUSH IT! Lastly, I highly recommend to do the switch from your Moonroof switch and Mic to get the Mic on the drivers side. [headbang]

 

[TheBry]

Bimmernav instructions are incomplete, please refer to http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/, and you will still need the BMW instruction manual. I just installed my bluetooth module from Bimmernav on my 04 330I with assist. There were several things that I had to figure out like the antenna mounting bracket, since I did not have it, I just tried my best to secure the Antenna itself by using double sided tape, but I will probably order that part and re-do that step to have a clean install. In Bimmernav instructions, he suggest to just place the bluetooth on top of the assist. The problem is you will not be able to put back the rear panel properly, so I ended up going back in there and taking out the assist and double sided the bluetooth to the module mounting bracket. So if you really want to do a clean install invest in the install kit. Anyway, my install was a success and I am just hype that I can do all this phone stuff with voice activation in my car. I'm gonna have to name that lady talking in my car sooner or later. I also made a hole on my center console for the pairing button and I'm just glad it came out very clean... suggestion get as many variety of cutting tools for your dremel and DON'T RUSH IT! Lastly, I highly recommend to do the switch from your Moonroof switch and Mic to get the Mic on the drivers side. [headbang]

Congratulations IZZY! You really had it a little harder than I did. Sounds like you've got her up and going though.

The mic install worried me. I was happy to realize I didn't have to tinker with my headliner. I've got BMW Assist (or had it before I removed it for the BlueTooth mod) so the Microphone is already integrated. Since I have the Navigation system, I've always had the "voice" guiding me. Since adding the BlueTooth module, she's even more chatty. I've named her Brumhilda ;-) I wanted a German-sounding female name. I call her 'hilda for short.

 

[fantom]

Another Successful Bluetooth Install on Vert

I'm happy to say that I was able to successfully install the Bluetooth kit in my 2004 330 CiC without BMW Assist [bmwdance] . I want to thank CaveDweller and TheBry for all their help, along with Adam's Bluetooth Install Webpage (http://golilm.com/DIY/Bluetooth/) for getting me through the install.

For anyone wanting to install the Bluetooth kit in their vert, read on for some helpful information. There are a few things that someone without BMW Assist needs to be aware of when installing the kit on a vert:

1. The wiring for the microphone in my car was securely glued to the inside headliner. At first, I thought that the wiring did not exist since all the wirings looked as if they were already connected but upon further investigation, I found that the wiring was there. Because it had been glued down for the past one and a half years, it was almost impossible to dislodge. After scraping my knuckles a few times, I was able to get it released. So when you go to add the microphone, don't get discouraged if you think, like I did, that the wiring was not there for the microphone.

2. The installation instructions included in the Bluetooth Kit are not very helpful for vert owners. I finally figured out that the ULF Control Module needs to be mounted in the trunk, behind the driver's side rear passenger seat (People with BMW Assist will realize this but those of us without, it is not as obvious).

3. The ULF Control Module Mounting Bracket I received with my kit was the wrong one. People with BMW Assist do not need to worry about this since they already have the bracket installed. The dealerships and the company I purchased it from apparently do not know which one is needed in the verts since BMW is still saying that the Bluetooth kit cannot be installed in the verts. Anyway, once you have the correct mounting bracket, it is still a little difficult to mount the bracket and control module since there is very little room to get your fingers in to secure the nuts and bolts. It's not impossible, but it is difficult.

4. I did not need the Voice Input System Jumper Plug (SES Voice Jumper Plug) for my car. I have a feeling that anyone that has a pre-wired BMW does not need it, but I'm not sure about this.

The Bluetooth kit works great in my car and I would highly recommend it for anyone who likes to talk on their cell phone while driving. The parts I received included the ULF Control Module, ULF Control Module Mounting Bracket, and the Installation Kit. For the benefit of future Bluetooth kit owners/installers, here are the part numbers I used for my install:

ULF Control Module 84 21 6 934 552
ULF Control Module Mounting Bracket 84 13 6 924 948

Installation Kit Contents:
Microphone 84 31 8 380 319
Bluetooth Antenna 84 50 6 928 461
Bluetooth Antenna Mounting Bracket 84 13 6 912 160
Pairing Button 84 13 0 302 715
ULF Pairing Button Cutoup Template 84 11 0 304 482
Adapter Harness 84 11 0 302 181
Six M5 Bolts with washers 07 11 9 902 932
Six M5 Hex Nuts 63 21 1 371 401
Four M5 Clip Nuts 61 13 1 372 033
Two Wire Ties 61 13 1 367 599
ULF Owners Manual 84 11 0 302 638
Owner's Manual for Voice Input System 84 11 0 027 942
ULF Passkey Reference Card 84 11 0 302 646
ULF E46 Installation Instructions 84 11 0 302 643

fantom

 

[drkeng]

fantom: where did you order the parts from? how much$?
did you install the pairing button??
glad to hear another vert success. hopefully, i'll be another one soon.

 

[fantom]

I ordered it from Advanced Autovations but you can get it from the dealership also. The bottom line is price. I paid $550 for everything. As for the pairing button, I did install it. I used a hand-held rotary cutting tool and took my time. Patience and a steady hand enabled me to make the cutout 99% perfect

 

[chevy]

Hi there, I have a 2001 330i and the buttons are on the steering wheel and the mic is over head, how would I know if the Bluetooth is installed in my car or not? please help, I use the phone alot in my car and it would be helpful....thanks....

 

[CaveDweller]

Hi there, I have a 2001 330i and the buttons are on the steering wheel and the mic is over head, how would I know if the Bluetooth is installed in my car or not? please help, I use the phone alot in my car and it would be helpful....thanks....

It sounds like you're prewired, but you will still need to buy the ULF module, mounting bracket and pairing button. Most likely, you'll need the same parts that fantom purchased with the exception of the microphone.

 

[zman]

OK, perhaps this question was asked before. I want to get the bluetooth module, but I see that all of them are not included. This is what I get from BMW USA.

ULF Bluetooth Module (84 21 6 934 552) $435
ULF 3 Series (E46) Installation kit (84 11 0 302 639) $164
ULF Control Mod Bracket Touring (84 13 6 924 698) $10.50
SES Jumper Plug (84 11 0 018 038) $10

Do I need to get all of them?
Any other thing I need to purchase separately ?
Don't they sell them as a single unit?
Do you know any place where I can purchase them with the best price?

Please advice!

 

[fantom]

Hi there, I have a 2001 330i and the buttons are on the steering wheel and the mic is over head, how would I know if the Bluetooth is installed in my car or not? please help, I use the phone alot in my car and it would be helpful....thanks....

I'm sure that Bluetooth is not pre-installed in any Bimmer prior to 2005 so you will need to install it. One thing to make sure is that the mic is actually in the headliner (you will have to open it to know for sure). If you see an extra set of wires that is not connected to anything, then you are pre-wired but do not have the mic. Bluetooth should work on your car but you have to make sure you get the correct ULF module. Here is some additional information on Bluetooth for your vehicle (http://www.advancedautovations.com/e46pre.html).

FYI: After I ordered the kit from Advanced Autovations, I could not get in touch with them to confirm mailing of it but I did receive it 8 days after I paid for it.

fantom

 

[fantom]

OK, perhaps this question was asked before. I want to get the bluetooth module, but I see that all of them are not included.

This is what I get from BMW USA.

Please advice!

Do I need to get all of them?

You will definately need the ULF Bluetooth Module and Installation Kit. If you already have BMW Assist, then you probably don't need the ULF Control Module Mounting Bracket since you can remove Assist and install the ULF module in its place. Otherwise, you will need the mounting bracket. As for the SES Jumper Plug, I'm not sure. Visit Advanced Autovations (http://www.advancedautovations.com/e460402.html) to get a better idea on if you need it.

Any other thing I need to purchase separately ?

As long as you have a Bluetooth capable phone, you're ready to go.

Don't they sell them as a single unit?

Not that I know of.

Do you know any place where I can purchase them with the best price?

As for price, Advanced Autovations was cheaper than my local dealerships. Call up the parts department at your local dealership and give them the part numbers for the module and installation kit and compare prices.

fantom

 

[TheBry]

Right on! Our little club is growing ;-)

I do have one concern... It's about my warranty. I'm due to take my car in for Inspection 1 next Wednesday. I'm wondering what the dealer is going to say about my DIY job. The only telltale sign that I've done anything will be the flashing red indicator above my navigation screen (indicating no phone is within range of the bluetooth unit). Since I'll need my phone that day, I won't be leaving it in the car. It'll be interesting to see if a tech notices the flashing indicator and attempts to troubleshoot (discovering that I removed Assist and installed the BlueTooth module). Hopefully I won't get an earful about voiding my warranty. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

[fantom]

Right on! Our little club is growing ;-)

I do have one concern... It's about my warranty. I'm due to take my car in for Inspection 1 next Wednesday. I'm wondering what the dealer is going to say about my DIY job. The only telltale sign that I've done anything will be the flashing red indicator above my navigation screen (indicating no phone is within range of the bluetooth unit). Since I'll need my phone that day, I won't be leaving it in the car. It'll be interesting to see if a tech notices the flashing indicator and attempts to troubleshoot (discovering that I removed Assist and installed the BlueTooth module). Hopefully I won't get an earful about voiding my warranty. I'll keep you guys posted.

One option that might work is to "un-pair" your phone with your car before giving it to the dealer. I haven't tried this yet but I would think that if no phone is paired with the car, then no light should come on . I'll have to test out this theory over the weekend.

fantom

 

[CaveDweller]

You can reset the system to unpair it or you could just switch it out with the Assist module.

 

[drkeng]

I posted the theoretical warranty issue a while ago after I went to the dealer and see if they'd do the BT for Assist swap. The service guy pulled out some official BMW memo stating, in essence, no official approval of BT for '04 verts; no reason, not working on it for the future, just SOL basically. I mentioned how you guys DIY and he then brought up the warranty issue. I got the impression that it would only void the warranty for what it directly affected; obviously BT would be unlikely to affect the brakes or something. If the funny window issue had been linked to BT somehow, they probably wouldn't have covered it. I wonder if unhooking Assist will send fault codes to the cars diagnostics and print out when they hook it up. Let us know and good luck.

 

[zman]

I have 2003 325xi. It seems the car is wired for phone. If I install bluetooh myself, do I need to bring the car to the dealer for reprogramming?

As far as warranty, this is the reply I got from BMW USA regarding DIY:

Installation of any parts or accessories by anyone other than an authorized BMW center does put you at risk for voiding the warranty on any parts or systems affected by the installation.

For example, if wires are damaged during the installation, those wires are no longer subject to the New Vehicle Limited Warranty, and neither would be any systems affected by the damaged wires. For this reason, we highly recommend that all parts and accessories be installed by an authorized BMW center where the work will be subject to warranty coverages.

If you are still interested in installing the parts yourself, please contact any authorized BMW parts center for information. They would be in the best position to provide you with a part number, availabilty, and pricing.

We hope this information is helpful, and we value your business. If you have any further questions, please respond to this e-mail or contact the Customer Relations and Services Department at 1-800-831-1117, Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M., Eastern Standard Time.

Sincerely,

Mollie Duncan
Customer Relations and Services
Representative

 

[fantom]

I have a 2004 330 CiC and I did not have to have it reprogrammed. The Bluetooth connection worked right away. It might be the same in your case since your car is also pre-wired.

As for self installation, there are no wires to cut, splice, or tap into. The connectors are already there under the center console and in the trunk so the chances of making any mistakes are minimal. This is not a major undertaking so if you have the time and patience, go ahead and do it yourself. But if you have the money, go ahead and let the dealership install it. Either way, I don't think you can go wrong.

fantom

 

[drkeng]

Just bumping this thread back to the top for the recent question/post.

 

[drkeng]

Success so far, even with the first generation module.
bimmernav.com has pdf files of operating manuals--one is basic operation and the other (Owner's Manual for Voice Control) has all the features, like storing numbers in the module/car, reading them back, voice dialing..
So far, I know voice dialing works (press R/T to activate system hold down face button until beep to enter voice command mode); on the way to work tomorrow I'll try to program some numbers directly in. [bmwdance]

 

[rbulan]

Professionally installed

I have a 2003 330 convertable with the premium sound system (they didn't have bmw assist then). I don't want to attempt the bluetooth install myself. Does anyone know a professional installer in the San Francisco Bay Area?