E46 Options/Features Compatibility

[TLudwig]

This information has been moved to the Bimmerfest E46 Wiki. It can be found here:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/wiki/index.php/BMW_E46#Option.2FAdd-on_Compatibility

Please continue to use this thread for discussion.

[KrisL]

Thanks for the post TLudwig, I have made it sticky.
-Kris

[Kaz]

Unmodified BMW BT requires that the car be SOP 03/02 or later due to wiring compatibility.

[TLudwig]

Unmodified BMW BT requires that the car be SOP 03/02 or later due to wiring compatibility.

Thanks, I added that in.

[Terry Kennedy]

Satelite Radio

First, for either XM or Sirius satelite radio, your head unit must be satelite radio ready. All MY 2003 or later head units are satelite ready. Some MY 2002 may work if they have software version 50 (look here (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=480634&postcount=7) to see how to find out if your '02 has the appropriate software). BMW states that all non-nav 3 series built 9/02 or later are satelite radio ready.

Sirius is available for nav-equipped cars built 9/03 or later, but XM Direct does not work with navigation at this time (they're still working on it).A couple of things - you might want to clarify the second sentence to "All MY 2003 or later non-NAV head units are satelite ready." Also, you should be able to install Sirius on an older car if you change the head unit (non-NAV) or BM53 radio and NAV computer (NAV). The latter is not cost-effective, but you should be able to get a new BM53 if you have the "FM fade lawsuit" problem. If you have a very old car, you'll probably need to get the appropriate adapter harness (square/round pins) for the head unit (non-NAV) or BM53 (NAV). You may also need an antenna adapter if you use the adapter harness on a non-NAV head unit. Last, as far as I know there's no Sirius kit for 3-series Tourings due to a lack of an approved mounting location, but if you cable it up, it should work.

[TLudwig]

A couple of things - you might want to clarify the second sentence to "All MY 2003 or later non-NAV head units are satelite ready." Also, you should be able to install Sirius on an older car if you change the head unit (non-NAV) or BM53 radio and NAV computer (NAV). The latter is not cost-effective, but you should be able to get a new BM53 if you have the "FM fade lawsuit" problem. If you have a very old car, you'll probably need to get the appropriate adapter harness (square/round pins) for the head unit (non-NAV) or BM53 (NAV). You may also need an antenna adapter if you use the adapter harness on a non-NAV head unit. Last, as far as I know there's no Sirius kit for 3-series Tourings due to a lack of an approved mounting location, but if you cable it up, it should work.

Thanks, I updated the OP to include this info.

[Terry Kennedy]

Thanks, I updated the OP to include this info.Minor nit - the BM53 radio on the NAV-equipped cars is in the trunk. The head unit (display) is just the control panel, and doesn't need to be changed to support Sirius. On non-NAV cars, the dash radio has all the tuner / switching parts in it, and would need to be changed to support Sirius (if it was too old). I don't know what the dash radio is called on non-NAV cars.

[TLudwig]

Minor nit - the BM53 radio on the NAV-equipped cars is in the trunk. The head unit (display) is just the control panel, and doesn't need to be changed to support Sirius. On non-NAV cars, the dash radio has all the tuner / switching parts in it, and would need to be changed to support Sirius (if it was too old). I don't know what the dash radio is called on non-NAV cars.

Updated it to clarify that.

[LDV330i]

Great work.:thumbup:

Here is something you may want to add to the Bluetooth Phone section. All BT phones are not created equal. To be able to enjoy all what the BT Kit has to offer one needs to buy a BT phone that supports a Handsfree profile. BT phones can be had with support for a Handsfree or Headset profile. Some even support both. If you buy a phone that only supports the Headset profile it will not provide Caller ID through the MID nor will you be able to transfer your phonebook so you dial out directlly through it.

The quickest way to confirm if the BT phone supports the Handsfree profile is to check the phone maker's website. Look under "accessories" for the BT phone and if a BT car kit is listed, it will be compatible with the BMW ULF. If only headsets are listed, it will not. Some will also clearly list which profile they support

There was a PDF floating around with a listing of BMW BT compatible phones but I have done a search and seem unable to locate it. Anyway, I think it is nealry a year old so it is probably out of date.:dunno:

[LJS330i]

Just curious if anyone knows the specs for the Aux-in adapter. I have a 2002 330i.

[TLudwig]

Just curious if anyone knows the specs for the Aux-in adapter. I have a 2002 330i.

The part number for non-nav e46's is 65-12-0153-501. The part number for e46's with nav is 82-11-0-149-391. It should run you around $40. It is very easy to do yourself and will take you about an hour and a half to two hours (you can find the DIY here (http://www.mattmcnulty.com/325xi/DIY/aux_input.html) courtesy of jumpingmatt on this forum). If you choose to have the dealer install it, they will charge you an hour of labor.

[drkeng]

Bluetooth not compatible with convertibles. Someone tried on bmwboard; no go. :thumbdwn:

[Terry Kennedy]

Bluetooth not compatible with convertibles. Someone tried on bmwboard; no go. :thumbdwn:Can you point me to the thread? If convertibles have SA640 (phone pre-wire), the only problem I could see is that the dealer computer might not allow marking the Bluetooth option as present, but that isn't needed to use the Bluetooth system.

[TLudwig]

After some searching, I found this thread (http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?p=102745#post102745) from BMWboard.com: It raises as many questions as it answers, but it appears, based on Adam Hick's website, that it can be done. This makes sense because Assist requires a phone connection, so the car would have to be pre-wired... Just don't expect a dealer to do the installation for you.

Note the interesting comments about being able to take incoming calls through the Assist system if you can find out your car's phone number. Like I said, if this is actually possible, then the convertibles must be similarly pre-wired for BT phone use.

[Calihan]

Maybe I missed it in your post and maybe I'm wrong but it's currently my understanding from my local dealer as well as Circle BMW that my car, 2004 330Ci convertible with navigation and assist is not Sirius capable. Your post suggests otherwise but I don't see a reference to convertibles specifically. Do you think my car is Sirius capable? Circle does not have an installation kit available for my car. Thanks.

C

[TLudwig]

Maybe I missed it in your post and maybe I'm wrong but it's currently my understanding from my local dealer as well as Circle BMW that my car, 2004 330Ci convertible with navigation and assist is not Sirius capable. Your post suggests otherwise but I don't see a reference to convertibles specifically. Do you think my car is Sirius capable? Circle does not have an installation kit available for my car. Thanks.

C

Sorry for not responding sooner, just saw the new post. You are correct, sirius is not yet available for the convertible with Nav AND Assist. The problem is Assist. They are working on the installation kit. It should be released VERY shortly. Sorry for not including that in my original post. I'll update it to include this info.

[KrisL]

TLudwig,

Please incorporate this into the Dension Icelink part of the thread. My additions are in bold.


Dension Icelink

The Icelink is compatible with the Business or Professional RDS/MD/CD headunits. It is compatible with nav, but not the CD changer. As I understand it, the Icelink is also not currently compatible with Sirius, but this is supposed to be resolved shortly.

The Icelink 1.1 plugs into the cd changer plug in the trunk. Your car then thinks it has a cd changer installed - you press the MODE button on your NAV to select CDC (cd changer) *or* you press the CD button on your non-Nav radio to select CDC (cd changer mode) once the Icelink is plugged in.

You can then use your up & down buttons on your steering wheel to select previous/next track on the iPod.

The Icelink will charge your iPod, even when the car is off (once the iPod is charged, it will go to a 'sleep' mode, and should not discharge your battery unless your car is left for weeks at a time).

When you put your car in CDC mode, the iPod is powered up automatically and begins playing from the point at which you last shut it off. When you turn the car off or put the radio in FM/AM/CD/Aux mode, the iPod automatically shuts down.

Installation is fairly straightforward, involving running the cable from the trunk-mounted icelink control box that plugs into your cd changer wires to wherever you want the iPod. Dension sells Proclip dash-board mounts directly on their site. See a picture of KrisL's ipod in the icelink with the proclip dash-board mount here (http://www.linquist.net/gallery/330i/ipod1).


Tom@Dension reports that they are currently working on a new version of the icelink that will display the track information directly on the NAV screen.

[TLudwig]

Good stuff. :thumbup: I cut and pasted it in.

[conwi221]

[do u know were i can get a new interior 4 my 86 325e

[conwi221]

hello

[beemheezy]

TLudwig,

Please incorporate this into the Dension Icelink part of the thread. My additions are in bold.


Dension Icelink

The Icelink is compatible with the Business or Professional RDS/MD/CD headunits. It is compatible with nav, but not the CD changer. As I understand it, the Icelink is also not currently compatible with Sirius, but this is supposed to be resolved shortly.

The Icelink 1.1 plugs into the cd changer plug in the trunk. Your car then thinks it has a cd changer installed - you press the MODE button on your NAV to select CDC (cd changer) *or* you press the CD button on your non-Nav radio to select CDC (cd changer mode) once the Icelink is plugged in.

You can then use your up & down buttons on your steering wheel to select previous/next track on the iPod.

The Icelink will charge your iPod, even when the car is off (once the iPod is charged, it will go to a 'sleep' mode, and should not discharge your battery unless your car is left for weeks at a time).

When you put your car in CDC mode, the iPod is powered up automatically and begins playing from the point at which you last shut it off. When you turn the car off or put the radio in FM/AM/CD/Aux mode, the iPod automatically shuts down.

Installation is fairly straightforward, involving running the cable from the trunk-mounted icelink control box that plugs into your cd changer wires to wherever you want the iPod. Dension sells Proclip dash-board mounts directly on their site. See a picture of KrisL's ipod in the icelink with the proclip dash-board mount here (http://www.linquist.net/gallery/330i/ipod1).


Tom@Dension reports that they are currently working on a new version of the icelink that will display the track information directly on the NAV screen.



Hello, quick question, will this work with a 1999 328i? someone told me that the Ipod adapter works only with cars MY2002. This will greatly assist in my decision on whether or not to shell out money to buy an Ipod

thanks guys

[KrisL]

Hello, quick question, will this work with a 1999 328i? someone told me that the Ipod adapter works only with cars MY2002. This will greatly assist in my decision on whether or not to shell out money to buy an Ipod

thanks guys


The icelink works in ALL E46s. The BMW branded 'iPodYourBMW' only works in 2002+.

[tom@densionusa]

The icelink works in ALL E46s. The BMW branded 'iPodYourBMW' only works in 2002+.

9/02 to be exact.

On another note, we now have the ice>Link specific for OEM BMW Sirius vehicles!

[shamilot]

Sorry for not responding sooner, just saw the new post. You are correct, sirius is not yet available for the convertible with Nav AND Assist. The problem is Assist. They are working on the installation kit. It should be released VERY shortly. Sorry for not including that in my original post. I'll update it to include this info.

Once my car had arrived at the dealership they called me in to arrange the details for final prep (i.e. alarm warnings, automatic door locks when moving, etc.). At that time I noticed a brocure on the manager's desk about SIRIUS satelite radio and I was like "How much for that?" She quoted a price to the tune of $700+ dollars which I threw on top of the lease. I figured so far so good. A few days later my beauty was ready to be picked up. She had less than 4 miles on the odometer and still smelt of S.W. Germany. The sales rep was very thorough in showing me the features of the car which by that time I had already memorized. (During the 2 months between order and delivery I spent countless hours studying the owner's manual and combed through this message board to learn as much as I could about my first bimmer.) So, when he turned on satelite radio we discovered that I hadn't subscribed to a service yet but that the radio had been activated for XM satelite.
No worries. Since it was saturday and he had some problems with his computer and I wanted to start driving asap we agreed that I would call to subscribe myself that week. He gave me the my radio's ID# (?) and an XM brochure and said that he would check up on me to see if all went smoothly the following week.
That Monday first thing in the morning I was online signing up for a year with XM satelite radio. I was pleased that 15 minutes later I went out to my car and was receivng signal from them. Dealer also called me as promised thanked him and moved on. Now I have 2 concerns:
First, why did dealer charge me $700 if I had to pay for my subscription with XM sat for the year anyway?
Second, Howard Stern is going on SIRIUS next year. My car doesn't have NAV but does have BMW Assist. Once my subscription with XM expires would I be able to sign up with SIRIUS as easily as forwarding my radio ID# and submitting my credit card info?

[LDV330i]

Once my car had arrived at the dealership they called me in to arrange the details for final prep (i.e. alarm warnings, automatic door locks when moving, etc.). At that time I noticed a brocure on the manager's desk about SIRIUS satelite radio and I was like "How much for that?" She quoted a price to the tune of $700+ dollars which I threw on top of the lease. I figured so far so good. A few days later my beauty was ready to be picked up. She had less than 4 miles on the odometer and still smelt of S.W. Germany. The sales rep was very thorough in showing me the features of the car which by that time I had already memorized. (During the 2 months between order and delivery I spent countless hours studying the owner's manual and combed through this message board to learn as much as I could about my first bimmer.) So, when he turned on satelite radio we discovered that I hadn't subscribed to a service yet but that the radio had been activated for XM satelite.
No worries. Since it was saturday and he had some problems with his computer and I wanted to start driving asap we agreed that I would call to subscribe myself that week. He gave me the my radio's ID# (?) and an XM brochure and said that he would check up on me to see if all went smoothly the following week.
That Monday first thing in the morning I was online signing up for a year with XM satelite radio. I was pleased that 15 minutes later I went out to my car and was receivng signal from them. Dealer also called me as promised thanked him and moved on. Now I have 2 concerns:
First, why did dealer charge me $700 if I had to pay for my subscription with XM sat for the year anyway?
Second, Howard Stern is going on SIRIUS next year. My car doesn't have NAV but does have BMW Assist. Once my subscription with XM expires would I be able to sign up with SIRIUS as easily as forwarding my radio ID# and submitting my credit card info? If you had XM radio installed when you paid to have Sirius installed then you were not only mislead but ripped off. The official satellite radio supplier to BMW is Sirius and therefore OEM and if installed before delivery it is covered the 4 year BMW warranty.

XM satellite radio is considered to be an aftermarket product and it requires a Blitzsafe adapter to connect to the BMW wiring harness and is not covered by the BMW warranty even if installed before delivery.

Paying $700 for satellite radio is way too much. The Sirius satellite radio (special BMW model) parts cost $399, MSRP. The XM radio costs $49 plus $250 for the Blitzsafe adaptor. Both installations are plug and play and should not take more than hour for a self install since you are connecting in the trunk to the CD changer harness.

[JonathanIT]

You are correct, sirius is not yet available for the convertible with Nav AND Assist. The problem is Assist. They are working on the installation kit. It should be released VERY shortly. Sorry for not including that in my original post. I'll update it to include this info.
I've been away from the boards for a while and I just did a search to find out if they came out with this fix yet: I have a 2004 330cic with NAV and Assist, and I've been patiently waiting for the Sirius kit since I took delivery in January! This post was the most recent I could find on the subject; it says "VERY" soon for this in September, about six weeks ago.... any news yet??

I want my Sirius! :cry:

A related question I couldn't find the answer to: I never took my car in to get the "lawsuit FM radio/stereo fade" issue fixed, although I think my car has this affliction. If they do get a the Sirius conflict fixed, will this affect that problem at all? Will I still need to get my FM fixed?

TIA,

--Jonathan

[AA82175]

I am purchasing a 2005 E46 with BMW Assist. I also want Sirius. Does anyone know if I can utilize the Assist sharkfin antenna with Sirius, or do I need an additional antenna? I heard that the X5 is using a dual-purpose sharkfin antenna, perhaps the 2005 330i has the same. Thanks!

[xemo]

I have ordered 2005 330Ci, Nav, Assist, Sirius. I am told that a separate antennae is required . I just hope everything works together as advertised.

[pjo1966]

I have ordered 2005 330Ci, Nav, Assist, Sirius. I am told that a separate antennae is required . I just hope everything works together as advertised.

I have the same configuration in a 2005 325i. Everything works.

[xemo]

I placed the SAT antenna on the rear shelf under the glass and it works great!

My voice commands only allow me to use the phonebook. Earlier postings suggest NAV and radio voice command capabilities (mine is -2005 330Ci, Nav, BT, Assist, SAT). Does any body have a similar issue? In addition, sometimes the system doesn't recognize the commands. The dealership is checking it out, it was suggested the voice module may be bad. I think it could also be the microphone as people tell me they can't hear me very well. Anybody have this issue?

[pjo1966]

I placed the SAT antenna on the rear shelf under the glass and it works great!

My voice commands only allow me to use the phonebook. Earlier postings suggest NAV and radio voice command capabilities (mine is -2005 330Ci, Nav, BT, Assist, SAT). Does any body have a similar issue? In addition, sometimes the system doesn't recognize the commands. The dealership is checking it out, it was suggested the voice module may be bad. I think it could also be the microphone as people tell me they can't hear me very well. Anybody have this issue?

I've never had a problem with people not being able to understand me. In the beginning I found myself talking louder than I needed to. Now i just talk in a normal conversational voice. I didn't think voice commands worked at all with the phone. Exactly how do you do this?

[JonathanIT]

Sorry for not responding sooner, just saw the new post. You are correct, sirius is not yet available for the convertible with Nav AND Assist. The problem is Assist. They are working on the installation kit. It should be released VERY shortly. Sorry for not including that in my original post. I'll update it to include this info.
Well, it's now been over 7 months since this original post in reference to Sirius for an '04 cabrio with NAV & Assist. The retrofit was supposed to be available "very shortly," does ANYone have an update??? Should I just give up and face the fact that I'm never going to get my OEM Sirius? I'm also waiting for Bluetooth, but I REALLY want my Sirius!! :cry:

--J.

[xemo]

I've never had a problem with people not being able to understand me. In the beginning I found myself talking louder than I needed to. Now i just talk in a normal conversational voice. I didn't think voice commands worked at all with the phone. Exactly how do you do this?

I had a phone tech look at this and he thinks the failure rate (on recognizing the command) is very high. He does work on a lot of BMW's and has not seen it this bad. The voice commands I am talking about are already embedded in the system like "name dial" or "number dial". The system does not understand the command or reads back an incorrect number (I am literate and speak well, no heavy accent).

[donkeough]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a 2003 phone enabled 325 sport wagon. And, I finally bought a blue tooth capable phone so as to work with my laptop. I asked the people at the dealership to install the rest of the BT phone system, which they did to the tune of $1200. It still doesn't work, and now they claim that I need to go and get an older phone because my 2003 BT system will not support a new phone such as the V710. I need the newer phone to work with my laptop-- Any suggestions? Anyone know of any patches for my phone? Patches for the BMW system? Is the mechanic wrong in claiming that he cannot install the new module in my older car-- should be have installed the new (04-05) module in my older car ('03)?

This is really starting to tick me off as it is costing me thousands and I have no resolution. HELP!!!!

[Terry Kennedy]

I have a 2003 phone enabled 325 sport wagon. And, I finally bought a blue tooth capable phone so as to work with my laptop. I asked the people at the dealership to install the rest of the BT phone system, which they did to the tune of $1200.Well, the labor to install Bluetooth in a wagon will run more than in other body styles due to the mounting location of the ULF module. I can't comment on the price without knowing how much of that is parts and how much was labor. [Note to other 'festers - no matter where you live, somebody here is probably nearby and willing to help you take apart your car :D].
It still doesn't work, and now they claim that I need to go and get an older phone because my 2003 BT system will not support a new phone such as the V710.The V710 doesn't work reliably with any ULF-based system. This is purely the phone's fault. There have been a number of lawsuits against Verizon about V710 issues, and the way the V710 was marketed has caused the Bluetooth SIG (the folks that allow the Bluetooth logo) to revise the requirements for certification. If the V710 was a new phone today, it would not be allowed to be marketed with the Bluetooth logo or name.
I need the newer phone to work with my laptop-- Any suggestions? Anyone know of any patches for my phone? Patches for the BMW system? Is the mechanic wrong in claiming that he cannot install the new module in my older car-- should be have installed the new (04-05) module in my older car ('03)?As I said above, no ULF-based system will work reliably with the V710. The newer Assist+Bluetooth modules from MY2005 and newer cars will work with the V710, but I don't think they're compatible with your car (while it might be possible to make it work with a bunch of other parts, it is unlikely any BMW dealer would undertake the project).

I had a V710 and cancelled my contract with Verizon. I switched to a Cingular Motorola RAZR V3 which works fine with the car (I also have a MY2003 wagon with the ... 387 ULF module). Other Bluetooth phones will also work - I just mention the V3 as it is what I have, not that it is the only (or best) phone for you.

[SRFast]

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I have a 2003 phone enabled 325 sport wagon. And, I finally bought a blue tooth capable phone so as to work with my laptop. I asked the people at the dealership to install the rest of the BT phone system, which they did to the tune of $1200. It still doesn't work, and now they claim that I need to go and get an older phone because my 2003 BT system will not support a new phone such as the V710. I need the newer phone to work with my laptop-- Any suggestions? Anyone know of any patches for my phone? Patches for the BMW system? Is the mechanic wrong in claiming that he cannot install the new module in my older car-- should be have installed the new (04-05) module in my older car ('03)?

This is really starting to tick me off as it is costing me thousands and I have no resolution. HELP!!!!

If you need a BT phone for your laptop and want to use the BMW ULF, get rid of Verizon and the V710. From my experience, the best BT enabled phones are GSM based. Cingular and T-Mobile offer the most variety of GSM BT phones. I have paired the Moto V525, V600 & V635 to my BMW BT with no problems.

hope this helps....JL

[YoYoPedro]

Well, it's now been over 7 months since this original post in reference to Sirius for an '04 cabrio with NAV & Assist. The retrofit was supposed to be available "very shortly," does ANYone have an update??? Should I just give up and face the fact that I'm never going to get my OEM Sirius? I'm also waiting for Bluetooth, but I REALLY want my Sirius!! :cry:

--J.

Can't speak to the Sirius issue, but depending when your car was built, supposedly '04 E46 cars built between 3/04 and 9/04 with Assist can replace their Assist-only TCU with the new '05 BT/Assist combo TCU (then recode the TCU) and get both Bluetooth and Assist functions, with no need for the "pairing button" install in the console, as the new TCU does not use a button for pairing. I have a 6/04 built M3 Cab with Assist and NAV, I'm getting price quotes on this as we speak. Look at Service Bulletin #841304 for more info if your car fits into those production dates.

[obmd1]

Well, it's now been over 7 months since this original post in reference to Sirius for an '04 cabrio with NAV & Assist. The retrofit was supposed to be available "very shortly," does ANYone have an update??? Should I just give up and face the fact that I'm never going to get my OEM Sirius? I'm also waiting for Bluetooth, but I REALLY want my Sirius!! :cry:

--J.
I was JUST inquiring about this last week, and got a big fat NO from my SA. Sirius and Assist are incompatible for some reason in the CIc. Whatever "fix" was to be available shortly is not yet.....

Not sure whether one could opt for BT and NOT Assist... without the OEM ULF which (Terry?) won't work with a V710 anyway...

:dunno: :mad: :dunno:

[Terry Kennedy]

I was JUST inquiring about this last week, and got a big fat NO from my SA. Sirius and Assist are incompatible for some reason in the CIc.It is probably a mounting-space limitation, like the fact that the Tourings can't (officially) get Sirius.
Not sure whether one could opt for BT and NOT Assist... without the OEM ULF which (Terry?) won't work with a V710 anyway...I don't know - you'd need to find someone who has taken apart a CIc to see what the issue is. And no V710 w/ a ULF.

[tigerfan]

What is included in the trunk ant. kit form circle BMW. List is $125 and cost is $100. is there something different for the conv.? A terk ant. dosen't cost this much. has anyone installed a blitzsafe with XM receiver in their 330 conv. It seem to be around $250 and looks like it takes a few minutes to install. Please help with suggestions. Want sat in conv. but would like to do it right.

[Bill-SD]

Satelite Radio
Sirius is available for nav-equipped cars built 9/03 or later, but XM Direct does not work with navigation at this time (they're still working on it). Note that Sirius is not currently available for convertibles equipped with nav AND Assist. An installation kit hasn't yet been released for this configuration, but it should be VERY shortly.


I know this post is supposed to make things clear but...
I am buying an '03 540 with Nav and DSP. The production date is 03/03. I'm sure I read somewhere that starting 03/03, 39's with Nav are Sirius compatable. I was just looking at the Circle BMW website and they say otherwise. Can anyone clarify this for me?

Thanks,
Bill

[AlexMaster]

Hello. I don't very good speak English and don't want to read this topic on the dictionary, and so, Please ask me, What the standart telephone stand by factory in BMW E46 ? Motorola ? What the model ?
Thanks.

[sandman512]

Just picked up my 2005 325I, loving it. I was hoping that it would have Bluetooth capabilities due to the fact that the steering wheel has the features on it. When I took my v551 cell phone and tried to connect, no go. I went to the service dept., and they tried, no go. They then checked the production date on my car which was 8/04. It was explained to me that they started the Bluetooth on the 9/04 production; just my luck. Still got my BIMMER though. Anyway, with all that being said, what would I need/require to have Bluetooth capabilities in my vehicle. Thanks!

[dadclarkus]

Do you know why the Ipod interce is only applicable to 2002+?

[TLudwig]

Just picked up my 2005 325I, loving it. I was hoping that it would have Bluetooth capabilities due to the fact that the steering wheel has the features on it. When I took my v551 cell phone and tried to connect, no go. I went to the service dept., and they tried, no go. They then checked the production date on my car which was 8/04. It was explained to me that they started the Bluetooth on the 9/04 production; just my luck. Still got my BIMMER though. Anyway, with all that being said, what would I need/require to have Bluetooth capabilities in my vehicle. Thanks!

The issue is whether or not you have BMW Assist. If so, your dealer probably won't install the Bluetooth for you, so you'll have to order it and do it yourself. It really isn't that hard (there are a couple of good DIY mentioned on this site), and you'll save money anyway. Run a search here to find out which part numbers you need to order. If you have any questions PM me.

[TLudwig]

If you have questions regarding compatibility of the various satellite radio and iPod interface solutions, please see this post (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1406954&postcount=9).

[TLudwig]

Do you know why the Ipod interce is only applicable to 2002+?

I'm really not sure, but my guess would be that it has something to do with the CD Changer connection to the head unit, which the BMW iPod solution relies on.

[ang]

i am not sure how to post a new discussion, so sorry for doing this as a reply:
i am confused as to what phone is compatible with my car....i see people saying that assist and bluetooth cannot work together?? i am unclear. my car says it is wired for bluetooth, and i think it has assist.( i only know this because i hit a button cleaning it, and a lady came over the radio asking if i needed assistance?? i bought this used, and have not subscribed to anything...is the "lady" associated with the assist feature, and if so, is it just standard, since i have not subscribed to any assist program? it is a certified car, maybe it came with it? anyway, what phone with verizon can i use, and what do i need to do to activate that feature......i am slowly learning about the features i have, so hope this isnt a silly question.......thanks
angie
PS...any tips on where to get a fairly inexpensive wind deflector?

[ang]

Bluetooth not compatible with convertibles. Someone tried on bmwboard; no go. :thumbdwn:
The guy who sold me my 2004 325CI covert. says it MUST have bmw assist in order for the phone to be able to connect!! I call my locat dealer, and they say no way can bluetooth phone service be added, even if i removed the assist.......i call bmw headquarters, and they say yes, it can, but you must remove the bmw assist...and that they will call the dealership that gave me the previous info. Bottom line: sales person in cali. doesnt know the facts, dealership service dept. doesnt know, and bmw central says it can be done??? what is going on? :eek:

[FSUmac]

I have a few questions as a recent BMW purchaser. I used the search feature but could not come up with much.

First, my car is a 2001 330i. On the left side of my steering wheel, I have a few buttons that are meant to be used with a cell phone as a hands free option. I know this is not a blue tooth setup, but can it be converted to BT, and if not, can someone explain to me how to go about using this function on my car. I think I also have a microphone installed near the cabin lights on the ceiling.

Second question, I have read about the icelink option for the E46. Is that something that I can install myself as a person with moderate/beginner car audio experience?

Thanks in advance for any help and sorry If I sound like a complete newbie. :thumbup:

[LDV330i]

I have a few questions as a recent BMW purchaser. I used the search feature but could not come up with much.

First, my car is a 2001 330i. On the left side of my steering wheel, I have a few buttons that are meant to be used with a cell phone as a hands free option. I know this is not a blue tooth setup, but can it be converted to BT, and if not, can someone explain to me how to go about using this function on my car. I think I also have a microphone installed near the cabin lights on the ceiling.

Second question, I have read about the icelink option for the E46. Is that something that I can install myself as a person with moderate/beginner car audio experience?

Thanks in advance for any help and sorry If I sound like a complete newbie. :thumbup:All US market BMW have come prepped for cell phones for years. Up to MY 2002 the only choice is to hardwire a phone. Unfortunately that is no longer possible becuase all the BMW approved phones are technologically dead. Your best bet is to look into after market In-Car Bluetooth kits such as this one (http://motorola.car-kit.com/) available from Motorola.

The IceLink install is very simple. Just have to dissamble your trunk and depending where you want to put your connection possibly your rear seat rear passenger compartment carpet, and center console. That is what we did when I helped a friend install his last month. It is easy but just time consuming.

[KrisL]

All US market BMW have come prepped for cell phones for years. Up to MY 2002 the only choice is to hardwire a phone. Unfortunately that is no longer possible becuase all the BMW approved phones are technologically dead. Your best bet is to look into after market In-Car Bluetooth kits such as this one (http://motorola.car-kit.com/) available from Motorola.

This company makes a BT retrofit kit for earlier E46s:

http://www.advancedautovations.com/e46%20dates.html

[FSUmac]

thanks for the help guys

[jonesy]

For Bluetooth compatibility, BMW websites list the compatible phones:

http://www.bmwusa.com/bluetooth/
http://www.bmw.co.uk/bluetooth/ (Better site)

Note that having a compatible phone may not be enough though. You need to check the firmware (software) version of the phone too to ensure that it's a supported version. (e.g. for Nokia phones, press *#0000#)

Lastly, even with a supported phone with supported firmware, you can still have issues. My phone for example will not work in my car if I have too many text messages in the phone's memory.

[JonathanIT]

Well, after another hiatus from the boards, I have returned! It's that time of year... I just registered for Bimmerfest '06!

I just took my car in for the annual service (oil change, I only have 7,500 miles on the car :D ), and believe it or not I finally got the "stereo-mono fade lawsuit issue" fixed!! I'm probably the last BMW driver in North America to have this defective radio replaced. From what I understand, it is only for specific production dates that my car falls into (build: ll/03). I figure that if anyone out there hasn't gotten it fixed by now, they haven't noticed the crappy sound in their radios and never will. I was to get it replaced last year, but the part was "back ordered" and I never followed up. Now I am happy to say that the FM radio sounds 100% better! They also fixed a recall I was not aware of... something to do with engine coils.

Anyway, I was checking at the dealer (as I always do, but only go a couple times a year) about finally getting SIRIUS installed in my cab, and... after three different times checking at the parts counter (Alexander BMW)... it looks like it is finally available for installation on '04 cabrios with NAV and BMWAssist!!

Could it finally be true? Can someone verify this? The Pacific BMW (http://www.pacificbmw.com/new/parts/frame2.asp?prodid=1488&modelid=195) website still has "Not compatible with BMW Assist" listed on their parts description for Sirius cabrio installation. But (after doing some searching here on the boards) they also have what looks like "old" part numbers (e.g. 84-11-0-153-365 for the receiver instead of the newer 65-12-0-398-140). Circle BMW (http://www.circlebmw.com/parts/sirius/sirius.htm)'s site only shows compatability issues with cassete decks and a build date before 9/03 (whew!) for cars w/NAV (no mention of Assist). I can hardly believe that after 2 years of waiting, BMW integrated Sirius might finally be available! :thumbup:

Bluetooth still shows no availability for '04 cabrios with NAV and Assist. :mad: I know about the DIY rip-out-the-assist-and-replace-with-BT route, but I haven't decided if it's worth the effort yet. Besides, is there a way to do this without adding the "pairing" button I've seen on these installs?

[cliffyterp]

I just got a '06 e46 cab with nav and assist. The salesperson said no problem adding in satellite radio, but I didn't trust her. Several weeks ago, I stopped by the parts dept to buy some stuff and the salesperson said no problem getting the sirius radio. Today, I called the parts dept to order, and after getting my VIN, they said it wasn't compatible.
True??? Help me.

[LDV330i]

I just got a '06 e46 cab with nav and assist. The salesperson said no problem adding in satellite radio, but I didn't trust her. Several weeks ago, I stopped by the parts dept to buy some stuff and the salesperson said no problem getting the sirius radio. Today, I called the parts dept to order, and after getting my VIN, they said it wasn't compatible.
True??? Help me.The issue is not compatibility but that there is no "official" space for it. There are work arounds that issue. See this post (http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1178778&postcount=2). Hope it helps.

[freddymc]

I have a 2002 330i and recently had the head unit replaced under warrenty. The new head unit has software version 04-04 43. I was also able to get a sirius receiver on ebay. I connected the 3 and 6 pin plug in the trunk ran the antenna to the trunk deck. But the HU does not recognize the Sirius when i cycle the mode button. Any thougts?

[coolandmellow]

Yes most delaerships don`t have a clue what they are doing over here in the states.They jusy want your money and out there to wrip you off.However the dealerships in Europe actually send their personal to the BMW training camp in Germany for ceritification and experience.

[LDV330i]

I have a 2002 330i and recently had the head unit replaced under warrenty. The new head unit has software version 04-04 43. I was also able to get a sirius receiver on ebay. I connected the 3 and 6 pin plug in the trunk ran the antenna to the trunk deck. But the HU does not recognize the Sirius when i cycle the mode button. Any thougts?Did you allow you unit to initialize? You do this by turning your key to position 1 where everything get powered up but do not start the motor. Wait a minute until the HU talks to the Sirius module and do not press any buttons during the process. Prior to doing this you may have to disconnect the power to the Sirius unit and then replug it. If that still does not do it, then a bum Sirius unit is a good possibility.:(

[sharkye46]

What is projection headlight? I have a 330ci ZHP and i want to install angel eyes. Can someone give me some advice if this is an easy task or what brand. I found some from Ebay. Also i want some Foglight covers for this 2006 car also. Thanks everyone. I am very excited bc it just arrived in late march.

[Rick Lee]

The part number for non-nav e46's is 65-12-0153-501. The part number for e46's with nav is 82-11-0-149-391. It should run you around $40. It is very easy to do yourself and will take you about an hour and a half to two hours (you can find the DIY here (http://www.mattmcnulty.com/325xi/DIY/aux_input.html) courtesy of jumpingmatt on this forum). If you choose to have the dealer install it, they will charge you an hour of labor.

Sure wish I had seen this before last night when I installed the 82-11-0-149-391 in my NON-navigation '03 330i. Are you positive about this? Of course, the DIY instructions I followed made no mention of this and simply said I needed this part and nothing else. Now it looks like I get to buy the part and do this job all over again. Please tell me there's a work-around.

[Striker169]

Can someone link me to the XM-RDR-D-101 part I cannot seem to find it forsale anywhere

[LDV330i]

Can someone link me to the XM-RDR-D-101 part I cannot seem to find it forsale anywhereHere (http://www.myradiostore.us/xm-radio-receivers/xm-direct-receiver-bmw-mini-cooper.html).

[bradley01]

Can someone help me? I am looking into upgrading my Business CD in my '02 330xi ZPP/ZCW to a 16:9 Nav unit. Is this difficult? I understand that its going to be expensive. Are there DVD units available? Everything that I have heard/read is only about the CD models. Also, what happen to the Climate Contols? Are they integrated into the OEM Nav unit?

If anyone has installed an aftermarket Nav Unit into their E46, can you post some pics? Or lead me to a post where they talk about this? And if you have installed a 16:9 Nav unit, what did you do with your climate controls?
Thanks!

[LDV330i]

Can someone help me? I am looking into upgrading my Business CD in my '02 330xi ZPP/ZCW to a 16:9 Nav unit. Is this difficult? I understand that its going to be expensive. Are there DVD units available? Everything that I have heard/read is only about the CD models. Also, what happen to the Climate Contols? Are they integrated into the OEM Nav unit?

If anyone has installed an aftermarket Nav Unit into their E46, can you post some pics? Or lead me to a post where they talk about this? And if you have installed a 16:9 Nav unit, what did you do with your climate controls?
Thanks!I know to each their own but retrofitting a NAV system is a major mod on a 5 year old car. IMHO it is not worth to spend 4K that if you were to sell your car tomorrow would bring you no more than $500.

I cannot point to a specific thread but remember seeing one with pictures that literally showed the disassembly of the dashboard and trunk. It is not for the faint hearted. Do a search and I am sure you will be able to locate it.

The climate controls location would match that of a car with factory installed NAV in the cubby hole directly below the current location of the climate control.

[bradley01]

Thanks! I know its going to take a lot of work. Mostly running wiring harnesses. It wouldn't really be any different than installing a deck, amps, and speakers. Lots of wires to run. Fortunately with this kit from bimmernav.com, there is only one wiring harness to run. They list the whole kit at $2,795, but i'm sure I can get the individual parts cheaper on ebay. Really, I was just interested in the screen, which I can pick up for about $650 (or cheaper on ebay). With that piece, I can modify it to attach a dvd player, ps2, back-up camera, etc... I didn't want to get an aftermarket one b/c I don't think the lines of the dash will look as good with anything else. Thanks LDV330i!

[bradley01]

BTW, in case anyone is interested, here is the link to bimmernav's website:

http://www.bimmernav.com/store/catalog/index.php?cPath=3&osCsid=7244f6c3dfa35d9e29ffdd36297ab7c8

They have some pretty cool stuff. Quite pricey though, but what do you expect with a BMW...