Aftermarket Stereo in X3

- Adding OEM Bluetooth is $250. It works much better than the Parrot system, and the steering wheel integration / voice recognition is fantastic.

The price to upgrade my base X3 (no nav, no assist, etc.) with the BMW Bluetooth package is around $700 or so (parts only) so perhaps I've missed something in my research. If so, can someone direct me to an OEM package that only costs $250!?!?

Thanks again.

JV

Originally Posted by JVergence

- Adding OEM Bluetooth is $250. It works much better than the Parrot system, and the steering wheel integration / voice recognition is fantastic.

The price to upgrade my base X3 (no nav, no assist, etc.) with the BMW Bluetooth package is around $700 or so (parts only) so perhaps I've missed something in my research. If so, can someone direct me to an OEM package that only costs $250!?!?

Thanks again.

JV

Sure can... A Bluetooth TCU is only $328 (sorry just looked up exact cost) from the dealer. Gone are the days of needing a $700 Bluetooth ULF.


plug in the latest part # 84109195455 to www.getbmwparts.com
http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/p...artNumbers.pdf

also read the links on www.bimmerboard.com in the Bluetooth section

Thanks for all the info sna77!

Initially I had thought it would be more cost effective to get a new aftermarket stereo with BT built-in. But the phone book, steering wheel integration, and possible voice recognition compromises are making this a bit more thought provoking. So, to be clear, the TCU install will allow these mentioned features even if the 2006 X3 does NOT have nav, assist, etc. The vehicle does have the Business CD and I've been led to believe that the necessary wiring is in place 'cause there is a small bundle of non-landed cables/connectors in the rear left side compartment. The steering wheel has the RT button also.

I'm guessing that I would also need the mic and, again, this vehicle should have the pre-wiring.

So aside from the TCU and microphone, is there anything else to be considered for this upgrade?? I realize that the phone needs to be placed somewhere but I want to cost out the minimum hardware needed for functionality first.

Thanks again.

JV

So... You probably only need the TCU. My guess is the microphone is there already. Just check. they linked a picture above of where it was..


The X3 install is super easy:
http://www.bimmernav.com/BMW_X3_Blue...tructions.html

You dont need to do anything with the arm rest / phone snap in & charging cradle (unless you want to). You simply pop the TCU into the trunk...

I leave my phone in the cupholder while driving... Although the snap-in is really cool. If I didn't change phones every 6 months, I'd probably install another one...

And does a dealer need to program the unit for voice recognition???

Thanks again sna77.

JV

Originally Posted by JVergence

And does a dealer need to program the unit for voice recognition???

Thanks again sna77.

JV

First, you dont need voice recognition for Bluetooth to work--especially if your phone already has voice dialing capabilites etc. Its a "nice to have" IMO. You can just plug in the BT module and be working in 5 minutes...

If you DO want the VR, you can either:

- code it using NavCoder. AFAIK the dealers havent figured it out yet... On x5world.com in the Bluetooth section KiwiJochen and BrianBMW have it fugured out with NavCoder ($20 software + $20 ibus to serial adapter).

- Buy a used ULF. They are pre-coded for VR. The PDF I linked has all the part #'s...

Edit: forgot you need a bluetooth antenna also. Its about $50

hey guys ... sorry for digging up this old thread but i got a quick question..
I was told by the installer that i would lose the front and back parking sensor functionality if i replace the OEM stereo w/ an aftermarket HU, is that true????(unless i get an adaptor... but thats only for the backup sensor)
Or does that only apply to E9X?

Originally Posted by dark86

hey guys ... sorry for digging up this old thread but i got a quick question..
I was told by the installer that i would lose the front and back parking sensor functionality if i replace the OEM stereo w/ an aftermarket HU, is that true????(unless i get an adaptor... but thats only for the backup sensor)
Or does that only apply to E9X?

Responded in PM, but will have to update some of the DIY as I have come up with a good way to update sound system and keep the HU as well

I will probably go aftermarket. Can anyone confirm that the steering controls work?

Requirements
Bluetooth
Ipod
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS !!!

Thanks in advance

Originally Posted by heynowjerry

I will probably go aftermarket. Can anyone confirm that the steering controls work?

Requirements
Bluetooth
Ipod
STEERING WHEEL CONTROLS !!!

Thanks in advance

My steering wheel controls work perfectly. I used the JVC interface to my Alpine H/U.

Go for GROMAUDIO. 130+40 BT dongle gives everything you wanted, without replacing anything (rather just adding things).