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      02-08-2012, 03:31 PM   #1
telecaster
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How to add bluetooth / hands feel cell phone?

Hi folks – Newbie here.

Just got my wife a 2007 X3. I have looked in a few places around for information on the Bluetooth but can’t find a definitive source for the right part to look for and how to add. BWM says it can't be done, but I don't belive that for a second.

I would like to add the Bluetooth option to the car. It looks as if it is wired for it. How do I know what used part to look for and where. I have looked on ebay a bit, but I am not sure what all I need. I am assuming I need; the unit, a mic, and an antenna. Any help in poinint me to the right source of exactly what I need would be great. Part numbers, ranges of years and any information would be great.
The steering wheel has the buttons, but the car didn’t come with the option (which I didn’t know was not standard).
So far I love the car.

Thanks,
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      02-08-2012, 07:55 PM   #2
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Search google for (incarmedia) however that won't help much because they just discontinued the nav system w/backup camera. There is another Australian company that makes the same factory style units for around 500. - search the forums I don't recall off hand.
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      02-09-2012, 08:56 AM   #3
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If your steering wheel already has the buttons you are pre-wired for telecomm. What you need to do is by a TCU module install it and have the vehicle programmed to activate bluetooth.
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      02-09-2012, 10:46 AM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cleung View Post
If your steering wheel already has the buttons you are pre-wired for telecomm. What you need to do is by a TCU module install it and have the vehicle programmed to activate bluetooth.
The wheel already has the buttons. And there are wires (2 sets) in the left hand back compartment. I am guessing one set is for the navigation dvd, and the other is for the TCU (Telecommincations unit?)

So if I find a unit, will BWM programm the vehicle?

Any reccomendations for a source for the unit? I wll start searching on TCU.
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      02-09-2012, 11:05 AM   #5
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I am currently in the process of doing this to my e60. I ended up buying my TCU from the e90 portion of this forum. But basically I would suggest looking around forums and ebay. Also have a chat with your dealer to see what they say. the only other issue is the tcu unit will have a different VIN number than your vehicle so if you subscribe to bmw assist they will not see your correct VIN. I've been told though that this can be fixed with coding however your dealer will not have the right software to do that kind of coding.
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      02-10-2012, 12:37 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by cleung View Post
I am currently in the process of doing this to my e60. I ended up buying my TCU from the e90 portion of this forum. But basically I would suggest looking around forums and ebay. Also have a chat with your dealer to see what they say. the only other issue is the tcu unit will have a different VIN number than your vehicle so if you subscribe to bmw assist they will not see your correct VIN. I've been told though that this can be fixed with coding however your dealer will not have the right software to do that kind of coding.
When I searched on TCU on ebay everything seemed to line up with 2006 and below. Is there a different term for the unit starting in 2007? I called the dealer and they said that even after buying the part you would need coding (I am assuming this is around the VIN number for BMW assist). He basically said if your car didn’t come with the option, then you can’t have it.
I would have thought you would just buy a unit and buy the microphone and plug them in. I don’t care about BMW assist, I just want the phone to work.
Post back on how the project goes for you and if anyone else has experience or guidance, please let me know. Right now based on what the dealer said I am thinking about not trying it
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      02-10-2012, 12:41 PM   #7
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I believe the other unit is called a ULF but I think that is the older one...

go to the e90post forum and do a search there, lots of of guys have done this retrofit. once you install the unit the vehicle will have to be programmed to recognize the bluetooth but that is separate from the VIN issue. The bluetooth will work even with the wrong VIN as long the the vehicle is programmed for bluetooth.
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      02-14-2012, 01:06 PM   #8
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www.bimmernav.com has everything you need to get Bluetooth hands free up and running, if you're prewired.
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      02-14-2012, 01:22 PM   #9
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as some1 said you need the bluetooth module and have the car reprogram to allow the car to see bluetooth module
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      03-26-2013, 11:21 PM   #10
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Follow the instructions for an E46/E39/E83/E53/E85 retrofit, they all use the same modules and system.
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      03-27-2013, 07:54 AM   #11
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Try the Dice Media Bridge.
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      05-20-2013, 01:18 PM   #12
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Looking for similar...

Greetings all, My name is Scott and I just inherited a 2007 X3, which I love so far.

I am sure this has been discussed, but I'd like your opinion on the latest and greatest way to accomplish the following upgrades which the vehicle does not currently have;
Navigation
Bluetooth (for hands free phone, audio)
USB port (for charging, iphone interface, MP3 playback via flash drive)

I like things to be cleanly installed, so I am searching for interface parts, etc. too.


Thanks in advance!
SDS
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      09-18-2013, 12:59 PM   #13
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Non-functional TCU

I am having the same problem. Does any one know where I can get my TCU serviced.

I have a X3 2005 with Bluetooth, my phone does not see the BMW at all.

I have unplugged the TCU for 30 minutes, and plugged back in, and still cannot see it to pair my phone.

Any help would be great.

Alex
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      09-18-2013, 03:02 PM   #14
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There are no servicable parts in the Bluetooth.

Check you model number supports BT by searching the part number online against a list of early models that did not support it.

Finally make sure you are not skipping any steps when pairing, especially excessive pauses after turning on the car and beginning the pairing sequence.
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      01-02-2014, 07:49 AM   #15
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My 06 x3 used to show itself to try to pair and now it does not. Would unplugging the unit and plugging back in really help.

Bmw tried to help me pair it and after about 5 min they said it must be a bad module without even opening the back compartment.
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      12-30-2016, 03:01 AM   #16
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Aftermarket headunit will be easiest way
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      03-03-2017, 04:33 PM   #17
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One of the cheapest and easiest way to add bluetooth for music streaming & calls is the Anker SoundSync Drive Bluetooth 4.0 Car Receiver.
You plug it in the Aux input in front of the 2nd row of seats.
Set the HU to Aux, have the phone paired and you're done. Music & phone calls streaming. I got mine from Amazon. Link.
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      03-04-2017, 06:00 PM   #18
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New head unit also gives better quality audio too for less than $100
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      03-19-2018, 07:25 PM   #19
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Is there a way to get my 07 x3 to bluetooth connect to a new iphone like the 6s? It won't work for me
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      04-27-2018, 05:41 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by doru View Post
One of the cheapest and easiest way to add bluetooth for music streaming & calls is the Anker SoundSync Drive Bluetooth 4.0 Car Receiver.
You plug it in the Aux input in front of the 2nd row of seats.
Set the HU to Aux, have the phone paired and you're done. Music & phone calls streaming. I got mine from Amazon. Link.
Yes, I agree. That’s what I’d do if I really wanted Bluetooth. An even cheaper way is to forget Bluetooth. Just run an RCA cable from the aux Jack up to your phone mount on the dash. When you mount the phone, plug in the RCA cable and the Lightening cable for charging. You have everything you’d have with Bluetooth. The steering wheel phone button works to answer calls, use Siri and whatever the Android equivalent is, to make calls and get turn by turn directions. I even use Siri to read/write text messages hands free. The only catch is that in order for Siri’s voice to come in over the car’s speakers is, you have to have the stereo in Aux mode. If you are in radio mode, Siri comes in over the iPhone.

Btw I use the Proclip dash cellphone mount. Pricey but rock solid. Much better than the vent or suction type. The cradles are custom designed for each iPhone and Droid phone type.
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      10-24-2019, 01:47 PM   #21
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Do all years of the first gen X3 have the only aux jack in the back seat?
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