Bluetooth retrofit (I've searched I promise!)

[mosx]

Ok, I'm a bit confused. For the last few days I have searched all over e90post, as well as here. I hope someone can shed some light on this as I would really like a factory-like bluetooth setup in my car, using the (now dead) steering wheel controls. I hope someone can answer my questions.

I was told ALL 2009 models are not pre-wired for phone, then I read cars built AFTER 03/2009 aren't prewired. I have a 2009 model, built 12/08. My build sheet doesn't specify phone prep but I do have a wire bundle in the trunk, as well as what appears to be an un-used MOST connector under the drivers side dash, in nearly the same location as all the BT retrofit PDFs say I should find bluetooth antenna connector. This connector is just plugged into what appears to a "holder" on the dash panel (I have to unclip it to fully drop the kick panel).

So my question is, am I prepped for a BT/Assist retrofit or not. I'm so confused.

[Bimmer-Bob]

I don't know but I just yesterday found some sort of module underneath the trunk liner with a Bluetooth logo on it. I wonder what it is? I've got a 2010 (2/10 build) and did not order BT, Premium Pack, or phone prep

[Technic]

Originally Posted by mosx

Ok, I'm a bit confused. For the last few days I have searched all over e90post, as well as here. I hope someone can shed some light on this as I would really like a factory-like bluetooth setup in my car, using the (now dead) steering wheel controls. I hope someone can answer my questions.

I was told ALL 2009 models are not pre-wired for phone, then I read cars built AFTER 03/2009 aren't prewired. I have a 2009 model, built 12/08. My build sheet doesn't specify phone prep but I do have a wire bundle in the trunk, as well as what appears to be an un-used MOST connector under the drivers side dash, in nearly the same location as all the BT retrofit PDFs say I should find bluetooth antenna connector. This connector is just plugged into what appears to a "holder" on the dash panel (I have to unclip it to fully drop the kick panel).

So my question is, am I prepped for a BT/Assist retrofit or not. I'm so confused.

Yes, you are. The SA640 (Telephone prewire) was removed as standard equipment in the USA 3-Series from 03/09-on production.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by Bimmer-Bob

I don't know but I just yesterday found some sort of module underneath the trunk liner with a Bluetooth logo on it. I wonder what it is? I've got a 2010 (2/10 build) and did not order BT, Premium Pack, or phone prep

6FL = iPod/USB adapter = MULF = Bluetooth but not activated

Search for MULF for details on how to activate the Bluetooth.

[mosx]

Originally Posted by Technic

Yes, you are. The SA640 (Telephone prewire) was removed as standard equipment in the USA 3-Series from 03/09-on production.

So even though my build sheet doesn't specify SA640, I have it? I'm also trying to decide if the wire bundle I found in the trunk is actually for the Sirius... since all the PDF instructions show the same exact wire bundle for the BT retrofit and the Sirius retrofit.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by mosx

So even though my build sheet doesn't specify SA640, I have it? I'm also trying to decide if the wire bundle I found in the trunk is actually for the Sirius... since all the PDF instructions show the same exact wire bundle for the BT retrofit and the Sirius retrofit.

You are supposed to have these in your trunk:

[mosx]

Hmm, I dont have that many wires. It looks like mine might just be for the sirius retrofit. Thanks again for your help. Here's my harness:

[Technic]

Did you look under the MULF module -the box shown in that photo?

[mosx]

Originally Posted by Technic

Did you look under the MULF module -the box shown in that photo?

Yeah there is nothing under the box.

[lazd]

Originally Posted by Technic

You are supposed to have these in your trunk:

Sorry to bring an old, dead thread back to life, but where did you get that diagram from? I searched on RealOEM.com, googled for a bit, looked at all the Bluetooth retrofit guides and couldn't find the figure.

Thanks, and sorry again for waking the dead thread!

[iamatticus]

Hi there,

I'm curious if you ever found a solution to your Bluetooth question. I too am trying to retrofit a '11 135i with Bluetooth. The car does not have BMW Assist or Nav. I've been searching all over 1Addicts as well as other internet sites but have yet to find any good information.

Regards,
TJ

Originally Posted by mosx

Ok, I'm a bit confused. For the last few days I have searched all over e90post, as well as here. I hope someone can shed some light on this as I would really like a factory-like bluetooth setup in my car, using the (now dead) steering wheel controls. I hope someone can answer my questions.

I was told ALL 2009 models are not pre-wired for phone, then I read cars built AFTER 03/2009 aren't prewired. I have a 2009 model, built 12/08. My build sheet doesn't specify phone prep but I do have a wire bundle in the trunk, as well as what appears to be an un-used MOST connector under the drivers side dash, in nearly the same location as all the BT retrofit PDFs say I should find bluetooth antenna connector. This connector is just plugged into what appears to a "holder" on the dash panel (I have to unclip it to fully drop the kick panel).

So my question is, am I prepped for a BT/Assist retrofit or not. I'm so confused.

[ripper0306]

I'm curious too, I have to check in my trunk for wires pre-installed

[hotwheels]

There is a retrofit to install Bluetooth + USB without MULF in the trunk...
Check e90posts
You need a brand new BMW professional radio (from 2011) that has Bluetooth built in and an USB input (plenty on eBay)
And you just need to purchase wires for the mic and USB/Aux socket.
It will be cheaper and easier than MULF retrofit.
You can Check with your dealer

We have the same news in Europe

[mosx]

I ended up giving up and going aftermarket.

Either way here's what you need to know.

All 08's are pre-wired.

09-10 are not pre-wired.

11-current everything is built into the head unit.

So for 08's you just need the MULF box, the microphone, and the FZD and some coding. Pretty simple.

For 09-10's you have to install the harness (requires removing just about all of the interior of the car), then the MULF box and microphone, the FZD. Then coding.

For the 11's you need a whole new head unit, one with bluetooth built in and then coding.

[hotwheels]

And why can't you install in 09-10's a new HU with Bluetooth built in ?
It's cheaper and easier than installing all the wires, sockets and MULF...

[Shredtherad]

I'm curious about this too. I brought it up in another thread albeit seems like this one is more topic specific.

After installing the new head unit, wouldn't you have to also install a microphone of some sort? I'm way new to this, and I'm sure I'm asking a question which has already been asked. So please forgive my ignorance. In the week or so I've been a member of this forum I've learned a great deal.

Thanks.

[dknl]

Originally Posted by hotwheels

There is a retrofit to install Bluetooth + USB without MULF in the trunk...
Check e90posts
You need a brand new BMW professional radio (from 2011) that has Bluetooth built in and an USB input (plenty on eBay)
And you just need to purchase wires for the mic and USB/Aux socket.
It will be cheaper and easier than MULF retrofit.
You can Check with your dealer

We have the same news in Europe

No need for special radio. I had plain old prof radio from 08.
I had USB + aux in armrest and was prewired in trunk.
Just costed me $65 of parts from dealer. Did not have to buy any other part.
Check your trunk for the control box if there is a Bluetooth symbol (most likely you do if you have USB).
If it does then you are good.

[shah269]

>>>>For 09-10's you have to install the harness (requires removing just about all of the interior of the car), then the MULF box and microphone, the FZD. Then coding<<<<<
Ah jesus on a stick! This sucks!

[rudyr]

I have an "early" 2011 model (radio doesn't have separate tweeters). I do have the iPhone package (USB and Aux-In). What would be required in my circumstance to enable bluetooth?

Thanks in advance.

[random1]

Originally Posted by lazd

Sorry to bring an old, dead thread back to life, but where did you get that diagram from? I searched on RealOEM.com, googled for a bit, looked at all the Bluetooth retrofit guides and couldn't find the figure.

Thanks, and sorry again for waking the dead thread!

This might be what you are looking for.
http://www.zen104526.zen.co.uk/320d/...trofit%201.pdf

[KMToronto]

FYI... MULF unit has the ability to control Bluetooth and USB connectivity.

Europe has been using the Bluetooth side as well (SA644), which has never been available in North America for the BMW side. MINIs used to use the MULF for both USB AND Bluetooth, however it wasn't the same option code for them (6ND I believe).

Factory Bluetooth systems in North America have always been through the same control unit that handles telematics functions (or in recent years, the actual head unit).

The only official, BMW supported, retrofit path is if you have SA640 (telephone pre-wiring).

Cheers,
K

[verdespider]

Originally Posted by rudyr

I have an "early" 2011 model (radio doesn't have separate tweeters). I do have the iPhone package (USB and Aux-In). What would be required in my circumstance to enable bluetooth?

Thanks in advance.

I just went through this and after 16 months finally got it all sorted out. My car is a 2011 with USB/AUX and not Bluetooth. Check the COMBOX in the trunk, you probably have the one I do that actually has Bluetooth but it is not turned on. The dealer can code this for you and everything should work, except the microphone and Bluetooth antenna. The biggest issue I had was finding a wire harness to connect the mic and antenna since BMW will not allow those parts to be sold in North America. Calling overseas wasn't much help either, but I finally was able to get what I needed and the system works perfectly.

Don't give up & do not let the dealer say "no" to your questions. I persisted and finally found a cool enough tech who actually spent time researching and got it working.

Good Luck

btw - aftermarket options proved to be a waste of money for me.