Bluetooth TCU install in ZHP DIY and Parts List

[sna77]

meh, Ill leave it unplugged. this is my first car with cupholders and I plan to enjoy it :D

I can't believe stereo shops/the dealer were going to charge me all this money for installs.....

There was a TON of research that went into this originally. Check out what I had to do to get Bluetooth retrofit into my 2001 325i! (BTW, don't look to closely, this will confuse your current install, which is fairly different.)
http://www.bigpatsfans.com/bt/bluetooth.htm

Quite the learning process--and that system is still working today (sold the car to a friend who still uses it)...

As for leaving the sharkfin unplugged... You may as well plug it in. You can hit the SOS button and talk to BMW's service center if you're bored. They ask you for a credit card to subscribe to their service. LOL

[NorCalZman]

well anyone who is going to benefit from this appreciates all the work you put into the research I am sure. I sure do.

I don't have a BMW assist rear view mirror so I won't be able to join in the taunting of the BMW operators. haha.

edit: whoops. I just looked at a picture of my car and I do not have the shark fin. Oh well! haha.

[johnrando]

Thanks for posting this great info.

[328ioc]

This is really great info. I'm glad you did this. But one question. We do NOT need the pairing button? Or do we?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[sna77]

This is really great info. I'm glad you did this. But one question. We do NOT need the pairing button? Or do we?

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

A pairing button is NOT needed with a TCU. When you start the car the TCU automatically goes into pairing mode for the first 30 seconds. Just have your phone search for the TCU immediately after starting the car.

A pairing buttons is only needed with a ULF. Alternatively, if you use a ULF, you have the option of using an eject box with snap-in that replaces the cup holders. There is a pairing button built into the eject box.

Comparison of pairing button vs. eject box. These are NOT needed with the TCU!


Default location of pairing button install:


Here is an eject box with a snap-in adapter installed. The snap-ins are interchangeable (well, as long as BMW makes a snap-in for your phone model):

[328ioc]

A pairing button is NOT needed with a TCU. When you start the car the TCU automatically goes into pairing mode for the first 30 seconds. Just have your phone search for the TCU immediately after starting the car.

A pairing buttons is only needed with a ULF.

Great thanks again.

Sent from my DROID RAZR using Tapatalk 2

[derbo]

This looks great!

Do you still need the TCU bracket if you have SOS assist? I used to have it in the factory mirror and I went to a compass/autodim mirror from a 2007 ZPP 328i.

All those parts with my discount comes to around $322. I'm so tempted!

[sna77]

edit: whoops. I just looked at a picture of my car and I do not have the shark fin. Oh well! haha.

No need--you are all set without it. My ZHP didn't come with one either and I retrofit the OEM one. The instructions are in the bigpatsfans DIY. Again, totally unnecessary with a TCU though unless you plan to use BMW Assist.

This looks great!

Do you still need the TCU bracket if you have SOS assist? I used to have it in the factory mirror and I went to a compass/autodim mirror from a 2007 ZPP 328i.

All those parts with my discount comes to around $322. I'm so tempted!

If your car already has BMW Assist:

- You do not need a TCU bracket, because you already have one.

- You also probably don't need the microphone. Pull the trim panel down and do a visual inspection.

- Depending on the year of the car, you may not need the Bluetooth antenna. The only way to know for sure is to check under the arm rest.

- If you want to retain functionality of BMW Assist or Voice Recognition of the TCU, then the module needs to be programmed. I use a program called NavCoder to do this. The dealer or an Autologic can also do this. You can set the VIN and a number of other features with NavCoder. Again, totally optional. If you simply plug in the TCU out of the box, Bluetooth starts working!

Hopefully for you, it may be as simple as just ordering a new TCU and swapping it for the old one...

Also of note: There is a circa $200 core charge on the TCU. Some dealers have asked for it, some have not. I've ordered 2 TCUs without getting hit with a core from my local dealer. Save that old TCU in case a dealer tries to hit someone up for one!

[derbo]

Thanks for the info :]

I work at a dealership so hopefully I dont need to.

I have an 04 but it doesn't have the bluetooth stuff. :\ I dont need SOS since I deleted the buttons of SOS on my mirror so I dont need to program. :D

[NorCalZman]

-I would like the voice stuff...I hope my dealer doesn't charge (too much) for the programming. Wishful thinking I bet.
Functionality question: you press the talking man button to activate this voice feature right? Can you also activate Siri via the car's control somehow?

- ugh, I hope he doesn't charge a core charge because I don't have a TCU at all it sounds like. I'll find out Monday when I drop the car off for some "pre Tahoe road trip" servicing. Wishful thinking on that agin too, I bet. Lol

Stay tuned!