What is Bluetooth? And how Does it work?
BMW Bluetooth Voice recognition Users Guide
Bluetooth Features and Functionality
BMW Bluetooth assist to Bluetooth conversion Kits for the following BMWs - Order with the below link to your specific BMW
BMW E46 (3 series) March 2002 production to end of production
BMW X5 April 2002 production to current
BMW X3 start of production to current
BMW E39 (5 series) March 2002 production to end of production
BMW E46 Assist to Bluetooth Conversion (2004 330i documented below)
NOTE: When converting from BMW Assist to BMW Bluetooth you must install the pairing button or eject box as described in the following documentation. The steering wheel "face" button is only for activating voice recognition and does not function as a pairing button.
NOTE: When retrofitting Bluetooth in an Assist vehicle, please note the section on connecting the FAKRA antenna cable to the ULF module. There are three FAKRA antenna connections in the trunk, and you will need the cream colored antenna connection. see below
Retrofitting Bluetooth is actually easier than installing Bluetooth in a car without BMW assist. Just follow the not normal installation directions, except you have to remove the BMW assist module and plug in the Bluetooth module in its place. Alternatively, you do not even have remove the assist module, and can just tape the Bluetooth module on top of the assist module. If later you ever need BMW assist, you can just go back in the trunk and move the wires back to the assist module. It take about 30 to 40 min to complete, without rushing.
When you remove the Assist kit, you have to disconnect two of the three FAKRA (black plastic covered RF connector) antenna wires. One of these wires goes to the assist cellphone antenna and the other wire goes to the connection in the armrest. You simply connect these two wires together, and voila, your armrest is connected to the external antenna. Some cars already come from the factory with the bluetooth antenna installed so no need to run the wires for Bluetooth as well. The FAKRA antenna connectors are "keyed" so they each only fit in the proper locations, making this very easy.
Starting in the trunk area, locate the Assist module. Assist modules are typically located near the CD changer location.
This 3 series has the Assist module located right above the CD changer
Disconnect the Assist/bluetooth 54 pin adapter shown on the right
Disconnect the CREAM COLORED Bluetooth antenna connector. (the Bluetooth antenna is typically preinstalled in the 3 series and 5 series although the kit comes with one just in case), and connect it to the Bluetooth ULF module (pictured on top). If installing in an X5, X3 or Z4 and the Bluetooth antenna is not preinstalled; find a suitable location for your Bluetooth antenna using the FAKRA jumper wire included in this kit to connect the Bluetooth module to the Bluetooth antenna.
Disconnect the assist 54 pin connector , and connect it to the Bluetooth ULF module (pictured on top). I just used double sided tape and stuck it to the top of the 3 series assist module
Next you install the eject kit in the armrest and then you pair the phone. If you have a 3 series you can swap out the cupholders for the eject box, or just install the 3 series pairing button.
The cupholders just pull right up in the 3 series
Locate the ELO 18 and Bluetooth phone antenna connector (if using the vehicle antenna)
If using the Eject kit installation connect the ELO18 wires together and use the eject box to replace the cupholders (see picture below). See the following links for more information and ordering a kit for your specific installation see links below.
BMW E46 (3 series) March 2002 production to end of production
BMW X5 April 2002 production to current
BMW X3 start of production to current
BMW E39 (5 series) March 2002 production to end of production
Connect the pairing button or eject box and follow the instructions for pairing a phone. You don't have to take the vehicle to the dealer to get it "coded" (have the software for the radio updated) because its already been done so that the BMW assist would work.
Kits come with detailed documentation for a quick and easy install. Please note, with the E46, you have the option of an Eject Kit or stand alone pairing button. Some people do not cut the hole in the center console but just hide the button under the cupholders. The reason people use the pairing button is that the E46 Eject box location is in place of the cup holders. E46 owners who do not care about the cupholders prefer the Eject box install. As a side note: some X39, X5 and other BMW bluetooth installers prefer the pairing button install in as apposed to the eject box install as they prefer to keep their Euro style arm rest.
Despite what some dealers are trying to tell customers the production date of your vehicle has NOTHING to do with which module to get. BMW is trying to force dealers to get rid of all of their stock of the 1st and 2nd generation modules as they have many that can not be moved otherwise. Be smart. Whoever you get the ULF modules from DEMAND one of the latest versions and DO NOT accept the 84 21 6 934 552 part.
These Kits come with the the The latest Generation BMW ULF modules Available (and NOT the problematic first generation 84 21 954 552 others are selling, BMW ULF Module part number history) , Bluetooth antenna, Bluetooth antenna wiring, BMW blank tray eject box PLUS DETAILED installation instructions for installing in your specific vehicle. Please let us know what the year and model of BMW you plan on installing this kit in and we will get you the proper documentation. The Eject box allows you to add optional snap in adapters that are specific to your Bluetooth phone. Kits do not come with SES jumper plugs P/N 84 11 0 018 038 , or microphones, as the assist cars ALREADY have these parts in place.
All of our Kits come with the latest Generation BMW ULF modules Available as shown in the BMW Compatibility matrix (and NOT the problematic first generation 84 21 954 552 others are selling, Be careful on getting the first generation ULF modules (Bluetooth Brain), from other sources as many people have had difficulties and incompatibilities with their system. We advise to stay away from any BMW part number 84 21 954 552 1st generation ULF module, and stick with the more recent versions. Part numbers of the Bluetooth modules are below
