Install/activate/use Bluetooth In 2004 330ci

[patrick0brien]

-All

I have a 2004 330ci with the BMW phone 'pre wired'. I understand that it is possible to have the bluetooth features added, and I've inquired at the dealer.

It was mentioned that I could get such a thing installed, however, I'd lose BMW Assist. To me, this doesn't seem to add up. Why would adding a BT module to a preexiting wiring knock off a seemingly unrelated service?

Also, if I understand this correctly, the installation of the 'by the book' phone would replace my cupholders with the 'eject box'. I don't give a darn about the eject box, my phone is Blutooth after all!

Can anyone help shed light on what my options could be here? Is it possible to 'have my cake and eat it too, but purchasing just the portions of the phone package I would need? And can I DIY?

[Relevart]

Your car is "pre wired" like all E46's but bluetooth module is not installed.

As far as "BMW assist" Though I am not 100% sure, both functions, probably share posions of the same hardware, after all both functions are in limited RF band. Or intrfere with each other. So from engineering point of view it is easer and quicker to get rid of one function, rather then make both to coexist. I know this sucks. But this is life.
I bet in a year or so, they will come with the fix, or aftermarket industry will fix it for them.

For me it is no brainer: "BMW assist" is useless feature, while BT is indispensable, especially with standard transmission. Also, isn't it true that mobile phone can be used in emergencies to notify whoever you want to... if you can? And with BT it is one button push away also? All BT cellphones have GPS-911 locators.
Not to mention ugly shark fin on the roof....
Ah, also, is there anyone among you e46 owners who does not have a cellphone?....

On behalf of BMW it was purely marketing decision without any regards to it's customer needs: BMW gets annual subscription fee for BMW assist, isn't itcorrect? They get just one time payment for a BT, don't they? So what would you like to get: $300 every year or $500 only once?

Just my oppinion...

[rgzimmer]

Originally posted by patrick0brien@Dec 15 2004, 12:39 PM
-All

I have a 2004 330ci with the BMW phone 'pre wired'. I understand that it is possible to have the bluetooth features added, and I've inquired at the dealer.

It was mentioned that I could get such a thing installed, however, I'd lose BMW Assist. To me, this doesn't seem to add up. Why would adding a BT module to a preexiting wiring knock off a seemingly unrelated service?

Also, if I understand this correctly, the installation of the 'by the book' phone would replace my cupholders with the 'eject box'. I don't give a darn about the eject box, my phone is Blutooth after all!

Can anyone help shed light on what my options could be here? Is it possible to 'have my cake and eat it too, but purchasing just the portions of the phone package I would need? And can I DIY?

[snapback]251388[/snapback]

I replaced the assit module with the bluetooth module last weekend. Not a technically challenging install, but it was a PITA to reach the Asisst module in the trunk.

The assist module is physically replaced by the BT module because they both use the same wiring harness. In the '04 model, they crippled the assist module by not adding the BT functionality. As I understand it, the retrofit to convert the assist module is either too complicated or too expensive so the canned it. Just so that they can really rub it in, they are shipping a combined BT/Assist module for the '05 models. It's also retrofittable into an '04, but BMW will not do it for you.

The good news is that the swap is easy to do and you do not need to go to the dealer for any type of activation after removing assist and installing BT.

[edesilva]

[quote=rgzimmer,Dec 15 2004, 07:26 PM]

Originally Posted by patrick0brien,Dec 15 2004, 12:39 PM

-All
...
Also, if I understand this correctly, the installation of the 'by the book' phone would replace my cupholders with the 'eject box'. I don't give a darn about the eject box, my phone is Blutooth after all!
...

[snapback]251388[/snapback]

Hmm... I had the BT installed in my '05 330Ci and still have my cupholders... Dunno what the eject box is, however. All that happened was that a little button (pairing function) appeared near the hinge of the armrest/lid.

[giddua]

Originally posted by rgzimmer+Dec 15 2004, 09:26 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(rgzimmer @ Dec 15 2004, 09:26 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-patrick0brien@Dec 15 2004, 12:39 PM
-All

I have a 2004 330ci with the BMW phone 'pre wired'.* I understand that it is possible to have the bluetooth features added, and I've inquired at the dealer.

It was mentioned that I could get such a thing installed, however, I'd lose BMW Assist.* To me, this doesn't seem to add up.* Why would adding a BT module to a preexiting wiring knock off a seemingly unrelated service?

Also, if I understand this correctly, the installation of the 'by the book' phone would replace my cupholders with the 'eject box'.* I don't give a darn about the eject box, my phone is Blutooth after all!

Can anyone help shed light on what my options could be here?* Is it possible to 'have my cake and eat it too, but purchasing just the portions of the phone package I would need?* And can I DIY?

[snapback]251388[/snapback]

I replaced the assit module with the bluetooth module last weekend. Not a technically challenging install, but it was a PITA to reach the Asisst module in the trunk.

The assist module is physically replaced by the BT module because they both use the same wiring harness. In the '04 model, they crippled the assist module by not adding the BT functionality. As I understand it, the retrofit to convert the assist module is either too complicated or too expensive so the canned it. Just so that they can really rub it in, they are shipping a combined BT/Assist module for the '05 models. It's also retrofittable into an '04, but BMW will not do it for you.

The good news is that the swap is easy to do and you do not need to go to the dealer for any type of activation after removing assist and installing BT.

[snapback]251684[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Hi

I have a 1999 328 (E46), can I install this bluetooth (BT) module, if yes, then is it that I can use the car-audio speakers instead of the BT equipped phone speakers? Basically my question is what are the advantages of this BT module?

Thanks
Arun

[Relevart]

BT will allow you to use buttons on steering weel to make and answer phone calls;
Dial numbers from a phone book;
Dial phone numbers by speaking them, rather then pushing keys;
Display incomming call numbers and outgoing numbers on your radio display screen.
And, yes, it does uses your car audio system...

Functions are dependant on your phone capabilities.
In the beginning of the year BMW was saying you have to have car made after 03/2002 to be able to to install OEM BT module, It could of changed by now

[patrick0brien]

Originally posted by rgzimmer@Dec 15 2004, 05:26 PM
It's also retrofittable into an '04, but BMW will not do it for you.

[snapback]251684[/snapback]

-rgzimmer

Am I to understand that there is now a module that has both tchnologies, and that it is made for '05's?

[rgzimmer]

Originally posted by patrick0brien+Dec 16 2004, 06:04 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(patrick0brien @ Dec 16 2004, 06:04 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'><!--QuoteBegin-rgzimmer@Dec 15 2004, 05:26 PM
It's also retrofittable into an '04, but BMW will not do it for you.

[snapback]251684[/snapback]

-rgzimmer

Am I to understand that there is now a module that has both tchnologies, and that it is made for '05's?

[snapback]252647[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

That is correct. The '04 modules were intended to have BT in the Assist module, but it didn't happen. They fixed it in '05.

[patrick0brien]

-rgzimmer

Ooooo. Hmm. Well then, I think I'll give it a shot. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

[grtmoby]

Originally posted by giddua+Dec 16 2004, 06:43 PM--><div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(giddua @ Dec 16 2004, 06:43 PM)</div><div class='quotemain'>

I replaced the assit module with the bluetooth module last weekend. Not a technically challenging install, but it was a PITA to reach the Asisst module in the trunk.

The assist module is physically replaced by the BT module because they both use the same wiring harness. In the '04 model, they crippled the assist module by not adding the BT functionality. As I understand it, the retrofit to convert the assist module is either too complicated or too expensive so the canned it. Just so that they can really rub it in, they are shipping a combined BT/Assist module for the '05 models. It's also retrofittable into an '04, but BMW will not do it for you.

The good news is that the swap is easy to do and you do not need to go to the dealer for any type of activation after removing assist and installing BT.

[snapback]251684[/snapback]

Hi

I have a 1999 328 (E46), can I install this bluetooth (BT) module, if yes, then is it that I can use the car-audio speakers instead of the BT equipped phone speakers? Basically my question is what are the advantages of this BT module?

Thanks
Arun

[snapback]252089[/snapback]

[/b][/quote]

Yes you can but it depends on which model your head unit is.

[srcadmus]

Installed bluetooth module in 04 325CiC that did not have assist. Installation was straight forward as the instructions with the bluetooth kit were good. Post from rgzimmer were helpful in locating where to mount the module in a convertible. Since I didn't have assist module I needed the mounting bracket that works for convertibles. Part no. 84136924948. T616 paired easily and handsfree works well.

BMW parts advisor printed out directions for the install procedures for removing the center console which was also helpful.

My take on why BMW sales say you can't install bluetooth in convertibles is not because of the assist module, because mine didn't even have assist. It is due to BMW contractual obligations to Motorola who spent time, effort and money to develop the CPT 9000 phone system for this car.

Yes they want to sell these phone systems. BMW has even frozen orders for the new bluetooth modules.

Bluetooth works very well in convertibles if you are willing to install it yourself.


[attachmentid=17184]

[rgzimmer]

Originally posted by srcadmus@Jan 11 2005, 11:23 PM
Installed bluetooth module in 04 325CiC that did not have assist. Installation was straight forward as the instructions with the bluetooth kit were good. Post from rgzimmer were helpful in locating where to mount the module in a convertible. Since I didn't have assist module I needed the mounting bracket that works for convertibles. Part no. 84136924948. T616 paired easily and handsfree works well.

BMW parts advisor printed out directions for the install procedures for removing the center console which was also helpful.

My take on why BMW sales say you can't install bluetooth in convertibles is not because of the assist module, because mine didn't even have assist. It is due to BMW contractual obligations to Motorola who spent time, effort and money to develop the CPT 9000 phone system for this car.

Yes they want to sell these phone systems. BMW has even frozen orders for the new bluetooth modules.

Bluetooth works very well in convertibles if you are willing to install it yourself.


[attachmentid=17184]

[snapback]269541[/snapback]

Thanks for the follow-up. Glad to hear there's not much extra to do for non-assist cars. Did the dealer have to code your car to enable the phone? Your take on why they won't support BT in verts is interesting and makes more sense than anything else I've read, but I don't know whythey would limit it to just verts.

It must be refreshing to have a parts counter that actually works with you. When I bought the CD changer mounting bracket from mine, I had to politely, but forcibly, tell the parts guy that it existed so that he would look for it. He kept trying to sell me the complete kit including the liner, which was in the car from the factory.

[srcadmus]

04 325CiC

I didn't have to go to the dealer to have my car coded. Everything worked fine after the installation. My car was prewired for the CPT9000 phone system. I don't know if all verts are prewired or not but it makes the installation of the bluetooth module and antenna very easy when the wires are all there and ready to be plugged up. I took my center console to a car audio install place to have the pairing button cut in, cost $5 bucks.

The BMW parts advisors were very helpful. I did cheat and say the bluetooth kit was for a coupe and not a vert. I had heard BMW not selling these kits to vert owners.

Anybody try the 05 assist/bluetooth combo install yet?

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