[Isiteddy]

Hi guys, recently bought second hand bmw 3 series E90 320i 2010 model,
I am trying to use the aux to play music from my phone but there's one problem, there isn't any options on the iDrive for me to select "AUX" there isn't even "External devices option for me.
When I go into CD/Multimedia, it takes me straight to CD. I'm most certainly sure, my idrive is supposed to have those options, any answers to why I might not have these options?
See attached images

[smass]

Check under the floor of the trunk and make sure the MULF is still there/hooked up. Water leaks sometimes damage these.

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by smassey321

Check under the floor of the trunk and make sure the MULF is still there/hooked up. Water leaks sometimes damage these.

I opened up the trunk and just seen an empty hollow black box thing, I'll have a clear look again tmre it might be relocated somewhere else.

Also, if the MULF was damaged by water, wouldn't that mean my whole iDrive wouldn't be working?

I also tried using portable Bluetooth, connected device to AUX and USB slot in arm rest, my phone was connected, but music wasn't playing through the speakers.

I know for sure that I should have an AUX option in the menu right?

[smass]

The MULF will be further forward in the trunk. Just a few inches behind the rear seat. Remove the cover rather than just lifting up on the rear edge to see better.

If MULF/USB is the only option you have, a damaged MULF may not affect idrive. An example being if you have logic 7 audio. Then damaged mulf takes down fiber loop and no audio gets to amp. Post last 7 of VIN for a better response. We can use that so look up the options your car had.

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by smassey321

The MULF will be further forward in the trunk. Just a few inches behind the rear seat. Remove the cover rather than just lifting up on the rear edge to see better.

If MULF/USB is the only option you have, a damaged MULF may not affect idrive. An example being if you have logic 7 audio. Then damaged mulf takes down fiber loop and no audio gets to amp. Post last 7 of VIN for a better response. We can use that so look up the options your car had.

Last 7 VIN is NM21126

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by smassey321

The MULF will be further forward in the trunk. Just a few inches behind the rear seat. Remove the cover rather than just lifting up on the rear edge to see better.

If MULF/USB is the only option you have, a damaged MULF may not affect idrive. An example being if you have logic 7 audio. Then damaged mulf takes down fiber loop and no audio gets to amp. Post last 7 of VIN for a better response. We can use that so look up the options your car had.

Found the MULF, it's a T8G-MULF2-HI

Radio and CD works fine, except I'm sure there's supposed to be AUX option in the menu but there isn't.

[smass]

As suspected, MULF is the only option you have on the fiber system. In your case, a bad mulf would not affect other components. You probably want to scan the cars modules. If the mulf does not respond, you may want to swap it out. Or do a combox retrofit to get full bluetooth with music.

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by smassey321

As suspected, MULF is the only option you have on the fiber system. In your case, a bad mulf would not affect other components. You probably want to scan the cars modules. If the mulf does not respond, you may want to swap it out. Or do a combox retrofit to get full bluetooth with music.

I think best option is to take it to dealership or mechanic and get them to diagnose the problem?

Also with combox, how would I know if my car is compatible for it, coz I read somewhere that some cars can't have combox fitting in due to their product date?

[smass]

Originally Posted by Isiteddy

I think best option is to take it to dealership or mechanic and get them to diagnose the problem?

Also with combox, how would I know if my car is compatible for it, coz I read somewhere that some cars can't have combox fitting in due to their product date?

A mechanic with the tools to scan BMW modules can point you in the right directions.

Combox retrofits require some coding skills. If you have those skills, you can read the CIC software version and determine if there will be issues.

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by smassey321

A mechanic with the tools to scan BMW modules can point you in the right directions.

Combox retrofits require some coding skills. If you have those skills, you can read the CIC software version and determine if there will be issues.

One thing I also noticed is that I can't update my CIC software, even when I plug in USB with update files, no option comes up for me to update.

[smass]

Originally Posted by Isiteddy

One thing I also noticed is that I can't update my CIC software, even when I plug in USB with update files, no option comes up for me to update.

Armrest USB Bluetooth CIC software update was only available with Combox. Glove box USB map update won't work if you are on old (2010ish) CIC firmware. Leave the map update USB in for a few minutes to make sure. Sometimes it takes a while to show up in the menu. And make sure the USB formatting and file structure are exact.

Any BMW service adviser can do a key read at their desk. That will tell you the i-level of the software and year the car was last updated. Some dealers will do a complete car software update (firmware for all modules. not maps) for an hour or two of labor. This can take up to 8 hours so it is worth the cost if you need it. If you get lucky, they will do a free scan to test your MULF.

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by smassey321

Armrest USB Bluetooth CIC software update was only available with Combox. Glove box USB map update won't work if you are on old (2010ish) CIC firmware. Leave the map update USB in for a few minutes to make sure. Sometimes it takes a while to show up in the menu. And make sure the USB formatting and file structure are exact.

Any BMW service adviser can do a key read at their desk. That will tell you the i-level of the software and year the car was last updated. Some dealers will do a complete car software update (firmware for all modules. not maps) for an hour or two of labor. This can take up to 8 hours so it is worth the cost if you need it. If you get lucky, they will do a free scan to test your MULF.

So something just happened today, got into my car, and pressed options on CD/MULTIMEDIA menu, suddenly Bluetooth and external devices popped up.. HAHA wtf, hopefully it stays like that,
Really appreciate your help on this one brother !

My armrest and glove box cigarette thingy doesn't have power to them so can't charge my phone using USB adapter thing, only can charge using the USB slot next to aux

[zoky099]

Hi guys,
I have similiar problem, but my is bluetooth. I've CIC (same 2010y, e91), when I connect phone with car (bluetooth), I can't play sound-music, only work handsfree.
Where is the problem? Maybe, my car is missing some modul or ?

[Isiteddy]

Originally Posted by zoky099

Hi guys,
I have similiar problem, but my is bluetooth. I've CIC (same 2010y, e91), when I connect phone with car (bluetooth), I can't play sound-music, only can handsfree.
Where is the problem? Maybe, my car is missing some modul or ?

From what I've read about my car model. The Bluetooth function only supports phone calls. So that means the Bluetooth on my one can not play music or anything else besides using phone for phone calls.
This might be the same with you.