[Palazzom]

Hello,

Has anyone tried to install this retrofit kit from Ebay? I've seen a few threads that reference this kit and the installation manual - but no one has really answered? The kit says it's not regionally coded, but before I drop that much money - I'm just looking for someone that has already installed it and maybe can share their experience?

Thanks!

http://cgi.ebay.ca/BMW-Genuine-E90-R...QQcmdZViewItem

[cyberbob13]

Yes, very interesting, but i don't know if it works.

Any feedback experience?

[ted_bullo]

This is the factory Visteon BT module as opposed to the Motorola version that contains Teleaid/Roadside assist.

The Visteon version is the version sold in countries that don't support the service provider needed for roadside assist.

It should work fine but you will also have to add the necessary microphone array, wiring and the MOST connection and then have it all enabled in the HU.

If you don't have the pre-wiring for the module, then its not really a DIY job if you are not technically proficient to some degree.

[Palazzom]

Thanks Ted. I do have option 640 (pre-wire) - so I feel confident with the DIY method. I don't care much for the roadside assist anyway.

But do you think that BMW will give me a hard time when I have them download/code the TCU to get bluetooth working?

I believe that kit above (the link to eBay) does include all extra parts required.

It should be a straight forward install - no more than 2 hrs. Then the coding at the dealer ..... from what I have read - who knows how long that will take....

[ted_bullo]

It is a factory BMW module so BMW could not care two hoots about it....they may try to charge you money for it which I would flat out simply refuse!

[ted_bullo]

Originally Posted by Palazzom

Thanks Ted. I do have option 640 (pre-wire) - so I feel confident with the DIY method. I don't care much for the roadside assist anyway.

But do you think that BMW will give me a hard time when I have them download/code the TCU to get bluetooth working?

I believe that kit above (the link to eBay) does include all extra parts required.

It should be a straight forward install - no more than 2 hrs. Then the coding at the dealer ..... from what I have read - who knows how long that will take....

From the picture I'm not sure if the optic fiber is included. If it is not, then send me a message and I can supply the cable for you far cheaper than BMW could. When installing you will probably have to install the optic cable back into the MOST block that resides under the rear seat on the wheel arch. It's pretty simply to put in but you will need the extra cable. The pre-wiring does not include this as you would also need a loop to complete the ring.

[Palazzom]

Thanks Ted. I will let you know should I need the optic cable. I will contact you after I make the purchase.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by ted_bullo

It is a factory BMW module so BMW could not care two hoots about it....they may try to charge you money for it which I would flat out simply refuse!

Why would you feel you are on solid ground to refuse to pay BMW to code the car? Are there other businesses where you can just go in, use shop time and a technician, even if for 20 or 30 minutes, and not pay?

The bigger question is what would the dealer code it for? Since this is not for U.S. markets, they may not be able to.

[Palazzom]

What they code it for "is the big question". Jspira - as on bimmerfest - I think you were going to inquire with BMW to see if it in fact can be done. I anxiously await the response from them!

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Palazzom

What they code it for "is the big question". Jspira - as on bimmerfest - I think you were going to inquire with BMW to see if it in fact can be done. I anxiously await the response from them!

When I had my OEM kit installed, the software update took about 56 minutes from start to finish. I believe that this update not only loads and initialises the ULF module that comes with the kit, but also enables voice dialing for telephony and enables various bluetooth features (such as radio muting, etc).

This telephony voice dialling option is quite cool 'cause eventhough I don't have the Voice Command option, I can still use voice commands to make calls.

The dealer says this software update is the second longest he's ever seen.

[ted_bullo]

Originally Posted by JSpira

Why would you feel you are on solid ground to refuse to pay BMW to code the car? Are there other businesses where you can just go in, use shop time and a technician, even if for 20 or 30 minutes, and not pay?

The bigger question is what would the dealer code it for? Since this is not for U.S. markets, they may not be able to.

Because it takes a total of 2 minutes to enable it. The techies at BMW however put the entire car on the EDIABAS system and update all software in the car at the same time.

Sure if I wanted to update all modules in my car and I had to leave it on EDIABAS for hours, I would feel no pain at having to pay. But a simple enable of a phone module takes minutes.

Regardless of whether of the module is for US markets or not, it appears the same as any other phone module on MOST. Naturally it identifies itself as something different in diagnostics but EDIABAS contains all modules and variants, and the CCC/MASK does not care as to what variant is connected, but simply that the bit is set to enable. The CCC/MASK will not even attempt to communicate to the phone module over MOST whether it be a Motorola TCU or Visteon BT module, unless this bit is set.

Hope this helps.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by ted_bullo

Because it takes a total of 2 minutes to enable it. The techies at BMW however put the entire car on the EDIABAS system and update all software in the car at the same time.

Sure if I wanted to update all modules in my car and I had to leave it on EDIABAS for hours, I would feel no pain at having to pay. But a simple enable of a phone module takes minutes.

Yes, I know how long it takes to code the car. But it's not like a tech is sitting there waiting for a customer who wants to code a new module.

FYI, technicians are now under instructions NOT to update sw except in specific circumstances. BMW NA has even distributed a refrigerator, well toolkit magnet telling them this.

A few dealerships (and this depends on one's relationship with a dealer) might do this as a courtesy - esp. if the car is already in the shop - but most will charge at least half an hour if not an hour, possibly justifying this on overhead and everything else built into the cost of doing business.

It's not the same as doing something that takes 5 minutes for a customer but doesn't require a service bay - that will be the shop's view anyway.

[Palazzom]

Well, I just received a dealer recall in the mail that says I need to update my software due to inefficiencies in the emission control system. I guess that "if I'm nice" they will also download the BT software as well. I just need to know that if I order a BT retrofit kit:

A) is it the same one Keith ordered
B) I have a contact in Germany that can can get me the kit pretty cheap
C) I will be in fact able to get it to work even though I have a BMA NA car.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Palazzom

Well, I just received a dealer recall in the mail that says I need to update my software due to inefficiencies in the emission control system. I guess that "if I'm nice" they will also download the BT software as well. I just need to know that if I order a BT retrofit kit:

A) is it the same one Keith ordered
B) I have a contact in Germany that can can get me the kit pretty cheap
C) I will be in fact able to get it to work even though I have a BMA NA car.

Correct but I don't know the answers to a and c.

[Keith]

Originally Posted by Palazzom

I just need to know that if I order a BT retrofit kit:

A) is it the same one Keith ordered

The retrofit fit I ordered was Upgrade kit No. 84 64 0 398 229. This is the OEM Bluetooth kit for vehicles with telephone preparation (SA 640) and Navigation (SA 606 or SA 609) or Business Professional Radio (SA 663).

Hope this helps

[Palazzom]

Perfect - that's the one I have been able to track down. I will let you guys know how it went after the install. Also, I do have SA640 and SA663. So the install should be a breeze.....I hope.

[Palazzom]

A paste from another post.....

After reading some of the posts in this thread - I am very upset that BMW would cause me hardship for a simple request to load the software...

******

I have purchased that kit. I received it not too long ago (not from that person mind you) - I actually did the install myself, it was not rocket science at all! As long as you have 640 (pre-wire)....

Just came back from the stealership and they refuse to download the software for me, they want to charge me. And then, since they didn't do the work to install - they have to "troubleshoot" should it not work.... and they could not give any kind of estimate on that of course. At $120/hr ..... I said give me my car back. So for now - I have the kit installed, but cannot report anything yet. I need to find a dealer that is nice, and will download for free... I thought I had my ticket with the latest software recall, I just asked them to make it a part of it, and they said no..... I have to try another dealer then...

And honestly - it was plug and play in five locations - I have no idea what they would have to troubleshoot - you actually can't screw it up, the shapes of the plugs don't allow for it....

ah well!

[DrPowers]

Why is it so damn expensive????? --- thats my question

[Palazzom]

Well, as you can see in my other posts.....

It is installed and software downloaded. SUCCESS!!!

EXCEPT

The voice recognition is all in German. So I have no clue what the car is saying, but then again, I bought the kit for the bluetooth, not the voice recognition. BUT STILL!! Are there any thoughts on this? I would have thought that a software download would have solved this issue, but no, I am mistaken. The on screen notes are in English, but the voice is all in German.

Oh well. If you have ideas please let me know.

BUT THE BLUETOOTH WORKS!!!! The kit I got is MUCH cheaper than the dealer.

[JSpira]

Originally Posted by Palazzom

Oh well. If you have ideas please let me know.

Taking a ,,How to use your Bluetooth system`` course at Berlitz?

Seriously, what did the dealer say?

[Palazzom]

They said the german voice recognition software portion was burned on the TCU and nothing could be done about it. I HIGHLY doubt this, but nobody seems to have an answer.

Bottom line the bluetooth portion works, but we'll see. I just realized though when I put the cradle in with the eject box, it does not seem to be charging the phone. So I have to figure that one out. Could be a missing fuse or something.

But can anyone get me a german user manual for voice recognition?

[JSpira]

You should be able to get all of the commands from the system by saying Hilfe.