These signals were apparently used with BMW's now-obsolete "Assist" service. What are those other connections? The blue-coded FAKRA terminal is for GPS signals, while the violet and black terminals are for external antennas. There are several aftermarket cable vendors on eBay, and custom-spec cables are sold by vCableMart. But factory connection cables are discontinued from BMW. Antenna ConnectionsĬable terminals on the TCU are color-coded FAKRA types. Look for late production dates to obtain the newest technology.
The production date (above: January 13, 2007) will relate to the software and hardware version ("SW" and "HW", respectively). Verify "BMW.IBUS", as only i-bus units are compatible with the E38 7-series (not MOST-bus!). If this label is missing or illegible, do NOT buy it! The two peel-off labels will most likely be missing.
This code is required to pair your phone.
Look for the Bluetooth logo (left center) and "PK" (Pass Key) code. Beware some sellers claim "Bluetooth" when in fact the TCU is an older, non-BT unit. Used TCU's are commonly available on eBay. The information here should be applicable to several BMW models that were pre-wired for phone from the late '90's-on. There are also similar instructions on BimmerNav. See Factory Bluetooth Retrofit - Supplement.
Install a Grom or BlueBus exclusively for wireless streaming.(This method avoids A2DP compression losses from streaming music.) Install an aux-input in place of the CD changer, for phone-based music.
Only the latest TCU's offer streaming, but they're not compatible with the E38 7-series.
Compatible TCU's were made starting in late 2004, with the most recent being p/n 84-10-9-195-455 (from 3/08 and still available from BMW). For phone cradle installation, see "Universal Eject Box" below.īMW made several different ULF's and TCU's over the years. While the good folks at BimmerNav sold TCU kits for over $900, a TCU retrofit - as described here - can cost under $200.
Now you can finally use all your car's electronics including the built-in microphone and steering wheel controls, plus view extensive phone information - including your contact list - on your nav screen or MID display. In addition, the CD changer line remains open. But a factory BT system operates independently, in the background and always at the ready. Replacing the useless stock phone system in your BMW with a factory, hands-free "Bluetooth" system is a fantastic way to modernize your car, gain practical benefits, and fully utilize your onboard electronics.Īftermarket BT devices (such as Grom and MediaBridge) require your radio to be continuously on and in CD mode in order to function. NOTE: Although the factory adaptor has been discontinued, you can Make a DB25-to-54-Pin Adaptor