2009 3.0 E89 - Bluetooth Connection

[drewsutton]

Hey guys. New to the forum and Z4 ownership.



Recently picked up this beauty. Came from a TT (I have a serious inclination to convertibles haha!).

Just a few quick questions;

• My car has iDrive. I would make the assumption this also has bluetooth as when I go through the settings I can get as far as the screen that says "use your bluetooth device to start search for devices. The vehicle will identify itself as: BMW 59694", however, this does not show on any phone I have tried to pair with the car. I use a Google Pixel 3 but have tried with Huwaiwei and iPhone, too.
  Am I doing something wrong? Is the bluetooth "module" something I can source and replace? I have searched and searched but alas I always end up being pointed to E85 answers.

• The USB connection inside the armrest appears to be damaged. The AUX input still works but is crackly and the 12v also works normally. Is this unit easy to replace? I would assume this is the USB socket that would allow firmware updates for iDrive etc. More to the point I'd like to be able to charge my phone.

Other than this, I am just getting to grips with the car. Absolutely additive engine but refined when you want it to be. Very happy conversion so far.

[Pbondar]

Usually the problem with Bluetooth pairing is to reset all the connections on both side..follow the instructions in the user manual...you do have one? You get an iPad version from BMW...

The cracked unit is relatively easily changed , there was a recent post here to that effect...

The USB port in the armrest is for usb stick/iPhone/iPod /mps player only

Idrive and new phone s/w is loaded via a USB port secreted in the top right hand side of the glovebox ..you need a torch and crouch down to see it...

You need a map subscription from bmw or other sources not approved by this forum to update the maps via that USB port..

[Tinker15]

As the OP’s car is 2009 it’s unlikely he will be able to update the sat nav maps via the USB in the glove box. Without a sat nav firmware update you can only update using 3xDVDs.

[Pbondar]

As the OP’s car is 2009 it’s unlikely he will be able to update the sat nav maps via the USB in the glove box. Without a sat nav firmware update you can only update using 3xDVDs.

Thnx for that clarification..

[Silverstar]

As the OP’s car is 2009 it’s unlikely he will be able to update the sat nav maps via the USB in the glove box. Without a sat nav firmware update you can only update using 3xDVDs.

How will you know if the sat nav has had a firmware update? is it the tick in the bottom left corner of the map?

[Tinker15]

As the OP’s car is 2009 it’s unlikely he will be able to update the sat nav maps via the USB in the glove box. Without a sat nav firmware update you can only update using 3xDVDs.

Yes. If it has an i and a tick (as photo below) it has been updated and you should be able to use the USB in the glove box. Mine hasn’t got it (2009 car) and I haven’t found a way to update the firmware. I updated from DVDs so I’m not really that bothered at the moment.

4891DD63-7640-4E61-9B8F-7EE2D3036161.jpeg (110.39 KiB) Viewed 1229 times

How will you know if the sat nav has had a firmware update? is it the tick in the bottom left corner of the map?

[drewsutton]

Thanks for the replies.
My only need for a USB socket was to charge my phone; and the one in the armrest is broken so will need replacing.

I have searched through all the menus on iDrive and cannot find anywhere to reset the bluetooth, only add new devices. Not really sure what else to try.

When I go https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html and put my VIN in, I am given a BIN file to download. I assume this will update via the USB in the glove box? I shall update the software first and see if that helps anything.

[Tinker15]

The USB port is not designed for charging. I doubt it will have enough power to charge an iPhone or similar. I have 2x12v sockets under the armrest and use one of them with a USB adapter to charge my iPhone XS.

[mcbutler]

I have had two x 2009 E89's both updated maps quite happily through the glovebox USB.

[mcbutler]

Thanks for the replies.
My only need for a USB socket was to charge my phone; and the one in the armrest is broken so will need replacing.

I have searched through all the menus on iDrive and cannot find anywhere to reset the bluetooth, only add new devices. Not really sure what else to try.

When I go https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html and put my VIN in, I am given a BIN file to download. I assume this will update via the USB in the glove box? I shall update the software first and see if that helps anything.

Maybe just buy a micro style cigarette lighter socket charger and plug your phone USB lead into that. This is what I do..

[drewsutton]

It charges from the USB socket in the glovebox.
My main concern is getting Bluetooth to work. Still haven't got any closer.

[Pbondar]

It charges from the USB socket in the glovebox.
My main concern is getting Bluetooth to work. Still haven't got any closer.

first thing to do is make sure (at that age) you have the updated blue tooth code?

https://www.bmw.com/en/footer/software-updates.html

Once thats done we can see how it goes..

[drewsutton]

So, I've gone through every single menu and sub-menu on the iDrive system and cannot find anywhere that allows me to update the BIN file that I downloaded.

[drewsutton]

Also, somewhat confusing; but whilst trying to update the firmware I noticed that it would allow me to back up the HDD music to the USB drive... but would not work the other way around (to transfer new music from the USB drive to the car).

[Pbondar]

You need to download the bin files to a usb stick and insert it into the glovebox USB port then they auto update..