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OEM Bluetooth Installation

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Mangozac
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by Mangozac » Sat Oct 22, 2011 7:19 am

Hi all,

Well since the forum was so helpful in the investigations leading up to my going ahead with this, I decided it was only fair that I document the process and share :thumbsup:

So several weeks back I was investigating the installation of a Multifunction Steering Wheel upgrade kit when I discovered that the buttons also include phone and voice recognition control. Now although I'm not a big gadget junkie, I am a car tinkering junkie and the thought of adding OEM bluetooth and voice recognition really captured my attention. A peek under the boot trim revealed that my car was in fact pre-wired for phone - all I had to do was add the necessary components. Here's where I'll start my How-To!

Preliminary Work
Like I said, I only went ahead with this because the car was pre-wired for phone - it would otherwise have been a pretty massive headache to do this. I initially suspected that the car was pre-wired because I had the rectangular bulge on the left hand side of the bulkhead in the boot. From what I've read this should be a pretty good indication, however I still highly recommend taking a peek under it to confirm that the connectors are there before taking the plunge. I also confirmed that the wiring for the microphone was present (next to the overhead lamp in the cabin - remove the light panel to check) before proceeding.

My Car
Just to be clear: my car is a September 03, E85 2.5i in Australia. My hunch is that Australian cars, like US cars, all come pre-wired for phone, however this is yet to be confirmed. Some will be interested to know that I have a Dension Gateway 300 installed, which has not caused any compatibility issues with the bluetooth.

Parts Sourcing
I did a bit of research and Googling which led me to understand that I needed three components to get me going:
- ULF module (the electronic controller)
- Microphone
- Bluetooth antenna

Now initially I had planned to source a secondhand ULF module. This complicates things however: there are actually 13 major revisions of the ULF. Although they are all compatible with the car, apparently only the later 10 generations have voice control and for maximum compatibility with the maximum number of phones you want as late a generation ULF as possible. Some say greater than Gen 7 is best. Bimmernav has a lot of information on the different modules and their corresponding part numbers, although note that they say you can only order a 1st gen unit, which isn't true.

Secondhand ULFs (even very early generation ones) are generally listed with pretty high prices on eBay. So much so in fact that I decided it would be justified spending a little more to get a brand new 13th gen unit. Actually, even the microphone and bluetooth antenna were pretty expensive on eBay so I bought them new too. I used my new favourite parts supplier theBMWpartStore and got a really good deal. Because I also bought the MFSW retrofit kit at the same time Mike gave me a further discount and I ended up paying around US$450 for the ULF (not bad considering the BMW list price is $800!).

So the final parts list was:
84316938762 Hands free microphone
84506928461 Bluetooth Antenna
84109154358 13th Gen ULF module

Obviously you also need the mutifunction wheel...

Microphones
Since my Zed is an earlier model, the microphone is mounted at the top of the windscreen next to the interior lights. Later E85s (and as far as I know all E86s) have the microphone mounted on top of the steering column. This apparently gives better performance (especially with the top down), however I wasn't keen on rerouting the microphone wiring so decided to run with the default overhead location. I can always upgrade later if I feel it necessary.

I should also point out that the microphone itself received an upgrade at some point for better noise cancellation. The part number I quoted above (84316938762) is the later (newer) part. For reference, the part number for the old microphone is 84 31 8 380 319 and apparently the back of it is green.

Installation Procedure
So you've got your new parts in your sweaty little hands and are ready to install? Here's how I went about it! Actually, most of this is covered by the instructions on the Bimmernav site, I just wanted to include my own version here. Having two versions helps, as they generally include instructions that the other doesn't ;)

Bulkhead Access
OK so we need to access the ULF mounting location on the rear of the bulkhead. I followed the instructions from my TIS, however they were for the complete removal of the bulkhead rear carpet, which entails a lot more work than we require. We just want to undo the bottom half of the carpet so that we can lift it up out of the way:

First remove the floor carpet:
Image

Now unscrew and disconnect the roof tray floor sensor. Other instructions (including the TIS) specify removal of the tray floor first, however if you're careful you can remove the sensor without that extra effort.
Image

Now separate the screw clips and lift up the carpet. I wedged it up using an appropriately sized skinny cardboard box.
Image

And that brings use to here (although I had already removed the ULF mounting bracket and installed the ULF in this photo):
Image

The ULF is pretty simple to install: it has a multipin socket on one end and a coaxial antenna socket on the other. The corresponding plugs are connected and you're good to go! I didn't disconnect the battery for this, however it's probably a good idea to. I'm an electronic engineer so I tend to take more calculated risks with stuff like that :roll:

Here's the ULF installed. The multipin connector is on the end opposite the coaxial connector. Note also that I've installed the bluetooth antenna onto the coaxial cable that is taped away underneath the centre console boxes. There's only the one matching connector in there so it's pretty hard to stuff up!
Image

Now we need to install the pairing button into the "eject box" connector. My car has storage compartments behind the seats rather than subwoofers (from the premium sound package), but regardless of what's there the easiest way to access the eject box connector is by pulling out the right hand side compartment. You just kind of grab it and pull forward and it pops out, leaving you with this:
Image

Note that next to the eject box connector is another coaxial connector. This is for the antenna connection that a phone snap in adaptor would provide to the eject box, but is of no use to us, so ignore it. It's the opposite polarity to the Bluetooth antenna connection, so you definitely can't get the two confused!

The eject box connector is fixed to a little bracket. To remove it, simply rotate about 30 degrees and it will then pull up and off the bracket.

Segue: Eject Boxes
You know how the door of the centre compartment has a big empty spot in the middle? This is designed to have an "eject box" mounted. The eject box is kind of like a mounting plate into which a "snap in adaptor" would fit. The "snap in adaptor" is a special piece specific to a single phone model (so there are a bunch of different ones) which allows a phone to be charged, have an external antenna (for better reception) and provide hardwired connections for phone control.

The eject box also features an important function of the bluetooth system: a pairing button. It's through this button that the car bluetooth system is entered into pairing mode.

Now with regards to the pairing button you have two options: fork out $75 (from theBMWPartsStore; nearly double that from Bimmernav) or (assuming you have some basic soldering skills) make one yourself. While $75 isn't going to break the bank, it's a bit crazy spending that much for the whole eject box when all you need is one tiny button. Although the OEM aficionados will be happy to pay it (don't be surprised if I end up picking one up for my install). Oh for reference, the eject box is part number 84109168940.

Back to Work: Pairing Button
For the time being (until I source a suitable button to use or decide to fork out for the eject box) I have installed a temporary DIY pairing button. It doesn't exactly have to be heavy duty as if all goes well you won't actually operate it again!

I soldered a pair of thin wires to the switch on and ran the cables iunderneath one of the boxes in the centre storage compartment. I know it looks pretty average, but like I said its just temporary. And being such a tiny button it's fairly inconspicuous.
Image

The pairing button connects between pins 1 and 2 of the eject box connector. Since BMW's engineers are so awesome and decided to use nice, standard pin pitches on their connectors, we can use a standard, run of the mill, 2-way 0.1" (2.54mm) pitch locking header plug. I just grabbed one I had lying around, but most electronics (as in electronic components) shops should have them. Here's a link to one from an Australian supplier - cheap as chips!
Image

One side of the plug has a pair of aligning keys on it - I simply trimmed them off with a knife. Looking inside the eject box connector you can see pins 1, 9, 10 and 18 labelled. You want to plug onto pins 1 and 2:
Image

Install the microphone (this step is so simple I didn't take a photo). The connector only plugs onto the microphone one way, and the microphone only clips into the panel one way (arrow pointing forward IIRC). The microphone is directional so it would be a bit useless if it was pointing the wrong direction!

Testing
It's now time to test everything!

Make sure you have your phone handy, with bluetooth switched on. Oh and reconnect the battery if necessary. To put the car into pairing mode follow this procedure:
1. Put your keys into the ignition but don't turn anything on.
2. Press and hold on the pairing button
3. About 2 seconds later turn the keys to the first position (accessory) so that the head unit turns on
4. Continue holding the pairing button on for another 3 seconds, then release it

The head unit display should now display "BT PAIRING" and if you scan for bluetoth devices with your phone the "BMW ULF" (or something like that) should show up. Click connect and then enter the four digit passkey written on the side of the ULF module (yes, at this point I jumped out of the car and raced around to the boot to read if off the ULF module).

At this point the bluetooth system will probably transfer the phonebook to the ULF. Mine seemed to lock up, however switching the ignition off and back on again set it right.

Now it's time to pack up and clean up.

Mount ULF to bulkhead
The ULF doesn't come with any mounting screws. I used some 5mm metric (M5) phillips head screws, nuts and star washers (to prevent things from rattling loose) on the three ULF mounting points to fix it to the ULF bracket. The bracket is then fixed back onto the bulkhead using its nuts and an 8mm socket (with extension). Make sure that all of the wires are kept tidy.

I just used a bit of double sided tape to fix the bluetooth antenna to the left side of the centre compartment boxes.
Image

The carpet is all put back in the reverse order of removing it. Pretty simple - just be careful with that roof tray floor sensor.

Operation
I'm not going to describe how to operate the bluetooth here. Instead I'll just link to the BMW manual in PDF (at E38.org): http://www.e38.org/ULFOwnerManual.pdf

Voice Recognition
Again, here's a manual link: http://www.e38.org/BMW-03_00-Voice-Control-en.pdf

Conclusion
I'm still getting the hang of the voice command system (I think it struggles with my Australian accent - the voice is an English accent), but the bluetooth operation thus far has been fantastic. The sound quality is excellent - I keep getting into the Zed to make phone calls (mainly for the novelty!). For reference, my phone is a new Samsung Galaxy S II, running Android 2.3.3. I know this is probably ultimately no better than an aftermarket bluetooth solution (like a Parrot), however I just love having OEM stuff, since it integrates so seamlessly. I was initially worried that the Gateway 300 might compete with the ULF for the display, but the two cooperate perfectly: obviously the head unit knows when it should be displaying phone messages rather than track info.

Wow this has become quite an epic post! I'll set a reply alert for this thread so if anybody has a question please don't hesitate to ask and I'll reply in thread.

I want to take this opportunity to extend a big thanks to cj10jeeper and srhutch for their help and advice prior to the project. Oh and if you stuff up its not my fault!

Zac
Current: 06 E85 M Silbergrau
Previous: E85 3.0si Silbergrau, 03 E85 2.5i Maldives Blue.
Mods: Gaptech OTH+R, Dension Gateway 300 with USB, CDV-, clear side indicators, euro tails, stubby, MFSW retrofit, OEM Bluetooth/VR

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VvrooomM
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by VvrooomM » Sat Oct 22, 2011 8:01 am

In my experience if you try to yank out the cubby storage box it will cause damage, dismantling of cubby area is required. Instructions around somewhere and doesn't take long to do.

I installed Bluetooth as oem without being pre wired so had to make up a harness etc.

Excellent write up.


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Z4MC midnight blue with CSL's + VREDs, extd light sepang leather, folding mirrors, stubby aerial, retro bluetooth, prof nav, intravee ipod kit, storage and cup holders!!, laser LRC100, DSP hi-fi, storage and privacy.....is that it?

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cj10jeeper
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Re: OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by cj10jeeper » Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:29 am

Great write up and glad you got there.

I believe the OEM location for the Bluetooth antennae is on top of the central storage boxes, but doubt it makes any odds. Big advantage of the central location is you can just leave your phone in your coat or jacket in the boot and make calls :thumbsup:

Enjoy ....
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
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Re: OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by Taz » Sat Oct 22, 2011 9:43 am

good write up :thumbsup:

Mangozac
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Re: OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by Mangozac » Sat Oct 22, 2011 12:01 pm

Thanks guys, just glad to give back to the community :thumbsup:
VvrooomM wrote:In my experience if you try to yank out the cubby storage box it will cause damage, dismantling of cubby area is required. Instructions around somewhere and doesn't take long to do.
Yeah I didn't pull the box right out - just enough to slide the wires in underneath it.
cj10jeeper wrote:I believe the OEM location for the Bluetooth antennae is on top of the central storage boxes, but doubt it makes any odds.
I can't see it making much of a difference either. I was cleaning the car today and it worked while I was standing next to it! I normally keep my phone in my pocket, but I think the little tray just in front of the centre storage compartment might just be perfect for holding the phone...

Oh and any of you guys who retrofitted a ULF to a car that wasn't pre-wired are crazy. It would be far too much work for me!
Current: 06 E85 M Silbergrau
Previous: E85 3.0si Silbergrau, 03 E85 2.5i Maldives Blue.
Mods: Gaptech OTH+R, Dension Gateway 300 with USB, CDV-, clear side indicators, euro tails, stubby, MFSW retrofit, OEM Bluetooth/VR

Mangozac
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Re: OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by Mangozac » Fri Nov 25, 2011 7:01 am

Just a little addendum after having the ULF installed for a month now:

This was my first time using bluetooth in a car (or anywhere for that matter) and I had been finding the volume (both loudness of the person talking and reportedly the loudness of my voice for the other person) was less than optimal. The later gen ULF modules are apparently better in this regard so it shouldn't be a problem there. Note also that you can control the volume using the MFSW volume up/down buttons (and/or by using the voice commands VOLUME UP and VOLUME DOWN), but I already had that maxxed out.

The weather has been so good since the install that I've been driving with the roof down almost always, so I just accepted the fact that roof down was too noisy to use the phone (even with windows up). But then we had some rain yesterday and so while driving home from work I decided to give a friend a social call. Even with the roof up it was so hard to hear my friend while doing anything above 50km/h! I decided that it definitely wasn't right.

A bit of digging son revealed the answer - the phone has a separate bluetooth volume control! I had just assumed that the phone would transfer the voice at maximum volume and let the other device handle the volume control, but apparently not. I tested it by placing a call from the car and while the call was in progress pressing the volume up button on the phone. The phone displayed a "bluetooth in-call volume" indicator which was only at about 30%! I quickly bumped it all the way up and suddenly the call volume was excellent! Admittedly as an electronic engineer it's a little embarrassing, but the point is that I worked it out in the end :P

Other than that the system works great. The voice command system I really struggled with at first until I worked out the secret: talk normally. When talking to a voice recognition system Many people have a tendency to speak in a strange way in an attempt to make it understand. Maybe it's the fault of the crappy systems employed by the banks that can never get it right! Well anyway I was speaking in that "you're a moron" tone to the car and it just wouldn't understand me. I thought it was my Aussie accent. I was just about to give up when for some reason I started talking normally to it (maybe I read it on a forum). Suddenly the system worked flawlessly! It now understands every word I say!

Lastly, it's a shame that you have to program in a separate phone book for the voice command system. Yeah you can access your phone's phonebook through the MFSW controls, but it's pretty cool to be able to just say the name of the person you want to call. I've programmed in a few important numbers but that's it.

Still a recommended upgrade: if you're pre-wired then definitely! :thumbsup:
Current: 06 E85 M Silbergrau
Previous: E85 3.0si Silbergrau, 03 E85 2.5i Maldives Blue.
Mods: Gaptech OTH+R, Dension Gateway 300 with USB, CDV-, clear side indicators, euro tails, stubby, MFSW retrofit, OEM Bluetooth/VR

NicWill
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by NicWill » Sun Oct 13, 2019 4:09 am

I know this reply is a long time after initial post.. The bmwpartsstore seams to no longer exist.. Any ideas on where to get ULF now?

Did you need to get a dealer to code anything afterwards?
Cheers

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srhutch
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by srhutch » Sun Oct 13, 2019 8:47 am

eBay or breakers will be as good a place as any for a ULF.

Same as in E46/E39
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cj10jeeper
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by cj10jeeper » Sun Oct 13, 2019 10:13 am

It’s a long time since I did this stuff (more than a decade) but there are some 13 different modules. The later the better as they have much increased functionality
Sat in airport with no pc access but happy to provide detail later if you can’t find it with a search on the forum
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills

NicWill
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by NicWill » Thu Oct 17, 2019 10:44 am

No joy with anything more than gen 9 on eBay... All the stores who used to sell them dream are gone too I think

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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by NicWill » Thu Oct 17, 2019 10:55 am

Additional question.. I've got the steering column microphone already in place... Is it plugged in and ready to go once I fit ULF?

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cj10jeeper
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by cj10jeeper » Thu Oct 17, 2019 8:17 pm

NicWill wrote: Thu Oct 17, 2019 10:55 am Additional question.. I've got the steering column microphone already in place... Is it plugged in and ready to go once I fit ULF?
Are you sure or do you just have the column cowling?
If it’s fitted and wired then I’d assume you’re good to go
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills

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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by Any1else » Tue May 19, 2020 2:42 pm

If I am replacing my ULF to an updated version, do I need anything coded?
2003 Launch car : 3.0 litre E85 in Sterling grey

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cj10jeeper
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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by cj10jeeper » Tue May 19, 2020 2:49 pm

Any1else wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 2:42 pm If I am replacing my ULF to an updated version, do I need anything coded?
No - straight plug in unit. I changed mine loads of times upgrading X5 and Z4
Jaguar F-Type 3.0 Supercharged V6 S, Stratus Grey, LSD, Active Exhaust, CF wheels, Performance brakes, Sports seats and mods ongoing
Gone but not forgotten Z4 3.0i SE Roadster ///M front, Red ///M leather seats, Aero sills

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OEM Bluetooth Installation

Post by Any1else » Tue May 19, 2020 3:30 pm

cj10jeeper wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 2:49 pm
Any1else wrote: Tue May 19, 2020 2:42 pm If I am replacing my ULF to an updated version, do I need anything coded?
No - straight plug in unit. I changed mine loads of times upgrading X5 and Z4
Brilliant. Exactly what I wanted to hear.👍
2003 Launch car : 3.0 litre E85 in Sterling grey

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