Sorry to hear about BMW refusing any assistance so soon out of warranty, but you do have other options. I installed the Parrot Evolution bluetooth module with a Connects2 (for BMW) wiring harness, and it gives a nice integrated bluetooth system that works with the factory steering wheel controls. It has its own contacts directory and voice commands for dialing, etc., but I bypass that and use the voice recognition on my phone to access the phones directory instead. A modern smartphone can do a lot more than the factory TCU ever could with voice commands (among other things). You do not get a display of the phone directory on the radio (or nav, if so equipped) like the original TCU, but if you have your phone mounted (e.g. the Z4 specdoc for iphones) you have a much nicer display of directory and call information on the phone anyway.
I also did some additional work to install the parrot microphone inside the factory mic housing on the steering column, so there is nothing visible to show the system is anything other than stock. Very pleased with the results.
I also did some additional work to install the parrot microphone inside the factory mic housing on the steering column, so there is nothing visible to show the system is anything other than stock. Very pleased with the results.
