OEM Bluetooth Compatibility

Afternoon all,

My 3'er is pre-wired for the hands-free Bluetooth system. We have a few pick n' pull salvage yards around here that I tend to frequent and I got to thinking.

If I were to come across a BMW of similar age (or not) that has the Bluetooth kit installed, which models would have compatible TCU's and antennas that I could toss in the E46?

The built in hands-free isn't worth enough for me to buy the retrofit kits/OEM equipment, hence the pick n' pull.

Thanks in advance!

There's a very comprehensive floating around with PNs and compatibility, if I can find it I'll post it.. But you probably want to first check that it's a bluetooth enable TCU as opposed to a non-Bluetooth one. The Bluetooth ones all have the Pass Key printed on the stickers. If no Pass Key, then no Bluetooth.. As for compatibility, the newer PNs are usually reverse compatible in older cars since they usually supersede an older PN, and most of them should work in any car without issues.. I also know that there were bugs in the older PNs that were fixed as the years went by..

Ideally you'll want something out of the '05+ models. I've tried some of the newest ones and found some of them to be incompatible with the e46 models. Some software wise and some of the newer ones don't plug in to the factory harness 100%. Best to look for one from '05 non-m or '05-'06 M3 and make sure it has the bluetooth symbol on the sticker. As for Pass Key, I've seen Bluetooth units with a Pass Key Number designation and ones without.

If you have something like a PA Scanner, you can enable BT yourself if needed in addition to changing the BT Name and Pass code.

Here is the issue, you cannot use the units from the E9x series or newer BMW's as they have a fiber optic interface.

You can use anything from an E46, E38, E39, X5, or the X3 series that do not have the fiber optic interface. You might be able to also use something from the Z4 as well. Note the E46 sedan and touring ended in 2005, the E46 coupe and convertible stopped in 2006.

Make sure the unit has the BT Passcode printed on the module.

You may want to check http://www.bimmernav.com/ for more info.

Thanks for the input guys. I'll keep my eyes peeled. The newest junker they have is an E36, so I've gotta wait for now. I did order a Homelink unit which should be here next week, so that will give me something to do.

Thanks again!

OP just so you know, you can use either a TCU module or ULF module for bluetooth communication. Ideally, the latest gen (13th) TCU module will work with no issues when using smart phones.