2004 E46 - TCU buzzing and whining problem

traxem · 01-04-2012, 02:20 PM

I recently swapped my TCU (with assist) out for a new one (with assist and bluetooth). Picked it up brand new at the dealer. Right out of the box, it paired up and voice command was functional. However, when the system is activated (either when phone is in-use or voice command is activated), there is a constant background "hum" when the key is on position II (DRL on) and a high-pitch whine when the engine is on. It sounds like a bad ground. The system is flawless when the key is on the I position (radio power only).

I asked the dealer to diagnose the problem. After an hour of labor ($$), the tech told me that he couldn't figure it out and recommend programming since it was never programmed. After another 1.5 hours (more $$$) for programming, the problem is still there!

Refusing to declare the unit defective, the tech is telling me that there was an install kit that came with a harness. The dealer suspects that the missing harness (that BMW NA doesn't make anymore) might cure the problem. They won't install another TCU to test it because they can't resell it after it's been installed. They told me that I can buy another TCU and if that fixes the problem, then they'll take the old TCU back (as defective). But if the new TCU also has the same problem then I'm stuck with two TCUs.

The sound is similar to a bad ground. I saw similar problems in other threads but no solution.

Does anyone have any suggestion other than to buy another TCU to test it?

traxem · 01-04-2012, 10:37 PM

My symptoms are identical to this thread:
http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...tooth+retrofit

No solution posted in that one. I'm at a lost here. I rechecked all the connection to the TCU. Nothing is loose.

traxem · 10-27-2012, 06:54 PM

I recently swapped out my CD player with a newer one (that plays Mp3). My original unit had some problems so I had to swap it out anyway. After swapping out the CD player, the entire problem went away. The buzz and whining noise is gone. The bluetooth is also now crystal clear to the other side now; no more complaints about wind and road noise.

Apparently, my original CD player (late 2003 production) wasn't compatible with the new TCU.

01-04-2012, 02:20 PM	#1
traxem Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 6 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	2004 E46 - TCU buzzing and whining problem I recently swapped my TCU (with assist) out for a new one (with assist and bluetooth). Picked it up brand new at the dealer. Right out of the box, it paired up and voice command was functional. However, when the system is activated (either when phone is in-use or voice command is activated), there is a constant background "hum" when the key is on position II (DRL on) and a high-pitch whine when the engine is on. It sounds like a bad ground. The system is flawless when the key is on the I position (radio power only). I asked the dealer to diagnose the problem. After an hour of labor ($$), the tech told me that he couldn't figure it out and recommend programming since it was never programmed. After another 1.5 hours (more $$$) for programming, the problem is still there! Refusing to declare the unit defective, the tech is telling me that there was an install kit that came with a harness. The dealer suspects that the missing harness (that BMW NA doesn't make anymore) might cure the problem. They won't install another TCU to test it because they can't resell it after it's been installed. They told me that I can buy another TCU and if that fixes the problem, then they'll take the old TCU back (as defective). But if the new TCU also has the same problem then I'm stuck with two TCUs. The sound is similar to a bad ground. I saw similar problems in other threads but no solution. Does anyone have any suggestion other than to buy another TCU to test it?

01-04-2012, 10:37 PM	#2
traxem Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 6 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	Anybody? My symptoms are identical to this thread: http://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthr...tooth+retrofit No solution posted in that one. I'm at a lost here. I rechecked all the connection to the TCU. Nothing is loose.

10-27-2012, 06:54 PM	#3
traxem Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Seattle Posts: 6 My Ride: 325i View My Garage	Problem resolved I recently swapped out my CD player with a newer one (that plays Mp3). My original unit had some problems so I had to swap it out anyway. After swapping out the CD player, the entire problem went away. The buzz and whining noise is gone. The bluetooth is also now crystal clear to the other side now; no more complaints about wind and road noise. Apparently, my original CD player (late 2003 production) wasn't compatible with the new TCU.

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