| Car: | BMW | 3 Series | E46 | All Derivatives | All body styles |
The E46 Bluetooth system
Bluetooth was available as an option on the E46 from MY2003. The Bluetooth system replaced the integrated Siemens phone system on UK models, which was an option between 2000 and 2002. Bluetooth (referred to as "Universal Hands Free" in BMW service and Technical literature) is a system that links your mobile phone to the cars audio and control system.
What is Bluetooth?
Bluetooth is a short range (up to 30 feet) wireless communication protocol that enables devices such as Mobile Phones to communicate with each other. Bluetooth communication relies on 'services' (classes for all the developers out there) that enable control of device specific operations/functions on the host (in this case, your mobile phone) by a remote device (the car). Common services on mobile phones include the following:
- Headset - Diverts sound to the connected device
- Object push - Send an object to the connected device
- File transfer - Manages a file transfer over the Bluetooth link
- Handsfree - Phone functions can be initiated by the connected device
Bluetooth is used by BMW to facilitate hands free operation of your mobile phone.
The BMW system
The BMW system uses a control unit termed the ULF (A German acronym for "Universal Hands Free") which controls the system, it is the ULF that your phone connects to. The ULF diverts speech from the mobile through the existing sound system; therefore music is automatically faded in/out when a call is connected/disconnected and incoming calls will ring through the cars' speakers. A microphone is fixed in the car to provide input back to the phone. The phone can be controlled by the steering wheel controls, or if supported, voice activated commands. It is optional to have what is commonly known as an 'eject box' which houses your mobile in a custom 'snap in' adapter, once held in the 'snap in' your mobile is charged and it's antenna is diverted to one on the car for increased reception quality.
The beauty of the BMW system is that your mobile may be left in your pocket, coat in the boot or even briefcase; when the ignition is switched on the phone will automatically pair with the car. It really is a convenient system.
Upgrade path for Siemens equipped vehicles
Bluetooth makes use of the same telephone loom that is used with the Siemens system, BMW appear to have 'standardised' it as their communications loom (the loom is identified by its 50 pin locking plug at the telephone module end). This means that owners of cars with the earlier Siemens phone have an easy upgrade path.
A Bluetooth upgrade for Siemens equipped vehicles is not covered here, but the basics are as follows:
- Remove the existing phone module and replace with a Bluetooth ULF
- If Voice Control is installed, use a SES jumper plug to disable this part of the existing loom (SES is integral within the Bluetooth ULF)
- Install converters to go from mini Coax connectors to Fakra, in order to connect the Bluetooth eject box to external antenna
- Shark fin is retained in a Bluetooth installation and used for the mobile phone external antenna
Please click here for a complete Siemens to Bluetooth guide.
For Bluetooth retrofit instructions please see the relevant article which can be reached from the Car Articles page.
© Mark Stewart, Saturday 12th May 2007
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