E46 M3 Bluetooth issue

[PurpleTurtle]

I’ve had my M3 for 10 years and used it with numerous Nokia and Apple phones.

All of a sudden the Bluetooth has stopped working. This is not a “how do I pair a phone” plea as I’ve done that countless times, but more a “has anyone ever had the Bluetooth just refuse to pair”?

The only response I get is when trying to call up the directory from the Multi-function steering wheel I get the standard ACTIVATE PHONE message, but going through the pairing routine just does not work - I can only surmise that the pairing button in the centre console is broken so not putting it into pairing mode, or the Bluetooth unit itself is toast. Anyone had this problem and solved it? I’ve got the pricey Bentley workshop manual but no mention of Bluetooth in there whatsoever, but that might be because it’s a US market book, not sure if Bluetooth was offered on US cars.

Any advice appreciated.

Edited by PurpleTurtle on Wednesday 17th January 23:42

[Smuler]

PurpleTurtle said:

I’ve had my M3 for 10 years and used it with numerous Nokia and Apple phones.

All of a sudden the Bluetooth has stopped working. This is not a “how do I pair a phone” plea as I’ve done that countless times, but more a “has anyone ever had the Bluetooth just refuse to pair”?

The only response I get is when trying to call up the directory from the Multi-function steering wheel I get the standard ACTIVATE PHONE message, but going through the pairing routine just does not work - I can only surmise that the pairing button in the centre console is broken so not putting it into pairing mode, or the Bluetooth unit itself is toast. Anyone had this problem and solved it? I’ve got the pricey Bentley workshop manual but no mention of Bluetooth in there whatsoever, but that might be because it’s a US market book, not sure if Bluetooth was offered on US cars.

Any advice appreciated.

Edited by PurpleTurtle on Wednesday 17th January 23:42

You said "any" advice didn't you

1. if the B/Tooth unit's dead (as opposed to the button) wouldn't you know as on your iPhone you wouldn't see it as available to pair?

2. When I bought my E46 M3, I couldn't pair - and had same messages and thought the same things - and all I did was turn key in ignition to a different position than the owner's manual said to do and then it worked!!!

3. On my newer car (2017) I managed to turn bluetooth off. Don't know if you can do this on the E46's but as per answer 1 - if that's the case you wouldn't see your car as available to pair and I'm sure on my iPhone there was an error message clearly saying something like BMW was disconnected, correct as it was turned off?