BMW Z4 e85 Bluetooth pairing? Please please help!!

[HenryM2014]

Ladies & Gents,

I have owned my 2005 BMW Z4 e85 for a couple of years now and it has given me miles of endless fun. However, one disappointment that has remained since I first bought the car is that it is no longer feasible to 'pair' a modern iPhone 4s to the integrated phone system within the car.

I have brought it to a main BMW dealer who advised that the software from 2004 (when the car was made) and today,2014, is no longer compatible. The same dealer tried(?) a software update but to no avail. The most frustrating element is that my current iPhone does actually pair and I can recieve calls and hear them fine. My voice cannot be heard however. It would be obvious to state at this point that it is not the microphone that is broken.

Can anyone please help? If you have had a similar problem how was it solved? I am reluctant to buy an external car kit when I already have one integrated on my steering wheel!

Many thanks in advance,
Henry

[McSam]

This would likely get better response in the BMW section, and isn't really a typical thread to put here, but..

Have you got a different modern phone to work properly? I'd hate to jump straight in with Apple-bashing but I've paired many an Android phone to cars that sort of age without any issue.

Strange that it does pair but doesn't work properly. Sounds more like a setup problem than any sort of incompatibility.

[RichardM5]

The correct way to pair the phone to the Bluetooth in the iBus generation of cars (E38/E39/E46/E85 etc.) is :

Turn ignition off.
Press and hold the pairing button in the centre console with the picture of the face, NOT the button on the wheel with the same icon.
After 5 seconds turn on the ignition to the accessory position.
Continue holding the pairing button for a few seconds.
Release the pairing button.
'Bluetooth Pairing' should now be displayed on the radio or Nav screen.
Search for Bluetooth devices with your phone, the car will be BMWxxxx where xxxx are the last 4 digits of your VIN.
The Pass Code is a 4 digit number that should be on a sticker with the user guide and is also on the side of the Bluetooth module. In the Z4 the Bluetooth module is against the back of the seat I believe.

If this procedure does not work it's possible that there is a mechanical fault with the switch. If you have lost the Pass Code then you will need to look on the module.

If all else fails it is possible to query the ULF Pass Code and initiate pairing over the iBus using an iBus interface (search for Rolf Resler iBus) or an OBD cable and a program called NavCoder. It's quite probable that a member has these bits (I do) and will be able to help you out if you don't want to buy them (NavCoder is free for what you need).

Really a dealer should have no issues with this, the car is only 10 years old!

[Roundozo]

Also try asking this lot, very helpful and in the know;

http://www.z4-forum.com/

[sjj84]

Definitely sounds like something wrong with the microphone rather than pairing. I've a 2006 z4, and previously had an iPhone 4 which worked without problem. Now have a Sony z3 compact and that works perfectly too. Try a different phone as it's a simple thing to try, if not perhaps replace the microphone. Or check the connection wherever that is.

[alistair1234]

I had a 2003 pre-facelift e46 330ci and the Bluetooth still worked with my 5s, so older car and newer phone!

Sold the car in May. Think the dealer is speaking BS.

[RichardM5]

There are a lot of different versions (part numbers) for the Bluetooth ULF, and if the car has Assist another load for the TCUs used for that.

The only version that works 'properly' is the Gen 13 P/N 84 10 9 154 358. I've tried quite a few different versions over the years and some work with phone A and not phone B, others work with phone B and not A, but the Gen 13 (latest version) does actually appear to be the most reliable. The Gen 13 in my E39 works with the iPhone 4S and 5S perfectly well, with the exception that SMS text don't show up, but that's a known Apple thing.

[Roundozo]

also, another thought. Have you tried clearing the stored phones in the cars memory? I don't quite see how it would have any effect on your situation but it takes two seconds and can't hurt.

[Sticks.]

I've had my 04 Z4 from new and paired a variety of phones to it. Mostly Nokias until relatively recently, one of which even downloaded sms, the a Blackberry, which was also fine. But my latest Moto G pairs OK, it just doesn't behave like it has.

[HenryM2014]

Ladies & Gents,

Thank you all for your helpful and insiteful knowledge, it has been a real help.
I will try all suggestions and then if no success I will try a different dealer.
I will keep you posted if I get the issue resolved.

Many thanks again,
Henry

[Podie]

Which iOS version are you on?

8.1 screwed by BT, but was fixed under 8.1.1


ETA - exact same issue!

[cbarbot]

Were you able to get your phone paired? I can't seem to get mine into a "pairing mode".
2004 e85. Do they all have bluetooth??
Mine has a face/talk icon button on the steering wheel along with an R/T button. When I hit R/T, the radio displays "phonebook empty".

Would anyone have suggestions?

I've tried some of the previous suggestions about holding the face button on my steering wheel (only face button I can find) for 5 seconds, turning key to accessory position and then releasing button but nothing displayed. Phone doesn't seem to see anything either.

[RichardM5]

All cars have the buttons on the wheel, not al have the ULF module.

The button on the wheel is NOT the pairing button, the pairing button has the same symbol but is on the Eject Box in the centre console.

[Billy_Whizzzz]

Not all Z4s have factory fitted Bluetooth even if they have the microphone on the steering wheel shroud. I had a 53 plate that didn't and now an 06 Z4M which does and pairs with my iPhone 6+. You need to find out if it was Bluetooth enabled from the factory - it it was you'll be able to pair any generation of iPhone etc

[jlkansascity]

I used this thread to recover my bluetooth PIN and get the phone paired.

I used the method of moving the seat forward, and pulling the subwoofer cover. When you look in there, you are looking through a tiny crack on the right side of the opening. Look for the bluetooth symbol like in the photos, moving wires as needed. After recovering the PIN, the phone paired without issue. iPhone 6 and a iPhone 6S.

Thanks for this thread! save me.

PS; on my 2006, I did not have any pairing button on the console, just the two SOS buttons. I used the pairing button on the right side of the steering wheel and it worked.