From Assist to Bluetooth in about 1 ½ hours

This Bluetooth installation procedure was performed on a March 2004 build X5. Thanks
to www.x5world.net, www.bimmerfest.com, and www.bimmernav.com for all your
assistance.

The parts I used for the installation include:

E53 X5 Installation kit - BMW part number 84 11 0 302 641 (I didn’t need some of the
parts included in the kit but it was easier to get and not that much more expensive then
purchasing the parts separately).
ULF Control Module - 84 21 6 945 387
V600 Snap in Adapter - 84 21 0 307 726
V600 cover 84 21 0 306 467
Motorola V505 Cell phone

Read the installation procedure and get a good understanding of what you’re getting into.

First, open the left rear quarter access panel and open the spare tire access cover. Remove
the two plastic covers held by three 10mm plastic nuts.
Remove the assist module held by two 10mm plastic nuts. While removing the assist
module disconnect the two FAKRA connectors and one 54 pin plug.
Since the carrier bracket is already installed mount the Bluetooth antenna using the two
studs on the top of the bracket with the two plastic cap nuts included with the installation
kit. Connect the black FAKRA connector of the Bluetooth antenna wire to the antenna
and run the antenna wire down the right side.
Run the Bluetooth antenna wire down the right side of the metal CD Changer/NAV
computer casing. Then run the wire back towards the rear. I used the existing tape to
secure the antenna wire. It helps to run the antenna wire behind the bracket to prevent it
from moving around, which is basically what you are trying to accomplish.
Remove the Bluetooth passkey from the ULF Control Module and stick it to the passkey
reference card.
Attach the Bluetooth antenna wire and 54 pin plug to the ULF Control Module (the SES
voice input jumper plug was not required). Install the ULF Control Module with two
10mm plastic nuts reusing the bracket from the assist module. Connect the two FAKRA
connectors together. One end goes to the X5 cell phone antenna and the other end goes to
the console eject box. When you connect the two together it provides the external X5
antenna to the cell phone. There is a third FAKRA connector that goes to the Bluetooth
antenna in the console. I suppose this can be used in lieu of the antenna that came with
the kit but I did not verify this is what the cable was for. You want to verify the cell
phone signal strength while the phone is in the snap in adapter so you can ensure you are
using the correct cables. Basically this is trial and error and would depend on your cell
signal strength. I gained three bars when I connected the X5 antenna to the eject box.
When you determine the correct connections tie back the unused cable. Don’t replace the
two plastic covers until you check the cell signal strength.
Remove the three screws (Allen I believe) securing the cover to the back of the center
console.
Remove the oddment tray from the console. This was the most difficult part of the whole
job and would be easier if you had assistance (I didn’t). Two clips hold the oddment tray
to the console and care must be taken not to break the clips since they also will hold in
the eject box. You can see two holes next to the clips you must line these holes up with
the clips to pop out the tray. To do this open the top portion of the console; then open the
portion with the oddment tray. While holding the top portion of the console open slide the
oddment portion back and forth to line up the holes with the clips. Then use two
screwdrivers to pop open the clips while removing the oddment tray. Trust me it’s easier
with two people.
Remove the tie wrap holding down the existing cables. Insert the eject box while feeding
in the new cables.

The black connector has a securing clip that needs to be open before you can insert the
other connector. Secure the clip in place after you install the connector. Just connect the
two FAKRA connectors together. Then tie wrap the cables in place (be aware that you
should secure the cables so that all moving parts do not rub against the cables). Open and
close the console while checking that the cables do not bind or rub against anything.
Reinstall the console cover with three screws removed previously.
Insert the V600 snap in adapter and install the cover (circled but I’m not quite sure what
this does).
After confirming the cell signal strength with the phone out of the cradle put the phone in
the cradle; an increase of signal strength should be seen. If not swap the Bluetooth
antenna wires near the ULF module. Recheck signal strength. Once the wires are correct
re-install the plastic covers; spare tire access cover, and left rear quarter access panel.
Neither the microphone installation nor computer recoding was required for this
installation. Now all you need to do is pair your phone. I think anyone who installs this
mod will be pleasantly surprised on how well it works and if anyone has any questions
contact me at vonhasch@cox.net.