BMW Bluetooth and iPhone problem

2008 650i. Prior to 1.1.3 flawless. Update to 1.1.3 breaks. Turning of wifi doesn't address issue. BMW was just in for service and we verified NAV software was upgraded and current. I also have Garmin Nuvi 660. 1.1.3 broke that too. We don't have ipod integration in the Bimmer. We do have it in the Chrysler. 1.1.3 broke that too.

As it relates to BT, I've researched this on many forums. User problems are sporadic even on the same hardware. In many cases 1.1.3 was the beginnings of trouble; myself included.

I just bought an iPhone and I just installed it in my 2002 M5 (with 12th generation BMW ULF module). Everything worked great with my Blackberry that I just gave back.

I can get the iPhone to pair (takes a while) but the BMW disconnects after a few seconds and doesn't download any contacts / allow dialing.

iphone firmware is version 1.3.1. (I hear there are issues with this) and the dealer advises that the iphone is only fully compatible with the latest 13th generation ULF module. I turned off WIFI and there is no impact.

Any thoughts?

My BMW has a 12th generation ULF module (2006/2007) and it now pairs fine with the iPhone (I had to reset my network settings first).

My contacts show on the NAV screen and it looks good... except that when I attempt to make a phone call the sound only comes out of the iPhone.

The BMW worked fine with my Blackberry. BMW is telling me that only the 13th (last) generation module supports the iphone. I don't think this is correct.

My iphone is firmware 1.3.1

My BMW (E60 520i 2004) had the Sept 07 upgrade to the software and then a further update in order to get the BT working. If you look at the BMW website under the BT Compatible Phones you will see that iPhone is only compatible with the 09/07 software if the iPhone has 1.1.2 software, so my advise would be to take it back to BMW and make sure it has the very latest software and then restore your iPhone back to 1.1.2.

Dick Lovett in Bristol England are very versed on this problem, not sure where you are in the world but if you are in the UK then they would be your best best.

By the way, my iPhone now works perfect with full BT BMW iDrive compatibility.

So update 09/07 should fix the wifi issue?

Yes the Sept 07 software will fix the problem but the iPhone needs to have 1.1.2 software, I've not upgraded to 1.1.3 yet as I'm afraid that it will stop working.

The standard 09/07 upgrade did not work to begin with, they had to get some more upgrades from BMW to correct a small problem.

The upgrade took about 4 days to complete as it kept crashing so be prepared for a long wait.

I have noticed just in the past couple of weeks (this is early Feb 2008) that my iPhone and my BMW 328i have suddenly started to work together just fine. I wonder if the most recent iPhone update has done it, or something else? I am in USA, driving a 2007 328i with the basic Bose radio & Sirius satellite system, not the fancier version with the GPS screen and all that.

Until recently, my iPhone would answer and call out via the BMW BT but the connection was very iffy. Sometimes it worked OK, sometimes not. Seemed to need to come out of my pocket to work but I could never find a best place to put the phone. Now, it will answer and I can talk in the car via BT without even taking the iPhone out of my pocket.

Something changed, but I don't know what.

I can assure you that it does work. I have my iPhone paired with my 2006 330i and it works flawlessly every time.
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Ditto!
I have mine paired with my 2004 330ci convertible, dh's 2007 550i and my '94 530i (through the after-market stereo/satellite system dh installed).

I retrofitted a 2003 BMW X5 with a 10th generation 84 10 6 980 130 module about a year ago. In 2007 alone, BMW has changed the Bluetooth module three times!

I bought an iPhone several days ago and have the same call drop out problem every else does. The phonebook does transfer correctly. Yes, I turned the WI-FI off and reset the phone, it still doesn't work. The module never really worked right with a Samsung Blackjack, my previous phone, either with WM5 or WM6. I have the BMW head IV NAV unit with software version 29.

From my research I understand this is really a BMW problem, not really anything wrong with the iPhone.

Question, what do I have to do to get the iPhone and BMW module to work together properly? I am hoping I do not have to replace the BMW module, those things are almost $600. Is my module software upgradable? Or is there any other fix that will work?

Any info would be appreciated, Thank You.

Update re: 12th Generation ULF module and iPhone w/ 1.1.3 firmware (drops calls quickly, consistently)

After trying all the options suggested on this and other threads, and talking unsuccessfully to BMW and Apple I figured I'd try an alternative path.

I tried the car module with several phones and the two iPhones I tried both did not work.

I was reliably advised the latest version of the ULF module would fix the issue so I sold my 12th generation module on eBay and bought a 13th generation module(overall it only cost me postage). The new ULF module should arrive in a day or two and I'll post results.

Another update re: BMW ULF module / iPhone compatibility.

I sold my 12th generation module on ebay and purchased a 13th generation ULF module... it was a cashless transaction although a bunch of hassle.

The 13th generation module seems to work (somewhat) with my 1.1.3 firmware iPhone. It accepts calls and allows outgoing calls dialed from the phone but the address book download doesn't seem to work.

Not a big deal.

The bluetooth icon seems to go in and out but no issues yet.

The bigger issue is that, when playing songs (using my Dension cradle), the audio system clicks periodically (every minute or so). Sounds the same as when the bluetooth icon goes off when I'm trying to use the address book.

I'm working to pin it down more. I'd be interested if anyone else has the same issue.

Hello all, I'm experiencing a problem with my brand new iPhone and caller ID. I'm able to sync my iPhone to my 2006 X3 via Bluetooth very easily (phone book downloads great), but for some reason my navigation display screen isn't displaying caller ID name info from the phonebook for incoming calls like the phone itself. This feature worked in the past with my BlackBerry 8700, so not sure what's going on. Maybe I need to select an option on the phone or car? Any suggestions? Please advise.

Hi there
Just want to know if you have upgraded your phone to the 1.1.4 version yet and does it still work.
Just had my 2006 520D M Sport Touring in for the latest software update and the iPhone still does not work. Only had the phone a week so it came with the latest software.
So frustrating that everything works fantastic but as soon as you answer the call it drops the connection. When I collected the car we did a check and it worked fine when I called my work voice mail, then home and finally the technician that sat next to me. DRove away a happy bunny and rang home to say I was on my way and the BT connection dropped!
This phone replaced my Nokia 6300 that worked without any issues. Apple have also been good to a point as they have swapped the phone after two days when I explained the problem.
I will get my local garage to contact yours to see if they can solve the problem.

I've not upgraded to 1.1.4 yet and do not think I ever will. BMW have tested 1.1.2. and confirm it has full compatibility. I had loads of issues with the Sept 07 software update, in the end the car was in for a total of 6 days have various updates to the 07 software. It now works perfectly and I even have the new BMW iPhone snap in adaptor so I can assure you it works on my 5 series without any issues.

I suggest talking to the BMW dealer that sorted my car, they have experience with this and are pretty up to date with all the software. They are Dick Lovett in Cribs Causeway Bristol on 0117 9050000.

Good luck