Hi Folks,

I have a 2007 MCS with built in bluetooth that died about 2 years ago. I took it a MINI dealership who ran diagnostics and confirmed the ULF is dead. They quoted me $1200 to fix. If I understand it, it is simply a ULF swap and code, correct? The MINI bluetooth retrofit contains the ULF correct? What's the part number?

A gripe I have and read from other threads here, is that the old ULF is built to die after pairing of certain number of new phones because it can only hold a certain number of numbers and then it will stop working. POOR DESIGN!!

Can I use the newer BMW/MINI ULF or do I have to use the original one?

Thanks for any inputs!

 

As far as I know the MULF2-HIGH module has not changed in hardware design. What has changed is the software version on it and so the part number. But even an older unit can be flashed to get the latest version of the firmware.

In any case my recommendation is to look at either FISCON or mobridge. These will probably be cheaper to install, are much more integrated and allow over the air compatibility updates. Both units connect on the MOST bus and appear as the original unit, so they are nicely integrated. There BT antennas are integrated, but you will need to change the microphone. The FISCON unfortunately doesn't support USB (but does have A2DP).

PS: Should you want to pursuit to change the ULF, the latest version PN is 84109229740. You can do the swap yourself, BUT if you have CCC Navigation you will need to code the unit through the MOST port. If you don't have NAV you can actually do the coding with the standard OBD2 INPA cable. You can also buy a used one and code it...

 

Can you tell me more about FISCON? Where did you get the parts. Is it plug and play? Do I have to code anything? Can you tell more about the installation process? Thanks so much!!

 

Anybody know where the ULF location is? Is it behind the dash?

 

So are you pretty sure this ULF will be compatible with 2007 MCS?

 

The ULF is under the passenger seat. Yes, I am pretty sure it will work. If you order from the dealer or an official parts-trading site, you can only order the latest version, previous versions are considered obsolete. As I said, you will need to perform some coding on the unit in order to function. But the price quoted by the dealer is ridiculous. I think the unit should be about 500USD. Do you have Navigation? If not, then the coding should be possible by anyone with a D-CAN cable. Otherwise a BMW specialist should be able to do it.

About the FISCON:
The FISCON is based on the Parrot CK5050 chipset and connects to the MOST bus. It comes with a standard microphone (but you can order one that goes into the roof-light like the original) and the MOST and power cables. You need to remove the dash to install it. No coding is necessary, it automatically does all adjustments necessary. It fits easy under the steering wheel (under the cowl cover), as the box is about 10cm x 10cm x 3cm. Much smaller and lighter than the ULF. The ULF is really a very old computer, whereas the CK5050P is a much more modern SoC, so no problems with heat, power consumption etc...

The only negative of the FISCON is that it does not support USB (but the actual chipset CK5050P does). The mObridge uses the same chip and I think there is a version with USB.

You can buy FISCON online from KUFATEC, the german firm that makes them.