Brief description of components: Notes

• TCU: Telematics control unit 

  The central control unit is the Telematic Control Unit (TCU). The TCU includes its own transmitter and receiver module (Network Access Device, NAD) with its own SIM card. The SIM card is the telephone card that is plugged into the mobile phone and which serves to identify the user in the telephone network.

  The TCU consists of the modules:

  • Transmitter/receiver device (Network Access Device, NAD)
  • GPS receiver
  • Aerial selector
  • Bluetooth module

  The TCU supports the following functions:

  • Telematic services
  • Bluetooth connection to mobile phone

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: TCU: TELEMATICS CONTROL UNIT .

• RAD2:  BMW radio "Professional" (note: option 633 with RAD2 not available until late 2005)

  The radio serves as the gateway (data interface) between the MOST bus and the K-CAN.

• M-ASK:  Multi-audio system controller
• CCC:  Car Communication Computer
• User interface and display 

  Depending on vehicle's equipment specification:

  • CID:  Central Information Display

    The menus for the M-ASK and CCC are displayed on the CID.

  • RAD2:  The telephone can be operated on the RAD2 display (not available until late 2005)
• Base plate with snap-in adapter 

  The base plate includes the battery charger for the mobile phone. The snap-in adapter must be retrofitted by the dealer organization. The snap-in adapter is used as a bracket for the mobile phone during a journey.

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: BASE PLATE WITH SNAP-IN ADAPTER .

• Mobile phone 

  The customer is able to use his mobile phone, provided this is supported by BMW. Snap-in adapters are available for various bluetooth-compatible mobile phones.

  Information about bluetooth mobile phones that have been approved for use in vehicles of the BMW Group and about their matching snap-in adapters is available from BMW Parts Service. A compatibility matrix is available there.

• Hands-free microphone and microphone for voice commands 

  The hands-free microphone is located in the roof function center (FZD) and is used to input speech information and voice commands into the hands-free system. On vehicles with CCC, option 620 "Voice recognition system" is also necessary, as voice commands cannot otherwise be processed. With option 620 "Voice recognition system", a second microphone for inputting voice commands is fitted in the roof function center. All CCC functions can thus be operated using voice commands.

  >E64: The microphones are installed on the steering column.

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: HANDS-FREE MICROPHONE, MICROPHONE FOR SPEECH PROCESSING .

• MFL: Multi-function steering wheel 

  The buttons for the telephone functions are located on the multi-function steering wheel. When a call is accepted, the TCU (Telematic Control Unit) will switch to hands-free mode.

  The following functions are operated by pressing the transmit/receive button:

  • Accept or end call
  • Select phone number from the following lists:
    • Telephone directory entries A - Z
    • Top-8 list (list of the 8 most frequently called phone numbers from the telephone directory entries)
    • Redial (list with last 8 phone numbers dialled)
    • Show missed calls
    • Show accepted calls
  • Redial last number dialled (without list)
  • Pressing the button will automatically activate the voice recognition system in the TCU. With option 620 "Voice recognition system" the CCC's voice recognition system will be activated.
• Telephone and GPS aerial 

  The GPS aerial picks up GPS signals. In the event of an accident, the GPS signals are used to compute the location of the vehicle even if no navigation system is installed.

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: GSM ANTENNA .

• Compensator 

  The compensator equalizes losses in the aerial cable. The compensator can be retrofitted at the customer's express. This will improve reception.

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: COMPENSATOR .

• Bluetooth antenna 

  The TCU communicates with the mobile phone via the bluetooth antenna.

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: BLUETOOTH ANTENNA .

Additional components in conjunction with option 605 "Basic fittings for telematics": 

• Emergency GSM antenna 

  An emergency call can be transmitted through the emergency GSM antenna if the external telephone aerial is not working, because of an accident, for example.

  For more information, refer to E60, E61, E63, E64, E87, E90: EMERGENCY GSM ANTENNA .

• Emergency loudspeaker 

  If an emergency call is activated and voice output via the loudspeakers in the vehicle is not possible, the system will switch to the emergency loudspeaker. The emergency loudspeaker is connected directly to the TCU (Telematic Control Unit). The emergency loudspeaker is located in the driver's footwell.

• Emergency call button 

  The emergency call button is located in the front headlining, in the middle next to the sliding/tilting sunroof switch. The emergency call button is used to manually trigger an emergency call. The emergency call button has an LED. A cover panel prevents the emergency call button from being pressed unintentionally.