Autotronic Instrumentation Service

BMW vehicles are bluetooth equipped courtesy of having either a TCU or MULF.

Use this link for TCU SOS call system failure issues.

This service is for known issues affecting BMW's bluetooth interfaces.

BMW's ULF bluetooth interface first appeared in early 2000 era vehicles such as E46 & E53. It integrated bluetooth calling, speech recognition and phone book display.

The entertainment system in all new BMW models launched after 2003 is based on the "MOST Bus." The MOST Bus uses fibre optics to network all audio devices. A MOST bus equipped ULF is referred to as MULF, distinguishable by a white 54 pin connector and black optic fibre port (pictured below).

Visteon manufactured the original ULF & MULF module until mid 2007. Cars built after that date are fitted with a new design MULF2 made by Harman/Becker. Harman/Becker also made a more advanced MULF2-Hi version integrating USB and AUX functions in addition to bluetooth calling. Bluetooth music streaming is not possible with any type of MULF module. From mid 2010 the COMBOX was introduced and for the first time bluetooth music streaming was possible with a CIC head unit. 

The Visteon MULF unit is known to be causing considerable field issues. 

If your BMW E60, E87 or E90 came factory equipped with bluetooth functionality and at some stage you begin to notice the following issues......

• Bluetooth equipped phone not connecting?
• Can't enable the bluetooth function?
• - - appears instead of the telephone icon?
  
• Audio muted at random intervals?
• iDrive responding to inputs after long delays?

These are all likely symptoms coming from a faulty Visteon MULF bluetooth control unit.

When a Harman/Becker MULF2 and MULF2-Hi fails there is less overall disturbance to the car's audio system. Typically a failed MULF2 will no longer connect or be discovered by a mobile phone. The paired bluetooth device list in the car will have no entries, whereas previously there may have been paired devices stored. In the case of a MULF2-Hi failure, the AUX function will no longer work.

Autotronic repairs Visteon MULF and Harman/Becker MULF2 & MULF2-Hi units. 

Finding the bluetooth control unit:

5 Series (E60): Remove the boot trim around the rear left wheel arch. The MULF is mounted vertically.

1 & 3 Series (E87, E90): Remove the lower boot lining and look for an object with a metal box similar to what's pictured.



Offered Services:

1. Repair yours $400

This involves repairing and recoding to match the vehicle VIN.

• once reinstalled & phone paired it's up and running
• bluetooth will work immediately and contact lists will be displayed
• programmed with the latest software, ensuring amongst others, it works with iPhones, Android and other smartphones
• up to 2 working day turnaround

2. Fit a Changeover $400

This involves supplying a precoded, ready-to-go unit suited to your vehicle.

Only offered for customers able to drive to us in Melbourne (Brighton East) or Sydney (Schofields).

• once reinstalled & phone paired it's up and running
• bluetooth will work immediately and contact lists will be displayed
• programmed with the latest software, ensuring amongst others, it works with iPhones, Android and other smartphones
• done in 20 minutes

SHIPPING ADDRESS 

For quickest arrival we recommend Australia Post or Couriers Please.

Autotronic LCFS P/L

107 Centre Road

Brighton East  VIC  3187

Price List

• MULF Repair : $400
  
• Changeover MULF: $400

12 months warranty.

Trade Customers, please ring for business-business pricing.