ULF-SBX Interlace Box (ULF-SBX Interface Box)

Interface Box (ULF-SBX)

The functional description describes the ULF-SBX interface box for the following vehicles:
- E81, E87, E90, E91, E92, E93 (BMW 1 Series, 3 Series)
- E60, E61, E63, E64 (BMW 5 Series, 6 Series)
- E70 (BMW X5)
- R56 (MINI)

The ULF-SBX serves to connect the Bluetooth-compatible mobile phone to the vehicle's electrical system. The ULF-SBX is connected to the den MOST bus in the vehicle. The ULF-SBX contains no transmitter and receiver module for GSM mobile telephony. This function is contained purely within the customer's mobile phone.

The Bluetooth connection between the mobile phone and the ULF-SBX is set up automatically. A precondition for this is that the mobile phone has logged on once in the ULF-SBX.

Brief description of components
The following components are involved in the ULF-SBX interface box:
- ULF-SBX control module
The control module contains components for the following functions:
- Connection of the mobile phone with Bluetooth interfaces on the vehicle
- Power supply of the mobile phone locked in place in the snap-in adapter
- Communication with the display element in the vehicle
- Base plate with eject box
The base plate with eject box sets up the connection from the Bluetooth mobile phone to the vehicle wiring harness. The base plate holds the eject box on which the mobile-phone-specific snap-in adapter is locked in place.
- Snap-in adapter
The snap-in adapter is the connecting piece between the base plate with eject box and the Bluetooth mobile phone. The snap-in adapter creates the connection to the GSM antenna and to the vehicle electrical system. The mobile phones are charged in the snap-in adapter.
- Bluetooth mobile phone
When it is engaged in the snap-in adapter, the back of the Bluetooth mobile phone is connected to the aerial connector on the GSM aerial cable. The mobile phone is supplied with voltage via the charge contacts.
- Compensator
The compensator equalizes losses in the aerial cable between the snap-in adapter and the GSM antenna. The compensator is only installed at the request of the customer.
- GSM aerial
The GSM antenna is the transmit/receive aerial for the Bluetooth mobile phone.
- Bluetooth aerial
The Bluetooth antenna is the transmit/receive aerial of the ULF-SBX control module. This antenna is for communication with Bluetooth-compatible devices.
- RAD2: Sales code "BMW Professional radio"
The radio serves as the gateway between the MOST bus and the K-CAN.
- M-ASK: Multi Audio System Controller
The M-ASK is installed in the E60, E61, E63, E64 as the basic version.
- CCC: Car Communication Computer
The CCC is installed in connection with one of the following optional extras:
- Optional extra 609: "Professional" navigation system
- Optional extra 620: "Voice recognition system"
- Optional extra 601: "Video module"
- CID: Central Information Display
The menus of the M-ASK or of the CCC are displayed on the CID.
- Hands-free microphone and microphone for voice commands
The hands-free microphone is fitted in the roof function centre and it is for the input of voice information and voice commands in the hands-free speaking system. On vehicles with CCC, optional extra 620 "voice recognition system" us required, as otherwise no voice commands can be processed. With optional extra 620, a second vehicle microphone is installed in the FZD for the input of voice commands. All CCC functions can be operated using voice commands. On the E64 and E93, the microphones are installed in the steering column. Furthermore, as of 09/2006 only 1 vehicle microphone is installed in various model series.
- MFL: Multifunction steering wheel
Buttons are installed in the MFL to enable operation of the telephone. When a call is accepted via the MFL, the ULF-SBX switches to the hands-free mode.
- Controller
The controller is used to control the functions of the CCC and M-ASK on the Control Display. The telephone menu is also operated via the controller.

System functions
The function for making a phone call with a mobile phone and ULF-SBX are based on wireless data transmission using Bluetooth radio standard.

Functions inside the vehicle
- Automatic prioritization for establishing connection according to the list of mobile phones signed on
- Hands-free mode with full-duplex transmission, echo compensation and display of the current operating mode
- Voice processing system
- Transfer of audio data, telephone call information (e.g. GSM signal strength), telephone book and status of the mobile phone
- Automatic charging of the rechargeable battery of the mobile phone if the corresponding snap-in adapter has been installed.
NB: Only recharge the Bluetooth mobile phone for which the snap-in adapter is intended.

Basic settings
- Logging the mobile phone on to the ULF-SBX
- 4 Bluetooth mobile phones may be logged on to the ULF-SBX at the same time.
- However, the logged on mobile phones can be only be used one at a time. The automatic connection of already logged on mobile phones takes place on the basis of the link list. Mobile phones that are further up in this link list are logged in first and thus connected more quickly than mobile phones that are further down. If a fifth mobile phone is logged on, one of the first four logged on mobile phones is deleted from the link list.

For the ULF-SBX to be functional, each mobile phone to be used must be logged on once to the ULF-SBX. To do so, the ULF-SBX must be in the "link mode". The linking is supported by the link assistant.
Link assistant:
As of 03/2007, a link assistant is available. Linking consists of 4 steps.
- 1) Activation of Bluetooth on the mobile phone and in the vehicle
- 2) Linking via the settings menu in the vehicle
- 3) Input of passkey on the mobile phone and in the vehicle
- 4) Conclude linking - the Bluetooth connection is set up as soon as the 'Link' menu is closed.

For detailed information on using the link assistant, please consult the Owner's Manual.

- The mobile phone is logged off by deleting the mobile phone from the list in the 'Link' menu.

Notes for Service department
The following information is provided for servicing the ULF-SBX:

General information

Disabled functions:
The following functions are not possible with the ULF-SBX:
- BMW Assist
- Reading SMS on the CID or radio

Installation of snap-in adapter
Replace the cover on the eject box with the snap-in adapter that matches the Bluetooth mobile phone as follows:
- Press the eject button on the eject box.
- Eject the cover and remove it from the eject box.
- Connect up the snap-in adapter matching the mobile phone.
- Insert the snap-in adapter in the eject box and engage.

IMPORTANT: After replacement of the ULF-SBX control module, the Bluetooth mobile phones must be logged on again.

There is a free choice of Bluetooth passkey here.

Coding and programming
The ULF-SBX control module must be recoded in the following circumstances:
- After exchanging the ULF-SBX
- After exchanging the control module, depending on vehicle and equipment
- BMW radio "Professional"
- M-ASK
- CHAMP
- CCC

No liability can be accepted for printing or other faults. Subject to changes of a technical nature.