Hi - I have a TCU pn 84106964114 (2nd generation, if my documents are correct) in my E39. I fabricated the DB-25 to 54 pin connector, installed the SES jumper and installed the later version of the microphone.

It works well, with voice recognition as well as MID and steering wheel control. I have been able to pair my Droid, plus my wife's Motorola (don't know model) and the address books transfer.

NavCoder works with it, too.

Perhaps I'm lucky, but a TCU does work in an older E39.

Bob