Mmm ... well for the Bluetooth only modules, often referred to as ULF modules, manufactured by Visteon for BMW I think theres no so difference between USA and Europe version of this module. Theres only one part # regardless of country for these modules.

Infact I believe they are now only fitted at the factory for European cars with BT option (not telematics). USA cars only get the BT/Assist combo unit from Motorola as a factory option.

As far as your distortion problem ... perhaps you have a very early generation of the module. There was some issues with the first generation of these. Take a look here to find out which generation of module you have.

Visteon Bluetooth Module:
84 21 6 934 552 end of life 06/03 1st generation
84 21 6 938 610 end of life 10/03 2nd generation
84 21 6 934 961 end of life 03/04 3rd generation
84 21 6 950 089 end of life 06/04 4th generation
84 21 6 945 387 end of life 11/04 5th generation
84 21 6 955 522 end of life 04/05 6th generation
84 10 6 969 268 end of life 04/06 7th generation
84 21 6 958 358 end of life 05/06 8th generation
84 10 6 987 546 In production 9th generation

It's made by Visteon - 84 21 6 987 546 02 with a manufacture date of 12 June 2006 so I guess it may even be 10th generation. I was reading a thread on X5 World some weeks ago where it was stated that the UK ULF had the VR disabled because it had a seperate VR module wheras the US module it was enabled because it was built in to the ULF. Maybe I'm misunderstanding the situation.

Digging around a bit more, turns out the 10th generation is now available

84 10 6 980 130

From http://www.bimmernav.com ..

"The new 10th generation ULF module started production in August 2006! with significant hardware and software changes for optimizing the hand-free audio quality, speeding up the connectivity between Bluetooth devices and support for additional Bluetooth phones. This ULF module has been widely used in many BMW retrofits although is not available for purchase from US BMW dealers. Purchases only can be made in large quantity international shipments such as BMW Germany.

We have found the 84 10 6 980 130 ULF module to be a significantly better performing ULF module than the previous generations and would recommend this version to anyone considering Bluetooth.

The 10th generation ULF modules, supports a large phonebook capacity of 1,000 names in the address book vrs only 500 names in the previous generation ULF modules. A noticeable difference can be found when pairing new devices or entering the vehicle as the 9th generation ULF pairs to your phone quicker"

You might want to go over to the bimmerboard bluetooth forum. Alot of members there have retrofit the ULF Visteon module and may have come across this. Martin who runs bimmernav is a great source of info, and often replies to questions on that forum

http://www.bimmerboard.com/forums/bluetooth/

Good Luck !

It goes round in a circle. I must report that pairing on this ULF is instantanious. Don't know about the phonebook though. I don't have that many friends! I've been in touch with Martin since before I picked up this threat, he's been brilliant but we haven't come up with a solution yet. Thanks for your knowledge and time. It's really is very much apreciated.

I have a 2004 330Cic with Nav (Production date: 2003/07). My car is pre-wired for phone but does NOT have Assist or Bluetooth.
I want to add the OEM Bluetooth to my car and I have found this on EBay: 84 10 9 132 711
Is this a combo BT/Assist module? Will this work with my car? I don't care about the Assist.

Thank you

That's a remanufactured combo BT/Assist module.
BMW changed wiring several times over the years at they went from ULF ready to Assist module to Combo BT/Assist. Kind of a gamble in my opinion.
I'd stick w/ a used ULF or new one from bimmernav...