Ah! I didn't realize there were different parts. In my case, yes I have the BT/Assist combo TCU. Do you know where can I get info on it?

My dealer is trying to stick a first generation TCU unit back into my truck!

Thanks in advance,

Jose

That's an ULF, not a TCU... an ULF is just a Bluetooth module with a full SES feature (Phone, Nav, Notepad commands) built in. The TCU is an Assist Telematics unit with a Bluetooth section and a limited SES feature (only Phone commands)... the latest P/N for the TCU with SES is 84 10 6 963 798 http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...84&fg=10&hl=11.

If the Assist section is no longer necessary an ULF can be installed instead of a TCU without any modifications.

I've been following the trafffic on the ULF and voice recognition and have a couple of questions. First though, my X3 ie a European Delivery US model with the premium package, the BMW Assist (ZPP/639) and also the Navigation system. I used the BT capability in Germany with a Motorola V551 phone. It was paired for me at the Munich delivery center.

I have been able to get VR for the phone, but not with the Nav. The system turns off if I try any Nav commands. Also, I think that my ULF (doesn't say ULF anywhere I can tell) which is mounted in the left rear with the Nav computer is made by "Everest." Here's what's on the label on the module as well as what I was provided for "pairing" when the car was delivered.

84.10 9120843-01
232925 23
USA 10.05.2006

BMW EVEREST IBUS US
SW: 31 HW: 50
BT: 00178455A44C
PK: 1658
ESN: 102 - 15259472
"THE BARCODE lines ........"
AUL0017966

To the left of these numbers are the BMW and Motorola Logos and the name Motorola. Also the system console under settings has the following in the upper right part of the screen:

SW 4-1/70

The module appears to be like the picture on this site; looks like there is an antenna connection, etc.

Also my center console does not look like any of the photos I've seen on this site and there are no screws under the rubber pad at the bottom. When the car was re-delivered here in California, my rep tried to get the parts dept to give us the part numbers for the parts required to mount the phone for charging and better antenna. But we were quoted almost $500 for the parts, so I decided to wait.

Can anyone help me understand what I have for a ULF(?) and what parts I need to install the phone in the car. Also, what do I have to do to get the Nav system to accept VR commands.

Thanks,

Pete

The BMW bluetooth systems can be confusing. Your system isn't a ULF system, but a TCU based system, since you have BMW Assist with Bluetooth. All the TCU based systems have only VR commands for the phone only. No NAV commands, hence your problem.

As posts previously have stated, if you want to keep assist, there not much you can do. However, if you dont use assist, but just want bluetooth, you could replace the TCU with a ULF unit. This would give you VR commands for the phone + Nav + the notepad feature.

With regards to the parts you need for the phone center console, I would go along to http://www.bimmernav.com you should fine what you need there.

Cheers, Adrian

Ok Folks - Here it is, I got things set-up the way I wanted to
The BEST way to go (IMO) is to replace your TCU with the latest Assist/BT TCU. The newest TCU has better voice recognition (for me), it is a MALE voice not a grainy Female voice that sounds like she is in a tunnel. Yes, you do not get commands for Nav & Notepad but I never used them anyway. Hope this helps, I had to have my dealer re-code for the new TCU to work.