Voice Recognition Module Question
 

Hello all,

I have a question regarding P/N 84 41 6 915 049, the SES Voice Recognition module. I have a 2005 4.8is with the Assist/BT combo. I have read in different places that you can and cannot add this module to my car to so that I can have voice commands for the navigation, as I only have voice commands for phone.
If I can add this module, is it just plug and play, or do I have to remove/unplug something else to swap it in? Thanks for the help, I appreciate it!

You can add it, but it is not plug-and-play. BMW only had the voice recognition pre-wiring for a couple model years-- I think they were 2001 and 2002. After that, they quit putting the VR pre-wiring in the cars. Fortunately, BMW has a SES voice recognition retrofit kit, part number 84.11-0 029 707, that you can buy and use to install the module.

The other issue is that if both VR systems are in place (TCU with Assist/BT, and SES), then which one will be active?

When you activate VR, which control unit will respond?
What happens when both respond together?
What happens when you issue a navigation command?
With the SES execute the command, whilst the TCU tells you "not supported"?

Confusion may reign...

Confusion will definitely reign. Skip110 will need to get NavCoder to disable VR on the TCU. :thumbup:

Some Clarification...
 

Ok, so I will be getting the NavCoder to stop any confusion between the TCU and the SES. But according to this "How-To" post, http://www.xoutpost.com/articles/x5/...ation-diy.html the wiring harness for the add on voice module should be in the car. Also, I was unable to find part number 84.11-0 029 707, the SES retrofit kit mentioned above. Basically I just want to clear up any confusion I have and to make sure I don't buy a part I don't need. Thanks again for all the help, it is much appreciated!

So it is possible to get VR for Nav with a TCU by disabling VR on the TCU and adding a standalone VR box that would work with both Nav and phone?

I assume this is cheaper than just pulling the TCU and adding a BT ULF that has VR for both already?

That's the theory.

I think one person has tried it out...

Of course, if you still want Assist and SOS functions then you must be careful that you wire things in parallel.

Otherwise, you disabled the Assist and SOS functions.

Yes, several folks over on Bimmerboard and a local friend of mine did this exact setup. They all had 2001 E38s with the SES module already installed. So, they removed their existing legacy phone and installed the TCU without any coding changes to the TCU. Everything worked-- Bluetooth and voice recognition with navigation commands.

If you have SES already, then yes, this is way cheaper than going with a ULF. If you do not have SES, then it is still cheaper than a ULF, but not as cheap. (This assumes you get a used SES module from eBay for around $150.)

Yes, the SES wiring must be in the car. That is the purpose of the -707 retrofit harness. The retrofit harness lets you add the SES wiring if you do not already have it.

What do you mean by "unable to find part number 84.11-0 029 707?" Did you call a dealer and ask if they have them in stock, or were you unable to find it in the online ETK? It is not listed in the online ETK, but it is a real part. For example, search the Tischer BMW site (getBMWparts.com) for the part, and you will find it there. These are in somewhat short supply, so not all dealers have thim in stock. Your local dealer can search the global parts inventories and get one for you, though.

I thought the -707 was just the SES jumper plug and the actual retrofit wiring harness for the X5 was 84 64 0 394 041 ? If one has the -041, do you still need the -707 for a late model X5?