[BMWs]

Just picked up our 35i and noticed the voice control button on the steering wheel does not work! Didn't order NAV but should still work for phone functions correct?

[terrytnt]

I've noticed the same problem (with my 2 week old X3 35i), but haven't researched the manual yet. My assumption is we should be able to use voice commands regardless of nav option. Right?

[BMWs]

On my 2009 Audi A4 I did not order NAV but I still have voice control for the phone. I will be very mad if this isn't the case with BMW. You need voice command to have handsfree operation so it doesn't make sense if it doesn't.

[Nahoa]

Believe it's part of the enhanced Bluetooth or whatever that feature was called. Try searching again, I think this has been covered here before.

[sfax]

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Believe it's part of the enhanced Bluetooth or whatever that feature was called. Try searching again, I think this has been covered here before.

This is correct. You only get voice control as part of 6NK or 6NL (enhanced Bluetooth) as I understand it. Probably need something like the tech package in the US to get 6NL/6NK

[BMWs]

This is really stupid it doesn't come standard with Bluetooth. Another problem is the steering wheel phone button only lets you scroll though last dialed calls not your phonebook. Anyway to scroll though phonebook instead on steering wheel?

[x3heh]

You are probably not missing much. It's a long-winded voice control.

[BMWs]

Can you explain how voice control works for phone functions? Can you say "Call Home" for example? Thanks, just curious.

[x3heh]

"Choose Name", say the name, (system chooses a name, asks for the confirmation), "Yes", "Call"

[x3heh]

Also I think there's a bit of bait and switch going on. IIRC most reviews mention Bluetooth as standard, but the dealer makes you pay $600+ for it plus BMW assist

[BMWs]

One more question for those without NAV. Do you have a NAV button on the I-Drive control? You would think they would replace that button with something else if NAV wasn't ordered. For a $50k vehicle I'm not happy about the extra buttons that don't do anything. My Audi doesn't have NAV and has voice command for phone only and no "extra" unused buttons. I will let BMW customer service know about this but wanted to be sure about others also having the NAV button even without ordering it. Thanks.

[x3heh]

Have it.

[BMWs]

But you have NAV also right?

[x3heh]

Nope.

[BMWs]

But you have voice command? Just curious of your setup. Thanks!

[x3heh]

I guess it comes with the "Advanced Bluetooth and USB" and BMW Assist.

I have a feeling it's a just matter of missing or disabled software. There should be a way to modify the programming or enable disabled options.

There's a website for coding info. Google it.

[BMWs]

Ok thanks. I was able to order mine without BMW assist so that is what is probably meant by "advanced Bluetooth". Would you mind PM me the link above? Did not know what the * are.

[dnw]

I think you probably should have checked what does and doesn't come with your options when you placed your order. There are a few different levels of Bluetooth integration and you may not receive voice control with the more basic ones.

As for the non-blanking of the buttons, that is a bit crap I agree! probably done to make you order it the next time around although it's always been the case, I have a few useless buttons on my 1 series (like phone controls when it doesn't have bluetooth).

[Nahoa]

BMW Assst and enhanced Bluetooth are not the same. If you wanted voice control, might have been a good idea to check out thee options on the website and check with you dealer before spending $50k. Not BMWs fault you ordered the wrong thing.

Your NAV button complaint leaves me nearly speechless. Go back to your Audi, please . . .

[BMWs]

Wow, hostile attitude on here! Man, sorry to offend you. The reality is I am saying this stuff the better the brand. I own both and Audi and BMW and yes I am comparing the two. Where does BMW explain on its website or anywhere what options come with voice control? Please post the link here. My dealer is just as confused on why mine didn't come with voice control and is checking with BMW. So I did do my research and have no need for NAV but expect voice control for the phone in a $50k vehicle. I also expect functional buttons in a $50k vehicle even if the Nav button was programmed to display a compass for example without NAV. No need to post if you don't have anything helpful to add.

[nyalpine90]

i think voice button is for nav or tech package..i have bluetooth w/o nav and voice command doesnt work

[sfax]

Originally Posted by BMWs

Wow, hostile attitude on here! Man, sorry to offend you. The reality is I am saying this stuff the better the brand. I own both and Audi and BMW and yes I am comparing the two. Where does BMW explain on its website or anywhere what options come with voice control? Please post the link here. My dealer is just as confused on why mine didn't come with voice control and is checking with BMW. So I did do my research and have no need for NAV but expect voice control for the phone in a $50k vehicle. I also expect functional buttons in a $50k vehicle even if the Nav button was programmed to display a compass for example without NAV. No need to post if you don't have anything helpful to add.

I agree and sympathise on the Bluetooth options. They are badly explained, have misleading names and to top it all most dealers haven't got a clue about them.

Re. buttons not doing anything, I see where you're coming from but it's not true of all buttons. E.g. if you don't spec dynamic drive control, you don't get redundant Normal/Sport/Sport+. If the overall cost of the car's production comes down as a result of economies of scale and shared components resulting in some redundant buttons, I think most people would prefer the cheaper price and the odd redundant button. You'll realise it doesn't do anything after a while