All steering wheel functions will operate the same way. Voice recognition is only available with the addition of a $300 voice recognition module (which can also control the navigation system if its installed). This module can't be installed on any pre-2000 car. Your car must have a blue connector in the left trunk accessory area for it to work. BMW changed the harness in 01/00 from analog to digital. The phone can be retrofitted by using a special harness adaptor, but the VR module cannot.