yes james, my understanding form conversations along these lines some time back, is that when given the appropriate talking to by TB..... essentially the only difference is the graphic icon on the "home" button pair, and it's function when a telematics is installed.....
it's been on my shopping list for the day after i win the lottery , ever since i got the Mv6... it's one of the many things i REALLY miss about both my previous Elites....
seen a few veccie NCDC2013/5 units on fleabay with the phone unit, and have been wondering if it was worth getting one .... as a set, in case TB can work magic on them to stick em in a Mig. swapping the faceplate obviously..... and working some wiring magic to put the unit somewhere more sensible....
i believe more units come up in germany than here though....