BMW Discontinuing BMW Assist Renewals

[DuckCoverRoll]

Originally Posted by Shwaggy

Let's say you're an owner with an active subscription, so you're offered the free retrofit, but you decline and opt for the $200 or $300 offers.

Do you think when it comes time to sell/trade that the value will be negatively affected in an appreciable way?

I think the convenience of being able to use GoogleMaps to send directions is worth the retrofit. I use the nav system quite a bit, and I hate using the iDrive mechanism to input addresses, so to me it's worth foregoing the cash offer.

[jkwhar]

Originally Posted by DuckCoverRoll

I think the convenience of being able to use GoogleMaps to send directions is worth the retrofit. I use the nav system quite a bit, and I hate using the iDrive mechanism to input addresses, so to me it's worth foregoing the cash offer.

This. So much easier to use the app and "send to car" while being in the car than using the iDrive controller.

[MailManSJ]

Received the email today.. opted for the $200 Visa card. Didn't even think about the "send to car" option in Google Maps.. I use that all the time. Sigh.

[UglyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by DuckCoverRoll

I think the convenience of being able to use GoogleMaps to send directions is worth the retrofit. I use the nav system quite a bit, and I hate using the iDrive mechanism to input addresses, so to me it's worth foregoing the cash offer.

Dumb question. How do you do this?

[mleun481]

The 'learn more' link has additional info too

https://www.google.com/maps/sendtocar

[jkwhar]

Originally Posted by UglyBuzzard

Dumb question. How do you do this?

App Method...

First, download the "BMW connected" app from the app store (its the blueish one). Next, make sure you're signed up for the BMW ConnectedDrive online and vehicle linked to your profile if you haven't.

Open the app, sign in using the same email address. Within the app, tap on "Find a destination", search a location and tap on "Go now. You'll be prompted to chose either "Send to vehicle message" or "connect via USB Cable". Tap on "Send to vehicle message" and give it a minute or two.

The other method is using the Google maps online.

First, you'll have to be logged onto Google. Visit - https://www.google.com/maps/sendtocar and your "account or Device ID" is your email address that you used to sign up for ConnectedDrive.

[UglyBuzzard]

Originally Posted by jkwhar

App Method...

First, download the "BMW connected" app from the app store (its the blueish one). Next, make sure you're signed up for the BMW ConnectedDrive online and vehicle linked to your profile if you haven't.

Open the app, sign in using the same email address. Within the app, tap on "Find a destination", search a location and tap on "Go now. You'll be prompted to chose either "Send to vehicle message" or "connect via USB Cable". Tap on "Send to vehicle message" and give it a minute or two.

The other method is using the Google maps online.

First, you'll have to be logged onto Google. Visit - https://www.google.com/maps/sendtocar and your "account or Device ID" is your email address that you used to sign up for ConnectedDrive.

Thank you

[zx10guy]

I'm in the same dilemma as some of you on this. I haven't received the in car notice yet but checked my VIN on the website and look to be eligible. I have a year and a couple of months left on my included services since I bought my car Jan 2014. I only recently started to play with the Connected features for my car. The ability to lock my car remotely or to have the assist service do an unlock is nice. Also being able to geo locate my car is cool when I have to leave my car parked at the airport for a few days.

I haven't messed with the send to car feature yet. Frankly, I rarely ever use the in car nav over the past year since installing the Bimmertech Smart View box. I use Waze as my main nav tool now and can display my smart phone's screen onto my nav screen.

But I feel I might kick myself later if I don't get the electronics upgraded when I had my one and only shot to do so even though there's a good chance I won't renew the service after the factory included one expires.

[opticspen]

I coded my car to enable the EBT and enhanced USB connection, will replacing Combox ruin it?

If it's complete replaced the combox and associated software, Can I re-enable it by coding later on?

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by opticspen

I coded my car to enable the EBT and enhanced USB connection, will replacing Combox ruin it?

If it's complete replaced the combox and associated software, Can I re-enable it by coding later on?

Can't say for sure because no one has worked with the Combox Next Generation units in terms of coding yet.

However, it should be possible to recode the Combox for those vehicle options.

Depending on how you coded the Enhanced BT and USB (used VO coding instead of manual coding), the dealership system will do it for you.

[R12ax7]

Originally Posted by jkwhar

App Method...

First, download the "BMW connected" app from the app store (its the blueish one). Next, make sure you're signed up for the BMW ConnectedDrive online and vehicle linked to your profile if you haven't.

Open the app, sign in using the same email address. Within the app, tap on "Find a destination", search a location and tap on "Go now. You'll be prompted to chose either "Send to vehicle message" or "connect via USB Cable". Tap on "Send to vehicle message" and give it a minute or two.

The other method is using the Google maps online.

First, you'll have to be logged onto Google. Visit - https://www.google.com/maps/sendtocar and your "account or Device ID" is your email address that you used to sign up for ConnectedDrive.

Pretty sure Google stopped supporting the send-to-car feature.

[jkwhar]

Originally Posted by R12ax7

Pretty sure Google stopped supporting the send-to-car feature.

I'll let you know when I get out of work. Just sent one from Google maps.

[radair]

Hi All,

Is the Combox replacement only relevant for US cars or also for european vehicles?

BR
Radair

[Haywood]

Opted for the $300 BMW gift certificate. I can always find something to buy from them. I'm still confused if the BMW Connected app will allow you to send the directions from the app to the car after 12/31? Can someone confirm or deny that?

[Blackland]

So I filled out the on-line paperwork to have the combox replaced, how long does it take for BMW to contact you?

[angcd3]

Does anyone know how long you have to make your choice? I looked but did not see a date that it had to be completed by.

[zx10guy]

Originally Posted by Haywood

Opted for the $300 BMW gift certificate. I can always find something to buy from them. I'm still confused if the BMW Connected app will allow you to send the directions from the app to the car after 12/31? Can someone confirm or deny that?

I would say no. You need to have cellular connectivity and a current BMW Assist plan. Your selected option negates both. The 2G service which is what our current com boxes use is going to be turned off by the cell carrier. This is why BMW is terminating all service over the 2G system and not allowing renewals on cars with the old 2G system.

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by radair

Hi All,

Is the Combox replacement only relevant for US cars or also for european vehicles?

BR
Radair

Only for North America vehicles currently.

Originally Posted by Haywood

Opted for the $300 BMW gift certificate. I can always find something to buy from them. I'm still confused if the BMW Connected app will allow you to send the directions from the app to the car after 12/31? Can someone confirm or deny that?

No, you need to have an active BMW Assist subscription in order to use that feature.

Originally Posted by Blackland

So I filled out the on-line paperwork to have the combox replaced, how long does it take for BMW to contact you?

Depends on your local dealer and how busy they are after the information is submitted to them. I'd probably expect a week or two.

Originally Posted by angcd3

Does anyone know how long you have to make your choice? I looked but did not see a date that it had to be completed by.

You have until 12/31 *UNLESS* your subscription expires before 12/31. If your subscription expires before 12/31 you have to select your option before your expiration date. If your subscription expires and you haven't chosen the retrofit or the money, you lose the option to do either.

Originally Posted by zx10guy

I would say no. You need to have cellular connectivity and a current BMW Assist plan. Your selected option negates both. The 2G service which is what our current com boxes use is going to be turned off by the cell carrier. This is why BMW is terminating all service over the 2G system and not allowing renewals on cars with the old 2G system.

Correct. I thought there was an option to send directions to the vehicle via USB (connect the phone to the vehicle and transmit the address) but I didn't see that anymore in the BMW Connected App (or the BMW Connected Classic or BMW Remote apps either).

[jkwhar]

Originally Posted by R12ax7

Pretty sure Google stopped supporting the send-to-car feature.

Originally Posted by jkwhar

I'll let you know when I get out of work. Just sent one from Google maps.

Still works!

[angcd3]

You have until 12/31 *UNLESS* your subscription expires before 12/31. If your subscription expires before 12/31 you have to select your option before your expiration date. If your subscription expires and you haven't chosen the retrofit or the money, you lose the option to do either.



Thank you!

[opticspen]

Originally Posted by Dracon

Can't say for sure because no one has worked with the Combox Next Generation units in terms of coding yet.

However, it should be possible to recode the Combox for those vehicle options.

Depending on how you coded the Enhanced BT and USB (used VO coding instead of manual coding), the dealership system will do it for you.

I used VO coding

[Dracon]

Originally Posted by opticspen

I used VO coding

Then it should be coded automatically when they run the retrofit for the new combox since it'll read the VO and code accordingly.