[Project Elite]

From what I know, anyone with a 2013 or earlier F30 received a notice of discontinuation of services in the mail just recently. The letter informed me that BMW will no longer support our model's on-board cellular technology and will eliminate features such as SOS, BMW Assist eCall, and Concierge Call.

The three options given to us are:

1. $300 BMW Lifestyle and Accessories voucher for in-Center purchase + deactivation of existing technology

2. $200 Visa Prepaid Gift Card + deactivation of existing technology

3. Retrofit of new cellular technology


Could someone clarify what falls under BMW Assist eCall? If I recall, traffic updates is part of this. Would my normal navigation be affected as well, or just the traffic updates?

Also given this situation, what would you choose? My BMW Assist Contract expires in 10/2018.
Given this information, what would you choose?

[440xiGCMsport]

if leased pick option 2 if owned or going to buyout pick option 3 because when you trade it in later you will most likely get more for your car when that stuff works or less excuse for them to low ball your trade in

[Akademe]

Originally Posted by 440xiGCMsport

if leased pick option 2 if owned or going to buyout pick option 3 because when you trade it in later you will most likely get more for your car when that stuff works or less excuse for them to low ball your trade in

That's a really good point I hadn't thought of, I wonder if they will offer you less for a trade if the equipment is not working...I was considering taking the $200 and using it for a mod...

[insanecoder]

is option #3 out of your pocket?

[Billfitz]

If you have a smart phone Assist is redundant. If you only have a dumb cell phone the most important feature, roadside assistance, is still redundant. I'd take the $$$.

[BimmerF32_430i]

I have a 2012 and I don't believe I've received anything. But I'd go with the money as well

[hoilui]

OP forgot to include some important info:

Retrofit of new cellular technology. Customers with less than one year remaining on their current subscription may purchase a BMW Assist Safety Plan for $199 per year to ensure an extended period of service.

Please note: once completed, your selection cannot be reversed. If the cellular technology is deactivated, your BMW will no longer be able to support BMW ConnectedDrive / BMW Assist and important features like the emergency call button.

[rking117]

mine's a 2014 and i got one.

[rking117]

Originally Posted by 440xiGCMsport

if leased pick option 2 if owned or going to buyout pick option 3 because when you trade it in later you will most likely get more for your car when that stuff works or less excuse for them to low ball your trade in

it is a quick upgrade and one that is free for BMW dealer so i suspect this will not make an impact on vehicle worth.

[Kabrich]

Originally Posted by rking117

it is a quick upgrade and one that is free for BMW dealer so i suspect this will not make an impact on vehicle worth.

Not quick according to all reports. It's also expensive for BMW so I disagree with your value statement.

Originally Posted by Billfitz

If you have a smart phone Assist is redundant. If you only have a dumb cell phone the most important feature, roadside assistance, is still redundant. I'd take the $$$.

When you've had an accident, pinned in or unconscious, and bleeding out while smartphone has flown out of your reach, tell St. Peter that a phone was good enough.

Even more true if you have a carrier with inferior coverage such as Sprint, TMobile or smaller carrier.

[roll_the_dice]

I haven't received a letter yet...thanks for the heads up.

I did find this on bmwusa website though...a brief overview of the product then the discontinuation.

BMW ConnectedDrive provides you with a suite of safety, convenience and infotainment services that add peace of mind and confidence throughout your day.

BMW ConnectedDrive intelligently integrates the driver, the vehicle and the environment. Included within ConnectedDrive is BMW Assist™, which uses advanced technology to bring the focused attention of a response specialist to your aid whenever needed. Combining an integrated wireless phone for communication and a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver to determine your vehicle's location, the BMW Assist™ system conveniently helps to deliver both occupant security and peace of mind. On suitably equipped 2007 through 2013 models and 2014 X6 Sports Activity Coupe, the BMW Assist™ Safety Plan is part of BMW ConnectedDrive, included at no cost for four years from your BMW's in-service date.

SPECIAL NOTE: After December 31, 2016, the on-board cellular technology used for delivering numerous BMW ConnectedDrive / BMW Assist features will no longer be supported on most 2013 and earlier vehicles, 2014 X6, 2015 and earlier X1, and 2016 and earlier Z4 vehicles. Affected customers whose BMW Assist or ConnectedDrive contract is active past this date will be contacted by BMW. If you believe your vehicle may be affected, please visit
www.BMWAssistOffer.com and enter the last 7 characters of your VIN. If you are affected, you will be guided through selecting your preferred offer.

Click here for service availability information.

[wrickem]

I want somebody to know where to look for me because my car called for help when I couldn't.

http://www.wlwt.com/article/odot-wor...-crash/8061180

[floydarogers]

Originally Posted by Project Elite

From what I know, anyone with a 2013 or earlier F30 received a notice of discontinuation of services in the mail just recently.

This has been covered before. The last post has links to other threads talking about the options:
http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1315571

Search is a beautiful thing.

[lo_xyooj]

I just bought mine last month and didn't get anything but I registered my vin and already scheduled for retro fit. Thanks for the info!!

[GarlicBread]

Does anyone know if traffic information would no longer work?

[Project Elite]

Originally Posted by GarlicBread

Does anyone know if traffic information would no longer work?

That is my primary concern as well. I wonder if the retrofit will have any out of pocket cost.

[Paz1]

Originally Posted by GarlicBread

Does anyone know if traffic information would no longer work?

I called earlier today and they said traffic would NOT work. If you chose to do the retrofit they install free of charge and then u have the option of paying 199 yearly to have the traffic and the assist (SOS, unlock ur car in a crash, call u in a crash) or not paying but having the option to when u want

[GarlicBread]

Originally Posted by pgarbul1

I called earlier today and they said traffic would NOT work. If you chose to do the retrofit they install free of charge and then u have the option of paying 199 yearly to have the traffic and the assist (SOS, unlock ur car in a crash, call u in a crash) or not paying but having the option to when u want

This is good info thanks. I guess I'm going to do the retrofit

[Kabrich]

Originally Posted by GarlicBread

Does anyone know if traffic information would no longer work?

Originally Posted by pgarbul1

I called earlier today and they said traffic would NOT work. If you chose to do the retrofit they install free of charge and then u have the option of paying 199 yearly to have the traffic and the assist (SOS, unlock ur car in a crash, call u in a crash) or not paying but having the option to when u want

traffic info is transmitted to the NAV map via HD Radio Data.....not cellular.

[GarlicBread]

Originally Posted by Kabrich

traffic info is transmitted to the NAV map via HD Radio Data.....not cellular.

I'll talk to a BMW tech tomorrow and report back. It seems like there is conflicting information...

[Kabrich]

Originally Posted by GarlicBread

I'll talk to a BMW tech tomorrow and report back. It seems like there is conflicting information...

And you believed a CSR, roflmao.

http://hdradio.com/sites/default/fil...m_brochure.pdf

[jgoens]

Originally Posted by GarlicBread

I'll talk to a BMW tech tomorrow and report back. It seems like there is conflicting information...

I will be at the dealer tomorrow and will be asking about this. I use the traffic info every day...but to have to pay $199 a year for that..probably not worth it.