[Pierre Louis]

I've had my 2016 535d since new now for over 4 years. The other day I noticed that Real Time Traffic and the BMW Connect app no longer worked. Called BMW and was told that essentially my car is obsolete and can no longer get these benefits, since they are transitioning away from 3G and that G30/2017 models and up are still functioning with RTT and BMW Connect.

Somehow this doesn't sit well with me. I also would like to know what others have done to try and retain similar functionality, including the navigation connecting with Heads Up Display (HUD) which I also value.

I've looked into getting an aftermarket module for Apple Car Play but haven't found any reference to it communicating with HUD so far. I understand the march of technology and how things can work, but my car is pristine and is less useful without an integrated system to help me safely navigate to all my work sites in a timely fashion.

Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[spielnicht]

Welcome to the club that none of us want to be in :-(

See this thread: https://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1798690

[walmark]

Originally Posted by spielnicht

Welcome to the club that none of us want to be in :-(

Yeah... Audi did this to me already a few years ago. Wasn't expecting the same d*ck move from BMW

[Pierre Louis]

I got this after contacting them again: seems the least they could do is help me extend service to February 2022

"Dear Customer,



Thank you for contacting BMW Assist Customer Care.

************************************************** *******************************

Due to a phasing out of the 3G network by cellular carriers, ConnectedDrive services can no longer be supported starting February 2022 for select vehicles The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW.

BMW is in the process of assessing options to ensure that BMW ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist renewals are only sold within the timeframe that services can be supported. Currently, service renewals are not possible, as they are sold for one-year terms. However, BMW is exploring customers’ ability to continue using ConnectedDrive services until February 2022 and will provide more information as it becomes available.

We sincerely apologize that we are unable to continue to offer those services to you in your current BMW. If you have any further questions or feedback, please contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.



Sincerely,

ConnectedDrive Services Customer Care

Fax: 888-226-9492

PO Box 100035

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310"

[ezaircon4jc]

I got a similar reply...

Dear Customer,



Thank you for contacting BMW Assist Customer Care.

************************************************** *******************************

Unfortunately, you can no longer renew ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services as of 2/1/2021. Unfortunately, your vehicle cannot be retrofitted either in order to receive technology that allows for ConnectedDrive services

We sincerely apologize that we are unable to continue to offer those services to you in your current BMW. If you have any further questions or feedback, please contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.



Sincerely,

BMW NA ConnectedDrive Services Customer Care

customercare@bmwassist.com

Fax: 888-226-9492

PO Box 100035

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310

I replied that with that position (Unfortunately, your vehicle cannot be retrofitted either) this will be my last BMW; not that care. My current workaround plan is to purchase the BimmerTech MMI and mirror my iPhone. That way I can use () google maps for traffic.

[spielnicht]

Looooooool. Talk about a CX failure. Let's not have our loyal customers enjoy 10-11 months of RTTI service because we can only charge them for 12 months. This is almost TheOnion material.

Originally Posted by Pierre Louis

I got this after contacting them again: seems the least they could do is help me extend service to February 2022

"Dear Customer,



Thank you for contacting BMW Assist Customer Care.

************************************************** *******************************

Due to a phasing out of the 3G network by cellular carriers, ConnectedDrive services can no longer be supported starting February 2022 for select vehicles The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW.

BMW is in the process of assessing options to ensure that BMW ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist renewals are only sold within the timeframe that services can be supported. Currently, service renewals are not possible, as they are sold for one-year terms. However, BMW is exploring customers’ ability to continue using ConnectedDrive services until February 2022 and will provide more information as it becomes available.

We sincerely apologize that we are unable to continue to offer those services to you in your current BMW. If you have any further questions or feedback, please contact BMW Customer Relations at 1-800-831-1117.



Sincerely,

ConnectedDrive Services Customer Care

Fax: 888-226-9492

PO Box 100035

Fort Lauderdale, FL 33310"

[Unspec]

To be fair to BMW, "real" 4G came out in mid 2011. It's hard to design a car for a standard that wasn't even close to being finalized yet, since the F10 start development way before 4G was even close to being released yet.

Rough timeline: design of F10 started in 2006ish, first 4g network came out in 2009, real 4g came out in 2011.

[philipm785]

Originally Posted by Unspec

To be fair to BMW, "real" 4G came out in mid 2011. It's hard to design a car for a standard that wasn't even close to being finalized yet, since the F10 start development way before 4G was even close to being released yet.

Rough timeline: design of F10 started in 2006ish, first 4g network came out in 2009, real 4g came out in 2011.

Agreed, but not sure it should have been all that hard to switch out the transceiver in the LCI refresh. Anyway, going to a monthly option would solve all of this. Hopefully they will consider that. Hyundai seems to be able to manage monthly connected car billing - maybe BMW can get there too.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Unspec

To be fair to BMW, "real" 4G came out in mid 2011. It's hard to design a car for a standard that wasn't even close to being finalized yet, since the F10 start development way before 4G was even close to being released yet.

Rough timeline: design of F10 started in 2006ish, first 4g network came out in 2009, real 4g came out in 2011.

OK, I'll give them that, though other manufacturers seem to manage. If 4G was available in 2011 there's no reason the 2012+ cars couldn't have that technology. There is NO excuse the LCI's didn't have it.

My biggest (and really only) problem is BMW's refusal to even offer an upgrade. How many of us would gladly pay the (est) $300-$400 for an upgraded module? BMW have taken a perfectly technologically functional car and made it technologically obsolete.

[Nickco43]

It would be super easy to make a dealer installable retrofit module to use 4G. The TCB is just a like a cell phone that is bolted down to the car.

[SWFLf10]

What really sucks in my mind is that when I had my last BMW, a 2012 3 series, it came with 2G, and when they phased that out I got a letter in the mail saying they would upgrade it to 3G for free to keep me connected.... Why can't they do this for everyone with this upgrade to 4G? I would even pay to keep the features working.

[philipm785]

Originally Posted by SWFLf10

What really sucks in my mind is that when I had my last BMW, a 2012 3 series, it came with 2G, and when they phased that out I got a letter in the mail saying they would upgrade it to 3G for free to keep me connected.... Why can't they do this for everyone with this upgrade to 4G? I would even pay to keep the features working.

I had the same situation. I suspect that experience is precisely what's driving this early phase out. They got caught with paid subscribers whose end date went beyond the 2G sunset so this time they're phasing out the subscriptions rather than risk the same situation (and associated expense).

It would at least be helpful if they would sell a replacement module.

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by philipm785

Agreed, but not sure it should have been all that hard to switch out the transceiver in the LCI refresh. Anyway, going to a monthly option would solve all of this. Hopefully they will consider that. Hyundai seems to be able to manage monthly connected car billing - maybe BMW can get there too.

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

OK, I'll give them that, though other manufacturers seem to manage. If 4G was available in 2011 there's no reason the 2012+ cars couldn't have that technology. There is NO excuse the LCI's didn't have it.

My biggest (and really only) problem is BMW's refusal to even offer an upgrade. How many of us would gladly pay the (est) $300-$400 for an upgraded module? BMW have taken a perfectly technologically functional car and made it technologically obsolete.

Maybe a limitation of the NBT system they developed? Not sure, but it is a bummer that the LCI's didn't get it.

BMW refuses to offer an upgrade because it would likely cost them way more to develop than they would ever earn back. Cost of development, certification, testing, manufacturing logistics, etc, all so maybe a couple hundred folks can retrofit it. I wish it wasn't like this either, but at the end of the day they are a business.

[dzz]

Originally Posted by Unspec

Maybe a limitation of the NBT system they developed? Not sure, but it is a bummer that the LCI's didn't get it.

BMW refuses to offer an upgrade because it would likely cost them way more to develop than they would ever earn back. Cost of development, certification, testing, manufacturing logistics, etc, all so maybe a couple hundred folks can retrofit it. I wish it wasn't like this either, but at the end of the day they are a business.

I've helped a friend couple of days ago to install a MMI unit, they are going for only about $265 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wir.../dp/B085CCTPCD and they take only about 30-40 min to install

It is exactly same hardware as Bimmertech MMI unit that I have, but 1/3 the cost. After installing it and using it, I don't see a reason why to buy Bimmertech MMI unit.

On the other hand, MMI unit gives ability to use Waze, Google maps... and always have updated maps and traffic information for free

[SWFLf10]

Originally Posted by dzz

I've helped a friend couple of days ago to install a MMI unit, they are going for only about $265 on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wir.../dp/B085CCTPCD and they take only about 30-40 min to install

It is exactly same hardware as Bimmertech MMI unit that I have, but 1/3 the cost. After installing it and using it, I don't see a reason why to buy Bimmertech MMI unit.

On the other hand, MMI unit gives ability to use Waze, Google maps... and always have updated maps and traffic information for free

Unfortunately looks like the version for the 5 series is out of stock for while. And it looks like one reviewer posted that there are issues with iOS 14. Otherwise I'd probably jump all over this.

[dzz]

Originally Posted by SWFLf10

Unfortunately looks like the version for the 5 series is out of stock for while. And it looks like one reviewer posted that there are issues with iOS 14. Otherwise I'd probably jump all over this.

Amazon shows 13 in stock, this is the unit https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wir.../dp/B085CCTPCD. While the description states it is for X1-X6, it works with any NBT system, including F10, see 2nd pic for this item. Like I've said, I have installed and setup one of these in 2014 F10 few days ago.
I am using IOS 14 with it without any issues. Don't know why other have issues. Sometimes a reboot of the MMI unit and/or phone solves problems

[ey2001]

Originally Posted by dzz

Amazon shows 13 in stock. I am using IOS 14 with it without any issues. Don't know why other have issues. Sometimes a reboot of unit and/or phone solves problems

Is this wireless or wired CarPlay?

[Unspec]

Originally Posted by ey2001

Is this wireless or wired CarPlay?

You can do both

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by dzz

Amazon shows 13 in stock, this is the unit https://www.amazon.com/Carlinkit-Wir.../dp/B085CCTPCD. While the description states it is for X1-X6, it works with any NBT system, including F10, see 2nd pic for this item. Like I've said, I have installed and setup one of these in 2014 F10 few days ago.
I am using IOS 14 with it without any issues. Don't know why other have issues. Sometimes a reboot of the MMI unit and/or phone solves problems

What is your opinion of the long-term negative reviews? And the ones about connectivity issues? Thanks.

[dzz]

Originally Posted by ey2001

Is this wireless or wired CarPlay?

yes, you can do both. Once you setup wireless carplay, it takes about 30 sec after you enter the car for phone to connect to MMI, no user intervention is needed. It uses your phone Wifi and Blutooth. So if you need to access internet through your phone in your car and MMI is on you cannot do it, unless you disconnect from MMI Wifi network

[dzz]

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

What is your opinion of the long-term negative reviews? And the ones about connectivity issues? Thanks.

Installation manual has room for improvement for sure. Main thing is to move audio (optical cable) from factory harness to new harness supplied with the unit and then disable factory (NBT) blutooth. All communication will go through MMI and MMI is using AUX port for audio (music/voice).
You need to pair blutooth on your phone with MMI's bluttoth and connect to MMI wifi and enable carplay on your phone and from there everything works pretty much just fine. These units also support Android Auto (or whatever is called) along with Apple Carplay

99% of time I don't have any connectivity issues and my friend didn't experience any issue in the few days that he has it. Like I've mentioned before, reboot of MMI unit and/or phone usually fixes most issues.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by dzz

Installation manual has room for improvement for sure. Main thing is to move audio (optical cable) from factory harness to new harness supplied with the unit and then disable factory (NBT) blutooth. All communication will go through MMI and MMI is using AUX port for audio (music/voice).
You need to pair blutooth on your phone with MMI's bluttoth and connect to MMI wifi and enable carplay on your phone and from there everything works pretty much just fine. These units also support Android Auto (or whatever is called) along with Apple Carplay

99% of time I don't have any connectivity issues and my friend didn't experience any issue in the few days that he has it. Like I've mentioned before, reboot of MMI unit and/or phone usually fixes most issues.

One of the issues was not being able to use the car's mic for making calls. Is this true?