[Kermdaddy]

I have a 2016 550I that I bought used. It has the connected drive menu but when I try to access it, I get a message saying it isn't available for my car. Running the Vin it has almost every option. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kerm

[walmark]

Connected Drive depended on the cellular communication, provided by a 3G ComBox. AT&T discontinued 3G service in U.S. in February 2022, making the feature obsolete. I believe it might still work in other countries where 3G connectivity was not sunset yet (Canada?), but it will not work in U.S.

There is a path to upgrade to 4G combox, but sourcing components from other models (since it’s not available for F10 5 series), and getting them integrated with BMW system to receive data, makes the process complicated.

[ezaircon4jc]

Originally Posted by Kermdaddy

I have a 2016 550I that I bought used. It has the connected drive menu but when I try to access it, I get a message saying it isn't available for my car. Running the Vin it has almost every option. Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Kerm

IIRC, some late-production 2016's have an available upgrade. I would check with your service department.

Originally Posted by walmark

Connected Drive depended on the cellular communication, provided by a 3G ComBox. AT&T discontinued 3G service in U.S. in February 2022, making the feature obsolete. I believe it might still work in other countries where 3G connectivity was not sunset yet (Canada?), but it will not work in U.S.

There is a path to upgrade to 4G combox, but sourcing components from other models (since it’s not available for F10 5 series), and getting them integrated with BMW system to receive data, makes the process complicated.

And quite expensive. My source was trying to do this and has pretty much stopped looking. IIRC, when last he reported, he was at ~$2K in parts alone, not even taking into consideration the cost of labour to install the parts. I gave up on my 2014 and just bought a 2019.