BMW Assist termination

[DuckCoverRoll]

Hi all,,

This morning, I received a notification in my car this morning, which said that BMW Assist will no longer be supported as of January 1, 2017, and to visit https://bmwassistoffer.com. Below is the information posted on the site:


Your BMW's on-board cellular technology, used for delivering numerous BMW ConnectedDrive / BMW Assist features, will no longer be supported after December 31, 2016. This will eliminate features such as SOS, BMW Assist eCall™, and Concierge Call. Because your current on-board cellular service BMW Connected Drive / BMW Assist contract is active beyond this date,we ask that you fill out the required information, select a solution from the options below, and submit to us.

It then asks to choose one of the following 3 options:
- $300 BMW LIFESTYLE AND ACCESSORIES VOUCHER FOR IN-CENTER PURCHASES AND DEACTIVATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY
- $200 BMW VISA GIFT CARD AND DEACTIVATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY
- RETROFIT VEHICLE WITH UPDATED CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

I'm conflicted about this - on the one hand, I don't really use BMW Assist, but on the other hand, it's nice to know that I can call someone in case of an emergency. Also - if I deactivate the system, does that mean I can't send GoogleMaps travel info to the car anymore?

In any event - I'd love to hear what choice others have made. thanks!

[Mach1er]

This was for your '13? Interesting, I haven't gotten this notification yet. Seems like pretty short notice for this.

[DuckCoverRoll]

Originally Posted by Mach1er

This was for your '13? Interesting, I haven't gotten this notification yet. Seems like pretty short notice for this.

Yep - 2013 135is .... what's interesting is that my service contract does not technically expire until end of Feb. 2017. When I clicked on the retrofit option, it said that I can purchase a BMW Assist Safety Plan renewal to ensure an extended period of service for $200, but it doesn't say what the cost would be for the hardward upgrade. I'll try to call them later today to clarify.

[Mach1er]

Yeah, mine goes through April '17. Sounds like that "retrofit option" is more like a "slightly longer service" extension than a hardware retrofit. Would be interested to know what they plan to do there as well... When I get the notification, I'll probably just take the $200. On the other hand, I do like the emergency SOS feature for piece of mind. *sigh*

[atr_hugo]

Have the same issue - take the money and run? probably not. My BMWAssist (TM ; -) expires in Jan '17 so they want me to pony up $200 to continue it before upgrading the hardware; but I would expect them to do the 'hardware' upgrade as part of the 'extension of service'.

The pic below is of the telematic hardware that I suspect gets upgraded:

[DuckCoverRoll]

Interesting! Is this located in the trunk? I wonder whether they'll have a self-install upgrade path to save on labor expense.

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

Have the same issue - take the money and run? probably not. My BMWAssist (TM ; -) expires in Jan '17 so they want me to pony up $200 to continue it before upgrading the hardware; but I would expect them to do the 'hardware' upgrade as part of the 'extension of service'.

The pic below is of the telematic hardware that I suspect gets upgraded:

[atr_hugo]

Originally Posted by DuckCoverRoll

Interesting! Is this located in the trunk?

Yup, in the trunk.

Originally Posted by DuckCoverRoll

I wonder whether they'll have a self-install upgrade path to save on labor expense.

I like the way you think! : -)

[doublevanosrc]

Interesting I haven't received anything either.

[atr_hugo]

I received nothing via my normal e-mail contacts. It appeared as a 'Message Envelope' icon in the Nav display. Waited until I was parked to futz with it - and after a few twiddles of the iDrive controller the message appeared.

[DuckCoverRoll]

Originally Posted by atr_hugo

I received nothing via my normal e-mail contacts. It appeared as a 'Message Envelope' icon in the Nav display. Waited until I was parked to futz with it - and after a few twiddles of the iDrive controller the message appeared.

That's also how I was alerted to this change. The iDrive message just said to visit https://bmwassistoffer.com. You'll need to enter the last 7 digits of your VIN, and you'll be presented with the choices on how to proceed.

[zx10guy]

I haven't received the notice in my car either. But I did go to the website and entered my VIN. I didn't go through the entire process but I was presented the three options so I guess I'm eligible.

[c1pher]

What does retrofit entail? Is it free? I just got my car and would hate to lose services so soon.

[zx10guy]

If you qualify under terms of the retrofit offer, the 2G com box is replaced with a 3G one to allow continued BMW Assist service.

[c1pher]

Seems silly, why not LTE?

[Mach1er]

Originally Posted by MGM135is

Seems silly, why not LTE?

Cheaper, and already the standard for the newer iDrive?

[c1pher]

Oh, interesting. I didn't know that. Audi is already doing LTE. I just assumed that's the new standard.

[mr.fabulous]

I'll ask a stupid question... but this is for iDrive cars only, yes?

[DuckCoverRoll]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

I'll ask a stupid question... but this is for iDrive cars only, yes?

It's for all cars that have BMW Assist -- although I'm not sure whether you could've ordered this feature without iDrive. Best way to tell is if your car has an 'SOS' button on the headliner (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Assist).

[mr.fabulous]

Originally Posted by DuckCoverRoll

It's for all cars that have BMW Assist -- although I'm not sure whether you could've ordered this feature without iDrive. Best way to tell is if your car has an 'SOS' button on the headliner (see https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BMW_Assist).

I have an SOS button, never pressed it (I do not have iDrive). But if I drop the last seven of my VIN into https://bmwassistoffer.com/, it says invalid. Huh.

[1and1]

Same with The Wife's X1- 2013 CPO we purchased last December, currently has ~49,000 miles, was just in for the last BMW covered maintenance. She does not have any of the fancy iDrive, but does have the button by the sunroof controls. We were told to press the button and go through an initial configuration to get her active in the system, but I don't think she ever did. When I check her VIN at the bmwassistoffer site it comes back as invalid.

Mine for the 135 did as well, but at 62K miles I'm not surprised.

We've got AAA for the roadside stuff, and wouldn't use it for any of the other services, so no worries here.

[DuckCoverRoll]

Originally Posted by mr.fabulous

I have an SOS button, never pressed it (I do not have iDrive). But if I drop the last seven of my VIN into https://bmwassistoffer.com/, it says invalid. Huh.

I think you have to be within the warranty period in order for the retrofit to apply. My best guess: BMW didn't want to be sued for breach of warranty resulting from failure of the telephonic system in the car. Although I would think BMW could also stand to make some money if they make the retrofit available to all.

[smrtypants44]

I put my VIN in, selected retrofit, had to enter in name, addy, phone number, email etc it said I would receive further instructions via email.