BMW Discontinuing BMW Assist Renewals

Dracon · 08-19-2016, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jkwhar

Great to hear BMW will offer a retrofit for existing customers.

Just to clarify, if I have the safety plan (exp 6/17) but not the connivence plan, would I still qualify for the retrofit?

That's correct, as long as your BMW Assist contract doesn't expire before the end of the year, you should be eligible for retrofit.

jkwhar · 08-19-2016, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dracon

That's correct, as long as your BMW Assist contract doesn't expire before the end of the year, you should be eligible for retrofit.

Thanks!

Sladester100 · 08-19-2016, 09:51 PM

Hm.
Interesting. I have a 2012 and extended my full connected drive with assist package earlier this year for 12 months so will expire in June '17 ish so I guess I'll be offered a retrofit or compensation figure...if I've read correctly ?

etinifni · 08-20-2016, 01:37 AM

I'm curious as to how BMW is going to retrofit equipment capable of continuing service.

Dracon · 08-20-2016, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by etinifni

I'm curious as to how BMW is going to retrofit equipment capable of continuing service.

They probably developed a Combox with a 3G capable chipset to replace the old Combox.

They'll have more complete details in the coming weeks.

Dracon · 08-20-2016, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sladester100

Hm.
Interesting. I have a 2012 and extended my full connected drive with assist package earlier this year for 12 months so will expire in June '17 ish so I guess I'll be offered a retrofit or compensation figure...if I've read correctly ?

This doesn't apply to UK customers. Only in North America. This is because AT&T is shutting down their legacy 2G EDGE network (which all CIC-equipped vehicles use) at the end of 2016.

BMWM5NYC · 08-21-2016, 11:35 PM

So my model year 2013 M5 (August 2012 build) should be okay.

Dracon · 08-22-2016, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWM5NYC

So my model year 2013 M5 (August 2012 build) should be okay.

Any system equipped with the NBT navigation system would be fine. All NBT systems are equipped with a Telematics Control Box (TCB) which uses a 3G cellular modem.

Just 2013 M5's are still locked out of the all the ConnectedDrive services offered on the MY2014 and up vehicles (like BMW Internet, BMW Labs, etc).

NBT-Evo platforms replaced the TCB with a ATM which is 4G LTE based.

BMWM5NYC · 08-22-2016, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dracon

Any system equipped with the NBT navigation system would be fine. All NBT systems are equipped with a Telematics Control Box (TCB) which uses a 3G cellular modem.

Just 2013 M5's are still locked out of the all the ConnectedDrive services offered on the MY2014 and up vehicles (like BMW Internet, BMW Labs, etc).

NBT-Evo platforms replaced the TCB with a ATM which is 4G LTE based.

Okay cool. I just wanted to make sure I still keep my "Send to Car" remote nav function. I use that , all the time

Dracon · 08-22-2016, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BMWM5NYC

Okay cool. I just wanted to make sure I still keep my "Send to Car" remote nav function. I use that , all the time

As long as you keep paying for the BMW Assist Convenience package, it'll work.

badbread · 08-23-2016, 04:29 PM

Just called my dealer and BMW NA and they both had no idea. I'll continue to wait patiently.

thatryan · 09-10-2016, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dracon

Looks like BMW has finally posted what they are going to do for BMW Assist on older vehicles for customers still under contract/agreement.

Quote:

BMW has developed several solutions in order to provide continued BMW Assist service or provide alternative compensation to customers with active BMW Assist contracts expiring after December 31, 2016 on vehicles equipped with a 2G GSM telematics device (e.g., COMBOX).

Background

For GSM vehicles equipped with a 2nd generation (2G) GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) telematics device from the factory, the 2G GSM service will no longer be supported after December 31, 2016. Most of these vehicles were offered with BMW Assist Safety Plan and Convenience Plan, however, some 2014 Model Year and newer vehicles (e.g., E84 X1, E89 Z4, and E71 X6) were also offered with the new ConnectedDrive offering structure. Please refer to the table at the end of this message for a summary of which vehicles are equipped with 2G GSM telematics.

Compensation or retrofit offerings

Compensation:
For those customers that would rather not have BMW Assist services in their vehicle, BMW will be offering the following compensation options

$300 BMW Lifestyle and Accessories voucher for in*Center purchases + Deactivation of existing technology

$200 Visa Pre*Paid Debit Card + Deactivation of existing technology

Hardware Retrofit:
For customers who have an active contract that expires after December 31, 2016 and who would like to maintain service after December 31, 2016, a hardware retrofit of a new telematics module will be available

Please note: BMW will not be offering any retrofit or compensation for customers whose contract has already expired or whose contract will expire on or before December 31, 2016.

As soon as details of the final offerings are available, updated communications will be released, including direct customer communications. This message will also be updated with important information for dealers.

Code:

2G GSM application by vehicle model.

Vehicle Model                       2G GSM Equipped
1 Series                            March 2008 - EOP*
2 Series                            N/A
3 Series                            March 2008 through MY2013
4 Series                            N/A
5 Series                            March 2008 through MY2012
6 Series                            March 2008 through MY2013
7 Series                            F01 Only: SOP through MY2012
X1                                  E84 Only: SOP* through MY2015 
                                    F84: N/A
X3                                  F25 (SOP*) through MY2013
X4                                  N/A
X5                                  April 2008 through MY2013
X6                                  April 2008 through MY2014
Z4                                  E89: MY2010 through EOP*

*EOP = End of Production; SOP = Start of Production

Thanks for Sharing this. I have 2013 so think I should be covered...

What is the source on this info? I tried googling but could not find it anywhere. And I actually called BMW genius last week for another reason and they said my car was not eligible for anything. Perhaps they were not informed or something else?

Dracon · 09-10-2016, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thatryan

Thanks for Sharing this. I have 2013 so think I should be covered...

What is the source on this info? I tried googling but could not find it anywhere. And I actually called BMW genius last week for another reason and they said my car was not eligible for anything. Perhaps they were not informed or something else?

It's published on BMW's internal bulletin board for dealerships, technicians, etc.

jkwhar · 09-12-2016, 05:00 PM

I'll ask the service adviser tomorrow as I'm picking up my car from service and see if he knows anything/any update.

Irishchook · 09-18-2016, 07:11 PM

I called BMW Assist and they're only just privy to this retrofit/cash offer as well. I was told that they won't even let us buy a retrofit.
My car would be a perfect candidate, but I bought my car used and the former owner must've canceled their Assist service.
IMO, since this announcement is so new, they may be a bit more flexible in the near future. Let's hope...

RaslDasl · 09-19-2016, 01:07 AM

The real shame of this is BMW could have prevented the issue in more recent models by switching to 3G sooner. I have a 2010 affected by this. Now remember that in 2007 Apple came out with the original iPhone which was 2G even though 3G was available. The concern was the battery drain required in 2007 to support a 3G chip which would not be an issue in a car. By 2008 Apple had switched to 3G. BMW did not switch until well into the 2010's.
My 2010 has 2G and my 2016 has 3G. BMW did not switch to LTE (4G) until 2017. I'm glad my 2016 is leased. The same issue will come up in a few years when 3G networks are shut down. BMW has hopefully seen the light due to the poor sales of the new 7 series that are partly attributed to lack of new technology. When Tesla can push out over the air firmware updates to upgrade features there is no excuse for a $100,000 car to not have the latest technology. It's not like we are not paying through the nose for our "technology" packages.

Sleslie · 09-19-2016, 07:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RaslDasl

The same issue will come up in a few years when 3G networks are shut down. BMW has hopefully seen the light due to the poor sales of the new 7 series that are partly attributed to lack of new technology. When Tesla can push out over the air firmware updates to upgrade features there is no excuse for a $100,000 car to not have the latest technology. It's not like we are not paying through the nose for our "technology" packages.

I fully agree. This issue is really the only reason I got CarPlay on my new 230i. I'm not very impresssed with what CarPlay does now but I figure it will continue to improve while the technology delivered in my car will stand still.

MightyMouseTech · 09-19-2016, 08:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kent11202

If the "upgrade" turns out to be a software situation provided at no cost, not a problem for me. If it turns out I have to PAY for hardware, I'm really not a happy camper. As you say, I guess we will have to wait and see.

I doubt it will be a software update. The older systems (like my 2013) use the CDMA network. That network is being shut down and will be completely shut down by the end of this year. Only way to continue it is to install a newer technology cell phone transmitter in the car.

What do the newer cars use? LTE?

Here at Acura we are having the same issue. Newer LTE based modules are supposed to be ready soon, except they are not free unless your car is still under warranty.

SharpAndCunning · 09-19-2016, 09:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dracon

Looks like BMW has finally posted what they are going to do for BMW Assist on older vehicles for customers still under contract/agreement.

Code:

2G GSM application by vehicle model.

Vehicle Model                       2G GSM Equipped
1 Series                            March 2008 - EOP*
2 Series                            N/A
3 Series                            March 2008 through MY2013
4 Series                            N/A
5 Series                            March 2008 through MY2012
6 Series                            March 2008 through MY2013
7 Series                            F01 Only: SOP through MY2012
X1                                  E84 Only: SOP* through MY2015 
                                    F84: N/A
X3                                  F25 (SOP*) through MY2013
X4                                  N/A
X5                                  April 2008 through MY2013
X6                                  April 2008 through MY2014
Z4                                  E89: MY2010 through EOP*

*EOP = End of Production; SOP = Start of Production

This means my 2014 x1 35i is going to need a retrofit!?

MightyMouseTech · 09-19-2016, 10:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpc647

This means my 2014 x1 35i is going to need a retrofit!?

Looks like it.

SharpAndCunning · 09-19-2016, 12:12 PM

This is bullshi*.

I thought i did enough research, and I thought only the 2013 x1 was going to be affected. WTF.

Maybe an 18 wheeler will run over my car in the parking lot at work. Save me the trouble.

Dracon · 09-20-2016, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jpc647

This means my 2014 x1 35i is going to need a retrofit!?

Basically, the rule of thumb here is.

If your vehicle didn't come equipped with a NBT navigation system (still using the old CIC system). You will need a retrofit.

08-19-2016, 09:51 PM	#47
Sladester100 Lieutenant 128 Rep 588 Posts Drives: F30 320d & G29 M40i First Edtn Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: South East, UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2019 BMW Z4 M40i Fi ... [9.50]	Hm. Interesting. I have a 2012 and extended my full connected drive with assist package earlier this year for 12 months so will expire in June '17 ish so I guess I'll be offered a retrofit or compensation figure...if I've read correctly ?
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08-20-2016, 01:37 AM	#48
etinifni Captain 208 Rep 942 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Modern Line Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i Moder ... [0.00]	I'm curious as to how BMW is going to retrofit equipment capable of continuing service. __________________ :wave:
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08-21-2016, 11:35 PM	#51
BMWM5NYC Captain 504 Rep 814 Posts Drives: 2013 F10 Monte Carlo Blue M5 Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (0)	So my model year 2013 M5 (August 2012 build) should be okay. __________________ Formally known as BMWM3NYC
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08-23-2016, 04:29 PM	#55
badbread not good, but bad 344 Rep 371 Posts Drives: 2013 335i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Bay Area, CA iTrader: (3)	Just called my dealer and BMW NA and they both had no idea. I'll continue to wait patiently.
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09-12-2016, 05:00 PM	#58
jkwhar Captain 184 Rep 745 Posts Drives: F30 328i Xdrive \| F15 x35i Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: Central NJ iTrader: (7)	I'll ask the service adviser tomorrow as I'm picking up my car from service and see if he knows anything/any update.
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09-18-2016, 07:11 PM	#59
Irishchook New Member 11 Rep 12 Posts Drives: 2010 BMW 528i Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: Bonita Springs, FL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2010 BMW 528i (E60) [0.00]	I called BMW Assist and they're only just privy to this retrofit/cash offer as well. I was told that they won't even let us buy a retrofit. My car would be a perfect candidate, but I bought my car used and the former owner must've canceled their Assist service. IMO, since this announcement is so new, they may be a bit more flexible in the near future. Let's hope...
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09-19-2016, 01:07 AM	#60
RaslDasl Private 20 Rep 51 Posts Drives: 2016 X3 xDrive35i Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Wayne, PA iTrader: (0)	The real shame of this is BMW could have prevented the issue in more recent models by switching to 3G sooner. I have a 2010 affected by this. Now remember that in 2007 Apple came out with the original iPhone which was 2G even though 3G was available. The concern was the battery drain required in 2007 to support a 3G chip which would not be an issue in a car. By 2008 Apple had switched to 3G. BMW did not switch until well into the 2010's. My 2010 has 2G and my 2016 has 3G. BMW did not switch to LTE (4G) until 2017. I'm glad my 2016 is leased. The same issue will come up in a few years when 3G networks are shut down. BMW has hopefully seen the light due to the poor sales of the new 7 series that are partly attributed to lack of new technology. When Tesla can push out over the air firmware updates to upgrade features there is no excuse for a $100,000 car to not have the latest technology. It's not like we are not paying through the nose for our "technology" packages.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-19-2016, 12:12 PM	#65
SharpAndCunning Lieutenant 111 Rep 447 Posts Drives: 2014 X1 35i Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: . iTrader: (0)	This is bullshi*. I thought i did enough research, and I thought only the 2013 x1 was going to be affected. WTF. Maybe an 18 wheeler will run over my car in the parking lot at work. Save me the trouble.
	Appreciate 0 Quote