[DestinationMoon!]

Hi

Had several BMWs but never needed an app to use them. My new x1 is supposed to arrive soon. Do I really need to add BMW to the mix of companies tracking my every move?
If so what do we get in return? Can you opt out and go without the app?

Thanks!

[SLCbluebaylagoon]

I love the app. Use it almost every day to remote start the car as I’m leaving work. You can also have it take a 360 degree picture of its surroundings or the inside. Also, you ever have those moments when you’re out somewhere and randomly have the thought, “wait…did I lock the car?” Now you can check.

[SeaSkiAndMe]

I have an old phone, so I'm reticent to add more apps but...

Yes, worth adding. I mainly use to start my car in the morning. I'm up before 6am to head to my morning workout at our local pool and like to get into a warm car. I roll out of bed, put on my swimsuit, and before I brush my teeth, I start the car from my phone then tuck the phone into my pool bag. (location of vehicle and my keys are not near my MBR.)

I can also see if maybe I need to schedule a stop at the gas station on my day's "to do" list.

[FlashMonkey929]

Depending on your equipment, it will also notify you if the alarm is triggered. It’s also essential (I think) to download software updates for the car.

[Tomduck]

I don’t use it all tbh so you can quite happily survive without it. Some may say it’s about convenience and having information and functionality at you fingertips, but really it’s not necessary.

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by Tomduck

I don’t use it all tbh so you can quite happily survive without it. Some may say it’s about convenience and having information and functionality at you fingertips, but really it’s not necessary.

How do you do software updates? I thought the software downloads to your phone first and then transfers it to the car. At least, that's how mine was last time I got an update.

[FZI89]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

How do you do software updates? I thought the software downloads to your phone first and then transfers it to the car. At least, that's how mine was last time I got an update.

It can be directly downloaded to the car. No need for the phone.

That being said, I have been using the app at least 3-4x a week. I use it for pre-heating the car, checking tire pressure, checking status of the car, using vehicle finder for when I park in a random location, checking battery status, sending destinations to the cars navigation so I can just start navigation once I get to the car etc etc…

The app is very useful and improves QoL with the car

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by FZI89

It can be directly downloaded to the car. No need for the phone.

That being said, I have been using the app at least 3-4x a week. I use it for pre-heating the car, checking tire pressure, checking status of the car, using vehicle finder for when I park in a random location, checking battery status, sending destinations to the cars navigation so I can just start navigation once I get to the car etc etc…

The app is very useful and improves QoL with the car

Interesting, it's always given me the prompt to download it to my phone and then transfer it later. I agree the app is handy, I use it frequently to check the status on the car and tire pressure.

[FZI89]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

Interesting, it's always given me the prompt to download it to my phone and then transfer it later. I agree the app is handy, I use it frequently to check the status on the car and tire pressure.

It could be due to the car specs. I.e. connected drive professional/eSim?

[FlashMonkey929]

Originally Posted by FZI89

It could be due to the car specs. I.e. connected drive professional/eSim?

Ah, I think I have Connected Drive Pro? I have the HUD. Definitely don't have eSim though. I basically ticked off every option that was available at the time except the heating package. Driving Assistant Plus/Pro and Active Seats weren't available at that time yet though.

[FZI89]

Originally Posted by FlashMonkey929

Ah, I think I have Connected Drive Pro? I have the HUD. Definitely don't have eSim though. I basically ticked off every option that was available at the time except the heating package. Driving Assistant Plus/Pro and Active Seats weren't available at that time yet though.

Strange. When the next update becomes available, try downloading directly from the car. You have to be in drive-ready state and actually driving for it to download. It pauses whenever you’re stationary (stupid!)

[Duncs1961]

As a person who does a lot of buisness trips, I find the app invaluable as it logs all my trips, complete with a map with to and from place names, and most importantly, mileage. Plus some other stats like MPG and average speed, which whilst not essential, is interesting.

I also like being able to check my fuel level!

[MontyB1]

No PHEV or EVs for the X1 in the US but it's pretty essential if you do have one of those the app gets used a LOT.

[FZI89]

Originally Posted by MontyB1

No PHEV or EVs for the X1 in the US but it's pretty essential if you do have one of those the app gets used a LOT.

Especially to keep track of charging state, how much you spent on charging per month, the amount of kWh charged etc, average consumption etc.

Truly invaluable

[srbs73]

Definitely more useful for us as ours is an EV.

Apart from that, regularly use it to send destinations to the car so they pop up when you get in.

[Tomduck]

I think if you have a henctic life and do a lot of miles it’s much more useful than people who are the opposite. I pretty much never use it 5 monrhs into ownership. Each to their own 👍

[MontyB1]

Originally Posted by Tomduck

I think if you have a henctic life and do a lot of miles it’s much more useful than people who are the opposite. I pretty much never use it 5 monrhs into ownership. Each to their own 👍

I suspect this is one of the reasons that you don’t see so many issues either. Some are using more of the advanced features or options and as such find more problems I would presume.

[Tomduck]

Yeah you’re probably right Monty, I have to say mostly I want to drive the car and at this the X1 excels, I know that all these computers on wheels that have software updates have issues to some degree and no doubt the more you require to use everything you will find something awry as there is way too much functionality on offer.

[MontyB1]

For the X1 I’d say there is some merit in that. My wife does fine some of the changes to the new X1 a backward step and having one car with ID7 and buttons and one with ID8 and none that we switch between I’d agree with that.

That reminds me should do a review on hers.

[punchdance]

Do you need it? Of course not. It is nice for checking your vehicle's status at a glance though. It shows where it's parked, how much gas you have, how many miles are on the vehicle, tire pressures, etc.

[ramen.slayer]

I feel it’s more for the EVs. Nice to have the app to control the charging amps (when need to vary in middle of a charge) + unlock charging cable + switch on charging after letting car rest a bit first.

[DestinationMoon!]

Originally Posted by punchdance

Do you need it? Of course not. It is nice for checking your vehicle's status at a glance though. It shows where it's parked, how much gas you have, how many miles are on the vehicle, tire pressures, etc.

Thanks! Does this mean you can't call up the tpms read out while driving on either display?