In order to make place for newer technology, mobile operators planned to phase down 3G networks throughout 2022. Many BMW owners were impacted (and incensed) by this decision because their ConnectedDrive services ceased to function. BMW has little control over the termination of 3G services, but they have stopped renewing ConnectedDrive contracts in 2021.
In essence, this implies that automobiles with TCB-3G, COMBOX-NG, and ATM-3G telematics control units will no longer be able to use ConnectedDrive services. This mostly refers to BMWs from the 2016 model year and earlier.
The affected functionalities are listed below:
- Automatic crash notification is included in emergency calls (SOS/E-Calls).
- BMW eMobility and Online
- MyInfo (sent to the car)
- Dispatch Services
- Recovery of Stolen Vehicles
- TeleServices
- Traffic Information in Real Time (RTTI)
- BMW App, or
The service will be available to 3G telematics-equipped BMW owners with active contracts until the mobile provider discontinues it. Verizon will complete the shutdown of its 3G network by the end of 2022, and T-Mobile by March 31, according to an announcement from AT&T. These are not set dates; carriers could start dismantling some of their networks earlier.
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How did BMW ConnectedDrive fare?
Customers in the United States will be able to download the My BMW App on April 12, 2021, for use on iOS and Android-compatible mobile devices; the My BMW App will completely replace the BMW Connected app by the end of June 2021. Since 1975, BMW of North America, LLC has operated in the United States.
Is having BMW ConnectedDrive worth it?
What benefit does connectedDrive provide that I don’t already receive through Apple Car Play, which I use in my car for GPS, music, etc.?
I’m curious about your experience with it and whether you believe it’s worth renewing.
I paid $150 for the L package and am also from Australia. In my X3, I also have CarPlay. After using both for some time, I would advise against spending additional money on ConnectedDrive. You do have access to features like traffic updates, online tools, updated maps, remote supervision, and—most importantly—navigational guidance in HUD. You might wish to purchase that package if you consider any of those to be important. But I’ve found that Apple Maps, Google Maps, and Waze are all better at routing than the built-in maps now that I commute every day during rush hour, when better navigation routing can be useful. In terms of aesthetics, voice guidance, and HUD integration, I still prefer the built-in maps the best, but the routing is simply ineffective. I have recently stopped using BMW maps totally. CarPlay’s calling interface, which fills the full screen, is its only drawback. BMW has made many good interface choices, but sadly, a connection to navigation routing is not one of them. If only the routing was on pace with other major providers, I would love to use BMW maps and would gladly pay for them.
How long is the lifespan of BMW ConnectedDrive?
For the first three years, ConnectedDrive is included with every new or relatively new BMW; after that, owners must pay a yearly fee for the service. New users with qualifying models can sign up on the ConnectedDrive website and connect their vehicle using their VIN number and personal information.
How is BMW ConnectedDrive updated?
Updating BMW ConnectedDrive: Instructions On the BMW website, go to the Accessories Update page. Utilize your BMW adapter cable to connect your computer to your car. The most recent BMW ConnectedDrive update can be downloaded. Open the app after completing the steps to complete the update.
My BMW ConnectedDrive app has to be reset.
Connected Drive by BMW. To reset the car data on your BMW with Operating System 8, choose “Menu” > “System settings.” Please be aware that after being restored to factory settings in vehicles with a manufacturing date of 11/2020, the vehicle will be deleted from your BMW ID on the My BMW App and My BMW webpage.
My BMW: Is it impacted by the 3G outage?
Automobiles Affected: As of February 2022, all BMW vehicles that connect to a 3G network lost connectivity. The carmaker claims it has contacted owners individually but hasn’t released a list of affected automobiles.
The solution: According to a statement from BMW, not all cars would be qualified for a free technological upgrade. Customers will be informed if their vehicles qualify for an update or not via email or First-Class Mail, according to the statement.
How can I update my BMW Connected application?
In the car, perform the following steps to update apps and services: – In the idrive menu, go to the “installed apps” menu item, press the idrive option button (takes 10 seconds or so). – Go to installed services in the linked drive services and update those (with the option key as well)
Working BMW app?
The BMW Connected smartphone app will no longer be available as of June 30, 2021. To continue utilizing our digital services and learn about the newest features, download our new My BMW App right away.
What is the cost of renewing BMW ConnectedDrive?
My ConnectedDrive service would shortly expire, I was informed. I believe it came free with the purchase of a car for three years. After that, you must pay $199 per year for safety and $398 per year for convenience and safety.
Regards, folks. I contacted, and it seems that renewing ConnectedDrive and Traffic Updates will each cost $50 USD.
I intended to get updated navigation maps, but I don’t believe 2015 models can download updates wirelessly. As a result, I’ll probably need to visit the dealer to receive those.
Your dealer will bill you $250 to update your navigational systems. Use one of the forum’s remote coders. It probably costs around $50.
Does this subscription allow you to remotely track, lock, unlock, and siren your car using the ConnectedDrive app?
With car ownership, those are provided without charge. After the first three years, which are free with auto ownership, you must pay an additional $50 per year if you want Live Traffic and Apps.
What is the most recent BMW iDrive version?
16 December 2021, Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey BMW customers are already receiving the most recent technological advancements with iDrive 7. Updates to the BMW News app featuring podcast-based news, the most recent Remote Software Upgrade (version 21-07), and the addition of SiriusXM’s Pandora channels are among them.
How can I tell if the software in my BMW is current?
The best way to see it is to glance at the bottom of your windshield from outside the car; it is typically printed into the driver’s side of the dashboard. If there are any updates, enter your VIN here. Download any updates that are accessible on a USB drive. To transfer the updates to your BMW, insert the USB drive into the BMW’s USB port.
BMW utilizes 3G?
For years, BMW has been at the forefront of in-car connectivity, but sometimes that comes at a price. Older automobiles employ outdated technology, and while they are still in use today, they will be impacted by a significant change in connectivity support. Online forum discussions claim that BMW is currently informing owners of older models that support and connectivity for their 3G-connected cars will end in 2022.
In other words, starting in February 2022, you won’t be able to use ConnectedDrive features on previous BMW models for things like traffic information or any other kind of internet connection via other apps. It is significant to stress that BMW in no way made this choice. This is taking place as 3G antennas and support for these frequencies are phased out by mobile network providers.
Mobile network providers are discontinuing 3G nationwide as we move closer to 5G and 4G is becoming more prevalent, a process dubbed as the “3G sunset” in the industry. The decision to phase out 3G network technology was taken at the discretion of the different cellular providers and is outside of BMW’s control, according to emails from the company. BMW Assist eCall, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Remote Services, and BMW Online are among the services mentioned by the firm that will no longer function.
Not just BMW is struggling with this problem, though. Since this is a carrier-related issue, a wide range of automobile manufacturers’ makes and models will also be impacted. BMW claims that it is currently looking into every option to resolve the problem, although it hasn’t specified precisely what they are investigating. Adding 4G sim cards to the vehicles could be one answer, although the on-board electronics could not be up to pace in that situation. Should there be any developments in the situation, we’ll let you know.
Is a 4G upgrade available for my BMW?
Unfortunately, there isn’t a technical upgrade for your car that would let you keep using ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services until your contract expires, or after February 2022, whichever comes first.
Do I have 3G or 4G on my BMW?
Your BMW has a 4G (LTE) compatible SIM card if it was manufactured after July 2017 (the BMW i8 and BMW i8 Roadster from November 2018 are the exceptions). Your BMW supports 3G if it was manufactured before July 2017.
What 3G-compatible BMW models are impacted?
BMW does not provide a list of models that are affected, but it does affirm that any 3G telematics-equipped vehicles will no longer be able to access any ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services. Services that require a voice connection, including BMW Assist eCall and Concierge Services, will even be lost in some 4G-enabled automobiles.
Which automobiles are impacted by the 3G outage?
Affected vehicles include the 2016 and 2017 Nissan Altima, the 2017 and 2018 Nissan GT-R, some 2011 to 2015 Nissan Leafs, the 2016 and 2017 Nissan Maxima, the 2017 Nissan Murano, the 2017 Nissan Pathfinder, the 2016 and 2017 Nissan Rogue, the 2017 Nissan Rogue Sport, the 2016 to 2018 Nissan Sentra, the 2016 and 2017 Nissan Titan, the 2017 Nissan Titan XD, the 2014 to 2018 Infiniti Q50, the 2017 and 2018 Infiniti Q60, the
The solution: Automatic collision notification and other functions of Nissan Connect and Infiniti InTouch have been permanently removed from these vehicles as of February 22, 2022.