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 US.
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BMW Connected vs. My BMW remote app
Every each generation of BMW apps has injected more technology into the driving experience, further fusing your personal life with that of your car. This generation was no exception. Except that the most recent premiere was meant to be a wink to the drivers of electric cars.
My BMW remote app enhanced their overview and broadened their operational range while the BMW Connected app started to enable remote access to car statistics, executing upgrades to the on-board software, or controlling specific vehicle operations. It provides direct access to service facilities, significantly improves plug-in hybrid and all-electric model functions (displays electric range, charging status, tracking of charging history, programming of charging in a time slot, etc.), and provides more practical use of maps and navigation.
The new BMW Connected app: what is it?
The BMW Connected app’s Remote Services feature enables remote access to your car. Using your smartphone, you can lock your BMW from anywhere, flash your headlights, and adjust the environment inside the vehicle.
The BMW Connected app needs to be updated.
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. – Go to installed services in the linked drive services and update those.
Is BMW Connected no longer available?
Select automobiles will no longer be able to offer ConnectedDrive services starting in February 2022 due to cellular providers’ phase-out of the 3G network. The choice to discontinue use of 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the individual cellular carriers and is outside of BMW’s control.
Can a BMW be started remotely using an app?
Using a compatible smartphone and the BMW Connected App, you can turn on BMW Remote Start, choose your favorite temperature, and start your engine all at once, even if you are far away from the vehicle.
Does using the BMW app require a fee?
The My BMW app is available for free download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and works with both iOS and Android devices. It serves as a new, universal interface with the car, giving information on the status of the vehicle whenever needed.
Which automobiles may access the My BMW app?
The app will feature support for AndroidTM smartphones in future editions. Vehicle Requirements: All 2014 model year and newer Navigation-equipped vehicles, with the exception of the 2014 X6, are compatible with the new BMW Connected app. You must have a current BMW AssistTM/ConnectedDrive subscription.
How can I tell if the software in my BMW is current?
How will I be informed when an upgrade is ready? Similar to when other new software is made available to your phone, any newly available update packages will be instantly announced as a notification on your BMW control display or on your smartphone via the BMW app.
Has BMW abandoned Apple CarPlay?
Due to the carmaker switching its chip supplier, BMW is temporarily shipping new vehicles without Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability.
Apple CarPlay and Android Auto require updated software to function on the new CPUs found in many BMWs produced this year. Dealerships are advising BMW customers who purchase a new vehicle without CarPlay to wait for an over-the-air upgrade that will add the feature “by the end of June at the latest.”
It’s unclear how many BMW models are impacted, but a lot of consumers in the UK, France, Italy, and the US have complained online about receiving new cars without CarPlay. Models that are affected have the specification code “6P1” in them.
While some BMW owners may have to temporarily do without CarPlay capability, BMW is moving chip suppliers to enhance its supply chain over the long run, which could help to alleviate component shortages in the second half of the year.
With support for Digital Key, Ultra Wideband Digital Key Plus, and a feature-rich dual-screen wireless CarPlay experience, BMW provides one of the most integrated experiences with Apple’s ecosystem. BMW only began providing CarPlay in 2016 and faced criticism for charging a $80 yearly subscription charge before canceling the subscription in response to the backlash.
Can I use my phone to start my BMW?
With the BMW Digital Key and BMW Digital Key Plus, go keyless. The key fob for your car can be replaced with an iPhone, Google Pixel, or Samsung Galaxy smartphone that is compatible. To lock and unlock, simply touch it to the driver-side door handle. To start the engine, place your device in the wireless charging tray.
What BMW models are impacted by the 3G outage?
The Accord Touring, Odyssey Touring/Elite, 2019-2020 Insight Touring, 2019-2022 Pilot Touring/Elite/Black Edition, and 2019-2021 Passport Touring/Elite are the models that are affected. A new modem must be purchased by unlucky owners, otherwise they risk losing all linked services.
Can I get a technological upgrade for my BMW?
Nearly the entire BMW fleet—more than 30 BMW models—can now be upgraded remotely. Until the interim version has been downloaded and installed, vehicles with software older than version 20-07 cannot install the most recent version.
Do I have 3G on my BMW?
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. BMW lists the services that will no longer function, including BMW Assist eCall, Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Remote Services, and BMW Online. The company also states that “the decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW.”
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.
How much does updating BMW software cost?
It costs nothing to update the software on your BMW through BMW ConnectedDrive. The iDrive software update from BimmerTech starts at $249.
There are three ways to update the software on your BMW iDrive:
- With the iDrive software upgrade from BimmerTech
- through the webpage for BMW ConnectedDrive
- by means of the BMW ConnectedDrive App
By 2022, BMW will have updated its software to version 21-07. The most recent BMW software updates will always appear on your BMW control panel and My BMW App if you wish to stay informed.
If my BMW has remote start, how do I know?
Look up the “Remote engine start” option in your Premium Package or in the settings of your iDrive sub-menu to see if your car has BMW remote start. It might be present if your BMW has an iDrive 7.0 (also known as the Live Cockpit) and a digital gauge cluster.
The digital gauge cluster and the iDrive system 7.0 (Live Cockpit) appear like this.
Will my BMW’s wifi be a cost?
The BMW ConnectedDrive connectivity plan includes unlimited pleasure surfing at LTE speed among other features. You need a phone provider with wireless charging and at least the most basic Connected Package option to use this service.
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.
Will the 3G shutdown have any effects on my car?
Ford and Mazda employ a driver’s mobile phone to call emergency services in the case of a collision, therefore unless drivers are using an older 3G cell phone, their vehicles are not impacted by the 3G shutdown. The outage has no impact on any Mitsubishi vehicles that have crash notification and SOS because they all use 4G networks. Autonomous crash notification is not a feature of Tesla vehicles, but owners of earlier Teslas with 3G-based telecommunications modules who wish to keep their cars connected must spend $200 on a hardware update.
Editor’s note: New information from Hyundai, GM, Volkswagen, and Volvo has been incorporated into this article. It was first released on January 11, 2022.