24 Mar 2020
You may have already heard the term “Connected Drive” used to describe a BMW because it was initially introduced in 2008 and marked an improvement over the previous BMW Online system.
Connected Drive began as a straightforward web browser but has now undergone numerous changes to include a variety of internet services, security features, and convenience features. The central entertainment screen and a SIM card that is installed in the car as a means of sending and receiving data via the Internet are the brains of the Connected Drive system.
The i-Drive controller, the touchscreen interface, voice activation, or a combination of all three can be used to control the screen, depending on the age and specifications of the car.
As practically all of the digital services provided by BMW fall under the umbrella of “Connected Drive,” it is important to split them down into their numerous features and amenities. BMW Online, which offers features including weather, news, surfing, office services, and BMW Routes, which enables you to find routes on other devices and transfer them to your car, is one of the Connected Drive Services.
BMW Apps, a component of Connected Drive Services, enables you to use specific smartphone applications like Audible, Spotify, and Deezer while driving.
Tele Services is another feature of Connected Drive; it is an automatic connection between your car and BMW regarding the status of the vehicle so that your preferred dealership can get in touch with you when servicing is necessary.
If your car is parked and the battery charge has dropped below a specific level, you can utilize this option to alert you automatically in case of a breakdown. All Connected Drive packages come with this as well as Intelligent Emergency Call, which immediately contacts a designated help center in the event that the airbags or seat belt tensioners activate. A specific button can be used to manually control this function as well.
Real-time traffic updates are one of the Connected Drive Services’ optional features, as is the Online Entertainment option, which enables music streaming through Napster or Deezer without the use of a smartphone.
Concierge Services, a 24-hour contact center that can help you obtain hotel and restaurant reservations, flight information, sports information, weather information, and a variety of other localized information, is another choice provided by Connected Drive. Your chosen location’s information can also be sent directly to the navigation system by the service assistant.
Depending on the model of BMW you own, BMW’s website features a Connected Drive Store where you may browse these and other features and make online purchases.
The group of Driver Assistance systems is another subset of Connected Drive. The Reversing Assist Camera, Park Assist, and Head-Up Display are just a few examples of the features that fall under this category. Other features include Gesture Control, which is available on some models, and particularly Remote Services. With the help of this service, you can use more of BMW’s Connected Services and remotely activate a few vehicle features.
You can use your smartphone to lock and unlock doors, flash the lights, and sound the horn, among other functions. Furthermore, it has the ability to find local POIs, show the vehicle’s location on a map, and manage the auxiliary heating.
Do you have Connected Drive in your BMW? Please share your thoughts about it in the comments section below.
In This Article...
THE KEY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS RELATING TO BMW CONNECTED DRIVE
All digital services that intelligently connect the car to the outside world are included in BMW ConnectedDrive. These also include connections for mobile devices, driver aid systems, entertainment options, and traffic services in addition to telematics services. In order to use ConnectedDrive, you must:
- A SIM card is permanently present and functional in your car.
- You are a BMW ID holder.
- Your car has been added to your BMW ID.
Download the My BMW app to take use of all the services it has to offer. For instance, you can use the app to plan your journeys while driving and send the destination in advance to your BMW.
On the ConnectedDrive overview page, you may discover a list of the services provided.
A SIM card is permanently fitted and always operational in BMW automobiles as of 2013. This SIM card is a requirement in order to utilize ConnectedDrive and to comply with legal obligations such as making a lawful emergency call. The exchange of data between the car and BMW via the mobile network is used to provide ConnectedDrive services like the BMW Intelligent Emergency Call, Concierge Service, Teleservice, etc.
To access all BMW ConnectedDrive services, you also need an active SIM card and a BMW ID.
- Save the configurations of your vehicles.
- Hire ConnectedDrive services and use them.
- Upkeep of your profile information.
You can utilize the BMW ConnectedDrive suite of services after creating a BMW ID and adding your vehicle to it.
Having an active SIM card and a BMW ID are prerequisites for adding a vehicle (registration). You can access digital services* after adding the vehicle, including viewing it in the My BMW app or My BMW portal.
- Verify the condition of the car.
- Send a car to the destination
- Locate a car with a smartphone
- BMW Electronic Key
- plus a lot more!
There are numerous nations across the world where ConnectedDrive services are accessible. The variety of services may differ from one country to another depending on the market.
How effective is the BMW ConnectedDrive app?
You may use your Apple or Android smartphone, smartwatch, or even an Amazon Echo to control the BMW ConnectedDrive software. You can use it to plan your schedule, remember appointments, or schedule destinations before getting in your car.
With the help of BMW Connected, your smartphone effectively functions as a digital key to unlock and lock your BMW. Similar to a remote control, you can use it to lock doors, activate the climate control, or flash your headlights.
customer portals for My BMW ConnectedDrive and the BMW ConnectedDrive Store.
You can reserve a variety of services and apps for usage in your vehicle separately through the BMW ConnectedDrive Store. Whenever you want and for whatever long you like, you may outfit your BMW with services like Online Entertainment, Real Time Traffic Information, BMW Online, Remote Services, and much more.
Particularly convenient: accessing the BMW ConnectedDrive Store from your computer or even the Control Display in your BMW is simple and convenient. Then, via the My BMW ConnectedDrive customer site, you can manage your services online and adjust settings to suit your requirements. You may get information about the current state of your BMW as well as activate and manage the Remote Services in the separate Remote Cockpit of the BMW customer portal.
Online journal
Any journey you take is saved and recorded in the BMW Online Logbook. The logbook can be found in both the car and your BMW ConnectedDrive Customer Portal. Through iDrive, all trip details are entered directly in the car. The starting and ending GPS coordinates, the date, and the kilometer measurements are automatically logged for each excursion. For submission to the tax authorities, a certified report with all the details can be created.
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How can I sign up for BMW Online?
- Identify your car. Type your VIN’s final seven characters here.
- Get Remote Services going. On the dashboard, click “Activate Remote Services.”
Does the BMW app have 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.
Is My BMW a decent app?
The functioning of the apps is generally rather good; I’ve never had issues using them to check the condition of my car or to give it commands, with the exception of times when service is sporadic, but that is to be anticipated. I like that I can see the battery’s condition and when it will finish charging.
BMW Connected is it free?
All eligible BMW vehicles with the software installed are eligible for free registration with ConnectedDrive. For three years, most BMW vehicles come standard with it. BMW offers the majority of the Digital Services capabilities separately or as a trial since it understands that not all owners will want or require all of the ConnectedDrive functions.
The majority of these have different prices, ranging from PS1 for a one-month trial of real-time traffic data to PS79 for a map update for the My Journey system. BMW, on the other hand, offers four ConnectedDrive packages that range in price from PS59 to PS239 and run for a full year. As the price rises, each bundle includes more ConnectedDrive features.
Only BMWs with the most recent OS7 infotainment system and up receive Apple CarPlay for free, which may surprise some BMW owners. When their BMWs reach their third anniversary, some owners will still be required to pay up to PS265 for Apple CarPlay. In 2020, BMW vehicles finally offered Android Auto connectivity as an option, providing wireless integration to the vehicle’s infotainment system at no additional cost.
What benefits does BMW ConnectedDrive offer?
Features for integrated navigation and assistance BMW ConnectedDrive keeps you fully in control with everything from real-time traffic updates and parking information to concierge services and emergency support.
What distinguishes the BMW Connected app from the My BMW 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 (e.g. convenient vehicle location, sending routes from the app to BMW Maps).
Has BMW implemented GPS tracking?
No, the BMW Assist system simply relays the position of your vehicle. When the “Concierge,” “Customer Relations,” or “Service Request” menu option is selected, or when the vehicle’s sensors detect the need for upcoming services and the system automatically transmits service information to your local BMW center on BMW Assist-equipped 2004 and later 5 and 6 Series, 2006 and later 7 Series and 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagon, 2007 and late models, the vehicle will start the Automatic Collision Notification service after a serious impact occurs. 3. If you press the “SOS,” “Wrench,” “Emergency,” or “Roadside Assistance” button, 4. If you call (888) 333-6118 to request Stolen Vehicle Recovery service after filing your police report (on all 7 Series produced between September 2005 and later, as well as all other 2005 and later BMW Assist-equipped and activated models produced between October 2004 and later).
With BMW ConnectedDrive, is it possible to start your car?
You can activate Remote Engine Start by pointing your BMW key fob at your car and pressing the lock button (the BMW Roundel) three times in a row.