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.
We go through all the details of BMW ConnectedDrive, including its price.
The majority of contemporary vehicles come with entertainment systems that make use of software programs and frequently have smartphone connectivity and driving assistance functions. To pass the stringent Euro NCAP safety testing, a car must have the latter, which includes tools like Lane Assist and Blind Spot Monitoring. However, some are more spectacular and complicated than others.
One of these is BMW ConnectedDrive. It’s a collection of software programs made to improve the comfort, security, and infotainment features of BMW vehicles. Since its launch in 2008, ConnectedDrive has grown from a straightforward web browser to a collection of systems with three key digital capabilities.
These include the “BMW Connected App,” “Digital Services,” and “Driver Assistance Services.” They’re made to offer drivers improved entertainment along with some additional safety and convenience technology.
Through a sim card installed in the automobile and connected to the internet, ConnectedDrive transmits and receives data. The ConnectedDrive app on your smartphone or the main infotainment screen of the vehicle both display this data.
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.
Basic characteristics of BMW ConnectedDrive
- The fundamental characteristics are a need for using BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps. Intelligent Emergency Call and ConnectedDrive Services (6AK) (6AC) You can also reserve the services from BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps (Real Time Traffic Information, Concierge Services, Remote Services, Online Entertainment, Internet) as an additional choice if you have already reserved one of these fundamental features. The specific equipment option BMW Teleservices (6AE) with a permanently fitted SIM card is one of these fundamental elements. When reserving the ConnectedDrive Services (6AK) or Intelligent Emergency Call features, the unique equipment choice is provided immediately (6AC)
How can I start the internet services for my BMW?
- On the dashboard, click “Activate Remote Services.” If this button isn’t visible, you can access it by going to Settings > Set up services > Activate Remote Services.
- Choose a vehicle.
- Put in the security code BMW texted or emailed you.
Must you purchase a BMW online?
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.
My BMW app is it free?
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.
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).
What advantages does BMW ConnectedDrive offer?
- eCall for BMW Assist. Get the emergency assistance you require.
- Roadside Assistance by BMW.
- Information from traffic cameras.
- Recorder for drives.
- Animal & Pedestrian Detection in Night Vision
What features come with BMW ConnectedDrive?
3D view in real time on the screen of your smartphone. Utilize Remote Services to locate your car. Close and open your doors. Adapt the climate controls
Spotify is it free with a BMW?
BMW and MINI drivers can experience seamless music:
- Use features like Radio and your personal playlists and songs to
- Enjoy a simple viewing experience on the high-resolution vehicle display.
- Useful and secure when paired with the iDrive Controller
- On-demand music of an even higher caliber is available to premium customers.