So iOS 12.x added support for third-party NFC app launching, which is likely needed to allow the ConnectedDrive app to open when placed into the charging cradle. I suspect that Apple released the update _after_ the charging cradle software was finished, and BMW is having to catch up with a release for iOS that launches the app via the NFC signal instead of the phone defaulting to Apple Pay since no alternative app is registered with the NFC ID.
Related article:
https://www.macworld.com/article/330...usinesses.html
Apple Core NFC:
https://developer.apple.com/document...nd_tag_reading