Question on Connectivity for Remote Camera

Jarkarp · 03-30-2024, 08:28 PM

So I just got an xdrive40i and am loving it so far. I've been using the remote camera function on the My BMW app a few times and am wondering how the data transfer side of things actually worked. The way I understand it, the car would need a cellular connection to be able to upload the picture to be downloaded to the app. However, I didn't sign up for any additional cellular/mobile plans for the car. So, does it mean that BMW is actually paying for some sort of cellular/mobile connection between the car and its servers for the My BMW app? I think that if my phone is close enough, it can probably use my phone's connection to the web via ultra wideband (maybe?), but for a location like 20 miles away it still worked, so I am super curious.

TurtleBoy · 03-31-2024, 09:18 AM

The vehicle has its own cell connection that is used or various ConnectedDrive services.

nZtiZia · 03-31-2024, 12:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jarkarp

So I just got an xdrive40i and am loving it so far. I've been using the remote camera function on the My BMW app a few times and am wondering how the data transfer side of things actually worked. The way I understand it, the car would need a cellular connection to be able to upload the picture to be downloaded to the app. However, I didn't sign up for any additional cellular/mobile plans for the car. So, does it mean that BMW is actually paying for some sort of cellular/mobile connection between the car and its servers for the My BMW app? I think that if my phone is close enough, it can probably use my phone's connection to the web via ultra wideband (maybe?), but for a location like 20 miles away it still worked, so I am super curious.

1) as mentioned, the vehicle has its own cellular connection between it and the servers for ConnectedDrive and MyBMW app services. while we pay for the services, we don't pay for the connection

2) to clarify what you're referring to above (in bold), the vehicle is not designed to connect to your home's or phone's networks. you can connect your wifi devices to the vehicle's wifi hot spot if you subscribe to that feature

03-30-2024, 08:28 PM	#1
Jarkarp New Member 0 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 135i, 718 S, X5 on order Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Washington State iTrader: (0)	Question on Connectivity for Remote Camera So I just got an xdrive40i and am loving it so far. I've been using the remote camera function on the My BMW app a few times and am wondering how the data transfer side of things actually worked. The way I understand it, the car would need a cellular connection to be able to upload the picture to be downloaded to the app. However, I didn't sign up for any additional cellular/mobile plans for the car. So, does it mean that BMW is actually paying for some sort of cellular/mobile connection between the car and its servers for the My BMW app? I think that if my phone is close enough, it can probably use my phone's connection to the web via ultra wideband (maybe?), but for a location like 20 miles away it still worked, so I am super curious.
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03-31-2024, 09:18 AM	#2
TurtleBoy General 13724 Rep 20,406 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i,2021 M340i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	The vehicle has its own cell connection that is used or various ConnectedDrive services. __________________ 2021 BMW G20 M340i xDrive - Verde Ermes/Black - 03/2024.40 2019 BMW G05 X5 xDrive40i - Phytonic Blue/Cognac - 11/2023.50
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