Disconnect car from BMW (MFG) to avoid their visibility?

elite-fusion · 03-18-2022, 11:19 AM

Hi everyone,

Just wondering how can I go about disconnecting the car from the world in terms of connectivity to BMW.

Not sure if this is possible and if so, can someone please elaborate on how this is done?

All my cars that I've had, I usually never set up any of the app stuff to sync with the phone, and ensure that the car is not being tract by the mfg.

Car was purchased used, so not sure if it has any connection to anyones account at the BMW end, but I did go ahead and try to set up a profile which forced me to create an account, which I did, but did not accept the terms of use or anything. I have since also reset the Connected iDrive system to its factory settings from the General Settings menu which removed the previously created profile.

I just take privacy quite seriously, so I want to know how to disconnect it from BMW being able to track the car, log details of the car, etc...

Stoshu · 03-18-2022, 11:28 AM

I’m sure you have your reasons and everyone has different levels of concern over privacy so I won’t comment one way or another about yours. The issue I will comment on is if you total delink your car you will not get software updates, some recall notices, and the ability to remotely monitor your cars status via the app (gas levels, tire pressure, security status [windows, doors, sunroof], and the use of the 3D camera system).

It’s a trade off I guess.

elite-fusion · 03-18-2022, 12:21 PM

Yeah i never use the app to control the car. The only thing i can see missing is the remote start, but i can live without it.

So any ideas how to full delink?

jad03060 · 03-18-2022, 01:14 PM

Remove the plug from the telemetrics module. This might produce an error message each time you start the vehicle, but without that, it can't talk to the cellular network.

I'm not sure if it's on its own fuse, but if it is, you could just pull that.

This also means that if you were in an accident, it couldn't call for help on your behalf.

TurtleBoy · 03-18-2022, 01:46 PM

As mentioned, disconnect/disable the TCU. You will be giving up a lot, navigation, apps, emergency calls, etc, but if you feel the need go for it.

mobsync · 03-18-2022, 02:53 PM

What would one need to do just to remove the visibility of their car from their wife's app on her phone? Asking for a friend.

TurtleBoy · 03-18-2022, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mobsync

What would one need to do just to remove the visibility of their car from their wife's app on her phone? Asking for a friend.

Log into her MyGarage account and remove your car from her list of vehicles. It will eliminate the "Why were you parked at my best friend Tiffany's house for two hours?".

-Vanguard- · 03-18-2022, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Log into her MyGarage account and remove your car from her list of vehicles. It will eliminate the "Why were you parked at my best friend Tiffany's house for two hours?".

I just need 5 mins

TurtleBoy · 03-18-2022, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by -Vanguard-

I just need 5 mins

I was figuring in dinner, washing the dishes and a tv show.

03-18-2022, 11:19 AM	#1
elite-fusion Captain 161 Rep 606 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Disconnect car from BMW (MFG) to avoid their visibility? Hi everyone, Just wondering how can I go about disconnecting the car from the world in terms of connectivity to BMW. Not sure if this is possible and if so, can someone please elaborate on how this is done? All my cars that I've had, I usually never set up any of the app stuff to sync with the phone, and ensure that the car is not being tract by the mfg. Car was purchased used, so not sure if it has any connection to anyones account at the BMW end, but I did go ahead and try to set up a profile which forced me to create an account, which I did, but did not accept the terms of use or anything. I have since also reset the Connected iDrive system to its factory settings from the General Settings menu which removed the previously created profile. I just take privacy quite seriously, so I want to know how to disconnect it from BMW being able to track the car, log details of the car, etc...
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03-18-2022, 11:28 AM	#2
Stoshu Captain 494 Rep 744 Posts Drives: 2021 BMW X5 M50i Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: St. Louis iTrader: (0)	I’m sure you have your reasons and everyone has different levels of concern over privacy so I won’t comment one way or another about yours. The issue I will comment on is if you total delink your car you will not get software updates, some recall notices, and the ability to remotely monitor your cars status via the app (gas levels, tire pressure, security status [windows, doors, sunroof], and the use of the 3D camera system). It’s a trade off I guess.
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03-18-2022, 12:21 PM	#3
elite-fusion Captain 161 Rep 606 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (0)	Yeah i never use the app to control the car. The only thing i can see missing is the remote start, but i can live without it. So any ideas how to full delink?
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03-18-2022, 01:14 PM	#4
jad03060 Major General 3166 Rep 6,805 Posts Drives: X5 45e Join Date: Aug 2018 Location: NH iTrader: (0)	Remove the plug from the telemetrics module. This might produce an error message each time you start the vehicle, but without that, it can't talk to the cellular network. I'm not sure if it's on its own fuse, but if it is, you could just pull that. This also means that if you were in an accident, it couldn't call for help on your behalf.
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03-18-2022, 01:46 PM	#5
TurtleBoy General 13275 Rep 19,803 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i,2021 M340i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	As mentioned, disconnect/disable the TCU. You will be giving up a lot, navigation, apps, emergency calls, etc, but if you feel the need go for it. __________________ 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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03-18-2022, 02:53 PM	#6
mobsync Lieutenant 228 Rep 517 Posts Drives: '24 X5 50e Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: MS iTrader: (0)	What would one need to do just to remove the visibility of their car from their wife's app on her phone? Asking for a friend.
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