[chrisvd183]

Hello,

Can somebody tell me if we have to use a BMW LTE provider or if we can use one I chose. Like in Belgium Proximus has the best network so i want to use them. Ii have a sim card available.

Thanks for the info.

[six]

Originally Posted by chrisvd183

Hello,

Can somebody tell me if we have to use a BMW LTE provider or if we can use one I chose. Like in Belgium Proximus has the best network so i want to use them. Ii have a sim card available.

Thanks for the info.

Sadly it seems we have to use the built in SIM and BMW tariff. It’s really bad here in the UK, so bad my dealer doesn’t know any customers who use it. It’s very expensive and very inconvenient as the data allowances keen running out quickly and then you are on a trip and don’t know your phone isn’t connected getting email and messages anymore. Poor experience

[chrisvd183]

Originally Posted by six

Sadly it seems we have to use the built in SIM and BMW tariff. It’s really bad here in the UK, so bad my dealer doesn’t know any customers who use it. It’s very expensive and very inconvenient as the data allowances keen running out quickly and then you are on a trip and don’t know your phone isn’t connected getting email and messages anymore. Poor experience

That is not looking good then... I was hoping to add the car to the company pool ... bummer. I will ask them what the cost is for Belgium.

[jole996]

Where is the built-in SIM? Has anybody seen it? Is it a real SIM or just a chip with (usual SIM) data, IMSI, KI etc?

[randybobandy]

Originally Posted by jole996

Where is the built-in SIM? Has anybody seen it? Is it a real SIM or just a chip with (usual SIM) data, IMSI, KI etc?

Digging into this (reference material linked below), it looks like the sim is built into the telematic comm box, which is located under the fin on the rear. Doubt it is possible, and no idea what mess would come up going into the box. I wish there was a sim slot in the center storage compartment!

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/g...box/1VnYkbhHXT

[jole996]

Originally Posted by randybobandy

Digging into this (reference material linked below), it looks like the sim is built into the telematic comm box, which is located under the fin on the rear. Doubt it is possible, and no idea what mess would come up going into the box. I wish there was a sim slot in the center storage compartment!

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/g...box/1VnYkbhHXT

Probably it is not the actual SIM (plastic small with chip), but a real chip integrated on circuit board, that can be loaded with IMSI/KI etc data and behave like SIM. As with Amazon Kindle. Then BMW makes arrangements with one operator in each country, to let their IMSI range roam in that country and have XX GB per month at certain cost that BMW pays (from subscription money they get from teleservices).

If it would be a real physical SIM card, it would be possible to change it to some other for data transfer, but I think it would be logistics nightmare for BMW to acquire SIMs from all over the world and install them at factory or similar process.

[randybobandy]

jole996 Agreed...I think they went with something along the lines of the eSIM route, but it is probably walled off. Now, I wonder if there would be a way to code and possibly allow for some work around? It suck's they don't allow for customer choice...but again..it's all about that $$$$!

Side note, when you go into the new version of the iOS connected drive app...under HUB, there's a quick shot to register and set up the hotspot. I still have the trial, and was looking to try it out. My only complaint is that it might just be easier to use my iPhone as a hotspot if needed.

[jole996]

Originally Posted by randybobandy

jole996 Agreed...I think they went with something along the lines of the eSIM route, but it is probably walled off. Now, I wonder if there would be a way to code and possibly allow for some work around? It suck's they don't allow for customer choice...but again..it's all about that $$$$!

Side note, when you go into the new version of the iOS connected drive app...under HUB, there's a quick shot to register and set up the hotspot. I still have the trial, and was looking to try it out. My only complaint is that it might just be easier to use my iPhone as a hotspot if needed.

I went through the docs and yes, it is an integrated SIM. There are ways to walk around that (femtocell), let me get into it, since it is my field...

[randybobandy]

Originally Posted by jole996

I went through the docs and yes, it is an integrated SIM. There are ways to walk around that (femtocell), let me get into it, since it is my field...

Ha way above my pay grade! All these "integrated" components on products these days...not just vehicles...really makes things non-repairable/customizable without going to the manufacturer. It's truly a shame, since it's not in the best interest of the customer at the end of the day.

[jole996]

Originally Posted by randybobandy

Ha way above my pay grade! All these "integrated" components on products these days...not just vehicles...really makes things non-repairable/customizable without going to the manufacturer. It's truly a shame, since it's not in the best interest of the customer at the end of the day.

These days you can get a $15-20 programmable femto from Aliexpess

[LexxM3]

Originally Posted by jole996

These days you can get a $15-20 programmable femto from Aliexpess

Subscribed.

[Mr_Lebedev]

better to buy usb wifi dongle, insert your sim and install in trunk area. I did it.

[jole996]

And this works? Your car is using Connected Services only through wifi? Doesn't use it's own eSIM at all?

[Mr_Lebedev]

Originally Posted by jole996

And this works? Your car is using Connected Services only through wifi? Doesn't use it's own eSIM at all?

yes. its works.
im not using this for bmw connected services, but im using this for share internet for installed Android inferface (installed over original infotainment system) and for other users in car. this gongle installed in hide area in trunk. you can buy it in amazon, ebay, aliexpress, everywhere… im using regular sim

[EmmTee]

Originally Posted by jole996

I went through the docs and yes, it is an integrated SIM. There are ways to walk around that (femtocell), let me get into it, since it is my field...

Hi Jole996 ... were you able to get anywhere with a work-around that can be used to access BMW ConnectedServices?

[EmmTee]

Originally Posted by jole996

I went through the docs and yes, it is an integrated SIM. There are ways to walk around that (femtocell), let me get into it, since it is my field...

Hi jole996 ... were you able to get anywhere with a work-around that can be used to access BMW ConnectedServices?