Bmw connected drive ending

itshere · 10-24-2023, 09:12 PM

I drive a 2020 x5 and just learned that the bmw connected drive app is coming to an end in a couple months… very disappointing that bmw does this given the high price of these vehicles and the built in features but yet they want $150usd a year for the option to lock, unlock and remote start your vehicle. Had those free on my Infiniti…got use to using the app to check if the car/windows are locked, etc so will unfortunately have to bite the bullet and pay the 150 a year.. just seems pretty petty on their end.

From my understanding most features on the app will be useless including many on the dashboard as well such as bmw voice/Spotify, etc ( yes I know you can use CarPlay) but when I had issues with CarPlay I switched to bmw Spotify and it worked without any issues..

What are y’all thoughts on this?

Bolt1949 · 10-24-2023, 09:22 PM

With my 2019 I had to pay for the subscription once the vehicle reached 4 years since original purchase (i.e., beginning with year 5). The app is not free for the life of the car. I do not think the app is marketed as "no-charge for life."

timmahh · 10-24-2023, 09:29 PM

I don't have a problem with it. On older models with less features I probably wouldn't buy it. My only complaint is when things are disabled completely due to age, i.e. not even possible to subscribe. But that happens with technology advances as old hardware becomes legacy/unsupported (like EDGE, 3G service).

Regarding Infiniti.. I'd rather have a system that I have to pay for after 4 years instead of having to take it in for software updates, or pay for map updates (both listed in their FAQ, but perhaps it's old). I can't find the terms but Infiniti Intouch also mentions trial period, subscriptions, etc.

If the services offered are worth it then subscribe after the initial trial period, if not then ditch them.

TurtleBoy · 10-24-2023, 09:34 PM

In my opinion you lose too much not having it, just subscribe.

itshere · 10-24-2023, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

In my opinion you lose too much not having it, just subscribe.

Exactly, doesn’t leave you with much choice.

mobilejo · 10-25-2023, 07:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itshere

Exactly, doesn’t leave you with much choice.

Yep. I just see it as a CODB (cost of doing business) for a modern connected car. The subscription cost is factored in mentally when I buy the car, like fuel, servicing and insurance.

Marty in NY · 10-25-2023, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itshere

I drive a 2020 x5 and just learned that the bmw connected drive app is coming to an end in a couple months… very disappointing that bmw does this given the high price of these vehicles and the built in features but yet they want $150usd a year for the option to lock, unlock and remote start your vehicle. Had those free on my Infiniti…got use to using the app to check if the car/windows are locked, etc so will unfortunately have to bite the bullet and pay the 150 a year.. just seems pretty petty on their end.

From my understanding most features on the app will be useless including many on the dashboard as well such as bmw voice/Spotify, etc ( yes I know you can use CarPlay) but when I had issues with CarPlay I switched to bmw Spotify and it worked without any issues..

What are y’all thoughts on this?

Right, it was always the case that it was a no charge feature during your OEM warranty. Maybe you just missed that fact or forgot or maybe it's slightly diff in Canada but you could always look on your phone app and see the expiration dates. I too am not a "subscriber" type person but the annual cost is basically equal to a months cable bill or 1/3 the price of a case of decent wine or a nice dinner at a restaurant...its pretty inexpensive for what it offers you.

Qsilver7 · 10-25-2023, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itshere

I drive a 2020 x5 and just learned that the bmw connected drive app is coming to an end in a couple months… very disappointing that bmw does this ...

So...is BMW Connected coming to an end...or is it simply the OP's subscription is coming to an end?

I hope it is the latter...because the thread's subject line is written as if BMW was putting a bullet in BMW Connected.

itshere · 10-25-2023, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Qsilver7

So...is BMW Connected coming to an end...or is it simply the OP's subscription is coming to an end?

I hope it is the latter...because the thread's subject line is written as if BMW was putting a bullet in BMW Connected.

Just mine

AGONXF30 · 10-29-2023, 06:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itshere

Just mine

Just pay the 150 a year. It is worth it in my opinion.

Qsilver7 · 10-29-2023, 10:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itshere

Just mine

Thanks.

Flying Ace · 10-30-2023, 09:11 AM

You also lose traffic info if you don't subscribe

10-24-2023, 09:12 PM	#1
itshere Private 12 Rep 52 Posts Drives: X5 Join Date: May 2023 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Bmw connected drive ending I drive a 2020 x5 and just learned that the bmw connected drive app is coming to an end in a couple months… very disappointing that bmw does this given the high price of these vehicles and the built in features but yet they want $150usd a year for the option to lock, unlock and remote start your vehicle. Had those free on my Infiniti…got use to using the app to check if the car/windows are locked, etc so will unfortunately have to bite the bullet and pay the 150 a year.. just seems pretty petty on their end. From my understanding most features on the app will be useless including many on the dashboard as well such as bmw voice/Spotify, etc ( yes I know you can use CarPlay) but when I had issues with CarPlay I switched to bmw Spotify and it worked without any issues.. What are y’all thoughts on this?
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10-24-2023, 09:22 PM	#2
Bolt1949 Private First Class 107 Rep 179 Posts Drives: 2024 X5 40i Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: Houston, TX iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 BMW 40i [0.00]	With my 2019 I had to pay for the subscription once the vehicle reached 4 years since original purchase (i.e., beginning with year 5). The app is not free for the life of the car. I do not think the app is marketed as "no-charge for life."
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10-24-2023, 09:29 PM	#3
timmahh ghey 484 Rep 2,041 Posts Drives: Viertürigen Fahrzeugs Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Southern California iTrader: (1)	I don't have a problem with it. On older models with less features I probably wouldn't buy it. My only complaint is when things are disabled completely due to age, i.e. not even possible to subscribe. But that happens with technology advances as old hardware becomes legacy/unsupported (like EDGE, 3G service). Regarding Infiniti.. I'd rather have a system that I have to pay for after 4 years instead of having to take it in for software updates, or pay for map updates (both listed in their FAQ, but perhaps it's old). I can't find the terms but Infiniti Intouch also mentions trial period, subscriptions, etc. If the services offered are worth it then subscribe after the initial trial period, if not then ditch them. __________________ 21 G05 > 20 G05 > 17 G30 > 14 F30 > 08 E90
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10-24-2023, 09:34 PM	#4
TurtleBoy General 13490 Rep 20,096 Posts Drives: 2019 X5 40i,2021 M340i Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	In my opinion you lose too much not having it, just subscribe. __________________ 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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10-30-2023, 09:11 AM	#12
Flying Ace Lieutenant General 4987 Rep 11,891 Posts Drives: G05 45e, 997.1 & 991.1 GT3s Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: SF, CA iTrader: (5)	You also lose traffic info if you don't subscribe
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