[jefe2000]

Back when ConnectedDrive was $50/yr for the non-realtime-traffic package, I paid for the package. It was moderately useful to be able to remotely lock/unlock the car, set the fans runnning at a scheduled time, check if the sunroof was open, check the fuel level, etc., all from the smartphone app. Overall, the remote services available for our F87’s are pretty minimal compared to other contemporary BMW models.

When the price went up to $120/yr I said “no thanks!” and didn’t re-up when my term ended. The conveniences were nice, but not $10/mo nice. The BMW app was a lot less useful after that.

So imagine my surprise when I launched the app today and was able to see all sorts of status on my car. I was able to lock/unlock the car remotely. All the features that had gone away when I stopped paying the ConnectedDrive fee had returned! Even my online BMW account shows that remote services are active.

I haven’t paid for remote services. I don’t know why they might be active, and I don’t want to dig too deep for fear of them being turned off again. Anyone else have an experience like this?

[ThreeStripes]

OK, something must be up.

I assumed it was a weird coincidence/glitch after I was poking around the website pricing this out. When I randomly saw it was enabled a few days later I had to double check I hadn’t completed the purchase.

Not sure what’s up but I’ll take it. Given I’m about to start playing with flex-fuel it’s nice to be able to see current fuel levels via the app.

[KevinC]

The basic ConnectedDrive services seem to be free for the life of the car, from what I can tell when checking my account. Maybe in the past it was for some model years and now it is? I dunno.

[jefe2000]

I’m fairly certain that the basic remote features disappeared for me for awhile when I chose not to renew the ConnectDrive subscription (when the annual price increased from $50 to $120 USD). So it does seem that some basic remote functionality has become free.

Good to know it’s not just me. Thanks for the responses!

[Kikuchiyo]

FWIW, it has been a permanent service in Japan even surviving owner charges.

BMW may (just may) have made a decision to eliminate unfair treatment of users depending on the regions and your service revived?
I am not sure if the company is that much generous, though.

[leew102]

Looks like it might be free now: https://www.reddit.com/r/BMW/comment...ices_free_now/