BMW ConnectedDrive Innovations: Advanced on-board use of mobile phones and music players.
Beginning with September production there will be enhancements for BMW Assist with Bluetooth (639) and iPod/USB Adapter (6FL). These enhancements will extend the functionality through improved integration of mobile devices into the vehicle. These new features are made possible by hardware advances and are not “retrofittable” to pre-September builds.
BMW Assist with Extended Bluetooth (639)
The Bluetooth functionality is extended beyond hands-free and phonebook support. Multiple innovations will debut with BMW Assist with Extended Bluetooth. Feature support is dependent upon compatibility with the mobile device.
Mobile Office: Now with the industry-first mobile office integration of BlackBerry Smartphones, a customer can access email, text messages, and notes all through the iDrive system providing a great integration of mobile life into the vehicle. It is important that drivers maintain focus on the road, and to assist them in maintaining that focus, the text is restricted and only fully displayed when the vehicle is parked. However, with the voice control system included with navigation, the messages are read aloud via text-to-speech so the driver can keep his or her eyes on the road. (Compatible BlackBerry hardware, firmware, and feature set T.B.D.)
External Call Lists: The new external call list handling provides a more seamless experience by downloading the “re-dial” and “received calls list” at every reconnect of the mobile device and after each call.
Bluetooth Music Streaming: Bluetooth music streaming offers wireless audio streaming from the mobile device to the vehicle. Music stored on the mobile phone is played and controlled through the iDrive controller.
iPod/USB Adapter (6FL)
This option has also been enhanced with many exciting features.
iPod One-wire integration: No longer will an iPod connection require the “Y-cable”. The original iPod USB cable is all that is required to connect the device to the vehicle. This simplifies the connection by not requiring the aux-input. The music is transferred directly from the iPod digitally to the HiFi system via USB. Therefore as of September, the Y-Cable will no longer be included with iPod/USB Adapter (6FL).
Album Cover Art: The ability to display album cover art will also be included with the iPod/USB Adapter. If cover art is contained in the metadata of the song, it will show on the vehicle display while the song is played.
Voice Control of Devices: In combination with the voice control system included with navigation, the driver can control external devices and select genre, artist, album, and song title by simply speaking the words.
Mobile Phone Device Driver Update: Lastly, in combination with BMW Assist, the USB port of the iPod/USB Adapter can be used to upload new mobile phone and audio player device drivers. (Release timing for this feature and device driver availability are subject to change.)
7 Series
The Model Year 2011 760Li will start production in September 2010. We are pleased to announce that there are no changes to the equipment profile or the price of the vehicle.
As announced at the New York Auto Show, xDrive will be available on both of the BMW ALPINA B7 Sedans. This all-wheel drive performance luxury Sedan achieves 0-60 mph in 4.6 seconds. The B7 will again set the benchmark in terms of performance, refinement, technology, luxury and exclusivity.
The B7 xDrive models will come standard with the same equipment level as the RWD B7 models. The base price for the B7 xDrive short wheel base model is $125,000 and the B7 xDrive long wheel base is $128,900.
The stand-alone optional 19” wheel on the xDrive models (2ST) with performance
tires will be replaced with all-season
tires (2H1). The wheel styling 235 will remain the same.
The Rear Comfort Seats, which are available in the Luxury Rear Seating Package (ZLU) on the 740Li, 750Li, and standard on the 760Li, will now include a middle seat and seat belt. This means that all 7 Series models will be able to seat 5 passengers.
The 740i and 740Li production restraint that forced every vehicle to have Multi-contour (456) and Heated Seats (494) will no longer apply with the end of August production. Beginning with September production, Multi-contour seats can be ordered in the Luxury Seating Package or as a stand-alone option for $1,300. Heated Seats are standard on the 740Li and available in the Cold Weather Package and as a stand-alone option for the 740i models for $500.
The sensor for Active Cruise Control with Stop & Go (5DF) will be the same size as the 5 Series sensor, meaning it is smaller than the previous sensor. The placement of the sensor will remain to the right of kidney grille.
The Rear Seat Entertainment Package (ZRP) has been moved from a Priority 1 to a stand alone option.