3G Services discontinuation, email from BMW..

[KK22]

"
Dear....

...As a result of the sunset of 3G service by wireless carrier partners, by February 2022 your vehicle will no longer be able to receive some or all ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services, such as BMW Assist eCall, Advanced Real‑Time Traffic Information, Remote Services and BMW Online, depending on your BMW model.

The decision to phase out 3G network technology was made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW.

Based on your vehicle model, you are eligible for a technology upgrade to maintain functionality of BMW ConnectedDrive services.

For more details, please refer to the 3G Cellular Technology Discontinuation Frequently Asked Questions or contact BMW Customer Relations at 800‑831‑1117.

BMW ConnectedDrive"


Since I am eligible for the free upgrade, Ive already scheduled an appointment for Monday at Perillo. Anyone else get this email? Is it essentially an iDrive upgrade? Any other thoughts?

[AlteBMW]

You are eligible for an upgrade, but did they say explicitly that it is free?

[KK22]

When you click on the email, it says upgrade for those who are eligible is free. Email states I'm eligible. Confirmed by dealer.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by KK22

When you click on the email, it says upgrade for those who are eligible is free. Email states I'm eligible. Confirmed by dealer.

What models or model years are effected? I looked at the FAQ's but it didn't say. I haven't received a notification, but am curious if one might be coming. I have two 2019's with I Drive 6.

[KK22]

The FAQ text...

"Last Updated: April 22, 2021 The upcoming discontinuation of 3G cellular technology will impact our BMW ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services offering.

Customers with active BMW Connected/BMW Assist contracts that are affected will be notified via email or First-Class Mail.

1.Why is it no longer possible to renew ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services for my vehicle?

Due to a phasing out of the 3G network by cellular carriers, ConnectedDrive services can no longer besupported starting February 2022 for select vehicles. The decision to phase out 3G network technologywas made at the discretion of the respective cellular carriers and lies beyond the control of BMW.

BMW is in the process of assessing options to ensure that BMW ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist renewals are only sold within the timeframe that services can be supported. Currently, service renewals are not possible, as they are sold for one-year terms.

For customers who had one or more ConnectedDrive services expiring between February 2021 – February 2022, a complimentary Connected Package Professional or BMW Assist Safety Plan subscription was automatically activated for their BMW vehicle until February 1, 2022. Such a vehicle will receive all services within the Connected Package Professional or BMW Assist Safety Plan that it is technically capable of receiving. Please note that not all services may be available due to optional equipment required (e.g., Navigation is required for Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information). To ensure customers receive the complimentary services, they will need to “Update Services” via iDrive. Depending on the vehicle, this is done by selecting “Apps” > “All Apps” > Press “Options” button >“Update apps and services”, or ConnectedDrive > Press “Options” button > “Update BMW Assist.” Ifafter performing this update services are unavailable , please contact BMW Assist Customer Care at 1-888-333-6118 or customercare@bmwassist.com.

2.What services are affected?

As a result of the sunset of 3G service by wireless carrier partners, by February 2022, vehicles factory-equipped with 3G telematics devices or retrofitted 2G vehicles will no longer be able to receive anyConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services.

Some vehicles factory-equipped with 4G telematics devices will no longer have access to services that require a voice connection, such as BMW Assist eCall and Concierge Services, but will continue to receive certain ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services such as Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information, Remote Services and BMW Online, depending on your BMW model.

3. My original contract for ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services expires after February 1, 2022. How will this change affect me?

You will receive additional information from BMW. Some vehicles may be eligible for a technology upgrade to maintain functionality.

4. My contract for ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist services is active but expires before February 1, 2022. Will I be able to use my services until then?

If you currently have an active ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist contract that expires in or after February 2022, your services will continue to work until February 2022. For customers who had one or more ConnectedDrive services expiring between February 2021 – February 2022, a complimentary Connected Package Professional or BMW Assist Safety Plan subscription was automatically activated for their BMW vehicle until February 1, 2022.

Such a vehicle will receive all services within the Connected Package Professional or BMW Assist Safety Plan that it is technically capable of receiving. Please note that not all services may be available due to optional equipment required (e.g., Navigation is required for Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information). To ensure customers receive the complimentary services, they will need to “Update Services” via iDrive. Depending on the vehicle, this is done by selecting “Apps” > “All Apps” > Press “Options” button > “Update apps and services”, or ConnectedDrive > Press “Options” button > “Update BMW Assist.” If after performing this update services are unavailable, please contact BMW Assist Customer Care at 1-888-333-6118 or customercare@bmwassist.com.

Customers affected by this 3G cellular technology discontinuation are unable to purchase or renew services. To ensure that BMW ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist renewals are only sold within the timeframe that services can be supported, BMW has stopped selling one-year service renewals as of February 1, 2021. This was done proactively so that renewal service contracts would not extend beyond February 2022.

5. Can a customer upgrade their vehicle to newer technology that would support ConnectedDrive/BMW Assist?

Not all BMW vehicles will be eligible for a technology upgrade. Customers will be notified via email or First-Class Mail about whether their vehicles are eligible for an upgrade or not.

6. I received a notice that my vehicle is eligible for a technology upgrade. What are my next steps?

If you received an email or postal mailing stating that your vehicle is eligible for a technology upgrade, please schedule an appointment with your local BMW Center to receive the upgrade, which will be free of charge."

[AlteBMW]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

What models or model years are effected? I looked at the FAQ's but it didn't say. I haven't received a notification, but am curious if one might be coming. I have two 2019's with I Drive 6.

I couldn't find an affected year/model list either.

[Bob in IL]

Originally Posted by AlteBMW

I couldn't find an affected year/model list either.

Yeah, everything I've read so far has been kind of vague.

[KK22]

Some more info in the video, but he says it applies to 2016 and earlier. But mines a 2017. So I am more confused than ever.

[Markr]

Wouldn’t it be so much easier if they said anything before VIN number nnnn - it would take away all debate - as I have noticed that we all refer to model years differently too!

[Bezi]

In Europe too?
I dont have any emails from BMW...2017 740d

[AlteBMW]

Originally Posted by Bob in IL

Yeah, everything I've read so far has been kind of vague.

You would think that BMW could create a website for this - a lot of people may be affected. A website with clear listing of which cars were affected would also stave off calls to the purported BMW Genius line, and save everyone a lot of aggravation. Is that too much to ask?

[Qsilver7]

You can tell if you are 3G or not when you look at the little symbol on the iDrive screen when you pull up BMW Connected. Same thing happened with my 2013 f06 when 2G was shut down.

Example, in the pic below...you can see 3G in the upper left corner.

[KK22]

Got the car back and it was just a software upgrade. Not one you can do over USB since I was already up to date on that. I am assured that after this my connected drive service will continue after Feb 22. Also, I see a few minor upgrades in things like the 3d camera and other car options, but nothing substantial.

I imagine all G12s that need the upgrade will get it for free. Perhaps 2018 and older don't need it at all. But I'm guessing.

[Ash4232]

Many MY2014 and MY2015 cars came with a 10-year factory-equipped ConnectedDrive services contract (see page 2 of the Service Availability Matrix updated June 2019.pdf). My ConnectedDrive services are valid until 2024. As of now I have not received information on whether my car is eligible or not eligible for a tech upgrade. If BMW does not offer a free retrofit for these "older" cars, they will face a class action lawsuit for sure.

BMW has some FAQs on the 3G sunset. Items 3 and 6 appear to indicate that some cars will receive a free tech upgrade. But BMW is keeping it vague on which cars are eligible.