BMW Assist Discontinuation

nobodyhere · 10-27-2016, 07:09 PM

So there are three relevant options for our e9x M's when we type in the last 7 of our VIN's.
(well at least I see them, fourth for "I don't own the car anymore")

https://bmwassistoffer.com/sunset/vin.htm

300$ - BMW LIFESTYLE AND ACCESSORIES VOUCHER FOR IN-CENTER PURCHASES AND DEACTIVATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY

$200 BMW VISA GIFT CARD AND DEACTIVATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY

RETROFIT VEHICLE WITH UPDATED CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY

...
seems like it may be an easy choice for some to take the vouchers... For those who still have this active ... what do you all think you would choose?

Hagasan41 · 10-27-2016, 07:14 PM

I will most likely go with the retrofit. My '13 only has 6k miles so it's barely broken in.

Eau Rouge · 10-27-2016, 08:01 PM

I too would most likely go with the retrofit option. Who knows why this has been an issue? The FAQ associated with the link ITT's OP -- https://bmwassistoffer.com/sunset/faq.htm -- doesn't answer my only question -- Why has BMW decided to make a change that affects many customers with recent model cars?

IDK the answer, but I'd bet folding money someone reading this thread knows the answer but hasn't the balls to post it.

However, like most or errbody else here there's something to be said for BMW's assertion that this action falls within the parameters of delivering satisfaction. "In order to maintain our firm commitment to customer satisfaction,..." [quoted from FAQ in aforementioned link] What's not too be believed?

IMO, at the very least as far as BMW cars owners of circa 2009 forward are concerned, an offer to upgrade onboard cellular technology should be at zero cost to the owner. After all, the seller/warrantor in this instance, have made a unilateral decision that affects many.

At minimum, given BMW's ongoing effort to be perceived as an automotive leader in the realm of fusing electronic technology with its automobiles, which IMO it does succeed more often than not, the consistent and smart move in this instance, though not necessarily financially rewarding for a corporation with quarterly reports to be published, would have been to continue to support the former even as implementation of latest and greatest in-car tech software/firmware, etc.., was incorporated to its newest models.

Incidentally, I'm still awaiting a communiqué from BMWNA about the Takata airbags in my M3. How many months has it been; or is it a year?

How should I be feeling right now about my car's airbags getting no service juxtaposed to BMW's claim of a "firm commitment to customer satisfaction"?

nobodyhere · 10-27-2016, 08:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eau Rouge

I too would most likely go with the retrofit option. Who knows why this has been an issue? The FAQ associated with the link ITT's OP -- https://bmwassistoffer.com/sunset/faq.htm -- doesn't answer my only question -- Why has BMW decided to make a change that affect many customers with recent model cars?

IDK the answer, but I'd bet folding money someone reading this thread knows the answer but hasn't the balls to post it.

AFAIK it's related to the cellular technology (2G services) being discontinued by the network(s) not BMW. Just so happens the E9X design time fit into the GSM connectivity choice for the services.

Eau Rouge · 10-27-2016, 08:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nobodyhere

AFAIK it's related to the cellular technology (2G services) being discontinued by the network(s) not BMW. Just so happens the E9X design time fit into the GSM connectivity choice for the services.

Fair enough, but those three options to OP are just...[use your imagination].

2013M3 · 10-27-2016, 09:43 PM

I'm still not sure what this retrofit will do?

I assume making phones calls won't be an issue? radio/navigation won't be affected? Just the SOS and connected drive/concierge, which doesn't work that well on my M3 anyway. I hardly ever use the 'apps' as they don't really work. The only function I use is to use the 'newer' connected app to find addresses and send it to my navigation. I assume that option (to be able to search addresses) will not be available unless I retrofit?

And how much is all of this supposed to cost?

Mr. BMW · 10-27-2016, 09:56 PM

I just went online and did this tonight. My Car is a CPO and I still have over a year left on my subscription so I'm going to do the retrofit.
For me it's piece of mind having the SOS button...

KPM3er · 10-28-2016, 06:53 AM

If you choose retrofit and have less than a year of service left then you can continue the service after it expires for $199 a year.

2013M3 · 10-28-2016, 07:22 AM

Is the retrofit free if under warranty?

dparm · 10-28-2016, 08:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2013M3

Is the retrofit free if under warranty?

No, I believe it's only available if you had an active subscription. My car is under BMW EVP and the VIN shows as invalid.

2013M3 · 10-28-2016, 08:29 AM

I have an active subscription. so is the retrofit free? I realize you still have to pay for service.

and what exactly is a 'retrofit'? they pull something out and put something back in? the LCD gets changed? no details anywhere? is it a software?

dparm · 10-28-2016, 08:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2013M3

I have an active subscription. so is the retrofit free? I realize you still have to pay for service.

and what exactly is a 'retrofit'? they pull something out and put something back in? the LCD gets changed? no details anywhere? is it a software?

The telematics module (small electronics box) will likely get swapped out and some new software flashed because the radio chips are totally different. A new antenna might also get installed.

It's not like they're going to replace the entire electronics system and give you the new NBT.

Three Pedal Steve · 10-28-2016, 11:24 AM

I wonder if my custom coding and tune will be effected with a replacement module and re-flash. My S/A gave a confusing explanation all about this.

Is there the option to do nothing?

dparm · 10-28-2016, 01:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Three Pedal Steve

I wonder if my custom coding and tune will be effected with a replacement module and re-flash. My S/A gave a confusing explanation all about this.

Is there the option to do nothing?

I suspect they'll be flashing modules so yes, coding and tune would get lost.

There is an option to do nothing -- just don't respond to the website. Your Assist subscription will expire and the car will keep running just fine.

Reichsadler · 10-28-2016, 03:27 PM

Does anyone know what the retrofit will cost once your subscription expires?

NashvegasR · 10-28-2016, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reichsadler

Does anyone know what the retrofit will cost once your subscription expires?

Someone in another thread in the coding section of this board said ~$2800 is the BMW cost for retrofit. That may be bad info, but it's out there.

alee0729 · 10-28-2016, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Reichsadler

Does anyone know what the retrofit will cost once your subscription expires?

BMW has driven a hard line on this -- if you opt-out now or are already out of your subscription period, you will never get a retrofit.

That means even if you threw enormous amounts of money at your BMW dealer, BMW NA will not activate a new unit and register it to your car. The combox has to be activated by BMW and your car must be coded to accept the new hardware. BMW simply won't do it.

Bottom line - BMW is not interested in supporting older cars. They're retrofitting because they have to for cars under contract. Everyone else is simply out of luck.

It's pretty hostile in my opinion. While progressive companies like Tesla are helping cars stay current through frequent software releases, BMW continues to think that you'll probably buy a new car just to use CarPlay. It's that mentality that will eventually push me to a car company that realizes how much consumer technology will change over the lifetime of a car. I want to give my money to an automaker that is actually interested in making the total lifetime ownership of a car more enjoyable.

Reichsadler · 10-28-2016, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NashvegasR

Someone in another thread in the coding section of this board said ~$2800 is the BMW cost for retrofit. That may be bad info, but it's out there.

Thanks.

hpapad01 · 10-29-2016, 07:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alee0729

BMW has driven a hard line on this -- if you opt-out now or are already out of your subscription period, you will never get a retrofit.

That means even if you threw enormous amounts of money at your BMW dealer, BMW NA will not activate a new unit and register it to your car. The combox has to be activated by BMW and your car must be coded to accept the new hardware. BMW simply won't do it.

Bottom line - BMW is not interested in supporting older cars. They're retrofitting because they have to for cars under contract. Everyone else is simply out of luck.

It's pretty hostile in my opinion. While progressive companies like Tesla are helping cars stay current through frequent software releases, BMW continues to think that you'll probably buy a new car just to use CarPlay. It's that mentality that will eventually push me to a car company that realizes how much consumer technology will change over the lifetime of a car. I want to give my money to an automaker that is actually interested in making the total lifetime ownership of a car more enjoyable.

I'm not certain if this is entirely correct or not. I will know for sure sometime Monday. My car is a 2011 and my subscription expired March 2015.

My SA, which is a good friend, told me today the retrofit is going to be free and the only thing I'll have to cover is the yearly subscription. He will check the correct part number for the combox and they also will need the car all day to recode it. Once the new combox is installed and coded then BMW will be able to except my knew subscription. As it is right now BMW Assist cannot reactivate the subscription.

Now, I'm not sure if this can be done on my 2011.75 because it is a 2011.75 and has all the latest stuff as the 2013 model year or because BMW has several different combox part numbers. The SA told the BMW Assist person on the phone today that BMW has a recall (his exact words) for the older cars and they have several different part numbers for the different model years. Again, I'm not sure if this is just a "goodwill' type deal from my dealer or actually BMW NA has a recall type internally for the US alone.

The only reason I like to have it is because I like to use the BMW Connected. In fact, I've never used BMW Assist before until today. BTW, my BMW assist phone number in the car is a number that connects to BMW Assist in GERMANY. I've try it today and got a wonderful lady speaking to me in German. The only thing my SA and I could figure out was because the car had a European delivery and BMW Assist was set for Germany. Go figure...

The only bad thing is my coding from BPM will be flashed. Hopefully Mike Benvo can recode it again

dparm · 10-30-2016, 10:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NashvegasR

Someone in another thread in the coding section of this board said ~$2800 is the BMW cost for retrofit. That may be bad info, but it's out there.

That's hilarious, but not impossible. $1500 for the modules plus a few hours to install and recode?

nchan50 · 11-01-2016, 10:48 AM

Have you guys received this offer? I have an '09 with an active subscription through 12/31/2018 but I haven't received the offer and the website site my VIN is invalid when I tried to register.

rmcard · 11-01-2016, 01:09 PM

Can someone help me make a decision on this one?

My M3 doesn't have an active subscription, but my wife's X5 is a CPO and it does. However, we don't plan to keep that car very long and are looking to replace it at the moment with something w/ 3 rows.

My question is: Should I get it retrofitted given that I probably won't keep the X5 and it will be a PITA for me to have to leave it all day at the dealership or get the $300 in credit and buy myself some carbon fiber mirror caps at the dealership (assuming by "accessories" they don't mean that I have to buy BMW branded key chains and the like). I'm assuming nobody will give the car a pass because it doesn't have BMW Assist.

10-27-2016, 07:09 PM	#1
nobodyhere Private 15 Rep 40 Posts Drives: M3 E92 Join Date: May 2015 Location: SoCal iTrader: (0)	BMW Assist Discontinuation So there are three relevant options for our e9x M's when we type in the last 7 of our VIN's. (well at least I see them, fourth for "I don't own the car anymore") https://bmwassistoffer.com/sunset/vin.htm 300$ - BMW LIFESTYLE AND ACCESSORIES VOUCHER FOR IN-CENTER PURCHASES AND DEACTIVATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY $200 BMW VISA GIFT CARD AND DEACTIVATION OF EXISTING TECHNOLOGY RETROFIT VEHICLE WITH UPDATED CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY ... seems like it may be an easy choice for some to take the vouchers... For those who still have this active ... what do you all think you would choose?
	Appreciate 1 Theodore668.50 Tweet Quote

10-27-2016, 07:14 PM	#2
Hagasan41 First Lieutenant 266 Rep 349 Posts Drives: 2013 E92 ///M3, 1999 E36 ///M3 Join Date: May 2013 Location: Florida iTrader: (1)	I will most likely go with the retrofit. My '13 only has 6k miles so it's barely broken in.
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10-27-2016, 08:01 PM	#3
Eau Rouge Major 140 Rep 1,242 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Florida's Emerald Coast iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 BMW E92 M3 [9.00]	I too would most likely go with the retrofit option. Who knows why this has been an issue? The FAQ associated with the link ITT's OP -- https://bmwassistoffer.com/sunset/faq.htm -- doesn't answer my only question -- Why has BMW decided to make a change that affects many customers with recent model cars? IDK the answer, but I'd bet folding money someone reading this thread knows the answer but hasn't the balls to post it. However, like most or errbody else here there's something to be said for BMW's assertion that this action falls within the parameters of delivering satisfaction. "In order to maintain our firm commitment to customer satisfaction,..." [quoted from FAQ in aforementioned link] What's not too be believed? IMO, at the very least as far as BMW cars owners of circa 2009 forward are concerned, an offer to upgrade onboard cellular technology should be at zero cost to the owner. After all, the seller/warrantor in this instance, have made a unilateral decision that affects many. At minimum, given BMW's ongoing effort to be perceived as an automotive leader in the realm of fusing electronic technology with its automobiles, which IMO it does succeed more often than not, the consistent and smart move in this instance, though not necessarily financially rewarding for a corporation with quarterly reports to be published, would have been to continue to support the former even as implementation of latest and greatest in-car tech software/firmware, etc.., was incorporated to its newest models. Incidentally, I'm still awaiting a communiqué from BMWNA about the Takata airbags in my M3. How many months has it been; or is it a year? How should I be feeling right now about my car's airbags getting no service juxtaposed to BMW's claim of a "firm commitment to customer satisfaction"? __________________ M3 Performance Center Delivery: http://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=693856 Last edited by Eau Rouge; 10-27-2016 at 08:23 PM..
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10-27-2016, 09:43 PM	#6
2013M3 Second Lieutenant 89 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2013 E93 M3 Jerez Black, 13 x5 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 GMC 2500HD denali [0.00] 2018 Tesla Model 3P [0.00] 2020 BWM x7 m50i [0.00] 2013 BMW X5 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 E93 [0.00]	I'm still not sure what this retrofit will do? I assume making phones calls won't be an issue? radio/navigation won't be affected? Just the SOS and connected drive/concierge, which doesn't work that well on my M3 anyway. I hardly ever use the 'apps' as they don't really work. The only function I use is to use the 'newer' connected app to find addresses and send it to my navigation. I assume that option (to be able to search addresses) will not be available unless I retrofit? And how much is all of this supposed to cost?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-27-2016, 09:56 PM	#7
Mr. BMW Major 262 Rep 1,389 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2012 M3 [0.00] 2006 330i [0.00] 2018 Jeep Grand Che ... [0.00]	I just went online and did this tonight. My Car is a CPO and I still have over a year left on my subscription so I'm going to do the retrofit. For me it's piece of mind having the SOS button... __________________ 12 M3 Interlagos Blue/Black 18 Jeep Grand Cherokee (Yeah, it's got a HEMI) 21 X3 Silver/Black(Wife's) 06 330i Monaco Blue/Black (retired) 02 X5 3.0 Topaz Blue/Black (retired)
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10-28-2016, 06:53 AM	#8
KPM3er Enlisted Member 16 Rep 27 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW M3 e92 Space Gray ZCP Join Date: Nov 2015 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	If you choose retrofit and have less than a year of service left then you can continue the service after it expires for $199 a year.
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10-28-2016, 07:22 AM	#9
2013M3 Second Lieutenant 89 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2013 E93 M3 Jerez Black, 13 x5 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 GMC 2500HD denali [0.00] 2018 Tesla Model 3P [0.00] 2020 BWM x7 m50i [0.00] 2013 BMW X5 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 E93 [0.00]	Is the retrofit free if under warranty?
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10-28-2016, 08:29 AM	#11
2013M3 Second Lieutenant 89 Rep 263 Posts Drives: 2013 E93 M3 Jerez Black, 13 x5 Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: PA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2017 GMC 2500HD denali [0.00] 2018 Tesla Model 3P [0.00] 2020 BWM x7 m50i [0.00] 2013 BMW X5 [0.00] 2013 BMW M3 E93 [0.00]	I have an active subscription. so is the retrofit free? I realize you still have to pay for service. and what exactly is a 'retrofit'? they pull something out and put something back in? the LCD gets changed? no details anywhere? is it a software?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-28-2016, 11:24 AM	#13
Three Pedal Steve Captain 875 Rep 611 Posts Drives: 2013 M3 coupe' 6mt Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Under a Waterfall in Highlands NC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW M3 Coupe [0.00]	I wonder if my custom coding and tune will be effected with a replacement module and re-flash. My S/A gave a confusing explanation all about this. Is there the option to do nothing? __________________ memories: '71 2002 (new), '72 Bavaria, '74 2002tii, '00 540i Sport
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10-28-2016, 03:27 PM	#15
Reichsadler Enlisted Member 42 Rep 39 Posts Drives: 2013 E93 M3 Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Erde iTrader: (0)	Does anyone know what the retrofit will cost once your subscription expires?
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11-01-2016, 10:48 AM	#21
nchan50 Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 210 Posts Drives: 2009 JzB/FR e92 M3 Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	Have you guys received this offer? I have an '09 with an active subscription through 12/31/2018 but I haven't received the offer and the website site my VIN is invalid when I tried to register.
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11-01-2016, 01:09 PM	#22
rmcard Private First Class 40 Rep 164 Posts Drives: 2011 E90 M3 (AW/ZCP) Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: TX iTrader: (1)	Can someone help me make a decision on this one? My M3 doesn't have an active subscription, but my wife's X5 is a CPO and it does. However, we don't plan to keep that car very long and are looking to replace it at the moment with something w/ 3 rows. My question is: Should I get it retrofitted given that I probably won't keep the X5 and it will be a PITA for me to have to leave it all day at the dealership or get the $300 in credit and buy myself some carbon fiber mirror caps at the dealership (assuming by "accessories" they don't mean that I have to buy BMW branded key chains and the like). I'm assuming nobody will give the car a pass because it doesn't have BMW Assist.
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