[Kiwidemon]

Last week I received my new BMW i4. Unfortunatey when I puchased I didn't realise it is possible that it might not be equipped with Connected Services/Android Auto support.

Below is the response I received from BMW when I queried it:

We received an update from our Technical Team regarding your concern. They have confirmed that your vehicle does not meet the technical requirements to support ConnectedDrive. Therefore, you are unable to add the vehicle to your account using the My BMW App or BMW Portal.

The vehicle needs to be equipped with the following codes to enable ConnectedDrive services:

06AE (Teleservices)

06AC or 06AF (Emergency Call)

To have Apple CarPlay, your BMW requires a navigation system (SA 6U2, 6U3) and the option "Smartphone Integration" (SA 6CP) ex works.
While Android Auto is available for BMW models with BMW Operating System 7 (service pack 2018), with the option "Connected Package Professional" (SA 6C3/6C4), or "Connected Package Plus" (SA 6C2) or "Smartphone Integration" (SA 6CP) ex works.


Question: is it a hardware or software only limitation? Has anyone have any advice if it possible to add this as an aftermarket or other option?