[BMthusiast]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

Seems I triggered a few here. Don't worry. BMW will survive my loss.

I mean being antagonistic is always triggering when most people here just wanna have informative & friendly discussions about our favorite (or one of our favorite) automotive brand. I definitely understand your sentiment on the subscription topic, but adding a contentious attitude about it is pointless unless you're intent is to troll.

[pz619]

Look, I hate paying for things too, but this one I think I understand. Most of these features require a mobile connection from the car to BMW's servers. I would think of it as more of a data plan to access these features. At least you get these for 4 years. The "cool" features on Tesla run out after 30 days and require $100/year to activate.

[Mavus]

I mean our x3 came with 12mo Sirius so should have we dumped the car after 12mo? Same thing with connected drive.

It’s just an extra service that we choose to pay for and does not impact car perf so what’s the issue?

or you can get pre idrive car and discover the beauty of simplicity with simple switchgear and no annoying beeps! BT and cell work just fine.

[MisanoblueZ4]

My connected services ran out a few months ago. BMW navigator still works as a backup or if I feel like not using Apple/Google/Waze.

Not paying $150 for the subscription, for me it’s not a big deal.

One day most of the integrated stuff will be discontinued anyway due to changing software/electronics.

[ShocknAwe]

Originally Posted by MisanoblueZ4

One day most of the integrated stuff will be discontinued anyway due to changing software/electronics.

Which is why integrated stuff is a bad idea and always has been

[zx10guy]

Or get a full Android box called Carlinkit that interfaces with Car Play. I got this box when Toyota couldn't get their act together in rolling out Android Auto for my 2019 C-HR. Since discovering this little gem, I don't care what bloat features any manufacturer offers tied to a subscription. This little box allows me to run any Android app. I currently use my Smartphone to share Internet connectivity to it. But you can install a SIM card into this box to have direct Internet connectivity.

[DanG]

I just use Apple CarPlay.

[brianeck]

This has gotta be the most surprisingly entertaining thread since the m5's weight was announced.

[Bald Guy]

Life is short. Try different makes and models. It could be a hit or miss anytime with any brand, truthfully. Feel free to come back to BMW, as they won't turn you away just like any of their competitor brands. Sometimes, we just need to step away and perhaps leave the doors open for future opportunities.

[heavyD^2]

Originally Posted by eliphil

The OP has a right to his opinion. I use android auto and or Waze for free…….

I don't know why people even bother with automaker systems when AA or CarPlay is seamless from vehicle to vehicle (never have to learn a new UI), does the job perfectly fine, and provides several different navigation and streaming options for the user to choose from.

[egparson202]

Originally Posted by heavyD^2

I don't know why people even bother with automaker systems when AA or CarPlay is seamless from vehicle to vehicle (never have to learn a new UI), does the job perfectly fine, and provides several different navigation and streaming options for the user to choose from.

I agree. And I think Apple CarPlay Ultra will move us all even further in this direction.

[RWNY]

Originally Posted by egparson202

I agree. And I think Apple CarPlay Ultra will move us all even further in this direction.

Agreed. Until car makers charge a subscription for Apple CarPlay Ultra

[egparson202]

Originally Posted by RWNY

Agreed. Until car makers charge a subscription for Apple CarPlay Ultra

Funny/not funny!

[tranquility]

I'm still driving my old car, but what is so good about these paid subscription services that cannot be replaced (and probably better) by what's on my smartphone?

[No one]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I'm still driving my old car, but what is so good about these paid subscription services that cannot be replaced (and probably better) by what's on my smartphone?

They are integrated. Only this (usage convenience). You don't need to connect your smartphone (if you are using it as a source for your infotainment), you don't even need to place it anywhere in the car and the controls are built-in. If I had a screen sticking out of the dashboard I wouldn't even have a handy flat shelf to place my phone holder on (I would hate to attach it to the windshield and all other dashboard surfaces are curvy and pimply - it wouldn't stick). And I need to use/attach phone charging for a few hours trip too. Yet I only listened to navigation tips on some trips without bothering to install the holder to see the phone's screen - sometimes that's sufficient.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by JABCAT

It shows you all this in the BMW app & on the BMW website under standard features of whatever model you're looking at. Not sure how you didn't know about it?

Some people just love to bitch and cry like OP.

[mjr24]

Originally Posted by jamesinaz

And I knew snark would be the response. It's OK. I am unfazed by ridicule.

I bought a car with features and now don't have them. I don't care if it is visible on mybmw. It isn't obvious when you buy the car. I mean of course except to those of you who read the fine print before purchase and are superior.

Are we superior to those who don’t read anything at all like you?

[LH44]

Would you have preferred it to be a $1,500 option good for 10 years?

[ojt]

Originally Posted by tranquility

I'm still driving my old car, but what is so good about these paid subscription services that cannot be replaced (and probably better) by what's on my smartphone?

For EVs I’d think one of the advantages would be that the navigator knows your battery status, and can thus recommend you the next charger, and start the preconditioning if necessary.

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by No one

They are integrated. Only this (usage convenience). You don't need to connect your smartphone (if you are using it as a source for your infotainment), you don't even need to place it anywhere in the car and the controls are built-in. If I had a screen sticking out of the dashboard I wouldn't even have a handy flat shelf to place my phone holder on (I would hate to attach it to the windshield and all other dashboard surfaces are curvy and pimply - it wouldn't stick). And I need to use/attach phone charging for a few hours trip too. Yet I only listened to navigation tips on some trips without bothering to install the holder to see the phone's screen - sometimes that's sufficient.

Interesting, so kinda similar to when I didn't think iDrive was worth it with the dated nav vs TomTom standalones but ofc depends on how much ppl care about aesthetics.

[ivan23]

Originally Posted by Mizuno

Mine did too. Somehow the car drives the same. Weird.

[ivan23]

Originally Posted by eugenebmw

So true, Netflix, You tube, Tidal, Prime Video......are all by subscriptions

Jddjxj