BMW losing a customer

BMthusiast · 06-02-2025, 02:24 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-02-2025, 02:39 PM

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 · 06-02-2025, 03:45 PM

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 · 06-04-2025, 12:13 PM

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 · 06-04-2025, 01:38 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-04-2025, 04:33 PM

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 · 06-04-2025, 05:55 PM

I just use Apple CarPlay.

brianeck · 06-04-2025, 08:27 PM

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

Bald Guy · 06-04-2025, 10:06 PM

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 · 06-05-2025, 11:17 AM

Quote:

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 · 06-05-2025, 12:16 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-05-2025, 01:58 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-05-2025, 02:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RWNY

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

Funny/not funny!

tranquility · 06-05-2025, 06:31 PM

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 · 06-05-2025, 08:02 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-05-2025, 08:05 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-05-2025, 08:06 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-05-2025, 10:03 PM

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

ojt · 06-05-2025, 10:37 PM

Quote:

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 · 06-06-2025, 03:14 AM

Quote:

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 · 06-06-2025, 04:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mizuno

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

ivan23 · 06-06-2025, 04:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by eugenebmw

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

Jddjxj

06-02-2025, 02:39 PM	#46
pz619 Brigadier General 3,373 REP 3,316 Posts Drives: F87 M2C 6MT, Tesla Highland 3P Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	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.
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06-02-2025, 03:45 PM	#47
Mavus Colonel 2,303 REP 3,006 Posts Drives: E90 335i, F80 zcp Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: PA iTrader: (9)	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.
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06-04-2025, 12:13 PM	#48
MisanoblueZ4 Major 3,170 REP 1,221 Posts Drives: 2021 Z4 M40I Join Date: Sep 2023 Location: South Carolina iTrader: (0)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2025, 04:33 PM	#50
zx10guy Brigadier General 5,766 REP 3,417 Posts Drives: 2013 135i Join Date: Feb 2014 Location: DC iTrader: (0)	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.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-04-2025, 05:55 PM	#51
DanG Major General 11,876 REP 7,309 Posts Drives: 2018 M2 AW DCT Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (1) Garage List 2018 BMW M2 [8.01]	I just use Apple CarPlay. __________________ BMWCCA member Puget Sound Chapter
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06-04-2025, 08:27 PM	#52
brianeck Lieutenant Colonel 1,257 REP 1,951 Posts Drives: 2022 M340ix Mineral Grey Join Date: Mar 2013 Location: Nyack NY iTrader: (0)	This has gotta be the most surprisingly entertaining thread since the m5's weight was announced.
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06-04-2025, 10:06 PM	#53
Bald Guy Imperfect 314 REP 4,616 Posts Drives: '25 C8 Z06s and more! Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Plano, Texas iTrader: (0)	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. __________________ '25 C8 Z06 (4), '24 LS500, '24 LX600, '24 Silverado 1500 RST 6.2 V8 Black Widow Lifted, '23 Suburban High Country 4WD, '23 Yamaha R1M, '22 Triumph Bonneville 1200, '22 Triumph Thruxton RS
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06-05-2025, 06:31 PM	#58
tranquility sportscars only 3,600 REP 3,290 Posts Drives: 2011 Z4 sDrive 35i Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Montréal iTrader: (0)	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?
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06-05-2025, 10:03 PM	#62
LH44 Brigadier General 3,640 REP 3,841 Posts Drives: Yes Join Date: May 2014 Location: US iTrader: (0)	Would you have preferred it to be a $1,500 option good for 10 years?
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