BMW Assist Poll

How many times have you used BMW

  • Never

    Votes: 52 55.3%
  • Once

    Votes: 9 9.6%
  • 1-5 times

    Votes: 4 4.3%
  • More than 5 times

    Votes: 4 4.3%
  • Don't have BMW Assist

    Votes: 25 26.6%

  • Total voters
    94
Messages
148
Likes
0
Location
Texas
#2
It's overpriced for what it does. I took mine out and installed the bluetooth module. The BT module is overpriced, too, but at least now I can use my own cell phone in my car.
 
Messages
148
Likes
0
Location
Texas
#4
Maxer said:
I agree! I want to get the bluetooth module, but the dealer quoted me $770 to install it. That sounds like rip off. I already have most of the hardware installed with Assist.

I saw your extensive post in the thread below. Very nice write-up. It made me consider DIY. If you don't mind my asking, how much did it end up costing to DIY?

http://www.bmwboard.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9499&page=2&pp=25
Just over $400. I think the parts have gone down a bit, though. Check out www.bimmernav.com for the ULF module.
 
Messages
1,869
Likes
0
Location
Mo town
#7
my parents have not even activated theirs yet. (had the car for over a year now) wonder if we'll still get the 1 free year, if we sign up, say in the second or third year.
 
Messages
348
Likes
0
Location
San Francisco, California
#8
Waste of money. I just got a renewal notice in the mail for mine (bought my car in March of 2004) and laughed out loud because like CaveDweller, I've already ripped my Assist module out and replaced it with the BlueTooth module. I never used BMW Assist beyond the initial set-up call. I'm getting far more use out of the Assist hardware (integrated mic, etc.) with BlueTooth -- hands-free conversations on my BlueTooth phone, voice commands for the onboard computer and Navigation system -- it's really cool.
 
Messages
78
Likes
0
Location
Midwest
#9
I've never activated the assist from within the vehicle (other than to register) but I use the concierge service (800 #) quite frequently. Until BMW offers the equivalent of "ONStar" I'll keep my service active.
The BEST part of having it activated, is that I am one of the lucky few that can receive free incoming calls. My car's telephone number, was easy to decipher from the enclosed Blue Tooth literature that accompanied it's delivery to me. I think it's one of the few perks of ownership vs. leasing your vehicle, but haven't had enough feedback on that to make any [/I]real determination.
 
Messages
148
Likes
0
Location
Texas
#10
If you ever have any computer work done, they will probably update your software so that the "free" call feature stops worksing. I have read several reports of an update resulting in a message from the cell provider to the caller stating that the phone can not be called.
 
Messages
78
Likes
0
Location
Midwest
#11
CaveDweller said:
If you ever have any computer work done, they will probably update your software so that the "free" call feature stops worksing. I have read several reports of an update resulting in a message from the cell provider to the caller stating that the phone can not be called.
<<<<

Update the software so that BMW Assist can't call the car? I seriously doubt that! Onstar encourages making phone calls through their system (free at first, and then a premium is charged).
I remember buying in to the rumor, that BMW Assist and Bluetooth would co-exist peacefully (*deadline being late last Fall [?|] Nowadays, it takes a link, or at the minimum, a quoted source, [read] for me to take anything as gospel.
 
Messages
148
Likes
0
Location
Texas
#12
Talk2USoon said:
<<<<

Update the software so that BMW Assist can't call the car? I seriously doubt that! Onstar encourages making phone calls through their system (free at first, and then a premium is charged).
I remember buying in to the rumor, that BMW Assist and Bluetooth would co-exist peacefully (*deadline being late last Fall [?|] Nowadays, it takes a link, or at the minimum, a quoted source, [read] for me to take anything as gospel.
No. I think what they do is limit the numbers that are authorized to call the onboard system so that you can't use it for free. Make no mistake, this is not on-star and it does not provide the same functionality. They want you to pay for everything you use.

I'll do a search for the software change that removes the free call-in feature.

Edit: This post has some good info about the software upgrade on it.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47567&page=3&pp=25&highlight=free+calls+assist
 
Messages
78
Likes
0
Location
Midwest
#13
CaveDweller said:
No. I think what they do is limit the numbers that are authorized to call the onboard system so that you can't use it for free. Make no mistake, this is not on-star and it does not provide the same functionality. They want you to pay for everything you use.

I'll do a search for the software change that removes the free call-in feature.

Edit: This post has some good info about the software upgrade on it.
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/showthread.php?t=47567&page=3&pp=25&highlight=free+calls+assist
<<<<

Thanks! I appreciate the link. It appears that any software change(s) had to be initated by the owner(s). I realize that BMW isn't pleased that some have the ability to receive calls. I had a long talk with a rep about it, when I was trying to determine if *I* would be billed for them. I'll be first in line when (and if) BlueTooth becomes compatible with Assist. Until then, they can either bill me for the calls, or continue to pay for them.
 

mrtommyp

New Member
Messages
1
Likes
0
Location
Chicago
#14
BMW Assist

I have a 2004 330Ci and I recently replaced the lame BMW Assist module with a Bluetooth module. The BMW assist would be ok if it worked like OnStar - Why do they have the OnStar-type service over a cell oir land line and not in the car? Also, Verizon is the carrier - poor coverage. I was afraid that I would need them in Michigan and would not get cell coverage- try again BMW.
 
Messages
39
Likes
0
Location
UK
#17
Not yet

I opted for the $750 BMW Assist because it is coupled with the Bluetooth pre-installed in my car. I just need to activate both of them which I will do when I get to the states. Hopefully, I'll never need to use the Assist but like it being there. That would be sweet if the car will have it's own phone number. Can't wait!
 
Messages
26
Likes
0
Location
va
#18
I paid the 120 for the year to have unlimited calls for getting diretions. Its kinda cool.:) What will the 800 number do? I heard from the dealership you can have them make you reservations and stuff like that..is it true?
 
Messages
78
Likes
0
Location
Midwest
#19
I paid the 120 for the year to have unlimited calls for getting diretions. Its kinda cool.:) What will the 800 number do? I heard from the dealership you can have them make you reservations and stuff like that..is it true?<<<<<<

You betcha!!
::::::::::::waving third row (pre-sale) seats for the Rolling Stones concert in Omaha, this coming January:::::::::
 
Messages
303
Likes
0
Location
New York
#20
I agree ... this service is way overpriced and that is what I told the agent when they called to ask for me to renew once the one-year trial was up. I have the BMW service 800 number programmed into my cell phone and if I need it, I just use that.
 


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