[natahoa]

I’ve been looking at the connected drive info, and it appears they charge for every feature! Is this true?

It says, among other things, that Apple CarPlay is $300. Most other features cost less, and here’s hoping they remove some or all of those fees but

!!! Holy cow !!!

Almost all of that stuff is useless to me. Interesting, but of no practical use for my lifestyle (retired).

Is the car functional without connected drive? Is it free for a year? I don’t want the car’s profile and features to be functioning and then suddenly not because I don’t want to re-up after the grace period.

Are any features free? Connected drive is how you get OTA updates, correct?

[claykin]

I fully expect future versions of the connected drive store will have many subscription only items. Things such as digital dash themes, interior lighting themes, active sound design customizations, other media apps, options within idrive, etc.... It's all coming.

That's the world we live in. BMW wants a piece of the recurring revenue model played so well by other industries.

[mnewnam]

I don't have a problem with it as long as the fees provide value and are worth it for me. Like, CarPlay I would probably not renew. iDrive works just fine.

[TurtleBoy]

Except for CarPlay, Connected+ and Digital Key, all of the other services come with a four year subscription. Given what you described your needs to be, you will not have a problem. Beyond four years you can either subscribe to some/all services or take your vehicle to the dealer for updates to iDrive and Maps. The X5 will work without you having to pay a subscription to anything.

[BMWZ4]

Not limited to BMW. In fact, not limited to the auto industry. Think Amazon Prime, Costco etc. Many retailers will be implementing some form of subscription/membership in the coming year.

Future, like it or not. Many reasons for implementing this model simply beyond new revenue.

[BMWZ4]

Not limited to BMW. In fact, not limited to the auto industry. Think Amazon Prime, Costco etc. Many retailers will be implementing some form of subscription/membership in the coming year.

Future, like it or not. Many reasons for implementing this model simply beyond new revenue.

[natahoa]

Originally Posted by TurtleBoy

Except for CarPlay, Connected+ and Digital Key, all of the other services come with a four year subscription. Given what you described your needs to be, you will not have a problem. Beyond four years you can either subscribe to some/all services or take your vehicle to the dealer for updates to iDrive and Maps. The X5 will work without you having to pay a subscription to anything.

Four years - woohoo! Trade in four years then wash, rinse and repeat. You saved me once again! I’m so glad you have the patience for this.

I was able to get my VIN to activate the manual today, so I’ve spent all evening reading it. Does this mean the car is at the dealer? I’ve been trying to activate it for weeks.

Car still shows awaiting transport but I know it’s not accurate. If they have the car and didn’t call me I might blow a gasket.

Thanks again SO much! m

[TurtleBoy]

Originally Posted by natahoa

I was able to get my VIN to activate the manual today, so I’ve spent all evening reading it. Does this mean the car is at the dealer? I’ve been trying to activate it for weeks.

Car still shows awaiting transport but I know it’s not accurate. If they have the car and didn’t call me I might blow a gasket.

Thanks again SO much! m

Your welcome. No, the VIN is assigned to the vehicle prior to production beginning. Mine showed awaiting carrier for quite awhile even though it was in transit. It probably will be at your dealer Monday or Tuesday given your location.