Sounds like another example of poor dealer service. :thumbsdown:
But frankly the auto renewal should be put in writing and have your signature on it, IMO.

 

If the OP himself gave his CC to BMW Assist but was not informed of the auto. renewal, then I believe that it was not the dealer's fault but the fault of the rep. at BMW Assist.

I believe that the dealer does get involved in the BMW Assist registration process by sending in SOME info. about the new owner. Then, when the owner takes delivery, the sales associate has the owner make an initial call to BMW Assist to activate the account. I've taken delivery of two cars that have BMW Assist, and each time the dealership had NOT given any cc info to BMW Assist, but rather I was asked if I want to give it by the operator during that initial call.

The other reason they would need it is if you plan on using any of the fee-for-service options. You get one of each type for free, but that requires you to give them your cc so that any subsequent requests can be billed. If the customer plans on using those services, it makes sense to put the cc on file during that initial call.

 

In Germany you don't need to give them a CC. They don't even ask. Long before the first year is over you get a letter in which they inform you, that you now have to cancel, or the service continues. If you then do nothing the service continues and you get an invoice you have to pay.
I just received my letter two weeks ago. That's more than a month before the free year is over.