JSpira

BMW has deployed various aspects of ConnectedDrive in Europe as the infrastructure becomes availability. The cars have had compatible infrastructure for several years.

In the U.S., the cars are of course lacking the GSM TCUs so naturally that obstacle had to be dealt with.

bruce_miranda

So have you guys never had BMW Assist that works off a GSM SIM in the TCU then?

JSpira

Korrekt.

adentonmiller

Mine just works off my bluetooth phone (blackberry pearl) - no additional SIM needed. Maybe in the US they use a different TCU that needs a SIM - and probably another contract!

The Connected Drive stuff all works great though - send maps to car, Google local search, RRS newsfeeds etc...

The only thing that annoys me is that you can only use BMW online when you are stationary - anyone know if there's a hack for that? It's no more distracting than scrolling through iPod tracks or phonebook entries (not that that's a good thing).

What did really surprise me though was the first time I realised that the RSS newsfeeds could also send pictures as well - I got a grinning picture of the French President that seemed to pop up out of nowhere....

Google local search maps are pretty good as well - I thought it would just use the DVD nav maps, but it seems to receive updated map graphics as well as information about whatever you are searching for. It's OK - but would be better if you didn't have to stop to use it.

On the other hand, the BMW assist service seems ot be not so good. I'v only used it two times and each time the guy on the other end of the phone hsn't been able to see where my car is or offer any more helpful advise than I can get via Googal Local or the Nav itself. Still, at least it's free and impresses the passengers a bit.

smoppett

My car was delivered earlier this month and I had no idea it could do this. It is very cool, especially if you find a business as a POI as you can navigate to it and/or telephone them.

BMW are so bad at getting across to interested parties info like this.

Note that the location algorithm when using google from a PC is much more accurate than when using Google from within the car. Found a pub I wanted, only to be directed to the middle on nowhere. The pub was probably in the sama postcode area.

Simon

smoppett

Really? I have had postcodes on my last E60 which I had from launch. Enter the postcode instead of city.

Simon

Hawkwing

Automating on the move might work and be possible - the complete input could be made via voice input, upload request to Assist, response is downloaded, no stopping! It could and 'will' foul up if the request is not understood which is where the human Assist works better - I've had no problems at all with this service to-date and that action can be carreid out on the move!

With the amount of data that is/will be accessed remote access is the way to go is it not? Be it human or remote automated access - large data scale is supported, speed of updating/ and integrity of the data would be far supperior than local (on car) storage. There is already a revenue stream from this service to the provider (here its BMW) and linking up databases for access to larger amounts of e.g. POI data would be available therefore serviceable to the end user. BMW's plans are heading that way.

bruce_miranda

Why dont you show us how you enter a FULL 7 char UK postcode in the City field.

smoppett

Your message mentioned "the lack of Postcodes". I have always been able to enter postcodes into the satnav in the E60, but is your complaint now the lack of 7 digit postcodes?

Simon

Jagohu

Hi all,

I'm new here and this is my first post - got my E60 just yesterday
Does anyone know if this service will be introduced in other countries as well in Europe or only in the ones mentioned (UK, DE, I)? I'd love to register and use the service in Belgium, but on the Belgian webpage there's no chance to register it... I wonder if it would work if I'd register my car on the UK website...
I don't have neither UK address nor a UK Plate though...
Any ideas?
Cheers,
Jago