BMW Frequently Asked Questions
What is BMW Assist™?
BMW Assist employs advanced technology to bring the attention of a response specialist to the driver's aid whenever needed. Combining an integrated wireless telephone and hands-free communication with a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite receiver to determine the vehicle's location, the BMW Assist system helps deliver safety, security and convenience benefits to enhance your BMW driving experience.
Is enrollment required to receive BMW Assist services?
Yes, subscribers are required to enroll at their preferred BMW center, or the service will be terminated approximately 60 days after your new vehicle is delivered.
Are there service limitations?
Yes. In order for the system to work properly, GPS and underlying wireless services must be available and functioning; your vehicle ignition must be turned on (except for door unlock and stolen vehicle recovery services), battery charged and connected, and vehicle's electrical system operational; due to wireless carrier coverage, services may be limited in certain geographic areas. All services are subject to the terms and conditions of your subscriber agreement.
I already own a cell phone. Do I really need BMW Assist?
The BMW Assist system includes its own phone. It is connected to an external antenna to offer improved reception and transmission capability. BMW provides cellular service throughout the USA and Canada for communication between your BMW and our BMW Assist Response Center. At the touch of a button, your system transmits your location and other vehicle information; you then speak hands-free to a trained response specialist who requests the dispatch of appropriate services. The BMW Assist system is designed to initiate a call automatically after a severe impact occurs.
What does it cost to receive BMW Assist safety and convenience services?
BMW pays for the first year of the BMW Assist Safety Plan for 2006 and earlier models (credit card information required) and four years for 2007 and later models, effective from your vehicle's in-service date. After the BMW-paid term of service is over, the annual Safety Plan fee is $199 plus applicable taxes. You can extend service for your intended ownership or lease period during enrollment. The optional Convenience Plan costs $199 per year, plus applicable taxes. You must be a Safety Plan subscriber to enroll in the optional Convenience Plan.
Does BMW Assist track my vehicle's location?
No, the BMW Assist system only transmits your vehicle's location: 1. When the vehicle initiates the Automatic Collision Notification service after a severe impact occurs, 2. When the "Concierge," "Customer Relations" or "Service Request" menu option is pushed or when the vehicle's sensors detect the need for upcoming services and the system automatically transmits service information to your local BMW center on BMW Assist-equipped 2004 and later 5 and 6 Series, 2006 and later 7 Series and 3 Series Sedans and Sports Wagon, 2007 and later X5 and 3 Series, 2008 and later X6 and 1 Series, 2009 and later Z4, 2011 and later X3, and 2013 and later X1, 3. When you request service by pushing the "SOS," "Wrench," "Emergency" or "Roadside Assistance" button, 4. If you request Stolen Vehicle Recovery service by calling (888) 333-6118 after filing your police report (on all 7 Series produced 9/05 and later and all other 2005 and later BMW Assist-equipped and activated models produced 10/04 or later.)
Can I upgrade my BMW Assist system to make hands-free telephone calls?
On all 2006 and later 7 Series and all other 2005 and later BMW Assist-equipped models produced 10/04 and later, you can select a BMW compatible Bluetooth® cellular phone to call hands-free without any cords or cables getting in your way. Your sales person can recommend Bluetooth handsets and available snap-in adapters, which both recharge your phone and connect it to your BMW's external antenna for improved reception.
What are the requirements to be able to use MyInfo via Google Maps?
If you are driving a 2008 X6 produced 4/08 or later, 2011 or later X3, or any 2009 and later BMW Assist-equipped BMW and have a valid BMW Assist subscription, you will be able to send and receive the destination and phone number in your vehicle through MyInfo.
How can I send business listings or street addresses to my BMW?
Just visit maps.google.com and search for any business or street address. When it appears, select "More" and then "Send," choose "Car" and select "BMW," then type in your e-mail address on file with BMW Assist as the account name, a personal note if desired, maybe a phone number, and hit "Send."
How do I find the Google Maps destination in my BMW?
When you get into your BMW, simply select "MYINF," "MyInfo" or "Messages" under the BMW Assist menu option on your radio or under the BMW Assist or ConnectedDrive menu option on your iDrive display to find the desired destination and associated phone number. You can now call the phone number directly with your Bluetooth® linked mobile phone or, if your BMW is equipped with the BMW Navigation system, you can start route guidance.
Do I have to pay anything to send destinations to my BMW?
No. If you are already a BMW Assist subscriber there are no charges for the destinations sent.
Why did the destination not reach my BMW?
Please confirm that your e-mail address is on file with BMW Assist (call 1-888-333-6118 toll free) and that it was entered correctly into Google Maps as your BMW Assist account name. Also, please confirm that you have a valid BMW Assist subscription in place and that MyInfo is enabled and selectable under the BMW Assist menu in your BMW.
What should I do if an error message is displayed in Google Maps?
Please confirm that the e-mail address on file with BMW Assist was entered correctly, repeat the search in Google Maps and send the information again.
How many messages can I store in my BMW?
Your BMW holds up to 10 messages. When you send the 11th message, it will overwrite the first message you sent.
Why did my BMW navigation system not take me exactly to the destination I found on Google Maps?
Be aware that the location of your selected destination may slightly differ between the BMW Navigation system and the location as shown on Google Maps, which might require your attention once the navigation system tells you that you have arrived or are approaching your destination.
Can I send a destination from Google Maps to a BMW which is not mine?
Yes, just enter their corresponding e-mail addresses on file with BMW Assist.
What is I have further questions on my BMW Assist services?
For further inquiries, please contact BMW Assist Customer Care at 1-888-333-6118 or customercare@bmwassist.com, or visit your BMW center.
What if I don't want my BMW to receive destinations from Google Maps?
The Google Maps MyInfo function can be disabled for your BMW by contacting BMW Assist Customer Care toll free at 1-888-333-6118 and changing or deleting your e-mail address on file. You will still be able to use all other BMW Assist services.
