Newbie Question....

[Norwood]

Just bought my first BMW, love it! 2004 530i with sport package (no noises so far). Question about the iDrive -

I contacted BMW Assist for the introductory call and they mentioned that you could contact them for non emergency items through the iDrive system, but when I click on the BMW Assist menu item it tells me to contact my dealer for more information. Called the dealer and they were not sure if I needed the integrated phone for this to work (I'm not spending 2K for the phone option). Can anyone confirm if I need the integrated phone option to be able to use BMW Assist through iDrive??

Thanks!

 

[bahnstormer]

not sure....why not just use 411? heheheh
that is a weird question and if your dealer
"isn't sure" about something tell him he's an
incompetent MORON and move on to the next
dealer. ASAP!!

 

[HornyHornet]

I agree, if your dealer doesn't know, put them on the spot. They should have some type of answer or try and help you find it.
Doesnt BMW assist work with the stereo speakers, steering wheel controls, and mic by the sunroof controls. Why would you need a phone.

 

[BMW NA Customer Relations]

I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. We’re glad to hear that you’re enjoying your new 530i with sport package.

Regarding your iDrive question, you do not need a handset installed in your new 530i to use the BMW Assist through the iDrive. Any 2004 BMW with BMW Assist does not need a handset installed in the vehicle. Also, for MY2004 (> 09/03 for 3 Series) the BMW Assist option includes its own GPS receiver and antenna, eliminating the need for the On Board Navigation System on all models except 7 Series, where it is standard.

BMW Assist is an invaluable group of services that help ensure your travel safety, security and convenience. With BMW Assist, you have 24-hour-a-day access to Emergency or Roadside Assistance at just the push of a button or even automatically in the event of a serious accident. Our Convenience Services will help you get things done, in and out of your BMW. Your BMW Assist Concierge personal assistant can help buying concert tickets, making dinner reservations, finding the perfect gift, or planning a vacation. Just call this service by dialing 800-233-8896 toll-free from any phone, any time. This makes the service valuable at home, office and vacation, not just when you're in the car.

If your iDrive screen is not working properly and you or your center need our assistance, feel free to call BMW Customer Relations at 800-831-1117 and mention Reference #200423700572 so that we can help you more efficiently.

 

[HornyHornet]

Saaweeet!! Glad to know someone from BMWNA reads these posts. Maybe they can pass on the info on our opinions about other things too. Hint: Design Changes

 

[e60hamguy]

[I’m with BMW of North America, LLC. We’re glad to hear that you’re enjoying your new 530i with sport package.

Regarding your iDrive question, you do not need a handset installed in your new 530i to use the BMW Assist through the iDrive. Any 2004 BMW with BMW Assist does not need a handset installed in the vehicle. Also, for MY2004 (> 09/03 for 3 Series) the BMW Assist option includes its own GPS receiver and antenna, eliminating the need for the On Board Navigation System on all models except 7 Series, where it is standard.

BMW Assist is an invaluable group of services that help ensure your travel safety, security and convenience. With BMW Assist, you have 24-hour-a-day access to Emergency or Roadside Assistance at just the push of a button or even automatically in the event of a serious accident. Our Convenience Services will help you get things done, in and out of your BMW. Your BMW Assist Concierge personal assistant can help buying concert tickets, making dinner reservations, finding the perfect gift, or planning a vacation. Just call this service by dialing 800-233-8896 toll-free from any phone, any time. This makes the service valuable at home, office and vacation, not just when you're in the car.

If your iDrive screen is not working properly and you or your center need our assistance, feel free to call BMW Customer Relations at 800-831-1117 and mention Reference #200423700572 so that we can help you more efficiently.
__________________
BMW NA Customer Relations ]

I bought my car from Brecht BMW in Feb, 2004. It is a 2004 530i - similar to the care being discussed. My car was a demonstrator. I was told by the dealer when I bought it that I would have BMW Assist for 1 year from date of purchase. However, BMW Assist cut me off in August of this year. It seems that when Brecht put the car into service, they turned on the BMW Assist so that they could demonstrate its usefulness to prospective clients. Now I am suffering for the 6 months of use that I have lost. I don't think this is right. I think someone at BMW should correct this and restore the first year of BMW Assist that I should get. The dealer says he is helpless in this matter. Please advise as to what you can do for me or suggest where I should turn.

Thanks for listening to me.