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      10-07-2016, 09:11 AM   #1
dreaming440i
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2013 X3: Combox/TCU replacement for BMW ASSIST

Just dropped my 2013 X3 off at the dealer for servicing. (USA) The service adviser told me that they have a "recall" to install an updated Telematics Control Unit, also known as "com box". Or, at my option, I could have a $250 gift card, or a $300 credit on BMW accessories in the dealership store.

I brilliantly responded... Huh? What?

After a good bit of forum searching, it turns out this is the upgraded box needed to keep your 2010 to 2013 car (and maybe earlier) compatible with the USA 3G to 4G cellular changeover on BMW Assist/ConnectedDrve. That program is switching to a new cell carrier on January 1st, so it will stop working on model years 2013 and older. Although it wasn't really clear to me, I gather that BMW is making this offer to at least the owners that currently have a subscription that extends past January 1. It might be available to others, I don't know.

So why the $250 gift card option? Well, many people, like myself, have no intention of ever paying the $199 a year to renew the service when it runs out at the end of the four free years. So I suspect it is much cheaper for BMW to pony up $250 to get me to forgo my rights to a (probably very expensive) replacement. Win-win.

Here's a link to the description of the telematic features for 2013 and older:

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...ndearlier.aspx

Here are some of the Assist features that stop working:

Automatic Collision Notification
Emergency Request (SOS)
Enhanced Roadside Assistance
Accident Management
MyInfo
Stolen Vehicle Recovery
Remote Door Unlock
TeleService
Customer Relations
Advanced Real-Time Traffic Information (ARTTI)
Weather Icons in Navigation Map
BMW "Remote" App.
Concierge services
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      10-10-2016, 12:32 PM   #2
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My insurance company gives me a discount because of the " Stolen Vehicle Recovery" feature of my 2013 X3 - these savings surpass $200 a year service cost for me. So I will definitely opt for the telematics upgrade.

I also called my BWM dealer, and they knew nothing of the upgrade option for BMW Assist telematics - weird they are not on the same page with BMW corporate office.

For three BMW Assist upgrade options you need to get to www.bmwassistoffer.com

Last edited by supernova1; 10-10-2016 at 12:50 PM..
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      10-18-2016, 08:20 PM   #3
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Any updates? My friend just got his 3 series upgraded and they replaced his gearbox selector in the process.
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      10-19-2016, 03:26 PM   #4
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Looks like BMW dealers are finally aware of the combox replacement - I scheduled an appointment to replace it for the next week. I will post an update once I have it done.

Last edited by supernova1; 10-19-2016 at 03:34 PM..
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      11-15-2016, 03:32 PM   #5
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I had this done yesterday and went smoothly. I opted for the $300 in accessories.

can anyone confirm if the now unsupported services should show up in the Idrive menu? the dealer said they'd be removed but they are still there, just show no service when you click on them.
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      11-19-2016, 06:17 AM   #6
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I have a 2011 X3 and I opted to get it upgraded. The dealer said ok. Then I got the cat back and noticed they disabled it. I tried the SOS and it did not work. So they disabled it and I did not get a credit or gift card. Now I have to bring back.
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      11-19-2016, 07:25 PM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by PIEZON
I have a 2011 X3 and I opted to get it upgraded. The dealer said ok. Then I got the cat back and noticed they disabled it. I tried the SOS and it did not work. So they disabled it and I did not get a credit or gift card. Now I have to bring back.
That would be really irritating, hopefully they're able to make up for the inconvenience.

So since it's disabled currently, it sounds as though the option to use them still shows up in the Idrive menu and you're just getting the "no service" message?
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      11-20-2016, 06:34 AM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Asianoak View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by PIEZON
I have a 2011 X3 and I opted to get it upgraded. The dealer said ok. Then I got the cat back and noticed they disabled it. I tried the SOS and it did not work. So they disabled it and I did not get a credit or gift card. Now I have to bring back.
That would be really irritating, hopefully they're able to make up for the inconvenience.

So since it's disabled currently, it sounds as though the option to use them still shows up in the Idrive menu and you're just getting the "no service" message?
At this point I'm thinking of going with a gift card. Now with insurance offering roadside and having your phone many of these functions are nice but not necessary. When I go to connected drive the only options is roadside assistance. The options definitely changed.
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