[markjca]

Hi All,
This is my first posting. I ordered my X3 the same week BMW Apps came out. Not knowing anything about them I did not order it. Two questions:
1. Is it worth having?
2. Is there a wayt to activate BMW Apps, since it is software I assume it does reside in the car.

Thanks.

Mark

[Jasboarder05]

I ordered a 2013 X3 28i about a month ago. Our Dealership told us that BMW APPS needed to be ordered from the factory and that it could not be added later. Thats just what I was told. I have not played with the BMW APPS yet.

[April1]

Whether is worth or not is a personal evaluation. Some say its useful whereas other say its not.

BMW Apps is not just a software, it require a cable to be laid from front console to somewhere back and needs lot of work. In addition to it, it needs a key to enable it.

[Teemo Panda]

It will be worth it especially for the upcoming iphone5

[Mark86]

1. I don't like it. Not worth it at least with my iphone 4.
2. Download the BMW connected app of your phone and plug into your console. Then select apps from idrive and you are ready to roll.

[April1]

At least get 6NR option as no dealer will install it later.

[dencobmw]

I think Pandora radio is included with BMW Apps. If Pandora is not available without BMW Apps then I would say it's 150% worth it to get Apps because I listen to Pandora all the time! The functionality to to thumbs up or thumbs down songs through iDrive is really cool.

But the other "Apps" (Facebook, Twitter, Calendar, Wikipedia, Web Radio and News) are completely worthless to me. I really don't need social media on the iDrive screen. And if I'm going to look something up or do calendar stuff, I'm going to pull out my iPhone.

[April1]

Originally Posted by matteowade

I think Pandora radio is included with BMW Apps. If Pandora is not available without BMW Apps then I would say it's 150% worth it to get Apps because I listen to Pandora all the time! The functionality to to thumbs up or thumbs down songs through iDrive is really cool.

But the other "Apps" (Facebook, Twitter, Calendar, Wikipedia, Web Radio and News) are completely worthless to me. I really don't need social media on the iDrive screen. And if I'm going to look something up or do calendar stuff, I'm going to pull out my iPhone.

You can listen to Pandora even without BMW Apps though the display may not be that attar give but who cares.

[Robocheme]

I like the Pandora and the Web Radio features. Everything else is worthless.

[Fryguy29]

You can listen to Pandora without apps, but you don't get the iDrive interface, which is significantly better. Being able to skip and thumbs up or thumbs down through iDrive is easier and safer. If you listen to Pandora a fair amount I think it's worth it. I also use MOG, which is a streaming music service like Spotify or Rhapsody. The interface through iDrive is awesome. So I get unlimited streaming music through an interface that's easy to use.

I agree, the other features are useless, but this is about the future. The potential for future application is huge and it can future proof your car to some degree because the changes can simply be made in phone software, not on the vehicle.

If you have an iPhone, or are thinking about getting one, I would recommend BMW Apps. It will be difficult or impossible to Add later.

I simply don't understand the resistance to this option. Don't skimp on a $250 option when you are buying a $45,000 + vehicle, especially since we don't know the full potential.

Ideally, it would be Standard, but that's another issue.

[April1]

Originally Posted by Fryguy29

You can listen to Pandora without apps, but you don't get the iDrive interface, which is significantly better. Being able to skip and thumbs up or thumbs down through iDrive is easier and safer. If you listen to Pandora a fair amount I think it's worth it. I also use MOG, which is a streaming music service like Spotify or Rhapsody. The interface through iDrive is awesome. So I get unlimited streaming music through an interface that's easy to use.

I agree, the other features are useless, but this is about the future. The potential for future application is huge and it can future proof your car to some degree because the changes can simply be made in phone software, not on the vehicle.

If you have an iPhone, or are thinking about getting one, I would recommend BMW Apps. It will be difficult or impossible to Add later.

I simply don't understand the resistance to this option. Don't skimp on a $250 option when you are buying a $45,000 + vehicle, especially since we don't know the full potential.

Ideally, it would be Standard, but that's another issue.

+1

[April1]

Cost of 6NR option to BMW may be almost insignificant. I wonder why every X3 is not prepared with it and BMW Apps is added. Apart from the cost of it, this option has not been made modular and thus not easily upgradable later. Poor design concept by BMW Engineers.

[richy577]

I got this from the BMW Connected App in iTunes
Please note: the BMW Connected App can only be used in BMW models with the “Apps” special equipment. "A retrofit has been on offer for this special equipment since 01/2012" (NOTE: retrofit is not available in USA or Canada). Contact your BMW dealer for details.

For details on device compatibility and further information, see www.bmw.com/bluetooth and www.bmw.com/connecteddrive or www.bmw.com/apps.

So outside these locations looks like it can be upgraded, I've just not found out how much it is yet.

[April1]

I believe most of the cost would be labor cost on top of $250.

[Harv_NC]

You DEFINITELY WANT BMW APPS. If for not other reason, than to have the MOG app!
Its awesome

[stooler]

How can I tell if my 2011 x3 has 6NR?

[April1]

Originally Posted by whisperinsam33

How can I tell if my 2011 x3 has 6NR?

If you had not ordered BMW Apps or the media adapter, you will not have 6NR option. It's a pity that BMW does not prepare the car with 6NR as a default for every X3.

[stooler]

I did not order my 2011 x3 - I purchased it off the lot. I have Nav, BMW Assist w/enhanced BT and USB, Sports Activity, Convenience, Cold Weather, Premium, and Technology Pkgs. Is there a selection I could look for on my display that tells me if I have BMW Apps or 6NR. Thanks, and apologies for not being specific in previous request. humble sam

[April1]

Originally Posted by whisperinsam33

I did not order my 2011 x3 - I purchased it off the lot. I have Nav, BMW Assist w/enhanced BT and USB, Sports Activity, Convenience, Cold Weather, Premium, and Technology Pkgs. Is there a selection I could look for on my display that tells me if I have BMW Apps or 6NR. Thanks, and apologies for not being specific in previous request. humble sam

1. Check dealers invoice docs, it should list 6NR / BMW Apps
2. IDrive should show links to Facebook, Twitter
3. Armrest box should have provision to mount media adapter.

[stooler]

Thank you for all the help. I have concluded that I do not have BMW Apps. I guess I will be out there yelling "Phonebook" and "New Destination" to that woman who has nothing but contempt for my pitiful requests, while all of you folks will be out there merrily App-ing away, and enjoying the open road to the fullest. sam, solemn in sadness

[02420X3]

Sam,

If you want to know exactly what your X3 has then try entering the last 7 digits of your VIN into this Russian site. BMW Apps, if present, will appear on the list as S6NRA.

[April1]

Which Russian site?