[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by hinckley

I have to admit, this whole thread is a bit baffling to me.

I think it started with the OP upset that certain features in one of his BMWs weren't included in another BMW. Somehow, his assumption that they would be included is BMW's fault. And I guess that was because both his old and his new cars had iDrive 7. But at least three of the four "missing" features are hardware features, not software features.

Then, I guess other posters here are upset that all features aren't available in all models? But isn't that how all manufacturers differentiate premium/higher cost products from their lower level/cost products? You've never been able to get BMW's best Comfort Seats below the 5 Series. You can't get premium leathers below the 3/4 Series. Why isn't everyone equally pissed off that we can't get the M8's engine in the M2?

In terms of the 2020 X3/4, we were all blown away last summer when it was updated with a bunch of new features. We called it an "LCI Lite". None of us expected most of the upgrades until the real LCI which was a couple of years away (as is normal practice). But now there's a pile-on because even more upgrades weren't included?

I don't know guys . . . there is a half-full world out there if you want it.

Well, my opinion as a customer is that if BMW is going to put IDrive7 in a vehicle, it should share the same basic functionality as the other models. It does that to a point, but, some of these features are only buried in IDrive7 menus and not on the window sticker or dealer invoice sheet. And quite frankly based on the price of the vehicle, those missing options should be there - but they are not. My original message expresses my frustration with BMW and that maybe it appears they are purposely neutering the X3/X4 because they want the X5/X6 models to still be relevant.

A sample of IDrive7 based cars

Z4 M40i - Has remote start and digital key
M340i - Has remote start and digital key
X3 M40i - Does not have remote start nor digital key
X5 - Has remote start and digital key
M850i - Has remote start and digital key

So almost every IDrive7 based vehicle has certain features that for some reason, the X3 does not. I knew the X3 did not have remote start and it was almost a deal breaker. It's obvious that the IDrive7 implementation in the X3 is perhaps 'incomplete'. Just like the X3M comes with the bigger LCD, but still IDrive6. I specifically wanted IDrive7 because seeing the features present in practically every other IDrive7 BMW vehicle led me to believe the X3 would be the same. That is my fault for expecting that, not BMW's fault for not delivering that. Although I will blame BMW for neutering the X3 when they did not have to. They are probably afraid of compromising X5 sales.

Still, I think it's a great vehicle and I don't hate it. I'll just be a hell of a lot more thorough in feature check on my next BMW.

Rob

[hinckley]

Rob, I know you're disappointed, but it's also clear that you love your new car. I've made bigger mistakes buying new cars and those mistakes literally cost be many thousands of dollars. So I'm happy you're not in that boat.

What I've been trying to say is that there's confusion about "features" and "iDrive 7 features". Models like the new X5 have all kinds of features that are controlled thru iDrive but are not iDrive features (think Panoramic Sky Lounge LED Roof). Some features require hardware that's designed into a new model. And the X3, released as a MY18, simply does not have all the designed-in hardware that the Z4 (MY19), 3 (MY20), X5 (MY20) and 8 (MY19) were designed with. There'll be more of those features added with every new model and to a lesser extent, every LCI.

There's one feature that you mentioned in your OP that is more baffling to me, and that's the extended voice commands. To an old techie like me, that would seem to be a software feature integrated into an OS like iDrive and so I'm with you on that one. I've never quite understood why the iDrive 7 X3/4s don't have that one.

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by Rob_G77

Can the X3 even do an OTA update? It doesn't have the same remote update option in BMW Connected that my Z4 has.

Rob

No, this feature is not available on X3's

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by kalokng

Hey guys, I have a 2020 X4 m40i and it didnt come with the digital key neither.....Can I order it thru dealership ? or its just N/A on X4?

If you're referring to the DISPLAY key, then yes. You can order it. Believe it's around ~$1,000CAD, including programming. If you're referring to the "credit card" style DIGITAL key, no, it's not available for G01/G02's or F97/98's.

[freshxdough]

G01 will get remote start this summer for idrive 7 vehicles

[TrackDad87]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

G01 will get remote start this summer for idrive 7 vehicles

Is this confirmed? Are you hearing rumors about what's in the next IDrive update?

- Remote Start?
- Android Auto?

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by TrackDad87

Is this confirmed? Are you hearing rumors about what's in the next IDrive update?

- Remote Start?
- Android Auto?

Confirmed. It will be an option to purchase in your connected drive account once it is available. 2020 model year included. Not just LCI

[TrackDad87]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Confirmed. It will be an option to purchase in your connected drive account once it is available. 2020 model year included. Not just LCI

Good to hear.

Bummed no activity key available for G01/G02, and wouldn't expect it given the hardware requirement, but that would be cool. Or an option for a smaller lighter key to carry when hiking/running.

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Confirmed. It will be an option to purchase in your connected drive account once it is available. 2020 model year included. Not just LCI

Do you think AA would be available to purchase or is that feature dependant on the ID7 hardware as well?

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by TrackDad87

Good to hear.

Bummed no activity key available for G01/G02, and wouldn't expect it given the hardware requirement, but that would be cool. Or an option for a smaller lighter key to carry when hiking/running.

Are you referring to the little tiny key that you can attach to like a watch band? I've personally never seen one before. Honestly doubt BMW have sold many of them. I'm honestly not even sure which car it debuted with. It wasn't really ever advertised unless you look in the parts diagrams or the lifestyle catalogs. At least not in the USA.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

Do you think AA would be available to purchase or is that feature dependant on the ID7 hardware as well?

I am personally unaware of the release date or the means of getting android auto (whether it be a purchase through connected drive or if it will be rolled out to all vehicles). I believe it will only be available for upgrade to vehicles with idrive 7.

[TrackDad87]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Are you referring to the little tiny key that you can attach to like a watch band? I've personally never seen one before. Honestly doubt BMW have sold many of them. I'm honestly not even sure which car it debuted with. It wasn't really ever advertised unless you look in the parts diagrams or the lifestyle catalogs. At least not in the USA.

Was actually thinking of the "BMW Digital Key NFC Card" - shown below
part number: 61 35 9 436 659

But my understanding is it is not available or compatible with G01/G02.

You're referring to the "Activity Key" - shown below. I don't know if these actually exist, and if so, are available in the US. Here's the closest links I can find:

https://bimmercat.com/bmw/en/search/...iX/ECE/41_2700

https://www.bmw.ca/en/topics/offers-...ivity-key.html

I'd be interested in the activity key if available.

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by TrackDad87

Was actually thinking of the "BMW Digital Key NFC Card" - shown below
part number: 61 35 9 436 659

But my understanding is it is not available or compatible with G01/G02.

You're referring to the "Activity Key" - shown below. I don't know if these actually exist, and if so, are available in the US. Here's the closest links I can find:

https://bimmercat.com/bmw/en/search/...iX/ECE/41_2700

https://www.bmw.ca/en/topics/offers-...ivity-key.html

I'd be interested in the activity key if available.

That is correct. G01 does not have the ability to use Digital key (credit card key) and no retrofit available. The activity key was what I was thinking of.

[hinckley]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

I am personally unaware of the release date or the means of getting android auto (whether it be a purchase through connected drive or if it will be rolled out to all vehicles). I believe it will only be available for upgrade to vehicles with idrive 7.

Do you think AA is a software-only upgrade? The reason I ask is that I'm about to do a CarPlay upgrade in my 2015 911. It has a two-gen old PCM (Porsche's equivalent of iDrive) and to get CarPlay, the PCM has to be physically opened and a circuit board installed (if the car wasn't already out of warranty, it sure would be once that's done!). So I wonder whether the same circuitry that's used for iDrive 7 CarPlay will be able to be used for iDrive 7 Android Auto?

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by hinckley

Do you think AA is a software-only upgrade? The reason I ask is that I'm about to do a CarPlay upgrade in my 2015 911. It has a two-gen old PCM (Porsche's equivalent of iDrive) and to get CarPlay, the PCM has to be physically opened and a circuit board installed (if the car wasn't already out of warranty, it sure would be once that's done!). So I wonder whether the same circuitry that's used for iDrive 7 CarPlay will be able to be used for iDrive 7 Android Auto?

It's going to be a software update.

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

It's going to be a software update.

I hope this will be applicable to my '20 x3MC but not holding my breath - fingers crossed!

[freshxdough]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

I hope this will be applicable to my '20 x3MC but not holding my breath - fingers crossed!

All articles I've seen say idrive 7 so i doubt it will get to idrive 6 on X3 M 2020

[BMWZ4]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

All articles I've seen say idrive 7 so i doubt it will get to idrive 6 on X3 M 2020

I think you're probably right. It's a shame, but I can live w/o it

[Savsearcher]

Originally Posted by freshxdough

Confirmed. It will be an option to purchase in your connected drive account once it is available. 2020 model year included. Not just LCI

This will be amazing if it pans out. I wonder what they’ll charge for it.

[AcidLotus]

Originally Posted by Savsearcher

This will be amazing if it pans out. I wonder what they’ll charge for it.

Probably the normal BMW tax.

[Vallsurf]

Originally Posted by BMWZ4

I hope this will be applicable to my '20 x3MC but not holding my breath - fingers crossed!

This is the true shame, we're complaining about our m40is not having an activity key, meanwhile the X3M don't even have ID7! I couldn't imagine spending an extra $XX,XXX and not having the latest bells and whistles (and yes I understand you are shelling out for a superior sport driving experience, but I think my point still stands).

[Rob_G77]

Originally Posted by Vallsurf

This is the true shame, we're complaining about our m40is not having an activity key, meanwhile the X3M don't even have ID7! I couldn't imagine spending an extra $XX,XXX and not having the latest bells and whistles (and yes I understand you are shelling out for a superior sport driving experience, but I think my point still stands).

According to some online articles, the X3M was supposed to get IDrive7 starting in April. Of course, we all know things got delayed.

It will be an interesting summer to see what updates these cars get. Since the X3 does not have OTA update ability, I wonder if it can still be user updated by USB?

Edit: Maybe the BMW Software Update site is wrong, but I enter in the VIN for my X3 and it states the software will update automatically.

Rob