General: how does bmw assist work?

[Vanne]

Hi, I've been wondering about this for a while. This bmw assist is like a roadside service that rocks up if you call them with a flat tire or something like that correct?

But how does it work, I thought initially via my own phone via the Bluetooth link, but now I don't think that is the case. Is there a bmw mobile phone built into the car that dials for help? Is it gsm? Is it sat? Or is it something completely different??

My brother has it too in his X3, and he asked me about it, and I am very sure it doesn't use his mobile to call for help...

Anyone?

[elerner61]

I did a little digging on this just now and spoke with a person at BMW Assist.

Only if your subscription to BMWAssist is paid for (which in turn keeps the in-car cellular hardware/account active) will those two little buttons (or the system automatically) do anything. It seems that 10 years of service is included for 2014 model year cars. For 2007 and up there was one free year of service provided.

With an active BMWAssist subscription:

• If your airbags deploy, the car will automatically call the BMWAssist response center and relay the car's GPS position and condition. The call center will dial back to the car and try to establish voice communication with the occupant. If voice communication cannot be established, the call center will call the local police department to send emergency assistance
• If you press the SOS button, the car will call the BMWAssist call center and establish a voice call
• If you press the roadside assistance button, the car will call the response center and the attendant can read certain data from your vehicle, offer advice and perform some services (e.g. door unlock)

More info here:

http://www.bmwusa.com/Standard/Conte...t/default.aspx

[chickdr]

If this is the case I guess we are supposed to call with our cell phone to get the lifetime roadside assistance we get on M cars since we don't have a spare tire or run flats? Seems like we would always have the roadside assist button working(subscription or not).

[Vanne]

Hmm not sure about that.. I may try it over here, just to confirm it doesn't work. thx for the info guys. Btw? Where did they hide this gsm phone?

[StickMon]

Originally Posted by chickdr

... lifetime roadside assistance we get on M cars ...

What lifetime roadside assistance?
I didn't get that memo.
I got a flat and called my insurance company.

[papitosabe]

Originally Posted by chickdr

If this is the case I guess we are supposed to call with our cell phone to get the lifetime roadside assistance we get on M cars since we don't have a spare tire or run flats? Seems like we would always have the roadside assist button working(subscription or not).

I don't believe its roadside, IIRC its tire. But what sucks is that they take you to the nearest dealer and you have to pay for tires thru BMW which is an assload. I THINK thats how it works.

[Shipkiller]

From the ‘BMW Assist’ pamphlet that came with my car:

BMW Assist is active for four (4) years or the length of your original factory warranty. After the four year period, a yearly subscription fee of $199.00 is required to keep it active.

When I had to use my ‘Assist’ button, I was given the option to have the car taken to the dealer or any place I preferred…. If you read the fine print, anywhere in a 50mile radius…..

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by papitosabe

I don't believe its roadside, IIRC its tire. But what sucks is that they take you to the nearest dealer and you have to pay for tires thru BMW which is an assload. I THINK thats how it works.

This is the case, but the service is free and is lifetime. Just for flats as you said.

[antennahead]

Originally Posted by chickdr

If this is the case I guess we are supposed to call with our cell phone to get the lifetime roadside assistance we get on M cars since we don't have a spare tire or run flats? Seems like we would always have the roadside assist button working(subscription or not).

Originally Posted by chickdr

This is the case, but the service is free and is lifetime. Just for flats as you said.

I always assumed (incorrectly perhaps?) that they had us in their database as "M" owners with the lifetime flat service........ and subsequently didn't turn off the assist button on us......... anyone know if that's true or false?

[StickMon]

And if true, is it transferred to subsequent owners?

[Taylorguy74]

Through BMW CCA, their roadside assistance package is only $75/year. Who would pay the $199?

https://www.bmwcca.org/roadsideassistance

Has anyone gone this route? I'm looking at adding it - it covers all your vehicles in your household regardless for the one fee.

[chickdr]

Originally Posted by antennahead

I always assumed (incorrectly perhaps?) that they had us in their database as "M" owners with the lifetime flat service........ and subsequently didn't turn off the assist button on us......... anyone know if that's true or false?

No idea- that is my question. It was my dealer who told me the roadside assistance for flats was lifetime. It would make sense that the roadside assistance button in the car would continue to work. I think it is linked to the car, not the owner.

[silverfishZ4M]

I pressed the SOS button last yr and they answered, car was almost 6 yrs old

[Kgolf31]

Originally Posted by StickMon

And if true, is it transferred to subsequent owners?

Yes, I am 2nd owner and have lifetime roadside assistance for flat tires.


I had to call a couple years ago when I blew a coil, I just dialed the number from my phone and didn't use the button

[StickMon]

Thanks!!
Next time I get a flat I'll push a button and see what happens.

I always figured I would get an automated voice saying:
"Please enter your credit card number to activate your massively expensive 5 year non-refundable contract."

[Caddyshk]

The bastards put me on auto annual renewal; keep meaning to cancel it.

[StickMon]

Before spending any money on roadside assistance, check with your insurance company.
You might already be paying for it.
I didn't know I had it until the Wife used it when her fuel pump went out.
At least one of us is reading stuff. I just pay the bills.

[KevinC]

I believe that the cellular module is analog - and the days of analog cell towers are about done, so if these still work today, they won't much longer. Also the price is a staggering ripoff. Join AAA, or buy the coverage through BMWCCA, and pay far less. Everyone has a cellphone with them now so the convenience of pushing a button in the car is hardly worth paying 3x more than a AAA plan for.

[Vanne]

Originally Posted by StickMon

Before spending any money on roadside assistance, check with your insurance company.
You might already be paying for it.
I didn't know I had it until the Wife used it when her fuel pump went out.
At least one of us is reading stuff. I just pay the bills.

Lol , I hear you man, I am the same ;D

[Vanne]

speaking of the 'button'? , i dont have a button, its on my Nav/popup display menu.. do you guys have an actual button like my brother does in his X3, up near the rear view mirror?

[ZStig]

I had starter issues, and they offered to tow me to the nearest BMW dealer for free.

[StickMon]

Originally Posted by Vanne

speaking of the 'button'? , i dont have a button, its on my Nav/popup display menu.. do you guys have an actual button like my brother does in his X3, up near the rear view mirror?

It's in the armrest, just behind where your elbow would land.
According to RealOEM, yours may be an "Oddments tray" instead of a switch module.