BMW Apps, worth the money?

onnex · 06-21-2011, 04:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlp

As long as you have the combox there will be a dealer retrofit path for you coming down the pike.

Thats awesome news, but I dunno if I have it or not. My car has a production date of 3/3/2011, and apparently the bmw apps weren't available until the production cycle later in the month (so I'm told). Whats the easiest way to check and see if I do or is that something I missed out on being before the 6NR production start?

tlp · 06-21-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by onnex

Thats awesome news, but I dunno if I have it or not. My car has a production date of 3/3/2011, and apparently the bmw apps weren't available until the production cycle later in the month (so I'm told). Whats the easiest way to check and see if I do or is that something I missed out on being before the 6NR production start?

If you ordered the ipod integration option you should have it.

///My5UV · 06-21-2011, 04:41 PM

I got it since I figure what's a couple hundred bucks on a 70k car, and hoping something useful actually happens with it. But I am starting to think it's just a waste of money since I hate FB and twitter and would rather listen to my own music than ads on Pandora.

M3tallicar · 06-26-2011, 04:52 PM

Another question, does the video option only work while the car is stopped or does it function while in motion as well?

immiketoo · 06-26-2011, 06:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M3tallicar

Another question, does the video option only work while the car is stopped or does it function while in motion as well?

Stopped only, for obvious reasons.

matthewk · 06-26-2011, 06:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rclee337

no android compatibility

cause android blows.. (sorry couldn't resist)

PhillyNate · 06-26-2011, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlp

If you ordered the ipod integration option you should have it.

I thought this was correct but on my M3 which is a 05/11 build, I doubt it has the combox due to the fact that I still REQUIRE use of the OLD BMW Y-cable used for the ipod/usb option.

Technic · 06-26-2011, 07:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

I thought this was correct but on my M3 which is a 05/11 build, I doubt it has the combox due to the fact that I still REQUIRE use of the OLD BMW Y-cable used for the ipod/usb option.

No, you don't require the OEM ipod adapter.

Combox was intalled in all M3 from 09/10 production. Something is wrong in your setup... take it to your dealer.

Technic · 06-26-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlp

If you ordered the ipod integration or BMW Assist option you should have it.

Fixed.

PhillyNate · 06-26-2011, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

No, you don't require the OEM ipod adapter.

Combox was intalled in all M3 from 09/10 production. Something is wrong in your setup... take it to your dealer.

Actually I don't think there's anything abnormal. When I took delivery it wasn't like let's try these cables and see which one works. The CA provided the Y-cable(for free) like there was never any doubt which one was appropriate for my particular setup. Plugged my ipod in and it worked as it should. It was only when I got home and played let's see if this works with a traditional ipod cable that a message pops up on the stereo that it's not a supported cable. I'm thinkin' you need one more option in addition to ipod/usb in order to have the combox. Like ipod/usb + bluetooth and/or Nav. In other words I don't think just ipod/usb is enough to get the combox. IMHO.

m3keash · 06-26-2011, 09:03 PM

I bought it for Pandora and love it.

Technic · 06-26-2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PhillyNate

Actually I don't think there's anything abnormal. When I took delivery it wasn't like let's try these cables and see which one works. The CA provided the Y-cable(for free) like there was never any doubt which one was appropriate for my particular setup. Plugged my ipod in and it worked as it should. It was only when I got home and played let's see if this works with a traditional ipod cable that a message pops up on the stereo that it's not a supported cable. I'm thinkin' you need one more option in addition to ipod/usb in order to have the combox. Like ipod/usb + bluetooth and/or Nav. In other words I don't think just ipod/usb is enough to get the combox. IMHO.

The Combox replaces two modules, the TCU (Assist/Bluetooth) and the MULF-Hi (iPod/USB/Smartphone integration).

So there is a Combox in your car if it is post 09/10 production. This is simple: open your trunk and you should see this module:

The issue of which cable to use depends on what iPod do you have. If you are using a very old iPod version or a Nano then the Apple white USB cable is not supported. However, the Combox do support the Apple white cable for most iPods versions, that's the whole idea of the Combox.

So if your iPod is not a Nano and is of a recent version (last 3 years or so) then something is not right in your setup.

PhillyNate · 06-26-2011, 09:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

The Combox replaces two modules, the TCU (Assist/Bluetooth) and the MULF-Hi (iPod/USB/Smartphone integration).

So there is a Combox in your car if it is post 09/10 production. This is simple: open your trunk and you should see this module:

The issue of which cable to use depends on what iPod do you have. If you are using a very old iPod version or a Nano then the Apple white USB cable is not supported. However, the Combox do support the Apple white cable for most iPods versions, that's the whole idea of the Combox.

So if your iPod is not a Nano and is of a recent version (last 3 years or so) then something is not right in your setup.

Thank you. That absolutely clears it up. I'm using an Ipod Classic w/video which is at least 5 years ago. I'll try my son's Iphone eventually and get back to you. I'm sure there is no issue with that. Mystery solved(by you).

8_is_enough · 06-27-2011, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matthewk

cause android blows.. (sorry couldn't resist)

i feel the same way about iOS devices.

stefan · 06-27-2011, 08:03 AM

Apps is a waste of money.. drive your car don't tweet from it.

As for the Pandora argument.. just get a ton of music of similar genre and dump it on a giant USB stick. Shuffle. Profit.

Poofyo101 · 10-04-2011, 08:59 AM

Considering adding this today to my car but need to know today. Have their been any updates since its released or any updates coming? How do users feel now that they have had it for a few months?

///My5UV · 10-04-2011, 09:02 AM

So far it seems pretty worthless. I think there's more useful stuff for Mini Connected. One would hope BMW would line up more apps or Android support but they just don't seem to care.

Technic · 10-04-2011, 09:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poofyo101

Considering adding this today to my car but need to know today. Have their been any updates since its released or any updates coming? How do users feel now that they have had it for a few months?

BMW seems to be preparing a BMW Apps OEM (dealer-installed) retrofit by the end of the year and obviously this will be more expensive than the factory $250 option.

So my suggestion is, just get it.

For me, just Pandora and Web radio are worth the $250. They both sound much better than Sirius and both support Album Art (which Sirius does not). Plus BMW Apps is a platform on which other future apps will be integrated.

SamS · 10-04-2011, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Technic

For me, just Pandora and Web radio are worth the $250. They both sound much better than Sirius and both support Album Art (which Sirius does not). Plus BMW Apps is a platform on which other future apps will be integrated.

This! $250 is a dirt cheap option, ya never know what cool thing BMW will add + years down the road.

The nice thing about BMWs (I have noticed) is that all models, even the 7 series and brand new 6er, seem to use the same iDrive. In other words, there is little chance that features/interface will be left to die for lack of updates. BMW has motivation to keep the updates coming.

///M_Monster · 10-05-2011, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tukluc

The two items you mention work great but the real reason I got it was that hopefully there would be MORE apps coming in the future. Would hate to have an app made for this car that I really want but can't because I didn't purchase this option.

+1

It is the potential that I am curious about.

Poofyo101 · 10-05-2011, 09:03 PM

Ordered!

eisenb11 · 10-06-2011, 03:41 AM

I got the option because at $250, why not? But from what I understand, BMW can update it with new capabilities as time goes on... my question, though, is how?

06-21-2011, 04:41 PM	#25
///My5UV Lurker 78 Rep 812 Posts Drives: YMB F80, SS E90 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Austin iTrader: (0)	I got it since I figure what's a couple hundred bucks on a 70k car, and hoping something useful actually happens with it. But I am starting to think it's just a waste of money since I hate FB and twitter and would rather listen to my own music than ads on Pandora. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-26-2011, 04:52 PM	#26
M3tallicar Lieutenant 273 Rep 515 Posts Drives: ///M Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Sunnystate iTrader: (0)	Another question, does the video option only work while the car is stopped or does it function while in motion as well?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-26-2011, 09:03 PM	#33
m3keash Second Lieutenant 7 Rep 243 Posts Drives: E93, JB/Bamboo, Adv.1 8.3 20s Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: NC iTrader: (0)	I bought it for Pandora and love it. __________________ JB, Bamboo, every option, 20" Adv.1
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-27-2011, 08:03 AM	#37
stefan Brigadier General 2354 Rep 4,254 Posts Drives: M2 Comp Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: North iTrader: (2)	Apps is a waste of money.. drive your car don't tweet from it. As for the Pandora argument.. just get a ton of music of similar genre and dump it on a giant USB stick. Shuffle. Profit. __________________ ///M Power
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-04-2011, 08:59 AM	#38
Poofyo101 Major 56 Rep 1,250 Posts Drives: e92 ///M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NC iTrader: (9) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW M3 [0.00]	Considering adding this today to my car but need to know today. Have their been any updates since its released or any updates coming? How do users feel now that they have had it for a few months? __________________ 12 E92 M3-AW/FR-20" BBS LM-Painted Reflectors-BMW Gloss Black Grills + Gills-BMW Performance LED Wheel-BMW Carbon Performance Spoiler-Akra Evolution-Stoptech Trophy
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-04-2011, 09:02 AM	#39
///My5UV Lurker 78 Rep 812 Posts Drives: YMB F80, SS E90 Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Austin iTrader: (0)	So far it seems pretty worthless. I think there's more useful stuff for Mini Connected. One would hope BMW would line up more apps or Android support but they just don't seem to care. __________________
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-05-2011, 09:03 PM	#43
Poofyo101 Major 56 Rep 1,250 Posts Drives: e92 ///M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: NC iTrader: (9) Garage List 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 1988 BMW M3 [0.00] 2012 BMW M3 [0.00] 1990 BMW M3 [0.00]	Ordered! __________________ 12 E92 M3-AW/FR-20" BBS LM-Painted Reflectors-BMW Gloss Black Grills + Gills-BMW Performance LED Wheel-BMW Carbon Performance Spoiler-Akra Evolution-Stoptech Trophy
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-06-2011, 03:41 AM	#44
eisenb11 Major 53 Rep 1,153 Posts Drives: 2012 E92 M3 SSII Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Redondo Beach, CA, USA iTrader: (0)	I got the option because at $250, why not? But from what I understand, BMW can update it with new capabilities as time goes on... my question, though, is how?
	Appreciate 0 Quote