BMW Assist Connection Weirdness

[///M Rakete]

When I initialized my BMW Assist and tried it again tonight as a test (legitimate) I first got messages saying the call could not be completed as dialed, check the number and try again. Tonight I got this twice. The error codes in the message were "2CE" and "2AM".

Now I only had to push the button once and it still ultimately connected, transferred data and location, and I could talk to someone at BMW Assist, and they could terminate the call. So it works but I've never had this "trial and error" type behavior.

Anyone experience this before? A 2010 M3 Coupe.

[JCtx]

I only used it once to set it up, and it worked perfectly. My guess is you were simply out of range man.

I think the better question is how it works, and I don't know. Manual says it has to be in a 'serviceable' area, meaning it probably uses one of the current cellular service providers, but which one? And does it 'roam', meaning it can use others' networks for greater coverage? It'd have been great if it had satellite service, meaning you could get service even in the middle of nowhere. Let us know if you find some answers. Good luck.

[///M Rakete]

Originally Posted by elp_jc

I only used it once to set it up, and it worked perfectly. My guess is you were simply out of range man.

I think the better question is how it works, and I don't know. Manual says it has to be in a 'serviceable' area, meaning it probably uses one of the current cellular service providers, but which one? And does it 'roam', meaning it can use others' networks for greater coverage? It'd have been great if it had satellite service, meaning you could get service even in the middle of nowhere. Let us know if you find some answers. Good luck.

Not out of range, totally serviceable area. One push and it would connect and transfer all data. It just seemed to try one or two invalid numbers first. The Assist numbers are programmed into the TCU, at the VPC I believe. I wonder if that got screwed up. Off to the dealer!

[TwoSaints]

I use mine 2-3x per month on average. Never had a problem, but I haven't tried in the last few weeks.

[Georgeair]

Originally Posted by TwoSaints

I use mine 2-3x per month on average. Never had a problem, but I haven't tried in the last few weeks.

Really? I'm curious what you are using it for.

[URBAN LEGEND]

Originally Posted by Georgeair

Really? I'm curious what you are using it for.

Probably for strip club locations.

[BobsM3Coupe]

I was just looking at the order sheet for the 2010 MY and it says if 639 (BMW Assist w/Bluetooth) and 609 (Navigation System)are ordered, that will also include 615 (Online Information Services). Sounds to me like it includes online internet access but when I tried accessing it, BMW said it's an option @ $199 a year. Does that sound right?

[///M Rakete]

Originally Posted by BobsM3Coupe

I was just looking at the order sheet for the 2010 MY and it says if 639 (BMW Assist w/Bluetooth) and 609 (Navigation System)are ordered, that will also include 615 (Online Information Services). Sounds to me like it includes online internet access but when I tried accessing it, BMW said it's an option @ $99 a year. Does that sound right?

I think the Convenience Plan includes access to a Google-based search capability.

[///M Rakete]

Turns out there is/was an ongoing carrier issue with BMW Assist customers initialized after Dec. 15. I'll have a copy of the DCSnet bulletin tomorrow. Nothing wrong with the TCU or the car apparently.