BMW discontinues ConnectedDrive services with 3G cellular sunset in Canada

In Canada, the 3G network is being phased out by major mobile carriers, with a sunset date of  July 31, 2025. This means that devices relying solely on 3G technology will lose their cellular connectivity after this date. Carriers like Rogers, Fido, and Vidéotron will discontinue their 3G services on July 31, 2025. Bell and Telus are also expected to sunset their 3G networks by the end of 2025. This has caused that BMW Canada (Part of BMW AG) removed support for BMW ConnectedDrive cars which depend on sunsetted/inactive (eg 2G/3G) cellular networks. Ecall won't be available anymore, so involved BMW's won't be able to alert emergency services automatically in case of an emergency or accident. BMW is generally avoiding global consequences  of the phasing out of 2G/3G mobile network technologies, as the company states that it has no control over this situation without looking at itself. 

BMW ConnectedDrive Services and Apps rely on the embedded SIM card in your BMW and certain vehicles require connectivity via a 3G mobile network operated by third party telecommunications providers. The Mobile Network Operators (“MNOs”) providing 3G services in Canada plan to retire their 3G services by 31 July 2025.

As a result, BMW ConnectedDrive Services and Apps will be impacted on certain vehicles, and will ease to function for reasons beyond BMW’s control. [1].

There is currently no available hardware or software alternatives which extend the functionality beyond the 3G shutdown for affected vehicles. [1].

Navituning  has proven that statements of BMW regarding cellular sunsets are unnecessary, inaccurate and most of all customer unfriendly. For many BMW models, 4G compatible telematic units  (TCU) are available world wide which proves BMW (aftersales) isn't totally honest regarding cellular sunsets. And in case a 4G telematic unit isn't available, most of the ConnectedDrive services can be restored via paired mobile phones.   

Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can be easily restored/retrofitted for all BMW models with navigation system professional delivered from mid-2012 (Canada) with at least (factory) options 609 and 633/6NS/6NH.

[1]  

BMW discontinues ConnectedDrive services with 3G cellular sunset in Singapore

 

The 3G network in Singapore was shut down in July 2024 has caused that BMW Singapore (Part of BMW AG) removed support for BMW ConnectedDrive cars which depend on sunsetted/inactive (eg 2G/3G) cellular networks. BMW is generally avoiding global consequences of the phasing out of 2G/3G mobile network technologies, as the company states that it has no control over this situation without looking at itself. 

BMW ConnectedDrive Services and Apps rely on the embedded SIM card in your BMW and certain vehicles require connectivity via a 3G mobile network operated by third party telecommunications providers. The Mobile Network Operators (“MNOs”) providing 3G services in Singapore plan to retire their 3G services by 31 July 2024.

As a result, BMW ConnectedDrive Services and Apps will be impacted on certain vehicles, and will ease to function for reasons beyond BMW’s control.  [1].

There is currently no available hardware or software alternatives which extend the functionality beyond the 3G shutdown for affected vehicles. [1].

Navituning  has proven that statements of BMW regarding cellular sunsets are unnecessary, inaccurate and most of all customer unfriendly. For many BMW models, 4G compatible telematic units (TCU) are available world wide which proves BMW (aftersales) isn't totally honest regarding cellular sunsets. And in case a 4G telematic unit isn't available, most of the ConnectedDrive services can be restored via paired mobile phones.   

Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can be easily restored/retrofitted for all BMW models with navigation system professional delivered from mid-2011 with at least (factory) options 609 and 633/6NS/6NH.

[1] BMW Singapore 

BMW Australia quietly disallows ConnectedDrive services

The imminent (June 2024) retirement of the 3G network in Australia has caused that BMW Australia (Part of BMW AG) silently removed support for BMW ConnectedDrive cars which depend on sunsetted/inactive (eg 2G/3G) cellular networks. Ecall won't be available anymore, so involved BMW's won't be able to alert emergency services automatically in case of an emergency or accident. BMW is generally avoiding global consequences of the phasing out of 2G/3G mobile network technologies, as the company states that it has no control over this situation without looking at itself. 

Mobile network operators in Australia have indicated that 3G networks in Australia may be unavailable from mid 2024 onwards.

BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps rely on the embedded SIM card in your BMW, and certain vehicles require connectivity via a 3G mobile network operated by these third party telecommunications providers. BMW ConnectedDrive Services & Apps will be impacted on certain vehicles, and will cease to function for reasons beyond BMW's control [1].

At this time, we regret to inform you that there are no hardware or software retrofit options available to upgrade your vehicle's telematics[1].

Navituning  has proven that statements of BMW regarding cellular sunsets are unnecessary, inaccurate and most of all customer unfriendly. For many BMW models, 4G compatible telematic units (TCU) are available world wide which proves BMW (aftersales) isn't totally honest regarding cellular sunsets. And in case a 4G telematic unit isn't available, most of the ConnectedDrive services can be restored via a data connection of paired mobile phones.  

 

Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can be easily restored/retrofitted for all BMW models with navigation system professional delivered from mid-2011 with at least (factory) options 609 and 633/6NS/6NH.

BMW proves to be careless and disrespectful towards affected car owners

Please accept our heartfelt apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. We truly appreciate your understanding in this situation. The satisfaction of our customers with ConnectedDrive is of great importance to us [1] 

 

[1] BMW Australia 

 

 

RTTI lost on BMW navigation systems due to 3G sunset

The loss of RTTI (Real-Time Traffic Information) in connected (e.g. BMW) vehicles due to the 3G sunset is primarily caused by the discontinuation of 3G cellular networks by mobile carriers, which directly affects manufacturer's connected services. Read on for a solution if RTTI and other connected services stop working.
 

 

What happened?  

2G and 3G Network Shutdown: Mobile carriers globally phased out 2G and 3G networks to make room for newer technologies like 4G and 5G. Connected vehicles that relied on older (eg 2G/3G) telematics hardware lost connectivity to services like RTTI, BMW Assist, Remote Services, and more.

Hardware Limitations: Many connected cars built before 2017 were equipped with 3G-based telematics units. According to manufacturers, these units can't be upgraded to 4G due to hardware and software constraints. Read on if RTTI and other connected services stop working for a solution!  

No Retrofit Path: Many connected car manufacturers (e.g. BMW) have not foreseen a  retrofit or upgrade path for most affected vehicles. This means owners of older models can't renew connected services offered by the car manufacturer once 3G support ends.

What is the solution or alternative?

Navituning  has proven that statements of BMW regarding cellular sunsets are unnecessary, inaccurate and most of all customer unfriendly. For many BMW models, 4G compatible telematic units  (TCU) are available world wide which proves BMW (aftersales) isn't totally honest regarding cellular sunsets. And in case a 4G telematic unit isn't available, most of the ConnectedDrive services can be restored via paired mobile phones.   

Real Time Traffic Information (RTTI) can be easily restored/retrofitted for all BMW models with navigation system professional delivered from mid-2012 (Canada) with at least (factory) options 609 and 633/6NS/6NH.

 

Availability of BMW ConnectedDrive RTTI

BMW RTTI (Real Time Traffic Information) has been available on the BMW navigation system professional model CIC in Germany, Italy, France and the United Kingdom since June 2011.

Despite BMW AG announcing in a press release that more countries would be added, BMW silently decided in 2012 that RTTI would only be available for new BMWs delivered from July 2013. BMW AG's explanation was that RTTI on a navigation system professional model CIC wouldn't be technically possible. BMW AG's decision also unnecessary affects early versions of navigation system professional model NBT.

Because RTTI was initally made available in the 4 countries mentioned above, BMW AG's motivation, that it would not be technically possible, is unfortunately NOT true. Navituning has proven that BMW RTTI can be activated/retrofitted for all BMW models with navigation system professional delivered from mid-2011 with at least (factory) options 609 and 633/639/6NS/6NH.

RTTI is possible for BMW navigation system professional in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria*, Croatia*, Czech Republic, Danmark, Estonia*, Finland, France, Germany, UK, Greece*, Hungary*, Ireland, Italy, Latvia*, Lithuania*, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland*, Portugal, Romania*, Slovakia*, Slovenia*, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey*,United Arab Emirates*, United States*, Canada*, Australia*, New Zealand*.