[GaryUFM]

Hi guys, spent some time trying to figure out how this works and I couldn't as I wasn't given a hard copy of the nav/entertainment manual. Apparently I have to download an electronic version or ask my local service department for this? iDrive manual gave nothing away either, nor did anything on-line as far as I could see.

This morning then, I took a drive to my local dealer to talk to a Genius to see if he could help. In the absence of any other information, I thought I'd post what I'd got so far to help any others speccing the new EBT with WiFi and Wireless Charging.

So after he had figured out his way around the new iDrive system (one job dude!) he managed to get me set up. I had assumed WiFi prep was readiness to accept a data only SIM, but in fact it already comes with it.

You just need to activate it in the menu (pictured), switch your phone's WiFi on and connect to the hotspot.

You'll be given the option to change the name of the network, and set up a passkey.

Once you've entered your passkey on your phone to connect, go into your web browser, where you'll be taken to www.hotspotdrive.com (run by Deutsche Telekom). Once you've verified your email address...it gets hazy.

It looks like you need to register for a free one-month's trial and thereafter it is £11/mo for 1GB data. Having said that, without going that far, I was still connected and accessing data - other internet sites, Facebook, etc. - through the car.

At this point my Genius friend took away a couple of queries (Can data limits be upped? Are we tied to this provider?). I'll keep you posted. But so far looks a promising little option!

Hope this is useful for folks!


EDIT: Got back home and Hotspot Drive's main site was more helpful than mobile one. There are different tariffs available, but it directed you to call Germany (freephone). Talking to the guy it would appear it's very new to them, but I can add on, for instance, 5GB for £27.50/mo (so 6GB for £38.50). Seems a bit steep, but he's going to email me more details.

One advantage for regular EU travellers: there are no roaming charges - this is Europe-wide data coverage.

[djcowlin]

Thanks a lot for posting this. I ummed and ahhed about speccing this option and am now glad I have!

[GaryUFM]

Originally Posted by djcowlin

Thanks a lot for posting this. I ummed and ahhed about speccing this option and am now glad I have!

No worries!

I'd written off the EBT order as was - on it's own it doesn't seem worth it. But I ordered my car just after it was updated to include Wireless Charging and WiFi Hotspot for nowt. Wasn't really sure what I was getting for the money...but it's looking like it was worth the punt!

Love the idea of streaming Spotify or iPlayer through BT. Unlimited entertainment on long journeys, pretty much.

[djcowlin]

Although if you are streaming iPlayer the 1GB/month wouldn't last long.

[GaryUFM]

Originally Posted by djcowlin

Although if you are streaming iPlayer the 1GB/month wouldn't last long.

No, hence my enquiries about upping it (possible, but costly - see edit in original post), or being able to switch provider. Will have to see! Even if not, still great potential.

[djcowlin]

Thanks. The Europe-wide data coverage would be a real boon.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

I've pretty much got as far as you with my X5 so interested to hear what more you learn.

The 4g speed seems good and reliable, quite a decent addition although my entire family has 4g dat on their devices.

Where it will definitely help will be European trips for connecting iPads to the internet since European tethering is otherwise expensive.

I am got the online entertainment working on the 1 month trial. Seems very slick and even though Bluetooth Apple Music is good I'm considering paying the £160 for phone free access.

These Connected Drive services has upped their game!

[DazC]

I just don't see the value in it personally due to the fact you're tied to one provider.

Now if you could input your own data sim then that would be much more appealing as you can get unlimited data for £20 on some Sims. I get 14GB for £14 + unlimited everything else.

A lot better that £11 for 1GB.

[MarkG_M5Comp]

Like my example though - could work for European holidays when connecting other devices.

We have 4 iPhones with unlimited data but if the kids want to connect an iPad to ply games they'd pay for tethering - with the hotspot they wouldn't.

Agreed, it would be heaps better to change the SIM - I wonder where it's located?

[DazC]

Originally Posted by MarkG_M50d

Like my example though - could work for European holidays when connecting other devices.

We have 4 iPhones with unlimited data but if the kids want to connect an iPad to ply games they'd pay for tethering - with the hotspot they wouldn't.

Agreed, it would be heaps better to change the SIM - I wonder where it's located?

No idea but I'd be keen to find out.

Sure someone across the pond will find out soon enough.

[Rhino707]

Those data rates are shocking! I have a Three sim in a USB dongle plugged into the 12V socket in the boot. It's £13/month for 20GB and there are no roaming charges in virtually any European country with Three these days, which should also be the case with all networks next year (at least until we leave the EU).

[CazuaLLUK]

Like some of the guys have said on this thread, poor value. Buy a dongle and get a data only plan on a sim.

I have an EE one which has 30GB for £30. Plug the dongle in to a USB port and power it on when you need to.