3G Discontinuation Notice

Juice247 · 05-09-2021, 10:20 AM

For those of you sending your cars in for the update, please let us know if they did a full i-step update. If so, then the DME will be locked. I'll call my service advisor Monday and see if he knows, and if so, is there is a way around it.

BTW, my "new" MY17 440 has business nav so it is on iDrive 5. My old MY17 440 did not have nav so it was iDrive 4. Same production months (9/16)

Nickco43 · 05-09-2021, 11:05 AM

I got an email that my 17 x3 (The NBT Evo donor car in my F30) was eligible for a upgrade.

All NBT Evo cars have a 4G ATM (it literally says 4G on my ATM).

I also gotten an email for my factory 4G combox in my F30 that says it is also expiring in February 2022.

I can't renew on my 4G combox but I can still renew for my ATM.

Poochie · 05-10-2021, 05:56 AM

In the interest of sharing accurate information with fellow members, I want to revise my previous statement on this subject, due to new facts I'm now privy to.

So, it is still factual that all US-spec BMW "Professional" iDrive units built after 07/2015 and beyond has a 4G LTE telemetry connection; that was true then as it is now.

However, that might not matter to some because regardless if you have a 4G LTE iDrive connection or not, apparently, some early models of this technology still will not be able to support some future ConnectDrive services and therefore might need upgraded hardware to be able to utilize the services.

So please, gather your VIN and inquire with your dealer on whether or not your hardware requires an upgrade.

https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...pdf/3G_FAQ.pdf

.

gnolivos · 05-10-2021, 03:11 PM

My car is heavily coded. In fact I have a 6wb digital cluster with coding to make it work as well.

Does anyone know if taking this f30 in for upgrade will require a complete software reset of sorts? That would suck.

Icecph · 05-10-2021, 04:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnolivos

My car is heavily coded. In fact I have a 6wb digital cluster with coding to make it work as well.

Does anyone know if taking this f30 in for upgrade will require a complete software reset of sorts? That would suck.

I believe a lot of us is waiting for this info lol
I recall one of the person in this thread is going in on Thursday, gonna wait for them or any others to update on if that updates lock DME

bimmer456 · 05-10-2021, 06:34 PM

Going in for upgrade tomorrow. My car is stock so should be no issues. Anyone had theirs done yet? Don't currently subscribe to connected drive but figured I'd get it anyway doesn't hurt and could benefit future owners and be a selling point.

rooosh798 · 05-10-2021, 06:35 PM

My best guess is that its a full i-step software update and hardware upgrades if required because my SA advised me to take a loaner. I don't really care as long as it does not lock the DME.

rooosh798 · 05-10-2021, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Going in for upgrade tomorrow. My car is stock so should be no issues. Anyone had theirs done yet? Don't currently subscribe to connected drive but figured I'd get it anyway doesn't hurt and could benefit future owners and be a selling point.

I think they are giving everyone whose connecteddrive just expired a free upgrade till Feb 2022. If it results in a free software and hardware updates I'll take it tbh.

im_an_alien · 05-10-2021, 06:52 PM

Unfortunately in my experience when the dealer hooks up the car for any update they do the whole thing. And the latest i-step will definitely lock the DME. My steering rack was replaced and the entire car got flashed and DME locked. Had to ship it to kies for a bench unlock.

Icecph · 05-10-2021, 07:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im_an_alien

Unfortunately in my experience when the dealer hooks up the car for any update they do the whole thing. And the latest i-step will definitely lock the DME. My steering rack was replaced and the entire car got flashed and DME locked. Had to ship it to kies for a bench unlock.

Hmm I'm afraid you might be right.

Saw this in f80 forum

Bootmod3 and locked DME? https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1761870

Curious how much did the bench unlock cost? And where could you get this done locally?

Icecph · 05-10-2021, 07:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rooosh798

Quote:

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Going in for upgrade tomorrow. My car is stock so should be no issues. Anyone had theirs done yet? Don't currently subscribe to connected drive but figured I'd get it anyway doesn't hurt and could benefit future owners and be a selling point.

I think they are giving everyone whose connecteddrive just expired a free upgrade till Feb 2022. If it results in a free software and hardware updates I'll take it tbh.

if you don't care about locked DME and have no interest in flash tune, by all means go for it.

im_an_alien · 05-10-2021, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Icecph

Hmm I'm afraid you might be right.

Saw this in f80 forum

Bootmod3 and locked DME? https://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1761870

Curious how much did the bench unlock cost? And where could you get this done locally?

Two fifty..plenty of tuners in your neck of the woods so you might be able to get it done locally and cheaper.

Scorp10 · 05-11-2021, 07:10 AM

I have a 2017 340i which was a late 2016 build and I received the email for a free upgrade. I have iD5 and NBT EVO. I made my appointment for Friday to receive the update. I work for said wireless carrier and we received information pertaining to the 3G sunset and that most cars will be swapping their old 3G SIM cards that are embedded into the car for a 4G capable SIM card. I'm not sure if this applies to BMW. Hoping to get upgraded to iD6. Will let everyone know what happens.

Billfitz · 05-11-2021, 07:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gnolivos

My car is heavily coded. In fact I have a 6wb digital cluster with coding to make it work as well.
Does anyone know if taking this f30 in for upgrade will require a complete software reset of sorts?

It may not require a full software upgrade, but dealers are in the habit of doing it anyway whenever given the chance. You end up having to re-code, and some features that you used to be able to code, like the number of blinker flashes, will be gone. I didn't take two free oil changes just to keep my dealer away from my car. If offered the free 4G com box I'm going to pass. Whatever I really need 4G for I'll do with my phone.

im_an_alien · 05-11-2021, 09:27 AM

Usually the whole car does not have to be flashed, but some ECUs have to be flashed together. For example, if the ICM needs to be flashed then the DSC must also be flashed. So if the head unit is getting updated there will be other "co-dependent" modules that will need flashing too (cameras, parking sensors, kombi, FEM etc). Somewhere I have come across a list of which modules have to be updated together, can't remember where though. Now put yourself in the tech's shoes, would you go and find only which modules need updating or just flash the whole car while you have a smoke?

Icecph · 05-11-2021, 01:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im_an_alien

Usually the whole car does not have to be flashed, but some ECUs have to be flashed together. For example, if the ICM needs to be flashed then the DSC must also be flashed. So if the head unit is getting updated there will be other "co-dependent" modules that will need flashing too (cameras, parking sensors, kombi, FEM etc). Somewhere I have come across a list of which modules have to be updated together, can't remember where though. Now put yourself in the tech's shoes, would you go and find only which modules need updating or just flash the whole car while you have a smoke?

That last part got me lol

gnolivos · 05-11-2021, 07:29 PM

So not sure what a DME lock is but I assume based on context it will disable any future ability to tune engine. Yes?

Of concern is previous poster mentioning some coding features like 4 blink turn signal will no longer be available. Ugh. I have extensive coding done and everything behaves exactly as I like it.

I think I'm gonna pass on the connectivity. I do however believe some features will continue to function as my car DOES display 4G on screen whilst on certain connectivity functions…

im_an_alien · 05-12-2021, 12:35 PM

Checked today, and my 2016 (10/15 prod) shows 4g too. I have not received any notice, so hopefully I'm good until 4g goes out of style in a couple of years.

rdljr · 05-12-2021, 07:02 PM

Can I get my upgrade done if I swapped my 2016 Evo ID4 out for an ID6 head unit?

WallySlash · 05-12-2021, 09:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by psyki

On my 2014 F15 (with NBT) my RTT subscription expired a month or two ago and I was not able to renew, it wasn't an option anywhere on the website. I emailed support and they said it was simply not available for my X5 anymore.

Same for me too. 2014 F32. Emailed CD Support and they confirmed that RTT is no longer available. And unfortunately I am not able or eligible to receive an upgrade on software or equipment for 4G.

Bummer.

Icecph · 05-12-2021, 10:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rdljr

Can I get my upgrade done if I swapped my 2016 Evo ID4 out for an ID6 head unit?

I reckon it's upgrading for free (if you've received an email from BMWUSA) and paying a fee to upgrade.

gnolivos · 05-13-2021, 05:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by im_an_alien

Checked today, and my 2016 (10/15 prod) shows 4g too. I have not received any notice, so hopefully I'm good until 4g goes out of style in a couple of years.

I wouldn't be so sure. Mine has 4G and I got the notice AND my dealer confirmed with my VIN that I need the free upgrade.

05-09-2021, 10:20 AM	#45
Juice247 Private First Class 108 Rep 187 Posts Drives: '17 BMW 440xi Gran Coupe Join Date: Jun 2019 Location: Chicago iTrader: (0)	For those of you sending your cars in for the update, please let us know if they did a full i-step update. If so, then the DME will be locked. I'll call my service advisor Monday and see if he knows, and if so, is there is a way around it. BTW, my "new" MY17 440 has business nav so it is on iDrive 5. My old MY17 440 did not have nav so it was iDrive 4. Same production months (9/16)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-09-2021, 11:05 AM	#46
Nickco43 Lieutenant Colonel 1458 Rep 1,912 Posts Drives: 08 E92 BMW M3 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Denver, CO iTrader: (1) Garage List 2008 BMW [0.00]	I got an email that my 17 x3 (The NBT Evo donor car in my F30) was eligible for a upgrade. All NBT Evo cars have a 4G ATM (it literally says 4G on my ATM). I also gotten an email for my factory 4G combox in my F30 that says it is also expiring in February 2022. I can't renew on my 4G combox but I can still renew for my ATM.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2021, 05:56 AM	#47
Poochie Luxury at the redline :) 9103 Rep 7,563 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	In the interest of sharing accurate information with fellow members, I want to revise my previous statement on this subject, due to new facts I'm now privy to. So, it is still factual that all US-spec BMW "Professional" iDrive units built after 07/2015 and beyond has a 4G LTE telemetry connection; that was true then as it is now. However, that might not matter to some because regardless if you have a 4G LTE iDrive connection or not, apparently, some early models of this technology still will not be able to support some future ConnectDrive services and therefore might need upgraded hardware to be able to utilize the services. So please, gather your VIN and inquire with your dealer on whether or not your hardware requires an upgrade. https://www.bmwusa.com/content/dam/b...pdf/3G_FAQ.pdf . Attached Images
	Appreciate 3 gnolivos316.00 Icecph253.50 QuarterMileJoe9.00 Quote

05-10-2021, 03:11 PM	#48
gnolivos Captain 316 Rep 691 Posts Drives: Various BMW Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	My car is heavily coded. In fact I have a 6wb digital cluster with coding to make it work as well. Does anyone know if taking this f30 in for upgrade will require a complete software reset of sorts? That would suck. __________________ Bimmercode best coding options (Basic and Advanced): https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...5#post29807925
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2021, 06:34 PM	#50
bimmer456 Major General 2950 Rep 5,984 Posts Drives: 340i Join Date: Nov 2016 Location: Pasadena, CA iTrader: (0)	Going in for upgrade tomorrow. My car is stock so should be no issues. Anyone had theirs done yet? Don't currently subscribe to connected drive but figured I'd get it anyway doesn't hurt and could benefit future owners and be a selling point.
	Appreciate 1 gnolivos316.00 Quote

05-10-2021, 06:35 PM	#51
rooosh798 Private 29 Rep 68 Posts Drives: 2017 340i Join Date: May 2020 Location: New Jersey iTrader: (0)	My best guess is that its a full i-step software update and hardware upgrades if required because my SA advised me to take a loaner. I don't really care as long as it does not lock the DME. __________________ _______________ 340i Mineral Grey - M Sport package - Adaptive M Suspension
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-10-2021, 06:52 PM	#53
im_an_alien Major 1122 Rep 1,496 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Florida/NH iTrader: (0)	Unfortunately in my experience when the dealer hooks up the car for any update they do the whole thing. And the latest i-step will definitely lock the DME. My steering rack was replaced and the entire car got flashed and DME locked. Had to ship it to kies for a bench unlock.
	Appreciate 1 rooosh79828.50 Quote

05-11-2021, 07:10 AM	#57
Scorp10 Private First Class 114 Rep 121 Posts Drives: 2017 340i xDrive (F30) Join Date: May 2020 Location: New England iTrader: (0)	I have a 2017 340i which was a late 2016 build and I received the email for a free upgrade. I have iD5 and NBT EVO. I made my appointment for Friday to receive the update. I work for said wireless carrier and we received information pertaining to the 3G sunset and that most cars will be swapping their old 3G SIM cards that are embedded into the car for a 4G capable SIM card. I'm not sure if this applies to BMW. Hoping to get upgraded to iD6. Will let everyone know what happens. __________________ ?17 Black Sapphire Metallic 340i
	Appreciate 2 sspade2464.50 428iSoCal24.50 Quote

05-11-2021, 09:27 AM	#59
im_an_alien Major 1122 Rep 1,496 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Florida/NH iTrader: (0)	Usually the whole car does not have to be flashed, but some ECUs have to be flashed together. For example, if the ICM needs to be flashed then the DSC must also be flashed. So if the head unit is getting updated there will be other "co-dependent" modules that will need flashing too (cameras, parking sensors, kombi, FEM etc). Somewhere I have come across a list of which modules have to be updated together, can't remember where though. Now put yourself in the tech's shoes, would you go and find only which modules need updating or just flash the whole car while you have a smoke?
	Appreciate 2 anotheran389.00 nitro_boss15.00 Quote

05-11-2021, 07:29 PM	#61
gnolivos Captain 316 Rep 691 Posts Drives: Various BMW Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: US iTrader: (0)	So not sure what a DME lock is but I assume based on context it will disable any future ability to tune engine. Yes? Of concern is previous poster mentioning some coding features like 4 blink turn signal will no longer be available. Ugh. I have extensive coding done and everything behaves exactly as I like it. I think I'm gonna pass on the connectivity. I do however believe some features will continue to function as my car DOES display 4G on screen whilst on certain connectivity functions… __________________ Bimmercode best coding options (Basic and Advanced): https://g20.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...5#post29807925
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-12-2021, 12:35 PM	#62
im_an_alien Major 1122 Rep 1,496 Posts Drives: 2016 340i Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Florida/NH iTrader: (0)	Checked today, and my 2016 (10/15 prod) shows 4g too. I have not received any notice, so hopefully I'm good until 4g goes out of style in a couple of years. Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-12-2021, 07:02 PM	#63
rdljr New Member 9 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2016 BMW 328i Join Date: Oct 2019 Location: Spartanburg, SC iTrader: (0)	Can I get my upgrade done if I swapped my 2016 Evo ID4 out for an ID6 head unit?
	Appreciate 0 Quote