Getting BMW Apps to work in CIC?

[Dave00]

Okay, I know there's a lot of threads out there, but I'm getting lost. I have a 13' X5M and stock CIC (with combox) and the menu has the BMW Connect option and everything under it including BMW apps, but nothing works and it just asks me to connect a compatible USB device. I've read that BMW updated the system a few years back and you need to enable the 6NR option in the VO and also need a 9C FSC code from BMW that is tagged to your VIN. Does anyone have experience in where I can get a code from (other than BMW) and the steps to get it updated and imported. I use BimmerGeeks (Protool) for coding, just not sure if I need something special for importing a 9C FSC code. Any advise is greatly appreciated!!

[SlowX6M]

I have BMW apps still working, but I honestly don't remember the last time I used them. Built in apps I think are weather and news, so they are relatively useless. The stuff you can access through your phone, most of it is trivial.

They used to have the old BMW connected app, which you can't get anymore in the app store unless it is already associated with your account. That app had a cool built in "web radio" where you could browse all kinds of stations right in your idrive screen, sorting by genre, country, etc. This was the only useful app, but I don't use it anymore since modern streaming services like youtube music are so much better.

[Dave00]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

I have BMW apps still working, but I honestly don't remember the last time I used them. Built in apps I think are weather and news, so they are relatively useless. The stuff you can access through your phone, most of it is trivial.

They used to have the old BMW connected app, which you can't get anymore in the app store unless it is already associated with your account. That app had a cool built in "web radio" where you could browse all kinds of stations right in your idrive screen, sorting by genre, country, etc. This was the only useful app, but I don't use it anymore since modern streaming services like youtube music are so much better.

Gotcha. It just kind of sucks that we have these menus all throughout our CIC for BMW Connected drive and they are useless as they don't work anymore. BMW's tech is and has always been soo far behind the times and does not last. Might eventually look at the AVINUSA setup. I have the old app as well and I've just never been able to get it to connect to the car. Might be something that was never updated on my 13' when 2G was shut down and BMW had to update to keep customers connected on the system if they wanted to maintain BMW Connect.

[argento]

I don't believe you can use connected drive fully without purchasing the subscription from BMW, about $200/year. I've done it and still wasn't able to get texts or emails and I have bmw apps and the 4G combox...however this may have been a programming issue, but I did take it to my local dealer and they couldn't successfully program it to work, so I gave up.

[SlowX6M]

Originally Posted by argento

I don't believe you can use connected drive fully without purchasing the subscription from BMW, about $200/year. I've done it and still wasn't able to get texts or emails and I have bmw apps and the 4G combox...however this may have been a programming issue, but I did take it to my local dealer and they couldn't successfully program it to work, so I gave up.

Texts are not through connected drive, you need “office” option for texts. Connected drive was not a subscription, it was a one time option that i actually got a refund check from bmw years after I bought the car when they disabled most of the connected drive features.

[SlowX6M]

Dave, I recorded a small video that should help you understand the system better.

Correction to my video - I said the old app still worked in my F96 and no longer works in my F96. I meant to say the app still worked in my F86 and no longer works in my F96. Basically it should work with any iDrive from gen 2 to gen 6 (aka NBT EVO). It no longer works with iDrive gen 7.

If you do not have an access to the old BMW connected app in the app store, try googling BMW certified apps - you can load each of these apps onto your phone individually, and then access them through your BMW apps section under Connected drive menu.

Some info on the standalone apps below.

https://hufman.github.io/stories/bmwconnectedapps

https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/globa...ps?language=en

[SlowX6M]

Originally Posted by argento

I don't believe you can use connected drive fully without purchasing the subscription from BMW, about $200/year. I've done it and still wasn't able to get texts or emails and I have bmw apps and the 4G combox...however this may have been a programming issue, but I did take it to my local dealer and they couldn't successfully program it to work, so I gave up.

Also, when I had my 2015 m235i, I did not purchase the "office" feature, and I had to code it in. I remember it was a very convoluted procedure, I had to use a laptop with e-sys software and a special cable.

Here is an old video showing the full office functionality.

[argento]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

Texts are not through connected drive, you need “office” option for texts. Connected drive was not a subscription, it was a one time option that i actually got a refund check from bmw years after I bought the car when they disabled most of the connected drive features.

Ah, yes, you're right, thanks for setting me straight.

Ok, so the fact it works for you made me go back and try again. I was able to get texts, but I was not able to get emails...I'll keep playing with notifications. Office did show both text and email icons and real time counting of texts, but emails remained 0.

I stopped trying years ago, thanks for motivating me to try again...

[Dave00]

Thanks guys and the office portion works fine (texts, emails, etc...) the issue is not being able to access the BMW Apps and it not recognizing my phone when plugged in to the USB (with the old BMW Connect App launched). The problem is I have an Android Phone (Galaxy S20+) and it won't work unless I have the NBT as CIC was iPhone only

I've been speaking with Argento and I think I'm going to go with the new Android unit he has as the reviews are really good and it seems to be a pretty straight forward install and integration. Probably be doing it in the new year as the car is going to sit for a while as we are doing a major garage addition and renovation.

[SlowX6M]

I think there is a way to swap in the actual nbt unit.

[Dave00]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

I think there is a way to swap in the actual nbt unit.

Probably so, but I feel like dumping money into an old system probably isn't a good idea. The Android unit looks to be the best move as it will give me all the old stuff, along with seamless integration with my phone and help future proof the car a bit more.

[Allleeexxx]

Hello, I am looking for BMW Connected .ipa for Iphone 4s. Who can shere ? Thanks

[SlowX6M]

How would you share it? The iphone has to be "jail broken"?

[Allleeexxx]

Originally Posted by SlowX6M

How would you share it? The iphone has to be "jail broken"?

You can do it witout jail, just use Itunes 12.6(Music\iTunes\iTunes Media\Mobile Applications) wich can download ipa from iphone
or use Apple Configurator https://medium.com/testableapple/how...e-43e04b3d0332

[SlowX6M]

I'll try over the weekend.

[tomjonesBT33]

I'd like a copy of the app as well. Thanks

[CSI]

I would instead look at this unit. I'm running it in my e91 and just bought one for the e70. It works pretty great after installing the latest firmware. It uses the MOST connection (fiber loop) so the audio is better than on any other units I've found that use the analog. It runs both Android Auto and carplay.
Of note, it does not integrate with the factory microphone. I just use the factory interface to make phone calls and Android Auto for everything else.

https://www.mr12volt.com/collections/bmw