BMW Plans to Turn CarPlay Into Subscription-Based Service Next Year

[z28black98]

What a stupid idea. We got a Ford Flex in March of 2016 (I had to upgrade the bus with a new USB controller, but that wasn't hard) and a Mercedes GLS-450 in Nov 2016 - many cars were eliminated due to a lack of CarPlay. I did test drive the slightly smaller BMW SUV. It was a nice enough car, but didn't compare to the GLS. (And the salesman drove like an idiot before I got to drive.)

If it was a subscription CarPlay though, it would have been enough to say "Sorry, BMW."

Edit:
Not to mention their math is wrong: Pay $300 once. Or, "Over the course of a 3 or 4 year lease, it would still work out to less money than the option is now." Let's see:

4 year lease, minus 1st year free = 3 years.
3 years * $80/year = $320.

Is $320 less than $300? No. (Of course the time value of money isn't counted).

And we have had the last cars 6-7 years or 100k miles, whichever came first.

Idi.

Umm you might want to check YOUR math. 80X3 is 240, not 320.

 

[kmichalec]

You don't need navigation in your car to have CarPlay. My wife's 2018 Ford Flex doesn't have Ford Navigation, but supports CarPlay. Just needs the necessary head unit and touch screen.

CarPlay is a one time install on the head unit by the manufacturer, and then once installed, the iPhone connects to it and mirrors. Once they've sunk the cost of installing, they have no additional "service" costs. But contrary to what others have said, no manufacturer is installing Carplay for "free". The cost is rolled into the cost of the vehicles head unit. Some may show a separate line item for this on the Window Sticker, but most just roll it into the radio cost. So please keep that in mind. If you get a car with CarPlay, rest assured, you are paying for it.

However, BMW would still need to do the one time install regardless. Then, if they were going to shut it on/off based on subscription payment, that will be BMW installing software on top of the CarPlay installation which would artificially cuts access to it. That's the difference.

It's the equivalent of them installing a killswitch and then extorting money from you to turn the killswitch off. There is no "service" being supplied, other than them making up a service, which is them shutting the link off.

 

[vipergts2207]

because you want a BMW, you don't want a ford fiesta. that's why. the person in the market to buy an 80,000 car doesn't give a **** about 300 dollars upcharge, or an 80/year fee. it doesn't matter what chevy does, because i, as a well-to-do person wanting a luxury vehicle for whatever reason (class, amenities, looks, whatever it is, doesn't matter) don't care about a chevy. I care about a BMW, and that's the price of admission.

You realize not every BMW is $80,000 right and that one can be had for the price of various Dodge, Ford, etc. models? It's not only a stark choice between a cheap Ford Fiesta and an $80,000 BMW. I'm due to replace my car here in the next couple of years and plan on cross-shopping Dodge Chargers and Mercedes C-class, among others. BMW could've been on the shortlist as well, but not with an asinine subscription model to something that isn't even a service.

 

[Primejimbo]

Why are people so upset about this? I mean, there is not much to gain for BMW (or other car brands) when an external device steals al their possibilities for upselling by offering an alienied user experience, Apple should be thankful BMW wants to integrate CarPlay instead the other way around! In a few years, the automobile industry will tremendously change and current car brands could be degraded to be the Foxconn of the industry, that is run by companies like Google, Apple and other ICT companies. That perspective is not appealing to me, keeping focus and control on the user interface is now of tremendous importance and worth fighting a battle for...

There is nothing to gain with companies seeking for world domination by harvesting car-interface possibilities, go BMW !

You get nothing out of it. The idea of a subscription is you keep getting something (updates, features, and more), here you don’t. At all. All the updates are done though the iPhone itself.

Someone said this is like a TV manufacturers charging a monthly fee to use a Firestick in the HDMI (I can’t find that post, but it’s true)

Edit: found it:

What BMW is suggesting is no different than a television manufacturer charging you an annual subscription if you want to plug a Roku into the HDMI port.

 

[redman042]

Well, this reinforces my decision to buy a fully-loaded '18 Accord Touring rather than a BMW. Choosing the BMW would have certainly increased my payments, insurance, and maintenance costs by a big margin. Having to pay a service charge to use a static feature in the car is adding insult to injury.

 

[Christian 5G]

I will only have BMW ONLY if it is leased. No way I’m having this thing for many other reasons and reputation.

Great looking car though to BMW fans!
-only thing I agree about BMW.

 

[DesertDog]

I AM in the market that BMW is aiming for. For me, to pay for something that other folks give away for free can influence my decision. But it wont be the only thing that makes the determination. Here is a partial list of brands offering carplay: "Apple's list of CarPlay-enabled vehicles includes over a hundred 2016 and 2017 models from 21 auto manufacturers, including Audi, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Citroën, DS Automobiles, Ferrari, Ford, GMC, Honda, Hyundai, Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Opel, Porsche, Peugeot, Seat, Škoda, Suzuki, Volkswagen and Volvo." And am pretty sure more are coming.
There are plenty of brands there that compete directly with BMW that could get my money. All else being equal, the fact BMW wants me to pay for something I can get for free somewhere else may just be enough to sway my decision, on principle if nothing else.

I am too. I'm currently driving a Porsche and it's almost time to get a new car. I had been kicking around the idea of getting a M-series BMW to get a bit of a back seat but not with this. It's not about $300 or $80/year being a backbreaking cost but the principle of it. I'm not going to pay for something as a subscription that a) I can get for free with my other buying options, b) something that's barely a one time cost to BMW. Outside of adding the hardware for me to plug into (a one time cost), they have to do nothing. So why am I paying a yearly fee?

 

[rjp1]

I remember when Verizon used to charge to access your photos over bluetooth. I couldn't believe they had the nerve of locking it down and decided I'll never do business with them. Adding BMW to the list.

 

[iChrist]

Ghetto move by BMW. This is like when you stay at a 5-star hotel, over $1k per night, then they charge you $5 for internet. It makes the place seem low class, nickel and dime. It says a lot about the brand and I avoid businesses with these cheap insulting practices.

 

[lec0rsaire]

More nickel and diming from Bayern. This is the epitome of greed. This is to make up for the costs of not having bought the navigation option I guess. At least this is how MB does it. Either you buy the COMMAND NAVI or you get the CarPlay option. Since they charge for map updates, CarPlay results in lost revenue since Apple's and Google's Maps are always being updated.

Their cars are already starting to not be worth what they're asking. Smaller engines with what used to be the standard I6 now always costing a hefty premium. BMWs today are basically well designed, luxurious looking cars but without the performance they were associated with. If you want performance it will cost you what the base model for the next step up costs. Do people want a fully loaded 3/4 or a base 5? Same with Mercedes. Do you go for the fully loaded C-class or do you go for a base E-class? Soon you'll only get the powerful 6 and 8 cylinder engines if you buy an AMG or M model. This wasn't the case before. And they're actually "cheap" in America. In Germany the VAT is 19% so we get German cars cheaper than Germans do.

 

[macdragonfl]

yes an

I remember when Verizon used to charge to access your photos over bluetooth. I couldn't believe they had the nerve of locking it down and decided I'll never do business with them. Adding BMW to the list.

I was once going to switch from AT&T to Verizon, at that time they wanted to charge extra for visual voicemail. I did not go with them over that. It was not the money but the principal. BMW has lost market share in the U.S. they should be giving it for free. I'm a fan and own one, but will not pay a subscription for a simple piece of software.

 

[adnbek]

Of course, those who don't trade in their BMW once every four years can expect the CarPlay subscription fees to add up significantly over the long term.

By then, the costs put into repairs and maintenance would make that subscription cost seem insignificant.

 

[iTomasz]

wait, it's not April Fools day yet. wtf?

 

[macdragonfl]

More nickel and diming from Bayern. This is the epitome of greed. This is to make up for the costs of not having bought the navigation option I guess. At least this is how MB does it. Either you buy the COMMAND NAVI or you get the CarPlay option. Since they charge for map updates, CarPlay results in lost revenue since Apple's and Google's Maps are always being updated.

Their cars are already starting to not be worth what they're asking. Smaller engines with what used to be the standard I6 now always costing a hefty premium. BMWs today are basically well designed, luxurious looking cars but without the performance they were associated with. If you want performance it will cost you what the base model for the next step up costs. Do people want a fully loaded 3/4 or a base 5? Same with Mercedes. Do you go for the fully loaded C-class or do you go for a base E-class? Soon you'll only get the powerful 6 and 8 cylinder engines if you buy an AMG or M model. This wasn't the case before. And they're actually "cheap" in America. In Germany the VAT is 19% so we get German cars cheaper than Germans do.

BMW requires the Navigation System to be ordered before you can upgrade to CarPlay. MB gives you a break at least if you can do it without Nav. You are also correct that current models give even less for the money than ever. F30's steer like a Buick, you also have to simulate the older suspension settings through electronics. It is a simulation not the real thing. The turbo fours have synthetic motor sounds piped though the audio to simulate the old 6 rumble and sound. My next one most likely not be a BMW, they just gave me another reason to look elsewhere.

 

[vipergts2207]

BMW requires the Navigation System to be ordered before you can upgrade to CarPlay. MB gives you a break at least if you can do it without Nav. You are also correct that current models give even less for the money than ever. F30's steer like a Buick, you also have to simulate the older suspension settings through electronics. It is a simulation not the real thing. The turbo fours have synthetic motor sounds piped though the audio to simulate the old 6 rumble and sound. My next one most likely not be a BMW, they just gave me another reason to look elsewhere.

Is that for real? If so, that's hilarious and sad.

 

[The Other One]

Frankly, the current iteration of BMW's iDrive is better than CarPlay anyway. I have a 2017 540i, and the wireless CarPlay feature was initially a big draw for me. Then, within a week of getting the car, I quit using CarPlay in favor of iDrive. The display in the car is a much wider aspect ratio than CarPlay can use, resulting in a bunch of wasted space... CarPlay's map/navigation looks lousy... but, most of all, interacting with the CarPlay interface via the iDrive controller is clunky — sure, there's the touchscreen, but that requires a pretty long reach and pulls too much focus away from driving to be safe, in my opinion.

CarPlay is fantastic when the alternative is the garbage that most car manufacturers bake into their cars. But against a decent interface/platform, it's nothing to write home about.

 

[nofear1az]

Slap an aftermarket head unit in your Mazda. I posted a beautiful Alpine CarPlay (also supports Android Auto) and you can control your smart lights, garage doors, home security systems, and smart thermostat. It also has tons more features. Has bluetooth which sounds pretty darn good and hands free calling, but also has a USB cable for iPod/iPhone which sounds decently better than bluetooth. Supports FLAC as well, which truly sounds AMAZING. Also has an optical audio port, HDMI etc. You could literally hook an Apple TV up to these Alpine head units and use the Siri Remote to change your music, haha.

Here is a link if you want: https://www.alpine-usa.com/product/view/ine-w977hd

That is the most expensive one, or one of the most expensive because it is a brand new head unit. Cheers!

lol, I have a 2016 CX-5, i'm really curious how you would slap an aftermarket head unit into one of these since there is no square head unit in the first place - it's just a display on the dash and a jog dial with a couple buttons by the arm rest. Not going to happen.

 

[Breezygirl]

Frankly, the current iteration of BMW's iDrive is better than CarPlay anyway. I have a 2017 540i, and the wireless CarPlay feature was initially a big draw for me. Then, within a week of getting the car, I quit using CarPlay in favor of iDrive. The display in the car is a much wider aspect ratio than CarPlay can use, resulting in a bunch of wasted space... CarPlay's map/navigation looks lousy... but, most of all, interacting with the CarPlay interface via the iDrive controller is clunky — sure, there's the touchscreen, but that requires a pretty long reach and pulls too much focus away from driving to be safe, in my opinion.

CarPlay is fantastic when the alternative is the garbage that most car manufacturers bake into their cars. But against a decent interface/platform, it's nothing to write home about.

My only complaint is I can’t get iDrive to read out my text messages from my iPhone or do hands free replies, it’s the only reason why I use CarPlay for the most part. And in Canada it was over $750CAN if I remember correctly.

 

[kildraik]

Please... somebody call the Waaaahmbulance.

Honestly, even though my ‘18 Audi has CarPlay, I keep it off through my connection manager because my MMI Virtual Cockpit and Audi Connect is better in every which way. It’s integration with Google Earth is great, and my music is accessed through SD so I can play lossless on my B&O system. Audi Connect gives you access to weather, news, gas price comparison, parking locations, flight and traffic info, etc, 22GB/month Wi-Fi hotspot, and audio streaming services (if you believe artists shouldn’t be paid for their work).

If you use what you pay for, CarPlay is nothing more than a lazy gimmick on a $54k car.

I think BMW has it right. Include costs to use their ecosystem, or pay to use somebody else’s.

 

[Even Longer]

Lucky you - in the US you still have time to decide, if you buy into this or not.
Here in Germany we are already forced into this BMW subscription crap...

 

[Macropanda]

BMW bosses must be thinking.... “right, we have just been voted the least reliable car on the road. This isn’t good. How can we turn around customers perceptions of us? Yep.... we will make them pay £80 a year for a bit of software after they bought a £30k car. Doesn’t matter that other car companies provide it for free. I’m sure that it will work”.

 

[macdragonfl]

Frankly, the current iteration of BMW's iDrive is better than CarPlay anyway. I have a 2017 540i, and the wireless CarPlay feature was initially a big draw for me. Then, within a week of getting the car, I quit using CarPlay in favor of iDrive. The display in the car is a much wider aspect ratio than CarPlay can use, resulting in a bunch of wasted space... CarPlay's map/navigation looks lousy... but, most of all, interacting with the CarPlay interface via the iDrive controller is clunky — sure, there's the touchscreen, but that requires a pretty long reach and pulls too much focus away from driving to be safe, in my opinion.

CarPlay is fantastic when the alternative is the garbage that most car manufacturers bake into their cars. But against a decent interface/platform, it's nothing to write home about.

Glad to hear the newest iDrive is better, I hate it in mine. That's why I would want CarPlay. What you are saying about the screen ratio I did not consider, great point.

 

[halluxsinister]

BMW plans to offer CarPlay as a subscription-based service beginning next year, rather than charge a one-time fee, reports The Verge.

The automaker will charge $80 per year for access to CarPlay starting next year, with no fee during the first year of ownership of a new BMW, according to Don Smith, technology product manager for BMW North America.

BMW currently charges a $300 upgrade fee to drivers who want CarPlay, available in its 2017 model year and newer vehicles.

Smith believes switching to a subscription-based pricing system will provide BMW owners with more flexibility. "This allows the customer to switch devices," he said, while mentioning Android as a specific example.

BMW doesn't currently support Android Auto, although Smith said Google Assistant is coming to new BMW models later in 2018.

Smith also argued that the annual fee could actually work out to be cheaper for somebody with an average length lease, as the total cost after four years after the free first year of access would be $240, cheaper than the one-time $300 charge.

Of course, those who don't trade in their BMW once every four years can expect the CarPlay subscription fees to add up significantly over the long term. All the while, many other automakers now offer CarPlay as a standard feature.

BMW may ultimately decide against this idea if it receives enough negative feedback from customers, but we'll have to wait and see.

Article Link: BMW Plans to Turn CarPlay Into Subscription-Based Service Next Year

That's hilarious. My Chevy has that for FREE. How embarrassing that BMW is planning to nickel and dime their customers. On the other hand, screw anyone who can and does buy one of those overpriced... things.

 

[Strelok]

I like BMW, but this is a gigantic “wtf”. They aren’t providing any service, you are basically leasing to use someone else’s software on their hardware. That’s BS. I expect them to backtrack on this nonsense.

For anyone that has a ****** infotainment and doesn’t have support for CarPlay/Android Auto you can just get a phone mount and a charger and pretty much call it a day. Sure it isn’t pretty, but it works.

 

[tl01]

Don’t like this. Guess I don’t be getting BMW!