[whilechukwuzout]

Can someone please explain to me, as they would to a small child, why retrofitting a combox onto a factory installed CIC system causes the loss of BMWAssist utility?

Edit: My primary concern is losing the ability to use that neat app which unlocks my doors and sends google search results to my car. Is there any way these can still continue to work after a combox retrofit, or are these features only offered through functional bmwassist subscriptions?

[VTECaddict]

BMW Assist functions are carried out by the TCU (Telematics Control Unit). The Combox replaces the TCU.

And yes, those functions require BMW Assist.

[Technic]

Originally Posted by whilechukwuzout

Can someone please explain to me, as they would to a small child, why retrofitting a combox onto a factory installed CIC system causes the loss of BMWAssist utility?

Edit: My primary concern is losing the ability to use that neat app which unlocks my doors and sends google search results to my car. Is there any way these can still continue to work after a combox retrofit, or are these features only offered through functional bmwassist subscriptions?

First of all, the Combox Telematics swap from a TCU does not "kill" BMW Assist. The BMW Assist account must be transferred from the old TCU ESN access number to the new Combox ESN access number for BMW Assist to know where to send the information about your account to the new device.

Look at the ESN as the new telephone number that BMW Assist "dials" to call, track and send information to you. The new ESN is located on the Combox label.

You will need a very aftermarket-friendly dealer to make the account transfer request, by providing the new Combox ESN access number to BMW Assist. This is not a BMW-approved swap so you need a dealer that can go the extra mile for you. Only a dealer can request the transfer.

Search for details, there is a thread of a forum member that successfully transferred his account to a TCU-to-Combox swap by updating the ESN on their end.

If you decide to activate BMW Live and Internet in your new Combox Telematics then BMW Assist will still work only if you follow the steps above and only via the SOS button on the roof console . No BMW Assist services will be available via the iDrive screen. However, the Send to Car feature and the BMW Remote app will not work as BMW Live and Internet will take over those features.

In other words, do not activate BMW Live and Internet in your Combox Telematics before or after the ESN transfer and then your swap will be as OEM as it would have come from factory that way, with full BMW Assist fuctionality.

A Combox Media does not have a Telematics (communication) section, therefore there is no ESN at all to transfer and thus BMW Assist will be gone from the swap due to lack of hardware.

You need to get a Combox Telematics. for BMW Assist to work.

[funkd101]

Can you be more specific and point tot hat post:

Search for details, there is a thread of a forum member that successfully transferred his account to a TCU-to-Combox swap by updating the ESN on their end

Thanks!

D!

[whilechukwuzout]

I think I asked the wrong question. I dont care about BMW assist. All I want is to put the combox into my car, and retain the ability to send locations to my navigation from my phone, wirelessly, using cellular technology. By that I mean that my phone does not need to be in any specific proximity to my car because the two are not communicating directly. Just as it is today.

Is there any way I can have this? If so, what must be done in order to do this?

[Johndong888]

Originally Posted by whilechukwuzout

I think I asked the wrong question. I dont care about BMW assist. All I want is to put the combox into my car, and retain the ability to send locations to my navigation from my phone, wirelessly, using cellular technology. By that I mean that my phone does not need to be in any specific proximity to my car because the two are not communicating directly. Just as it is today.

Is there any way I can have this? If so, what must be done in order to do this?

THat function you are looking for is exactly part of BMW Assist. YOu would need combox Telematics + like technic said, "a dealer that will go the extra mile to swap the ESN for you"

With those two done, you can retain the send location and remote unlock/lock.

-John

[alpina527]

You can save the location to a contact in your phone. (call it AA for instance) Then when you get to the car, the location will be listed at the top of the contact list (AA). Then navigate to contact

[Technic]

Originally Posted by funkd101

Can you be more specific and point tot hat post:

Search for details, there is a thread of a forum member that successfully transferred his account to a TCU-to-Combox swap by updating the ESN on their end

Thanks!

D!

I really do not like to search for members. Really.

[xelion]

And what will happen if I put SIM card from my old original TCU to COMBOX? Will it work?
I have used COMBOX telematik and still SOS Call system failure! I want to make it dissapear. Any advice?

[marius76]

you can code your car to get rid of SOS failure warning. there is no need to install SIM card.