App-Based Connected Services Considerations: BMW

Have you had an experience where the vehicle notified the owner that it was being moved while it was in your repair facility? App-based connected services are available from many vehicle makers and may require special considerations before beginning repairs. Let’s see what BMW has to say.

In 2010, BMW introduced the BMW Connected App, which utilized only an Apple iPhone connected with a USB cable. Since then, BMW has expanded its app-based connected services across its model lineup.

The Service Availability Matrix provides factory-installed options and upgrades initial availability by model year or production date. This document is found near the bottom of the BMW ConnectedDrive website, under the How To Guides Resources area.

The Mini App website states: "In the United States, the MINI App is only supported by vehicles that were built after March 2018 and have the optional MINI Connected Services in combination with a compatible smartphone."

BMW may use different terms for app-based connected services and related parts, including:

• ConnectedDrive
• BMW Assist
• BMW Apps (2011)
• My BMW
• Telematic Communication Box (TCB)
• Combox
• BMW Digital Keys

Precautions found in the New Vehicle Function "Remote Engine Start" document state: "This function must be deactivated when working in the engine compartment. This can be done by any of the following means:

• Deactivate the function in the "Climate" menu on the central information display.
• Open the hood.
• Switch on PAD mode.
• Disconnect the battery."

The New Vehicle Function "Remote Engine Start" document can be easily found with a text search within BMW vehicle-specific service information.

The Terminal Control, Parking - Residing - Driving (PWF) document, found under the Functional Descriptions area of vehicle-specific service information, states: "PAD mode is activated as follows:

• Press the Start - Stop button three times within 0.8 seconds.
• Via a diagnostic order."

"During the vehicle diagnosis, a vehicle with parking-residing-driving is automatically switched to PAD mode."

Additional information found in a 2025 BMW 5 Series Disconnecting and Connecting Battery Ground Lead procedure states: "Additional electrical storages are deactivated by opening the hood."

The service information bulletin, Telematics Unit Retrofit To 4G Cellular Technology, lists models that could be retrofitted to accept 4G cellular technology.

The TCB has a replaceable integrated emergency battery. The replacement procedure and other procedures are found under: 84-Communications Systems ➤ 84/10-Combox, Telematic Communication Box, USB Hub, telephone.

Always remember to perform any required initializations after disconnecting the battery and restore any modified vehicle settings before returning the vehicle to the owner.

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
• App-Based Connected Services Considerations
• Collision Information Website Access: BMW/Mini
• Digital Key Considerations: BMW
• Hybrid And Electric Vehicle Article Hotspot
• Step-By-Step: Accessing BMW/Mini Repair Information
• Where Do I Find Other Types Of Information In BMW/Mini?

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