2017 430i GC unable to have Apple CarPlay?

[miketymikey]

Hey All,

I got my MY 17 430 GC a few months ago. They told me CarPlay wasn't available yet, but would be available in a few months via an over the air download after I pay $300. I called Assist a few days ago and they said I don't have the option to add it and that I need Navigation and wireless charging. I called my dealer and they told me a retrofit isn't possible. I don't get it, I have iDrive, I have Nav, I have all the other connected drive goodies. Does this sound right?

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

This is going to be a call for you to make on how you wish the dealer to put this right. If you've paid the money and your order shows you ordered the navigation and wireless charging, then they should provide it. If it turns out that wasn't the case, or there's been a mistake by the dealer or BMW's manufacturing, then see what deal you can reach with the dealer and possibly also call BMW North America HQ.

Cheers, Dennis!

[miketymikey]

OK, so here's where I am. I have talked to the dealer, and they confirmed that at the time I purchased the car, BMW told them that no other hardware requirement was necessary, and the customer would just have to pay $300. The dealer says BMW now is saying something different. So clearly this isn't the dealer's fault, as they were just relaying what BMW told them. I'm working to see if the dealer can do something about this, then they can take it up with BMW for mis-informing them, which lead to mis-informing the customer. I called Assist, and their customer service rep logged my complaint.

If the dealer's hands are tied and aren't willing to do anything, what's my next step? Who can I contact at BMW? Does anyone have any contact details? This is crazy it boils down to a $500 option that can be added by installing a tiny module in my car and flashing my iDrive....

[DennisCooper]

Hi,

If you find that the dealer can't do anything, then check your contract of sale and perhaps have your solicitor/attorney write to BMW North America about the situation.

In the meantime, have a look at aftermarket specialist modules from the likes of mObridge and GROM, Dension who make excellent interfaces and who might be able to even retrofit the needed hardware for CarPlay in your car. If there's a solution there, you might have the dealer pick up the cost of it or have BMW North America pay for it.

Cheers, Dennis!