[NGT2]

Originally Posted by P_GT

Is yours an LCI model or pre-LCI.
Mine is pre-LCI with build date in Dec 2019 and apparently can't have the option simply activated. I have all the Connected Drive Options available according to the BMW site and there is only Preventilation feature.

2020 isn’t really LCI or pre-LCI. It’s an odd mix of the two with its own idrive system that’s not full 7 but not 6 either. I’m not positive what functions were included and left off. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were one where the ability is there at the foundation but the operating systems needed weren’t installed, originally.

[P_GT]

Originally Posted by NGT2

2020 isn’t really LCI or pre-LCI. It’s an odd mix of the two with its own idrive system that’s not full 7 but not 6 either. I’m not positive what functions were included and left off. I wouldn’t be surprised if it were one where the ability is there at the foundation but the operating systems needed weren’t installed, originally.

Yep, you are right. It's about the Service Pack 15 vs 18.
I found this while searching for answers
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1802834

This post gives light to what the main differences are b/w Lite and Full version.
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...9&postcount=13

There is probably a way to have an upgrade to SP18 but BMW seems have chosen not to offer it. Possibly, there is hardware upgrade needed too, I'm not sure.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by P_GT

Yep, you are right. It's about the Service Pack 15 vs 18.
I found this while searching for answers
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1802834

This post gives light to what the main differences are b/w Lite and Full version.
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh...9&postcount=13

There is probably a way to have an upgrade to SP18 but BMW seems have chosen not to offer it. Possibly, there is hardware upgrade needed too, I'm not sure.

Right, I remember that thread. Thanks for reposting, that document is helpful. I’m planning to trade up to a 2020 M550 and have been looking for an easy comparison of the features between “7 lite” and full idrive 7.

I’m still open to someone opening my eyes to something I’m not seeing. So far, it’s just not stuff that I care about. The intelligent assistant stuff and the voice commands just aren’t a big deal to me. I’d probably use them a few times a year if I had them, but won’t miss them if I don’t.

[P_GT]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Right, I remember that thread. Thanks for reposting, that document is helpful. I’m planning to trade up to a 2020 M550 and have been looking for an easy comparison of the features between “7 lite” and full idrive 7.

I’m still open to someone opening my eyes to something I’m not seeing. So far, it’s just not stuff that I care about. The intelligent assistant stuff and the voice commands just aren’t a big deal to me. I’d probably use them a few times a year if I had them, but won’t miss them if I don’t.

To my understanding so far, the two main features ID7Lite is missing are the Remote Start and OTA updates. I agree with you that the rest of the features are not that big of a deal; they are cool but if I never had them, won't miss them lol

Also, I was browsing the forum and just came across the fact that the "adaptive " LCI headlights miss the swivel feature. Now the adaptive feature is implemented via different technology (and with the addition of Laser eye.) Some love it, some hate it. You can read more on that here:
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1825371

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by P_GT

To my understanding so far, the two main features ID7Lite is missing are the Remote Start and OTA updates. I agree with you that the rest of the features are not that big of a deal; they are cool but if I never had them, won't miss them lol

Also, I was browsing the forum and just came across the fact that the "adaptive " LCI headlights miss the swivel feature. Now the adaptive feature is implemented via different technology (and with the addition of Laser eye.) Some love it, some hate it. You can read more on that here:
https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1825371

I’ll give that a look, thanks. My 2018 has the swivel headlights and I love it.

Remote start is something I’ve had before. It’s been a year, 4 full seasons, and I really haven’t missed it. I mainly used it in winter and it just doesn’t take that long for a car this size to heat up. In the south, it would be better in the summer probably, but I never thought about it.

I keep waiting for someone to point out why I should regard the OTA updates as a bigger deal, but so far it just doesn’t seem like a big deal to me, personally.

[Melloncollie64]

Again thanks for the info on ID7 Lite. I have a 2020 M550 with in production date of August 30, 2019. After pulling the IDrive details from the car, is there a clear coding that is used?
For example I see "11/19; R:20190218, Ve00, 20190218; TW: 20190413"

So what, if anything, do the R, VE, and TW abbreviations mean?
I don't really care about the missing RSU and Remote start but would like the latest MAPS/Nav version, maybe Android Auto and Spotify.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by Melloncollie64

Again thanks for the info on ID7 Lite. I have a 2020 M550 with in production date of August 30, 2019. After pulling the IDrive details from the car, is there a clear coding that is used?
For example I see "11/19; R:20190218, Ve00, 20190218; TW: 20190413"

So what, if anything, do the R, VE, and TW abbreviations mean?
I don't really care about the missing RSU and Remote start but would like the latest MAPS/Nav version, maybe Android Auto and Spotify.

I don’t know about AA and Spotify but you should have updated maps, based on that pdf in the thread that was posted

[LogicalApex]

The LCI has some gains. Like more accurate ACC Self Steering and the camera to allow more hands free time. But it also has a lot of losses.

Including the loss of steering adaptive headlights in the US. Loss of many options due to chip shortages and deletions.

RSU ended up being a dud as BMW only release 1 decent update in the last 3 years and they have moved to iDrive 8 and 9 so no new major ones are coming. And a failed RSU can create a very expensive post warranty repair.

Originally Posted by Melloncollie64

Again thanks for the info on ID7 Lite. I have a 2020 M550 with in production date of August 30, 2019. After pulling the IDrive details from the car, is there a clear coding that is used?
For example I see "11/19; R:20190218, Ve00, 20190218; TW: 20190413"

So what, if anything, do the R, VE, and TW abbreviations mean?
I don't really care about the missing RSU and Remote start but would like the latest MAPS/Nav version, maybe Android Auto and Spotify.

You can use a TSB to get an update at the dealership. I’d recommend it!

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/20...27575-9999.pdf Looks like a good one ����

For your maps I will try to remember to PM you the latest maps I have 2022-3 I believe. As long as your car still has its 3 year factory map update key it will install without issue.

����

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

The LCI has some gains. Like more accurate ACC Self Steering and the camera to allow more hands free time. But it also has a lot of losses.

Including the loss of steering adaptive headlights in the US. Loss of many options due to chip shortages and deletions.

RSU ended up being a dud as BMW only release 1 decent update in the last 3 years and they have moved to iDrive 8 and 9 so no new major ones are coming. And a failed RSU can create a very expensive post warranty repair.



You can use a TSB to get an update at the dealership. I’d recommend it!

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2022/MC-10227575-9999.pdf Looks like a good one 👍🏾

For your maps I will try to remember to PM you the latest maps I have 2022-3 I believe. As long as your car still has its 3 year factory map update key it will install without issue.

👍🏾

Have you experienced the pre-LCI vs LCI ACC self steering? I’m curious because my 540 is a 2018 with the older version, and my X7 is a 2021 with idrive 7. I have used the self steering and ACC features on both, on the highway. I couldn’t tell a major difference. Not enough to sway me, anyway. And for what’s worth, that’s a top 2 feature for me on the whole car, or any car. I won’t buy another car without it. The only aspect that I hold as important is the actual powertrain.

I ask because I don’t know if comparing idrive 6 version in a G30 to idrive 7 version in an X7 is close enough to determine the significance of the improvement.

Also note - I very very rarely use the traffic jam assistance. So if that’s where the bulk of the improvement is, it’s less applicable to me.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Have you experienced the pre-LCI vs LCI ACC self steering? I’m curious because my 540 is a 2018 with the older version, and my X7 is a 2021 with idrive 7. I have used the self steering and ACC features on both, on the highway. I couldn’t tell a major difference. Not enough to sway me, anyway. And for what’s worth, that’s a top 2 feature for me on the whole car, or any car. I won’t buy another car without it. The only aspect that I hold as important is the actual powertrain.

I ask because I don’t know if comparing idrive 6 version in a G30 to idrive 7 version in an X7 is close enough to determine the significance of the improvement.

Also note - I very very rarely use the traffic jam assistance. So if that’s where the bulk of the improvement is, it’s less applicable to me.

I haven’t experienced it directly. The LCI loaners I’ve had don’t have the ACC option fitted. So I can uncheck that from a box where the LCI is better. And I agree that ACC w/ Steering is a feature I wouldn’t skip.

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by P_GT

They did recommend a place around here that can do an instal but won't give me a definitive answer as to whether that would void or not manufacture warranty. Haven't had a chance to call and inquire with them but I'm pretty sure it would all depend on what, if anything, goes wrong with the car during the coverage time frame.
I strongly agree with you that a Remote Start is a must in any car. The fact that I was told the option is there, did not seem to matter to them so that's that.

If you're referring to Bimmertech then there's a very strong possibility I'm the one that they were recommending.

[NGT2]

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

If you're referring to Bimmertech then there's a very strong possibility I'm the one that they were recommending.

So can you speak to the warranty aspect of the situation?

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by NGT2

So can you speak to the warranty aspect of the situation?

Are you referring to the BMW warranty?

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

There's no harm in installing it (or most other aftermarket gear) while still under warranty provided it's done properly. There are federal laws in place to protect from a voided warranty and dealerships have been Much easier to work with over the years.

[G30M]

if OP specifically asked for it, maybe get the dealer to pay for a Connected Drive permanent subscription?

[NGT2]

Yes

[G30M]

Re read first post. Assured it comes with remote start sounds like you pay for it. Try and get them to pay for the subscription, it's a one off

Caution: doesn't always work. The stupid app that remote starts don't always talk to the car. Depends on the car, some car always work, some car seems to not talk with mother's hip. If that happens call up the mothership to get a resync reset whatever it is the mothership does

[COBodom]

Originally Posted by NGT2

Have you experienced the pre-LCI vs LCI ACC self steering?

I am not 100% sure what you are referring to when you say ACC self-steering but I think you mean Driving Assistance Plus package (ZDB)?

In any case, my old MY18 540 was unable to stay in the center of the lane at all and would venture into other lanes often (especially in turns). Now, 540 MY21 (my current car) is night and day better. I use this feature all the time on highways and at times I have driven 140 miles entirely with the ZDB enabled. The LCI also introduced the eye sensor to the ZDB package which eliminates the need to tap the steering wheel if you're traveling under 40mph (plus other conditions), that alone is a big improvement if you're in traffic.

Granted, maybe some latest software update to the pre-LCI corrected all the erratic behavior my old 540 exhibited in "ZDB mode" but when i picked up my current car in Dec of 2020 the difference was yuuuuge.

On another note, the swiveling lights in pre LCI are replaced in LCI by the LED matrix. No more physical moving element in the headlamp housing, instead the LEDs within that matrix are turning on/off lights as the wheels are turning left\right.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by COBodom

I am not 100% sure what you are referring to when you say ACC self-steering but I think you mean Driving Assistance Plus package (ZDB)?

In any case, my old MY18 540 was unable to stay in the center of the lane at all and would venture into other lanes often (especially in turns). Now, 540 MY21 (my current car) is night and day better. I use this feature all the time on highways and at times I have driven 140 miles entirely with the ZDB enabled. The LCI also introduced the eye sensor to the ZDB package which eliminates the need to tap the steering wheel if you're traveling under 40mph (plus other conditions), that alone is a big improvement if you're in traffic.

Granted, maybe some latest software update to the pre-LCI corrected all the erratic behavior my old 540 exhibited in "ZDB mode" but when i picked up my current car in Dec of 2020 the difference was yuuuuge.

On another note, the swiveling lights in pre LCI are replaced in LCI by the LED matrix. No more physical moving element in the headlamp housing, instead the LEDs within that matrix are turning on/off lights as the wheels are turning left\right.

For my MY2020, the Self-Steering has always worked well keeping itself in the lane. I never experienced the "ping pong" that some noted on the forums for previous MYs.

In regards to the lights. The headlights are a step down on the LCI for the US as the headlights are still decoded so the matrix doesn't work in the US. As a result, the steering adaption doesn't work on the US cars. This has been discussed quite a lot on the forums and having driven a few LCI loaners it is a shame to have that removed.

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1825371

[COBodom]

Originally Posted by LogicalApex

For my MY2020, the Self-Steering has always worked well keeping itself in the lane. I never experienced the "ping pong" that some noted on the forums for previous MYs.

In regards to the lights. The headlights are a step down on the LCI for the US as the headlights are still decoded so the matrix doesn't work in the US. As a result, the steering adaption doesn't work on the US cars. This has been discussed quite a lot on the forums and having driven a few LCI loaners it is a shame to have that removed.

https://g30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1825371

Yeah, I am part of many of these threads and actually posted about this first in Jan of 2021, shortly after I picked up my car. The overall implementation is lacking against pre-LCI as back then the movement of the light beam was obvious in turns.

I got my high beams coded for anti dazzle and variable light distribution so I see that LCI matrix in action as my high beams are almost always ON at night. Its actually very cool to see how light gets distributed around cars and during cornering.

[LogicalApex]

Originally Posted by COBodom

Yeah, I am part of many of these threads and actually posted about this first in Jan of 2021, shortly after I picked up my car. The overall implementation is lacking against pre-LCI as back then the movement of the light beam was obvious in turns.

I got my high beams coded for anti dazzle and variable light distribution so I see that LCI matrix in action as my high beams are almost always ON at night. Its actually very cool to see how light gets distributed around cars and during cornering.

That makes sense. I would imagine with anti-dazzle coded back on the LCI lights are better as the matrix should be quicker and afford the light more flexibility in regards to beam-forming.

[P_GT]

Originally Posted by 6spdcoupe

If you're referring to Bimmertech then there's a very strong possibility I'm the one that they were recommending.

no, the rep actually recommended a place called Car Toys near me. I haven't had the chance to inquire on a possible install but looking at their website, seems they only offer Remote Start options that add a separate key and app.
I was looking at the Bimmertech option with the additional key fob and being able to use the stock one to start the car. But, even though I could do the install myself, I'm worried (sure) that if something goes wrong with the car (especially with the electronics) they'll blame ot on that and blow my CPO warranty..

Originally Posted by g21

Re read first post. Assured it comes with remote start sounds like you pay for it. Try and get them to pay for the subscription, it's a one off

Caution: doesn't always work. The stupid app that remote starts don't always talk to the car. Depends on the car, some car always work, some car seems to not talk with mother's hip. If that happens call up the mothership to get a resync reset whatever it is the mothership does

The sales rep said that it has it. He was actually showing me how it works(unsuccessfully) when they called me in the finance office. After all was set and done that night, he told me to come back and he will help me set up the system and the remote start. Well, I did go back but the car doesn't even have the tech built in, according to them cause pre-LCI 2020. And, they won't install anything to add the feature.
At the end of the day I see it as being my fault too because I'm very ocd for certain things and features in my cars and I should have made sure that it's there and working. Instead, I assumed and believed..
I love my car, and truly enjoy it. Hasn't really been a problem to go out and start it up before I put my shoes on and leave for the day. But ye, it would've been nicer if the feature was there.

[6spdcoupe]

Originally Posted by P_GT

no, the rep actually recommended a place called Car Toys near me. I haven't had the chance to inquire on a possible install but looking at their website, seems they only offer Remote Start options that add a separate key and app.
I was looking at the Bimmertech option with the additional key fob and being able to use the stock one to start the car. But, even though I could do the install myself, I'm worried (sure) that if something goes wrong with the car (especially with the electronics) they'll blame ot on that and blow my CPO warranty..

In New Jersey?