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      11-08-2020, 06:33 AM   #1
AidenL
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Technology Pack

What are the thoughts on this?

Is it worth it? I think the Hud and Enhanced Bluetooth are the main appealing elements.

What does enhanced Bluetooth give you over the basic bluetooth in the car?

Also, if using Google Maps, does the HUD provide any benefit?

Does anyone find the Hud distracting?

Personally, I can't see any benefit from Gesture Control, and the Hotspot is limited benefit when devices can hotspot from any phone for sure?
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      11-08-2020, 07:39 AM   #2
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Regarding the HUD....

I bought my car off the lot. It has the HUD. Think it showed as $1100 option on the sticker.

I found it distracting on the test drive, and had it turned off for the ride home.

In the last year, I have turned it on a couple times just to make sure I wasn't missing something.

I can't see it with polarized glasses on during the day, and still find it distracting at night.

I also don't like the 'Notch' in the dashboard that it projects from. Makes cleaning the dash more difficult.

If I were to order a new car, I would use that money for other things.

I continue to leave it off.

YMMV.

Last edited by rts2101; 11-08-2020 at 11:47 AM..
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      11-08-2020, 07:56 AM   #3
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Just tried the configuration at BMW Ireland.

as per bimmer-tech.net, Enhanced Bluetooth gives you these extra features:
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/ite...nced-bluetooth

My take is wireless charging, pair a second phone, and music streaming over bluetooth if you aren't using Apple CarPlay.

I love the HUD feature - just wish it had more detail (but I understand it's a tough balancing act - where they don't want to add so many things that it becomes distracting)

Google maps I haven't tried (don't even know if it's there in idrive 6 - you're configuring for idrive 7, so it's likely a new feature)

CarPlay isn't projected on the HUD in idrive 6 (no idea if that's changed in idrive 7), but the car's own nav feature works really well in the HUD.

Gesture control is one of those things where it seems gimmicky, but once you try it, it works surprisingly well.

The hotspot I don't see any utility for, because of the reason you mentioned. And unless it's a 5G hotspot, chances are your phone is faster than the one on the car. But if it's included as part of the package, just something you won't be using or have to pay for.
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      11-08-2020, 09:02 AM   #4
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We got the technology pack. Here's my take on it.

I love the HUD. On my car, it only displays directions when I use the BMW navigation, rather than google maps via CarPlay, which is a shame, because when it does display them, they are excellent. I’m hoping HUD directions for CarPlay might come as part of a future update. I've never had HUD before, but I will always want it in future now. It does make the dash look a bit odd, but I don't really notice that. You can’t see it when you’re in the car.

I think the tech pack also adds the HK sound system, which is good if you like music. I can't comment on how it compares to the base system, but it sounds quite nice to me. Not stunning, but very good.

I'm not bothered about the wireless hotspot - from what I can see, buying data for my phone is way cheaper than any of the data plans I've seen for the car. I suppose it might be useful if you've got a couple of kids in the car who have iPads etc.

I do like the wireless charging, but check that your phone will fit. Mine is an iPhone 11 in a small case, and it fits, but only just. If you've got one of the bigger phones it may not fit in the tray. A word of warning though - it doesn't charge as quickly as a conventional charger, so if you're using your phone to stream music and navigation via CarPlay or android auto, you might find that all you are doing is keeping your battery level from falling, rather than actively charging your phone. There are USB and USB-C sockets in the car if you ever need to plug a normal charger in though.

The gesture control is a bit of a gimmick. I do actually use it occasionally, but it isn't flawless. If it wasn't included in the tech pack, I wouldn't have chosen it.

You might also consider the parking assistant plus - you can buy it outside of the bundled packs for £675, and it gives you the self parking feature (and self reversing - useful for single track roads!) and the 3D view cameras.

Sorry for spamming all your posts with my opinions AidenL - but it's rare that I get to help anyone on here!

Last edited by Jas387; 11-08-2020 at 09:37 AM..
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      11-08-2020, 10:10 AM   #5
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Gesture control is gimmicky, stupid & encourages dangerous distracting behavior compared to keeping your hands on the wheel & using the buttons there. Also, the transmitter still emits a signal even if it is turned off. So if you choose to use a radar detector, it causes nonstop interference. At a minimum you have to tape over the optical emitter. You should be able to shut the whole system down but you cannot.
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      11-08-2020, 11:26 AM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by packet View Post
Just tried the configuration at BMW Ireland.

as per bimmer-tech.net, Enhanced Bluetooth gives you these extra features:
https://www.bimmer-tech.net/blog/ite...nced-bluetooth

My take is wireless charging, pair a second phone, and music streaming over bluetooth if you aren't using Apple CarPlay.

I love the HUD feature - just wish it had more detail (but I understand it's a tough balancing act - where they don't want to add so many things that it becomes distracting)

Google maps I haven't tried (don't even know if it's there in idrive 6 - you're configuring for idrive 7, so it's likely a new feature)

CarPlay isn't projected on the HUD in idrive 6 (no idea if that's changed in idrive 7), but the car's own nav feature works really well in the HUD.

Gesture control is one of those things where it seems gimmicky, but once you try it, it works surprisingly well.

The hotspot I don't see any utility for, because of the reason you mentioned. And unless it's a 5G hotspot, chances are your phone is faster than the one on the car. But if it's included as part of the package, just something you won't be using or have to pay for.
I didn't realise you couldn't connect an iPhone through USB without having Enhanced Bluetooth. And I wouldn't have wireless charging or streaming either?Or can CarPlay be used without Enhanced Bluetooth?

Id use Google Maps a lot in CarPlay, but I believe to get directions on the hud, you must use the BMW Nav.
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      11-08-2020, 11:30 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Jas387 View Post
We got the technology pack. Here's my take on it.

I love the HUD. On my car, it only displays directions when I use the BMW navigation, rather than google maps via CarPlay, which is a shame, because when it does display them, they are excellent. I’m hoping HUD directions for CarPlay might come as part of a future update. I've never had HUD before, but I will always want it in future now. It does make the dash look a bit odd, but I don't really notice that. You can’t see it when you’re in the car.

I think the tech pack also adds the HK sound system, which is good if you like music. I can't comment on how it compares to the base system, but it sounds quite nice to me. Not stunning, but very good.

I'm not bothered about the wireless hotspot - from what I can see, buying data for my phone is way cheaper than any of the data plans I've seen for the car. I suppose it might be useful if you've got a couple of kids in the car who have iPads etc.

I do like the wireless charging, but check that your phone will fit. Mine is an iPhone 11 in a small case, and it fits, but only just. If you've got one of the bigger phones it may not fit in the tray. A word of warning though - it doesn't charge as quickly as a conventional charger, so if you're using your phone to stream music and navigation via CarPlay or android auto, you might find that all you are doing is keeping your battery level from falling, rather than actively charging your phone. There are USB and USB-C sockets in the car if you ever need to plug a normal charger in though.

The gesture control is a bit of a gimmick. I do actually use it occasionally, but it isn't flawless. If it wasn't included in the tech pack, I wouldn't have chosen it.

You might also consider the parking assistant plus - you can buy it outside of the bundled packs for £675, and it gives you the self parking feature (and self reversing - useful for single track roads!) and the 3D view cameras.

Sorry for spamming all your posts with my opinions AidenL - but it's rare that I get to help anyone on here!
Hey, keep the opinions coming, I'm glad to have them !

The UK and Ireland specs and configurators are pretty much the same, bar the pricing, so what you can get, I can get, and vice versa.

I would be interested in the parking assistant plus also, yep. Didn't know it was available separately. Theres not much available outside the packs sadly.

Now if only I could spell my thread titles correctly, that's two I have messed up !
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      11-08-2020, 11:37 AM   #8
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Ok, so looking at this, from the link packet posted above, it seems that an iPhone cut be connected via cable? In that case, how can CarPlay function?
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      11-08-2020, 02:52 PM   #9
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AidenL View Post
I didn't realise you couldn't connect an iPhone through USB without having Enhanced Bluetooth. And I wouldn't have wireless charging or streaming either?Or can CarPlay be used without Enhanced Bluetooth?

Id use Google Maps a lot in CarPlay, but I believe to get directions on the hud, you must use the BMW Nav.
Here's the thing - as far as I know, CarPlay will only work wirelessly - so even though you connect your iphone over USB, you're still using the Wireless component for all the CarPlay "stuff"
I don't know if it can be used without Enhanced Bluetooth.
I know it's money, but I'd just get this 'technology package' if nothing else for the HUD.
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      11-08-2020, 07:40 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dummy Salapa deux View Post
Gesture control is gimmicky, stupid & encourages dangerous distracting behavior compared to keeping your hands on the wheel & using the buttons there. Also, the transmitter still emits a signal even if it is turned off. So if you choose to use a radar detector, it causes nonstop interference. At a minimum you have to tape over the optical emitter. You should be able to shut the whole system down but you cannot.
I agree that gesture control is gimmicky. I wouldn't order it as a standalone, but it came with the package.
I mainly use it to turn the idrive display on and off using the programmable 2 fingers. Useful at night when I don’t want the light from the screen.

As far as it interfering with the radar detector, I have never had an issue with mine. I have heard of others who have had interference though
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      11-08-2020, 07:52 PM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyrider01 View Post
I agree that gesture control is gimmicky. I wouldn't order it as a standalone, but it came with the package.
I mainly use it to turn the idrive display on and off using the programmable 2 fingers. Useful at night when I don’t want the light from the screen.

As far as it interfering with the radar detector, I have never had an issue with mine. I have heard of others who have had interference though
Radar detector question for you - where is yours mounted? Does it have to be mounted on the windshield or can you hide it somewhere like say that tiny glove compartment?
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      11-08-2020, 07:55 PM   #12
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AidenL We dont have a Tech Pack option in US, so not sure what exactly is included in that package. Below is what I think about some of the options mentioned in this thread.

HUD - If its your first card with HUD it will take getting used to. Yes, you will find it distracting, but after a while you will no longer look at the dash at all. Most people here will tell you HUD is a must have. I have it and it is NOT an essential item for me. If I was on a budget, I would skip it.

Gesture Control - Fun tech gimmick to show off to your friends, otherwise borderline useless and sometimes intrusive.

Hotspot - useless

HK sound - big difference when compared to basic audio. Sure, it depends on the streaming source, etc, but overall If you enjoy quality music in your car HK is the way to go.

Enhanced Bluetooth - not sure what it really does. I read the table here and if in fact you cannot use Apple Car Play OR Android Auto with a cable then yeah you prolly should opt for Enhanced Bluetooth, otherwise you can skip that. You will be fine with a cable.

Good luck with your choice.
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      11-08-2020, 08:02 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by packet View Post
Radar detector question for you - where is yours mounted? Does it have to be mounted on the windshield or can you hide it somewhere like say that tiny glove compartment?
I have it mounted using a Blendmount mirror mount. So it hangs just under the rear view mirror.

FYI radar detector is an Escort Passport Max.
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      11-08-2020, 08:55 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyrider01 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by packet View Post
Radar detector question for you - where is yours mounted? Does it have to be mounted on the windshield or can you hide it somewhere like say that tiny glove compartment?
I have it mounted using a Blendmount mirror mount. So it hangs just under the rear view mirror.

FYI radar detector is an Escort Passport Max.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Skyrider01 View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by packet View Post
Radar detector question for you - where is yours mounted? Does it have to be mounted on the windshield or can you hide it somewhere like say that tiny glove compartment?
I have it mounted using a Blendmount mirror mount. So it hangs just under the rear view mirror.

FYI radar detector is an Escort Passport Max.
Can you post pictures of radar please

I have passport I want to mount it but can't seem to figure out how

I need to connect to power adapter
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      11-09-2020, 03:31 AM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by COBodom View Post
AidenL

HK sound - big difference when compared to basic audio. Sure, it depends on the streaming source, etc, but overall If you enjoy quality music in your car HK is the way to go.
.
If Ireland spec’s are the same as UK then the basic audio is even more basic than in the USA. The USA spec’s basic was the Advanced Audio option in the UK. The new price list doesn’t include Advanced Audio anymore so perhaps that is now the basic system here too. Worth checking as the ‘basic’ system has terrible reviews and thus the Technology upgrade may be even more worthwhile as it brings the HK upgrade.
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      11-09-2020, 04:02 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dummy Salapa deux View Post
Gesture control is gimmicky, stupid & encourages dangerous distracting behavior compared to keeping your hands on the wheel & using the buttons there. Also, the transmitter still emits a signal even if it is turned off. So if you choose to use a radar detector, it causes nonstop interference. At a minimum you have to tape over the optical emitter. You should be able to shut the whole system down but you cannot.
I disagree. Once you have learned the gestures, it works great and can be used while driving without distractions.

Radar detectors are illegal here, so not an issue either.



My current car is my first with HUD and it works great. If on a budget, I would skip it, though.

Enhanced BT is nice to have, since it makes it possible to connect two devices at the same time.
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      11-09-2020, 04:07 AM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AidenL View Post
Ok, so looking at this, from the link packet posted above, it seems that an iPhone cut be connected via cable? In that case, how can CarPlay function?
That list isn´t valid for the G30.

With "Basic Bluetooth" you can stream music, it shows album art, you can play music from an iPhone through a cable. So from that list, the only thing "Enhanced Bluetooth" brings you is the ability to connect two phones and then the "Office things".

Some says, that there´s an additional microphone with "Enhanced Bluetooth" too, but I can´t confirm that.
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      11-09-2020, 08:39 AM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by faz999 View Post
Can you post pictures of radar please

I have passport I want to mount it but can't seem to figure out how

I need to connect to power adapter
I am out of town for a couple of days. I’ll take pictures and post when I get home.
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      11-09-2020, 09:32 AM   #19
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I love the HUD. Someone hit my car while it was parked so it was in the body shop for a couple of weeks and I had a car without a HUD. I really, really missed it.

Everyone is different and the HUD is one of the very controversial features: either one loves it and demands it on a car (like me) or finds it distracting and turns it off. You have to decide which type of driver you are.

As to seeing it in daylight with polarized sunglasses, there is a simple fix. Get tinted but not polarized sun glasses. That is what I did and it works fine. In the forum there are posts where folks complain about having to do this; I don't get the complaint. If one is spending $50K to $80K on a luxury car, what is the problem with spending a few bucks for new sunglasses?
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      11-09-2020, 09:48 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GaSelle View Post
That list isn´t valid for the G30.

With "Basic Bluetooth" you can stream music, it shows album art, you can play music from an iPhone through a cable. So from that list, the only thing "Enhanced Bluetooth" brings you is the ability to connect two phones and then the "Office things".

Some says, that there´s an additional microphone with "Enhanced Bluetooth" too, but I can´t confirm that.
Does CarPlay work wirelessly or wired on the G30?
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      11-09-2020, 09:51 AM   #21
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Wivenhoe View Post
If Ireland spec’s are the same as UK then the basic audio is even more basic than in the USA. The USA spec’s basic was the Advanced Audio option in the UK. The new price list doesn’t include Advanced Audio anymore so perhaps that is now the basic system here too. Worth checking as the ‘basic’ system has terrible reviews and thus the Technology upgrade may be even more worthwhile as it brings the HK upgrade.
Yep, I think UK and Irish specs are exact same these days.
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      11-09-2020, 10:49 AM   #22
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AidenL View Post
Does CarPlay work wirelessly or wired on the G30?
It works wirelessly on my car (with the tech pack).
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