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BMW 5-Series (G30) Forum iDrive, Audio, Bluetooth, Phone, Cameras, Electronics + Coding WiFi Hotspot

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      03-05-2017, 04:57 AM   #1
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WiFi Hotspot

So I got WiFi 'preparation' with my G30 (enabled as a part of enhanced Bluetooth and wireless charging)...

I was expecting to put my own data SIM in... but could not find it in instructions, or in the car.... anyone found it?

But strangely I went into iDrive communications, and saw Internet Hotspot... and enabled it.... and guess what, my phone connects to it via WiFi and I get a fast 4G connection...

Have changed my SSID (Hotspot name) and password...

Interested to see your experience... free WiFi doesn't seem right....
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      03-05-2017, 05:34 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedpause View Post
So I got WiFi 'preparation' with my G30 (enabled as a part of enhanced Bluetooth and wireless charging)...

I was expecting to put my own data SIM in... but could not find it in instructions, or in the car.... anyone found it?

But strangely I went into iDrive communications, and saw Internet Hotspot... and enabled it.... and guess what, my phone connects to it via WiFi and I get a fast 4G connection...

Have changed my SSID (Hotspot name) and password...

Interested to see your experience... free WiFi doesn't seem right....
Isn't this an option that you pay BMW for? I'd doublecheck with your dealer before getting a hefty bill
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      03-05-2017, 07:12 AM   #3
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This is an extra charger option you get for a three month trial period with 3 to 5 gigs, I'm not sure what the charges then after are you have to check with the dealer
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      03-05-2017, 07:27 AM   #4
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I was told it was £30 a month for the wifi hotspot in my G30. Not tried it and didn't get told about a free trial period.
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      03-05-2017, 09:12 AM   #5
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I have just connected my car to the hotspot and set up a free account managed by https://www.hotspotdrive.com, data supplied by T mobile from Germany: It says
Drive Start +: Contract duration 1 month
Can be cancelled monthly
1 GB of data volume each month
1 month free trial
11.00 GBP per month after free trial
Learn more and buy

You have to buy the contract on the next page with your card or PayPal.
So, there is no automatic contract. In the meantime it is still giving free internet. Time would tell

The contract is £11/month for 11 GB of internet on a monthly rolling contract that can be cancelled latest 6 days before the end of the month

Last edited by babaikram; 03-05-2017 at 11:14 AM..
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      03-05-2017, 01:37 PM   #6
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babaikram View Post
I have just connected my car to the hotspot and set up a free account managed by https://www.hotspotdrive.com, data supplied by T mobile from Germany: It says
Drive Start +: Contract duration 1 month
Can be cancelled monthly
1 GB of data volume each month
1 month free trial
11.00 GBP per month after free trial
Learn more and buy

You have to buy the contract on the next page with your card or PayPal.
So, there is no automatic contract. In the meantime it is still giving free internet. Time would tell

The contract is £11/month for 11 GB of internet on a monthly rolling contract that can be cancelled latest 6 days before the end of the month
£11 for 1Gb, not 11Gb. Their prices are a rip-off, even considering convenience factor of not connecting a normal wifi dongle in to charge etc.
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      03-06-2017, 04:14 AM   #7
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Thanks for checking...

I will check it it, but will not be using the T Mobile route at those prices...

Did it prompt you to set up the account on HotSpotDrive.com ? I did not get that, I just enabled Internet Hotspot and Boom, it worked ....

I am going to contact BMW. There was a specific online picture I recall seeing, with a statement that you have to get your own SIM card and Contract... which I have done... just need to fit it and configure

To be honest it's just for friends and guests from abroad who travel with me... I won't use it myself
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Last edited by jedpause; 03-06-2017 at 04:19 AM..
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      03-06-2017, 04:21 AM   #8
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Hi Simert, can you please advise who told you that?

Thanks
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      03-06-2017, 04:22 AM   #9
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+1 a rip off
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      03-06-2017, 10:29 AM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedpause View Post
Thanks for checking...

I will check it it, but will not be using the T Mobile route at those prices...

Did it prompt you to set up the account on HotSpotDrive.com ? I did not get that, I just enabled Internet Hotspot and Boom, it worked ....

I am going to contact BMW. There was a specific online picture I recall seeing, with a statement that you have to get your own SIM card and Contract... which I have done... just need to fit it and configure

To be honest it's just for friends and guests from abroad who travel with me... I won't use it myself
Yes it did, during the first time i connected to it. Setting up account is free and you don't have to buy.
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      03-06-2017, 11:23 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babaikram View Post
Yes it did, during the first time i connected to it. Setting up account is free and you don't have to buy.
Thanks!

I was not prompted to set up an account (nor did it say 1 month free trial)... I have messaged my BMW Dealer for the answer to whether I can put my own Data SIM in
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      03-06-2017, 12:47 PM   #12
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      03-06-2017, 01:11 PM   #13
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My F30 has the hotspot feature in (don't have the car yet) - downloaded the owner's manual using the VIN and no mention of hotspot, so that's no help re SIM card.
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      03-06-2017, 04:38 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedpause View Post
Hi Simert, can you please advise who told you that?

Thanks
The dealer I bought the car from.
He said the SIM card is built in and you have to pay BMW to use it as a hotspot. He said it was on Vodafone network.
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      03-07-2017, 01:54 PM   #15
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The first time you use a wifi hotspot , this joining in page below would appear. It look like T Mobile in Germany from the icon on top of the page.
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      03-08-2017, 03:18 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babaikram View Post
The first time you use a wifi hotspot , this joining in page below would appear. It look like T Mobile in Germany from the icon on top of the page.
Thanks, so that was on your tablet when you connected to the hotspot or ?

I didn't get that on my device... I just enabled the car hotspot, and then connected to it via wifi on my phone... and boom, it worked, no log in or free trial or anything
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      03-08-2017, 01:11 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jedpause View Post
Thanks, so that was on your tablet when you connected to the hotspot or ?

I didn't get that on my device... I just enabled the car hotspot, and then connected to it via wifi on my phone... and boom, it worked, no log in or free trial or anything
On my MAC actually.
The hostspot could be useful when taking an extended family holiday that involves a lot of driving with children in the back seat
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      03-08-2017, 02:20 PM   #18
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Quote:
Originally Posted by babaikram View Post
On my MAC actually.
The hostspot could be useful when taking an extended family holiday that involves a lot of driving with children in the back seat
Isn't it much cheaper to get a dongle?
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      03-08-2017, 04:07 PM   #19
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£11 for 11 GB/month beats most dongle 1 month rolling plans in UK. I was thinking of one off purchase if at all anyway as I have hotspot enabled on my phone but it is limited to 1GB hotspot/month
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      03-08-2017, 04:35 PM   #20
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Hi, I think that's a typo, the T Mobile site says £11 for 1GB
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      04-02-2017, 11:17 PM   #21
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