What’s the purpose of in car WiFi?

[Fastestcolor]

I’m not super tech savvy but I’m struggling to understand the use of in car WiFi like is found in our x5. Data comes from my phone cellular data via CarPlay right? So why not just use my phone as the hotspot to connect say a WiFi only iPad?

[pennsiveguy]

Phone hotspot setup as you've described it is a little tedious if you have 2 or 3 people in the car who all want to use data. Plus, there are privacy concerns. I don't want to let someone connect to my phone when I hardly know them. I haul clients around who sometimes want to fire up a laptop. That laptop may have sensitive data on it and be locked down with bluetooth disabled. They can use my car's WiFi to accomplish what they need, without privacy being an issue for me or them.

It also helps if someone in the car doesn't have cell phone service, though that's pretty rare. I used to have shitty cell coverage at my cabin, and would use the car's WiFi to make Skype calls.

[MK2018]

Originally Posted by Fastestcolor

I'm not super tech savvy but I'm struggling to understand the use of in car WiFi like is found in our x5. Data comes from my phone cellular data via CarPlay right? So why not just use my phone as the hotspot to connect say a WiFi only iPad?

X5 comes with 2Gb data trial and you can use it for internet access after that you can buy more data if you like

[GeorgeR]

Do an internet search for something like "automobile manufacturers data collection".

Makes me want to disable any connection or device that collects, shares and/or sells my personal data.

[Hellrot]

Originally Posted by GeorgeR

Do an internet search for something like "automobile manufacturers data collection".

Makes me want to disable any connection or device that collects, shares and/or sells my personal data.

You'd be horrified at what your car and phone are already tracking...

[hufington]

What does your car know about you? https://t.co/Ujhz6N24qk?amp=1

[Fastestcolor]

Originally Posted by pennsiveguy

Phone hotspot setup as you've described it is a little tedious if you have 2 or 3 people in the car who all want to use data. Plus, there are privacy concerns. I don't want to let someone connect to my phone when I hardly know them. I haul clients around who sometimes want to fire up a laptop. That laptop may have sensitive data on it and be locked down with bluetooth disabled. They can use my car's WiFi to accomplish what they need, without privacy being an issue for me or them.

It also helps if someone in the car doesn't have cell phone service, though that's pretty rare. I used to have shitty cell coverage at my cabin, and would use the car's WiFi to make Skype calls.

If you had no cell service at your cabin how was your car WiFi getting data. It’s getting its data from your phone no?

[TheUltimateDrivingManiac]

Originally Posted by Fastestcolor

If you had no cell service at your cabin how was your car WiFi getting data. It’s getting its data from your phone no?

It’s got a better antenna and amplifier, so there’s a chance you will have reception via in-car hotspot when your phone have already gave up.

Another reason to have in-car WiFi - it will help to save your phone’s battery.

But overall it’s just a gimmick.

[pennsiveguy]

Originally Posted by Fastestcolor

If you had no cell service at your cabin how was your car WiFi getting data. It’s getting its data from your phone no?

No, the car is on a separate cell plan.

[mrfochon]

Originally Posted by pennsiveguy

No, the car is on a separate cell plan.

Which allows the makers to collect the data..
do you know where is the chip buried to disconnect the calls ?

[GeorgeR]

Originally Posted by Hellrot

You'd be horrified at what your car and phone are already tracking...

Yes, I am, as the search I noted verifies with lots of examples. Add Google, Facebook, Instagram and every other connected device that touches most aspects of our life.

[The Libertine]

Just another “feature” to make the car more attractive to a potential buyer.

[Fastestcolor]

Originally Posted by pennsiveguy

No, the car is on a separate cell plan.

Ok so you have to buy data from bmw I presume? So basically worthless for streaming on car trip to grandmas a couple times a year?

[pennsiveguy]

Originally Posted by Fastestcolor

Ok so you have to buy data from bmw I presume? So basically worthless for streaming on car trip to grandmas a couple times a year?

Have your grandma figure it out for you.

[Hellrot]

What / why:

How much: https://www.att.com/plans/connected-car/bmw/

[hufington]

I believe that 95% of BMW owners don't use this feature.

[CatalinP]

95% of the car owners don't use airbags, but is a good to have feature.

[CanadianLurker]

Originally Posted by Fastestcolor

Ok so you have to buy data from bmw I presume? So basically worthless for streaming on car trip to grandmas a couple times a year?

The carrier for the SIM card is AT&T. You can learn about their data plans here:

https://www.att.com/plans/connected-car/bmw/

We don't use it day to day but we do use it pretty heavily on road trips. The kids stream movies, music, etc. We usually buy the unlimited data plan, use it during the road trip, and then cancel it before it renews. It helps a ton because we don't have unlimited data plans for our phones.

[SupersixM]

I've tried those OB2 wifi hotspots and from the ome I had and reviews of others, it gives off just as much hotspot as my phones which isn't as strong nor is it enough GB of data. So I use a nighthawk Mr1100 and a AT&T uncapped data plan from ebay for 35mo and it works perfect. If you have a.Android HU I suggest it.

[bigmac f02+g12]

My vehicle.att.com they offer two plans I have the unlimited plan I caught it on a promotion for 15 a month unlimited normally 25 a month and they also have a 2 gig plan for 15 I think it was 10 when the promotion was going around but the WiFi works great up to 8 devices but u have to have the WiFi enabled threw connected drive !!!

[SupersixM]

Originally Posted by bigmac f02+g12

My vehicle.att.com they offer two plans I have the unlimited plan I caught it on a promotion for 15 a month unlimited normally 25 a month and they also have a 2 gig plan for 15 I think it was 10 when the promotion was going around but the WiFi works great up to 8 devices but u have to have the WiFi enabled threw connected drive !!!

Do you use a sim card? Where do you insert it?

[CatalinP]

It uses the ATM module inside the car, no other SIM required.