I also confirmed through the BMW Assist Operator that for my vehicle, a 2011 X5, I will not be able to renew the subscription to any BMW Assist services. I did renew last year, for a one year period that expires in May.

It is my understanding the primary reason for the obselescence is the 3G telephone technology built into the 2013 and older vhicles. I believe BMW is having trouble finding a reliable national cell phone carrier (like an AT&T or Verizon) to partner with (contract) that part of this complex service. The cell phone companies ONLY want to support the newest technology.

Could replacing the commbox with an updated cell phone (4G) technology solve the problem? I believe it is simply too complex of a transition for BMW to offer an equipment upgrade, reliably and profitable. Plus, these phones are very integrated into the iDrive software; it would just create other new problems for BMW to manage more vehicle, comm technolgy, and software versions. So, we are simply abandoned. Time to make sure you have a good working smartphone.