did you realize your X5 comes with a SATELLITE phone? - UPDATED, NOT SATELLITE,SORRY

marcx5 · #1 12-27-2007, 10:22 AM

just in case people didn't realize it, thought i'd point out that the BMW Assist system is SATELLITE based. If you push the SOS button or use one of the other methods to contact BMW Assist... you are connected through a satellite telephone. This is very cool and a terrific backup if you happen to be in very remote areas with no cell coverage.

This is one decision that I commend BMW on... although it took years for them to get it right... but finally, well done.

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IamSMC · #2 12-27-2007, 10:44 AM

I believe one of the optional services of BMW Assist is that they can make/connect a call/3-way call in those events of emergency/no cell coverage.

swesson · #3 12-27-2007, 11:03 AM

Cool! I didn't know that. How did you figure this out?

soldmystang · #4 12-27-2007, 11:08 AM

i believe they offer a pay service concierge type thing similar to On Star.

genemish · #5 12-27-2007, 11:34 AM

E53 uses Verizon's network for BMW Assist... this is certainly a nice upgrade!

marcx5 · #6 12-27-2007, 12:07 PM

i learned this by talking with the BMW Assist folks. I asked them what cell service they used... and they indicated and confirmed it's satellite based.

they even told me the satellite provider, but i forgot.... but suggest someone push the button and ask as well... to try and get more information.

X5FX · #7 12-27-2007, 02:46 PM

Yes this is correct...same for the 07 model.

Also the optional service allows up to 3 or 4 free "emergency" phone calls to any number...an emergency is really anything you deem appropiate, forgot your cell, etc.

I have used this feature a few times.

drod · #8 12-27-2007, 10:52 PM

i also had similar conversations with them using the SOS button...(while registering and testing this feature)

the only bad part is you only get upto 4 of these calls (concierge calls) per year for $199.00!!!

not sure what On Star offers in comparison...

marcx5 · #9 12-27-2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drod

i also had similar conversations with them using the SOS button...(while registering and testing this feature)

the only bad part is you only get upto 4 of these calls (concierge calls) per year for $199.00!!!

not sure what On Star offers in comparison...

while you are technically correct... you do get OTHER things included in the $199 fee too. like general conceirge service, navigation related items, etc. still not worth the fee in my opinion... but it IS nice to know, if i'm ever in the middle of no where, and REALLY needed to make a call, i could do so for $199.

JBHorner · #10 12-28-2007, 12:08 AM

I would be very surprised if it is a satellite based system. I have a satellite phone, and the voice clarity is nothing compared to the X5's. (The codec used for satellite is very, very high compression, and the latency in voice communication is noticeable. Neither is true with BMW Assist.) I am betting they say it is satellite because of the GPS integration with the overall service.

There would really only be two vendors that it could be: Globalstar and Iridium. (I have Iridium.) Neither can penetrate tunnels, etc., unless they have ground repeaters VERY close to the tunnels. I've had my X5 in a tunnel where the BMW Assist was active. I had cell phone coverage as well.

Joel

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