Gee, Thanks GM....

trueX5er · #1 02-27-2007, 08:41 PM

Got a letter in the mail today from GM saying after Dec. 31, 2007, the OnStar system in my 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible will no longer be operational. Apperently, OnStar is switching to an all digital system, so the all analog system in my 2004 won't work at all. Now that part that really bugs me is that they knew about the change in 2002, but still installed the all analog system. They made digital ready systems, but for some reason I didn't get that. And 2004 was the first year for my car! 2004! They knew since 2002!
But it's not like I depend on the system on a day to day basis, it's just really nice to know that there's somebody else there in case of an emergency.
And yes, I have used the emergency button. It was when I witnessed an accident, but I couldn't tell if anybody was injured, so instead of taking out my cell phone and dialing 911, I simply pushed the emergency button and instantly there was somebody on the line. I said there was an accident, which I was not involved in, and then they sent an ambulance and logged my info.
Yes, I know BMW has it's "SOS" or whatever, but I don't know much about that, and don't really trust it. It dosen't connnect right away. Does it call for airbag deployment or log crash data? Anybody know?

Me

GM

Drive Safely!

xnsf · #2 02-27-2007, 08:44 PM

oh yes...it's that national phasing out of the analog network so it would just be devoted to emergencies...or something.

GM probably purposely built in previous technology so they can sell you the new system and receiver at an additional cost.

BMW assist automatically calls you when your airbags deploy, and ask: "are you alright?"

E61Silver · #3 02-27-2007, 08:46 PM

It seems that the GM system could do much more:

Unlock car
Diagnose the engine

I think GM should replace your system or upgrade for free.

AzNMpower32 · #4 02-27-2007, 08:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueX5er

Yes, I know BMW has it's "SOS" or whatever, but I don't know much about that, and don't really trust it. It dosen't connnect right away. Does it call for airbag deployment or log crash data? Anybody know?

Yes, BMW Assist is just like OnStar. However, it requires a subscription otherwise it's deactivated. Before MY2007, you had one year paid with the premium pack or the stand-alone BMW Assist option. Starting '07, you get 4 years paid. It's a pricey and not frequently used service though, and most people don't continue it after the free trial period.

trueX5er · #5 02-27-2007, 08:50 PM

Blue: They can't. They would need to completely dissasemble the car, replace all the sensors (airbag, engine), replace most of the wiring, put a new GPS antenna in, and a bunch more. (basically, it is impossible for a 2004. It is possible on 2007+)

E61Silver · #6 02-27-2007, 08:57 PM

Do you know why they had to reprogram my 2005 BMW assists?

Thunder22 · #7 02-27-2007, 09:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by trueX5er

Got a letter in the mail today from GM saying after Dec. 31, 2007, the OnStar system in my 2004 Saab 9-3 Convertible will no longer be operational. Apperently, OnStar is switching to an all digital system, so the all analog system in my 2004 won't work at all. Now that part that really bugs me is that they knew about the change in 2002, but still installed the all analog system. They made digital ready systems, but for some reason I didn't get that. And 2004 was the first year for my car! 2004! They knew since 2002!
But it's not like I depend on the system on a day to day basis, it's just really nice to know that there's somebody else there in case of an emergency.
And yes, I have used the emergency button. It was when I witnessed an accident, but I couldn't tell if anybody was injured, so instead of taking out my cell phone and dialing 911, I simply pushed the emergency button and instantly there was somebody on the line. I said there was an accident, which I was not involved in, and then they sent an ambulance and logged my info.
Yes, I know BMW has it's "SOS" or whatever, but I don't know much about that, and don't really trust it. It dosen't connnect right away. Does it call for airbag deployment or log crash data? Anybody know?

Me

GM

Drive Safely!

what a coincidence, I just renewed my On-Star yesterday... $149/year. I figured 1 lockout service or breakdown *could* cost me that, so what the hell.... plus, it re-enables my hands-free cell service in the car.

That does suck about the analog/digital.... I'm sure there are quite a few other unhappy GM customers in the same boat, just wait for the class action suit when someone gets into an accident and On-Star doesn't work.... you can figure out the rest.... ugh.