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SI B84 03 16
Communication Systems

April 2017
Technical Service

SERVICE ACTION: GSM COMBOX DEACTIVATION /
DISCONTINUATION WITH 4 YEAR ASSIST SERVICE
What’s New:
• Model: Option code removed to prevent confusion
about affected vehicles
• Situation: Information added about Bluetooth
functionality that is not affect by this Service Action
• Correction: Information added about lease returns,
loaner, CPO and used vehicles that are not eligible for
the 3 customer options
• Information: Removed scenario regarding new/unsold
Z4s & X1s
• Procedure: Added info about COMBOX retrofit that it
does not affect Bluetooth functionality
• Warranty: Added info that the correct flat rate labor
operation that corresponds to the option the customer
selected is claimed and removed information about Z4s
& X1s
New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol

.

Please perform the procedure outlined in this Service Information on all affected vehicles before
customer delivery. In the event the customer has already taken delivery of the vehicle, please
perform the procedure the next time the vehicle is in the shop.
This Service Information bulletin supersedes SI B84 03 16 dated December 2016.

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MODEL
E82 (1 Series
Coupe)

E88 (1 Series
Convertible)

E89 (Z4)

E84 (X1)

E90 (3 Series
Sedan)

E91 (3 Series Sports
Wagon)

E92 (3 Series
Coupe)

E93 (3 Series
Convertible)

F30 (3 Series
Sedan)

F25 (X3)

E70 (X5)

E71 (X6)

E72 (X6 Hybrid)

F10 (5 Series
Sedan)

F07 (5 Series Gran
Turismo)

F10 (5 Series Hybrid)

F12 (6 Series
Convertible)

F13 (6 Series
Coupe)

F06 (6 Series Gran
Coupe)

F01 (7 Series
Sedan)

F02 (7 Series
Sedan)

F04 (Hybrid 7
Series)

SITUATION
The underlying 2G technology for the GSM (Global System Mobile communication) COMBOX will
no longer be supported by the cellular network providers after December 31, 2016. This COMBOX
and the BMW Assist services that use its functionality will therefore no longer function after that
date.
The BMW Assist functionalities that are affected includes the following:
z

SOS/E-Call including Automatic crash notification

z

Concierge Service

z

Remote Service

z

Teleservices
The vehicle’s exisiting Bluetooth® wireless functionality is NOT affected.

AFFECTED VEHICLES
This Service Action only applies to the affected vehicles (equipped with a COMBOX) listed
above with an active BMW Assist subscription which expires on or before December 31,
2017.
Contact the ConnectedDrive support team for questions about Military delivered vehicles at 201307-4347.
Vehicles which require this Service Action to be completed will show it as “Open” when checked
either in the "Service Menu" of DCSnet (Dealer Communication System) or with the Key Reader.

CAUSE

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2G GSM COMBOX cellular communication network is no longer supported.

CORRECTION
Customer must choose one of the following “Options” listed:
Option #1 - $300 BMW Lifestyle and Accessories voucher for in-dealer purchases
The COMBOX must be deactivated. BMW Assist functionalities will no longer be active and service
subscription extension is not possible.
Option #2 - $200 Visa Pre-Paid Debit Card
The COMBOX must be deactivated. BMW Assist functionalities will no longer be active and service
subscription extension is not possible.
Option #3 - Hardware upgrade
Retrofit COMBOX Next Generation (COMBOX NG) and activate BMW Assist functionalities.
Service extensions beyond the present customer contract end date must be paid for by the
customer. The yearly rate for the extension of the service is $199, subject to change.
BMW vehicle lease returns, loaner (AMP), in-center inventory CPO and used cars
are not eligible for the options listed above.

INFORMATION
There are several scenarios whereby a vehicle may be indicated as affected by this campaign.
These scenarios require different actions as listed below:
Scenario 1: Customer receives Service Action notification via BMW Marketing mailer; In-Car
message or email.
Customer/Dealer actions:
1. The customer visits the website “BMWAssistOffer.com” as instructed in the mailer and
selects their preferred option.
2. Customer prints the confirmation (must present to the dealer)
3. A notification email is sent to the customer with a link for “dealer locator”
4. The customer contacts the dealer of their choice and schedules an appointment time to visit
the dealer.
5. Dealer completes the Service Action consistent with the customer’s selection.
Scenario 2: Customer vehicle is already at the dealer and key read shows open campaign
Customer/Dealer actions:
1. Service Advisor assists customer with “BMWAssistOffer.com” website visit (use customer
information) and selection of a preferred option.

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2. Service Advisor prints the confirmation for the customer.
3. Dealer completes the Service Action consistent with the customer’s selection.
Scenario 3: Vehicle is a Lease Return / Loaner / CPO / Used Car (Do not replace the
COMBOX)
Note: Lease return / loaner / CPO / Used vehicles are not eligible to receive the COMBOX Next
Generation retrofit. These vehicles COMBOX must be deactivated.
Generation retrofit. These vehicles COMBOX must be deactivated.
This situation does not affect the eligibility of these vehicles to be Certified, as long as the
procedure is carried out.
Dealer actions:
1. Dealer to complete and sign waiver form as per the attached Sales Bulletin. The waiver form
is available via the Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA) application on DCSnet
2. Dealer installs sticker on top of the SOS button above rearview mirror
The deactivation process starts once the waiver form is signed and submitted electronically. This
process can take up to 48 hours to complete.
The deactivation process does not require the vehicle to be connected to ISTA.
3. Dealer submits warranty claim for installing the sticker and filling out the waiver form, and
closes out campaign
Scenario 4: Customer reacts late to the notifications (e.g. March, 2017) and their BMW
Assist subscription expired, e.g. February 2017
Dealer actions:
1. Advise the customer that their subscription expired and also
a. no retrofit available
b. nor can they renew their subscription
2. No further steps performed
Scenario 5: Customer reacts late to the notifications (e.g. March, 2017), but their BMW
Assist subscription is still valid
Customer/Dealer actions:
1. Advise the customer of the 3 options available list in the “Correction” section above.
2. Customer must select their preferred option.
3. Dealer completes the Service Action consistent with the customer’s selection.

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All Model Year 2013 and earlier vehicles, and Model Year 2014 X6 only:
Customers with an active Safety Plan which expires after December 31, 2016 are eligible to
purchase one additional year of BMW Assist™ service only after selecting the option to have their
vehicle retrofitted with the COMBOX Next Generation.

PROCEDURE
Dealer completes Service Action based on the customers’ selected “Option” following the steps
outlined in below.
Note: Deactivation of the COMBOX (option #1 or #2) DOES NOT affect the existing
Bluetooth® wireless functionality.
Option #1: Customer Selects $300 BMW Accessories Voucher with COMBOX Deactivation
Option #2: Customer Selects $200 Pre-Paid Visa card (Delivered by mail) with COMBOX
Deactivation:
1. Dealer reviews and confirms customer-selected option with the customer
2. Dealer completes waiver form using customer information, submits the waiver form and
prints 2 copies for customer signature.
3. The waiver form is available on DCSnet in the Electronic Subscriber Agreement (ESA)
application.
4. Refer to the attached FAQ for steps on completing the waiver form.
5. Customer signs the waiver form.
The deactivation process starts once the waiver form is signed and submitted electronically. This
process can take up to 48 hours to complete.
The deactivation process does not require the vehicle to be connected to ISTA.
6. Dealer must advise customer that the BMW Assist system will be deactivated and
features will no longer work, including:
a. Automatic collision notification including E-call/SOS button
b. Remote services - Google send to car
c. Concierge call
d. Teleservices

7. Dealer installs sticker on the door for the E-Call

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button in the FZD as seen in the picture.

For customers that select Option #1 or #2, refer to the attached Aftersales Business Bulletin
for information about the $300 Voucher and $200 VISA card.
8. Dealer submits the claim and closes out the campaign
Option #3: COMBOX Next Generation Hardware retrofit
Always connect a BMW approved battery charger / power supply (SI B04 23 10).
Note: Retrofit is only possible with the following software version or higher:
z

ISTA 4.01.30 or higher (programming F series vehicles only)

z

ISTA/P3.59.5 or higher (can program either E or F series vehicles)

OR

Target I-Level is EXX / FXX 16-07-507
Complete the retrofit by performing the steps outlined below
1. Review and confirm with the customer their selected option.
2. Remove the COMBOX as per appropriate REP (depends on the model being retrofitted).
a. E Series – REP 84 11 660 (Removing and installing [replacing] telematics control unit).
b. F Series – REP 84 10 810 (Removing and installing [replacing] telematics communication
box).
3. Verify the part number on the label of the part being installed is appropriate for the vehicle as
detailed in PART INFORMATION below.
4. Verify the part counter person activates the unit following SI B84 03 11.
5. Install the new COMBOX Next Generation replacement part following the REP listed in Step
2.
Conversion Procedure using ISTA/P 3.59.5 or higher (E or F Series vehicles)

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6. Connect the vehicle to ISTA/P.
7. Start a new programming session.
8. Select “No” to the question regarding “control
units” being replaced (1).
9. Check the box (2).
10. Click on continue (3).
11. Click on the “vehicle” tab (1) and then
“Conversions” (2).
12. From the list, select “Conversion to COMBOX
Next Generation” (3).
13. Select determine measures plan (4).
14. Complete the ISTA/P session following normal
programming steps from this point forward.
Conversion Procedure using ISTA 4.01.36 or higher (F Series vehicles only) Preferred

6. Connect the vehicle to ISTA 4
7. Start a new session
8. Select “Vehicle management”
9. Select “Vehicle Modification”
10. Select “Conversion”
11. Select “Conversion to Combox Next generation”
12. Select “Display measures plan”
13. Select “Execute measures plan”
14. Complete programming and all post programming
procedures in ISTA 4.
15. Allow the vehicle to sleep for 5 mins.
16. Update services via the iDrive. Vehicles without iDrive go to the next step.