[flyboy_1989]

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Anyone else have trouble with the bluetooth in their 8? I have the newest iPhone up to date with the newest software. The cars software is up to date, and still my phone does not connect almost 80% of the time. I have to delete it and reconnect the bluetooth for it to work. The rest of the car is great, but this one bug is driving me crazy.

[redhot47fla]

It can be a challenge. Pro tip: Make sure that your phone also is connected to the car's internal Wi-Fi network. It won't recognize the phone unless it sees both the car's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals. Once it learns to recognize the car's Wi-Fi network, it might go smoother down the road.

(If you're trying to do this in or near your garage, the phone and thus the car may be defaulting to your home's Wi-Fi signal.)

Also, are you trying to connect to iDrive (BMW) or CarPlay? It's more finicky if you choose the CarPlay option while connecting.

I've been through the ringer on this, but I have it working now. It connects readily about 90 percent of the time and I can easily swap between iDrive and CarPlay. Feel free to stay in touch.

[Ozzie8]

flyboy_1989 in addition to the suggestions from redhot47fla can I also add two more items.

Take your car back to factory reset all settings, connect and do any BMW software updates, then re-pair the phone (assume you have done this).

Also try disabling Wi-Fi calling on your iPhone, Settings - Mobile - Wi-Fi Calling <Off>. Wi-Fi calling has its issues in terms of hand offs to/from the mobile network at times. By disabling you force the phone to only operate on the mobile network.

[NOMRW8NG]

Originally Posted by redhot47fla

It can be a challenge. Pro tip: Make sure that your phone also is connected to the car's internal Wi-Fi network. It won't recognize the phone unless it sees both the car's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals. Once it learns to recognize the car's Wi-Fi network, it might go smoother down the road.

Thanks very much for this tip! It solved the problem for me.

[redhot47fla]

Glad to hear it. Happy to help.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by redhot47fla

Glad to hear it. Happy to help.

I've had the same problem. I'll try the above solution and see.

[flyboy_1989]

I have not tried to factory reset and then pair, but I will try it. I think what's happening is my phone is staying on local wifi for to long and not connecting to the cars wifi until I get away from where I was, and then it throws the computer off and won't allow it to connect.

[redhot47fla]

That is very likely. When that happens and you are some distance from the local wi-fi, turn off your phone's wi-fi system and switch it back on. That should automatically link your phone to the car's wi-fi network and then the car should connect to your phone. If not, go into the car's COM menu, then Mobile Devices, and reconnect your phone.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by redhot47fla

It can be a challenge. Pro tip: Make sure that your phone also is connected to the car's internal Wi-Fi network. It won't recognize the phone unless it sees both the car's Bluetooth and Wi-Fi signals. Once it learns to recognize the car's Wi-Fi network, it might go smoother down the road.

(If you're trying to do this in or near your garage, the phone and thus the car may be defaulting to your home's Wi-Fi signal.)

Also, are you trying to connect to iDrive (BMW) or CarPlay? It's more finicky if you choose the CarPlay option while connecting.

I've been through the ringer on this, but I have it working now. It connects readily about 90 percent of the time and I can easily swap between iDrive and CarPlay. Feel free to stay in touch.

I had to play with it for a while, but it finally works now. also now after owning 3 months the bmw wanted me to register and sign up for 3 gb free wifi. once I did that every thing went well, but I'm not sure what will happen after the trial period.

I assume in three months after the free trial it's going to still work for the apple car play. because I sure don't want to pay $25 / month for wifi plus another $80 / yr. for Apple Car play. are there any other options?

[redhot47fla]

Originally Posted by Resjudicata

I assume in three months after the free trial it's going to still work for the apple car play. because I sure don't want to pay $25 / month for wifi plus another $80 / yr. for Apple Car play. are there any other options?

Very glad that it's working for you now. Lobbied by my Internet-intensive grandson, I'm paying AT&T the $25 per month to maintain connectivity with the outside world from inside the car.

So, I can't be certain, but I believe that after the free three-month trial, even if you don't pay AT&T to continue the service, the in-car Wi-Fi network will remain active for CarPlay and connectivity to your phone. That is, I believe that your phone still will connect to the car, but you will not be able to use the in-car Wi-Fi network to reach the outside world.

[Resjudicata]

Originally Posted by redhot47fla

Very glad that it's working for you now. Lobbied by my Internet-intensive grandson, I'm paying AT&T the $25 per month to maintain connectivity with the outside world from inside the car.

So, I can't be certain, but I believe that after the free three-month trial, even if you don't pay AT&T to continue the service, the in-car Wi-Fi network will remain active for CarPlay and connectivity to your phone. That is, I believe that your phone still will connect to the car, but you will not be able to use the in-car Wi-Fi network to reach the outside world.

awesome!! thanks so much for that continuing info. and thanks for the initial solution, it's working great for me for 2 days in a row so far !!!

thanks again!