Google My BMW: MyInfo Test Drive

[Jonathan Spira]

The new MyInfo feature has started to make its way into all new BMWs (except the X3) with the start of the 2009 model year. The X6 received this feature (along with a new GSM-based telematics unit) in April, but all other models had to wait until the new model year; then they, too, started to receive the new telematics unit (older units were CDMA).

I spent almost two weeks with an X6 recently and had an opportunity to use MyInfo extensively. Although MyInfo sounds similar to a service available through BMW Assist’s Convenience Plan, you don’t have to have the Convenience Plan to use MyInfo. All cars with the basic BMW Assist Safety Plan get this functionality, while new cars equipped with BMW Assist receive four year of service.

You can use MyInfo to create a series of waypoints for a planned trip (or just one destination, of course), and you can have a friend or colleague send you a destination as well. The sender can include a short message, displayed on iDrive’s Central Information Display (CID), as well as phone numbers, which you can then have your car dial through a Bluetooth-connected mobile phone.—Jonathan Spira, technology editor, bmwcca.org

Here's how it works:

First, on your computer, go to maps.google.com and enter your destination. Then click on “send” and choose “car” in the dialogue box.In your car, go to BMW Assist/My Info and you’ll see all new destinations and messages on the CID screen.Select the message and then select “options”.Choose “Select as destination” (or “Call,” if you wish to place a phone call).The satnav system will then plan the route. . .. . . and you're on your way!