yamanote

That seems to be what he's saying, but that's not how it works for me- I tether my smartphone to iDrive via Bluetooth (am using an Android phone but I see no reason why it wouldn't work with an iPhone) and it uses my phone's cellular data connection. There is no separate in-car-only data package I need to pay for- perhaps he's mixing it up with BMW Assist? If I understand it correctly you have to pay for Enform after the included subscription runs out just like Assist anyways.

Unless it is different in the US?

The $250 'BMW Apps' feature only works with iPhones, yes, but you can specify ConnectedDrive which nets you the Office menu. Most of the features in that menu only work on Android and BlackBerry phones actually- it can grab your emails, text messages and calendar appointments from your non-iPhone-smartphone and read you can scroll through them on the large display and it can even read things out to you using TTS.

RaceSC300

Considering the activation/buy rate of Android phones is 4:1 vs iPhones, I suspect you are living in a bubble.

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

Yep, the rate of androids are outpacing Iphones now. Car companies should not stress Apple 100% or else things will get tricky. My blackberry did push emails to my 2011 BMW 535i very nicely but does not have the connection to get the apps. Beside the apps on the 2011 BMW were terrible!!! Only facebook, pandora, and another application and the internet was terribly slow at modem speed. Lexus apps are so much superior in features and look and the speed of loading is tremendously faster. I know this as I did own the newer 5 series for only 1 year with disappointment.

spwolf

Does 349/year include map updates? Since Euro Entune gets map updates... otherwise pricing is too expensive right now... I think it will get cleared up by the time people get to renew.