BMW ConnectedService

BMW leads the way in intelligent diagnosis based servicing

BMW is pioneering the way with ConnectedService – intelligent diagnosis based servicing. Experience gained from using on-board computers to relay technical data in Formula 1 has been applied directly to the new BMW 7 Series, to ensure that more time is spent on the road and less in the ‘pit lane’. In some cases, the car need not even enter the service department as repairs can be made remotely.

Teleservice

Teleservice will be the most dramatic leap forward into the future of diagnostic technology. Using a mobile phone, it will soon be possible to transmit wear and fault data from the vehicle computer, direct to the BMW service department or Teleservice. This enables the service centre to gain an accurate overview of the service and parts required before the car physically comes in. With some electronic faults, the service department will be able to repair them remotely meaning that the car need not come in at all.

In addition, software can also be updated remotely. For example a BMW 7 Series customer could order and receive foreign road maps for the satellite navigation system whilst they are travelling.

BMW Great Britain will be able to offer Teleservice to customers in approximately a year’s time on selected models including 7 Series.

Condition Based Servicing

The Condition Based Service is already up and running on the new 7 Series. Individual parts and fluid levels such as brake pads, engine oil coolant and brake fluid, are continuously monitored by the on-board computer. The driver is alerted if action needs to be taken by a message on the control display thus allowing plenty of time to arrange a visit to the service department. This ensures that individual parts are not driven beyond their service limit.

Key Reader

All the relevant data that is processed by the on-board computer is also stored in the key. By placing the key in the BMW Key Reader the service department gets an instant report on the condition of the car. Every time the key is used it is updated and should parts need replacing, they will automatically be ordered when the key is ‘read’.

News in Brief

BMW dealership Sytner Sheffield was awarded the prestigious title of ‘Franchise Dealer Bodyshop of the Year’ at the Bodyshop Magazine 2002 Industry Event Awards last week. Dealer Principal William LeFevre and Parts and Bodyshop Manger, Chris Brightmore, collected the award.

Following the nomination by BMW, Sytner Sheffield was visited by a panel of independent bodyshop specialists who judged all areas of the business ranging from technical ability to customer service.