[InternetsTad]

A week or two before Thanksgiving, my wife and I ordered a new X3. BMW Genius this morning told me that production on the car has finally begun and should be complete by this Saturday - December 9.

This will be our first BMW (we’re replacing our 7 year old Acura TL), and I have a few questions:

Does the navigation map get over the air updates (like Waze and other mobile apps), or do you have to pay for updates to the map? We quit using the map in the TL because Acura wanted $150 every year for a new one.

Similarly, is there ever a software update available for the iDrive suite? Are new features ever added?

Do they ever do updates for features like Driving Assistance?

I have a VIN for my X3 now, but when I try to download the user’s guide using it, I’m told that no guide is available. When will that change?

Is there any point in calling BMW Genius to check on the car production before Saturday?

Have any of you guys played with the phone functionality with ConnectedDrive - like being able to look through your car’s cameras? How well does it work?

Thanks!

Here’s what we’re getting:

X3 xDrive30i
Dark Graphite Metallic
Black leather
Executive Package
Driving Assistance
Driving Assistance Plus
CarPlay
Harmon Kardon sound system