[vz10]

Can I use any other operators except AT&T, Verizon and T-mobile for internal eSIM in BMW?

[MiGs550e]

I don’t think so since those are the only providers listed to select from in the setup.

[vz10]

Originally Posted by MiGs550e

I don’t think so since those are the only providers listed to select from in the setup.

I see It’s really unfortunate that I can’t just install any eSIM there

[dubb13]

I'm still waiting for the update so mine will work 😕

[vz10]

I talked to T-Mobile representative and they told me that they would be able to connect my car if I found out the IMEI of the car modem.

Does anybody know how to do it? I didn’t find anything about it in the settings.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by vz10

I talked to T-Mobile representative and they told me that they would be able to connect my car if I found out the IMEI of the car modem.

Does anybody know how to do it? I didn’t find anything about it in the settings.

If you want to activate the eSIM, you initiate this process through the myBMW app.

[vz10]

Originally Posted by LVBMW

If you want to activate the eSIM, you initiate this process through the myBMW app.

I know that. Problem that they require me to have main line on one of those operators to activate eSIM in the vehicle but I don’t want to switch to any of them myself. I’m fine to get a line from any of them for car only tho.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by vz10

I know that. Problem that they require me to have main line on one of those operators to activate eSIM in the vehicle but I don’t want to switch to any of them myself. I’m fine to get a line from any of them for car only tho.

That’s the only way to do it as far as I know.

[AiredaleDad]

Originally Posted by vz10

I know that. Problem that they require me to have main line on one of those operators to activate eSIM in the vehicle but I don’t want to switch to any of them myself. I’m fine to get a line from any of them for car only tho.

So the reality is that the BMW E-sim line is a secondary auxiliary line, and not a regular independent phone line. Same as my wife's apple watch with an e-sim. It attaches to her cellphone line. Yes, it has it's own E-SIM. She can make and receive calls from it, and download data even if out of range of her phone. But it is NOT an independent line. You can't just go and buy an apple watch with e-sim and connect it to T-Mobile, AT&T etc... independently without an I-Phone to attach it to. It has to have that main line to base itself on.

And the same as with that Apple watch, you can make and receive calls from your car if you forget your phone at home. And even though it has it's own phone number, and if you know it you can call it directly, it is actually an extension (Like a peripheral) of your main phone line.

The only way I can see forward for you if you really, really want to use that e-sim, is if you were to go and get the most basic cellphone service and free phone from one of the listed providers. and then attach your car to that line. It could be your "Emergency phone" that you just leave in the car or locked in a safe all the time just in the event you are stranded someplace, or get robbed and your regular phone gets stolen.

I don't really see the advantage of it other than it can connect directly to BMW and download updates without your cell being in the car. And passengers can connect to the car's WiFi and use the internet without using your personal phone's data connection.

Anyone else want to chime in and let me know why else I would want to use the E-Sim?

[SkykingUSA]

Originally Posted by AiredaleDad

Anyone else want to chime in and let me know why else I would want to use the E-Sim?

If he/she sits in the parked car a lot and wants to watch YouTube, you would need it. I used that feature when a family member was in the ER one day. However, it's hardly a critical function unless you really spend a lot of time in the car. Or, if your kids have WiFi-only iPads and need internet when in the car.

[vz10]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

Or, if your kids have WiFi-only iPads and need internet when in the car.

This is pretty much my case. Mine have Amazon Kids tablets with WiFi only so I need eithe pre download everything, got a separate WiFi modem or set up eSIM in car.

[LVBMW]

Originally Posted by SkykingUSA

If he/she sits in the parked car a lot and wants to watch YouTube, you would need it. I used that feature when a family member was in the ER one day. However, it's hardly a critical function unless you really spend a lot of time in the car. Or, if your kids have WiFi-only iPads and need internet when in the car.

I wish they would include YouTube in the "entertainment" package that allows access to the Air Console games and the standalone video/TiVo app. That would eliminate the need for the eSIM purely for YouTube.

[jcracken]

My operator (Google Fi) offers data-only eSIMs and SIMs for no extra charge, while riding off of T-Mobile's network as an MVNO. It's a bit frustrating that there's no technical reason I can't add the BMW to my plan other than this arbitrary restriction. I personally suspect it's probably because BMW went out and struck deals with the major carriers for this--at least the AT&T and T-Mobile ones appear to charge for this feature.

[AlteBMW]

One of the supposed advantages of esim is better reception in the car. But i have seen no verifiable data measuring esim receptioon against pure cell reception.

A disadvantage I have discovered is esim when you have two cars (2 BMWs in our case) as the esim is attached to a cell phone number and not a car. Going back and forth between the two cars means disabling esim in one and activating in the second. This should be no more difficult than using the same phone via bluetooth in multiple vehicles which is seamless. But BMW software (at least through 11/2024.30) is not capable of anything seamless with esim. You end up having to go into the MyBMW app to deactive the esim from one vehicle so it can be used in the second. When you return to the first car, reconnection should be automatic but is not because esim needs to be reactivated. Under the .30 software it doesn't connect reliably anyhow, so I ended up just canceling the service - and I do not have the big rear screen so II really don't miss it.