BMW ConnectedRide App - Honest Review

Here is my honest review of the BMW ConnectedRide Cradle and App. I like the idea of using the mobile phone as a navigation unit very much and also to use the BMW Multicontroller to zoom the map and to make selections. But so far I think it is too premature to fill my needs for a primary navigation aid. One problem is handling of tracks: • Video
But I still think a lot riders will love it. We just have different needs. And I hope BMW Motorrad will develop it ti be even better. Watch the video to see my experience after some long trips.

[@thetubelesschannel]

UPDATE: BMW tracks is now imported correct. Great improvement. But should be able to enable it on/off showing on the map...

[@Luc_Motor4youNL]

Good and honest review! My conclusion would be that BMW Motorrad released this cradle too soon and defenately didn't test as good as they should.

[@thetubelesschannel]

That is the trend everywhere. Just throw products to the market then you will have to upgrade forever.

[@Luc_Motor4youNL]

@@thetubelesschannel We have the exact same opinion about that. 😁👍🏻

[@Ole.Schultz]

Hi Sven. Great video, i guess i will buy the Zumo XT when my 6 year old Tomtom Rider at some point gives up :-)

[@thetubelesschannel]

A good choice :-) Thanks !

[@fly-bc]

Thanks Sven! Great informative video 👍 😎

[@thetubelesschannel]

Glad to hear it was useful

[@ronboe6325]

The problems continue: watching this video, at 5:37 an error occured, need to try later. Gah! It's contagious! :^)

[@thetubelesschannel]

yes it probably is 😤

[@WoodNotts]

A very good review but unfortunately it seems that the cradle is still in its developmental phase. I have watched your reviews with interest as I have been thinking of swapping my NAV VI for the cradle in the hope that it would be less problematical but it doesn’t seem so at the moment. Naturally I want any solution to support the multi controller.

[@thetubelesschannel]

I think the cradle (hardware) is ok, but the software (Connected Ride App) is premature as it doesn't handle tracks and imported POIs as it should. And it also depends on bluetooth and a mobile phone which also may have issues, especially with stability for example GPS reception....a dedicated GPS does not have such issues.

[@edwardfinn4141]

Sven, Do you still have the Honda 500 x in addition to the big BMW? And the landscape in Norway is very similar to my home here in Newfoundland.

[@thetubelesschannel]

No I sold the Honda and for the time beeping I only have one bike. (R1200GS). Yes you live in a beautiful country with high mountains like Norway :-)

[@wallyedmunds2181]

Hi Sven. I have the ConnectedRide Cradle on order, so I watched this review with interest. I am disappointed that you found it somewhat unreliable, but perhaps it is something that can be fixed with a software update. I ordered it because I like the idea of using a phone for navigation and so no need to carry a dedicated GPS for that purpose as well. The wireless charging is also an advantage. Do you think that the performance will improve with software/firmware updates?

[@thetubelesschannel]

Yes hopefully BMW will put some effort in it to make it more stable and that the functionality is improved. But they cannot bypass the limitations of the phone you are using. A dedicated GPS is hard to beat when it comes to relibalibity and functionality....a phone is so much more than a GPS

[@motosekcjapl6309]

I understand well? Can't add multiple POIs to the BMW app at the same time? There is no way to do this?

[@thetubelesschannel]

Not as I know, if anyone know please let us know :-o

[@anderskris]

The Garmin has GPS, Glonass and Galileo satellite positioning, your phone is missing Galileo, maybe that has something to do with the problem with getting a fix after the tunnel?

[@thetubelesschannel]

It may.....but it may also have something to do with the quality of the GPS signal receiver...the internal antenna and so forth....or maybe the combination....app and phone....if the phone temporarily looses the GPS signal....maybe the app struggle to start again when signal is back...I dont know. But when navigating in cities there is usually a lot tunnels...and the solution would be totally useless for its purpose when you need it most...too bad.

[@jimthompson717]

My I-phone offers so much more function than a GPS unit. When the rumored Satellite phone capabilities are added to the iphone, well, good night Garmin, cellular, wifi and a whole slew of hangers on industries. Starlink has bigger plans than simple global wifi dominance.

[@robertlee8042]

The thing is moronic. It reduces your phone into a single app device and that app is abysmal.

[@TheDervMan]

Until BMW make TFT upgrades available for owners to do, it’s never going to work very well. The Stability of the BMW App is terrible, it’s a shame as it’s the main reason I went for a new GSA over a used one.

[@thetubelesschannel]

They should invest a lot effort to get this work as a stable solution. Or people find other..