BMW launches new remote control app

If you’ve ever wandered around a large car park desperately trying to remember where you parked your vehicle then BMW has just the thing for you.

The My BMW Remote app is now available for Android smartphones and can be downloaded from the Google Play Store.

The app allows BMW drivers to carry out a range of functions when they’re not even in the vicinity of their car.

These include allowing the driver to remotely lock and unlock the doors and to remotely programme the climate control system by timer.

If you’re within 1.5km of the car, but out of sight and hearing distance, it will show you how to get to where your car is parked. This function is only available when the engine is off, so others can’t track your movements.

Meanwhile, if you’re actually in the car park, the app can activate the horn and briefly switch on the exterior lights to help you find your car.

The app has been available for the iPhone since 2010 but is only now available for the Android operating system.

Head of BMW ConnectedDrive, Dr Eckhard Steinmeier said: ‘By extending our My BMW Remote app to Android devices as well, we are responding to the recent rapid spread of this
operating system.

‘Google Android is the fastest-growing software platform for smartphones and tablets, so we are now delighted to be able to offer our customers the remote app functions on this operating system, too.’

The My BMW Remote app can be used with a BMW ConnectedDrive contract in all current BMW Assist equipped models. However, the range of functions available depends on the model, the year of manufacture and the country. Customers will receive these details when downloading the app.