[CarFan]

While eating dinner my blackberry buzzed and this is the message I recieved:

Your 2011 X5 xDrive35i Sport Activity has indicated that you need to schedule a service appointment for the following service(s):

• Vehicle check

You may not have noticed it requires attention - fortunately, your BMW knows exactly when the time is right. Thanks to BMW TeleService, an intelligent onboard system, your vehicle automatically alerts BMW with information about its maintenance needs.

As always, you can rest assured that our BMW trained technicians are prepared to keep your vehicle at peak performance, using the latest tools and equipment and only Original BMW parts.

Don't wait - schedule your appointment now by clicking on the link to the right

Let us help you get the most out of every mile.

I got something like this last November and it turned out the AC pollen filter needed to be changed. Is this real or a new form of marketing? This alert doesn't even say what the problem is.

[upstatedoc]

Why did you give it your e-mail address?

[MrRetep]

Real. Mine does it too.

[MrRetep]

then I get a phone call from BMW telling me that my car let them know I needed service. good stuff

[CarFan]

Originally Posted by upstatedoc

Why did you give it your e-mail address?

I don't actually recall giving it this info. I'm just wondering if its really the car or if its just some marketing biz. If it really is generated by the vehicle then its actually pretty useful. Especially for people with kids or spouses who aren't that attentive to maintaining the car especially while its under the warranty period. Having it send some responsible person alerts could be a really good thing.

[MidwestGolfBum]

I get an email from BMW and service guy calls me right about the time that any maintenance lights come on. It's a nice way for BMW to always have a reason to call you and keep you coming in to see the dealer. You can see all the new cars, they can keep a good relationship with you so you keep coming back, etc.

[E92GRL]

haha thats so cool

[MrRetep]

Originally Posted by CarFan

I don't actually recall giving it this info. I'm just wondering if its really the car or if its just some marketing biz. If it really is generated by the vehicle then its actually pretty useful. Especially for people with kids or spouses who aren't that attentive to maintaining the car especially while its under the warranty period. Having it send some responsible person alerts could be a really good thing.

Again. Yes its real, the 3,5 and 7 all send me emails and then my SA calls around the same time. very useful

[onebadmofo]

The car sends request to BMW, where it's routed to the dealer it was purchased from. The car does not "directly" send the email. It just notifies the authorities