Whitby, Ontario – BMW has announced that, as of model year 2009, all BMW vehicles equipped with the BMW Assist telematics option will include a new feature called Destination Download.

The feature allows the driver to obtain information on a destination, or “point of interest” (POI), while on the move. The “Concierge” key in the onboard Communication menu wirelessly connects to the BMW Assist call centre, where an operator will search a POI database for the required destination, and send it to the vehicle’s on-board display. The customer can then select the POI as a destination, or call it using a Bluetooth-capable handset. The feature is capable of sending up to 10 POIs per transaction.

As of model year 2009, BMW Assist and the integrated Bluetooth system is available as standard equipment in the 5 Series, 6 Series, 7 Series, X5, X6, 335i and all M models. In all other models, it is available as either a $1,100 stand-alone option, or as part of the Premium Package. BMW Assist comes with the vehicle at no charge for one year, and can be renewed for $190 per year afterwards.

Destination Download is also available retroactively for 2008 models from March through August 2008 production, with a limit of one download per transaction.