BMW UK launched it ‘s iOS My BMW Remote app last year that finally (officially) connected the car with the phone in your pocket. It ‘s relatively simple but the tech is undeniably cool. The only problem? It ‘s only available in the UK and Europe. But before we talk about a work-around for the US, let ‘s talk about what it does do once you ‘ve successfully downloaded it:

– Remote Door Lock & Unlock (available on vehicles built after 08/08 except first gen Z4 and X3)
– Remote Climate Control (only available in the 5, 7, and X3 vehicles built after 10/10)
– Remote Light Flash: remote control of configurable exterior light functions to locate the vehicle (only available in the 5, 7, and X3 vehicles built after 10/10)
– Google Local Search: Sends an address from your phone directly to your vehicle ‘s navigation system (available on vehicles built after 08/08 except first gen Z4 and X3 with Navigation)
– Vehicle Finder: displays current vehicle position on map (available on vehicles built after 08/08 except first gen Z4 and X3)

Unfortunately all of this goodness only comes via a UK or EU iTunes account. But US BMW owners don ‘t need to miss out on the action. Here are some stepby-step instructions on how to get the app working on your phone.

1 – The first thing you need to do is create a UK iTunes account. This can only be done without using a UK credit card in a very specific way. Once you ‘ve signed out, up iTunes back up and click on “Apps ” within the iTunes store. From there try to download a free app. iTunes will ask if you want to sign in or create a new account. Click create a new account.

2 – The next step is to agree to iTunes ‘ terms. However before you do make sure you switch your country (at the top of the page) to the UK.

3 – From there fill in your the requested information choosing “none ” for your payment option.

Once you ‘ve completed the process and activate the account via email, you ‘ll need to authorize your computer. Do this by pulling down the ‘store ‘ menu and choosing (you guessed it) ‘authorize computer ‘.

Now you ‘re all set to grab the app (iTunes UK link) and get started.

4 – The next step in the process is to sign in. This is done via the email address that you ‘ve registered with BMW and the BMW Assist PIN that was created when you bought your car. One thing to note, the app will ask you for your password twice. Both times just input your PIN.

5 – Enjoy the senselessness of unlocking your car from your phone and sending addresses to your Navigation.

And remember, this is all free for the first four years of BMW ownership. After that BMW Assist (the system this app relies on) can be renewed annually.