BMW and Parkopedia introduce Seamless In-Car Payments for Fuel and Parking
In a move that promises to revolutionise the driving experience, BMW has rolled out an innovative in-car payment system that allows drivers to pay for fuel and parking directly from their vehicle’s interface.
Available in all current BMW models equipped with Operating Systems 7, 8, 8.5, and 9, this feature is designed to simplify everyday tasks, making driving not just about getting from point A to B but enjoying every mile in between.
Launched in collaboration with Parkopedia, a leader in connected car services, this new capability offers drivers the convenience of handling payments for fuel and parking with just a few taps on their vehicle’s central screen. Initially available to drivers in Germany, the service is expected to expand to more European countries in the near future.
How BMW’s In-Car Payment System Works
BMW’s latest in-car payment solution isn’t just a novelty; it’s a game-changer for anyone tired of the hassles of everyday refuelling and parking.
This new functionality allows drivers to locate participating petrol stations and metered parking zones, manage payments, and keep track of transactions without ever leaving the comfort of their car.
In-Car Fuel Payments
BMW’s “Refueling Payments” service allows drivers to pay for fuel directly from their vehicle’s central screen at participating petrol stations, including major brands such as Aral, Esso, HEM, Q1, Sprint, Team, and Allguth.
Using the BMW Maps system, drivers can easily find petrol stations that accept in-car payments by selecting the “Search petrol station” tile.
Upon arriving at the station and switching off the engine, the payment process is simple:
- The system prompts the driver to confirm the station and select the pump number.
- With a quick tap on “Activate and pay now,” the payment is processed.
- Drivers receive a notification on the central screen and via the My BMW app, guiding them to start refuelling at the designated pump.
Once refuelling is complete, a confirmation of the fuel quantity and cost is displayed, and the journey can continue without the need to step inside the station or fumble with physical payments.
All past transactions are accessible through the My BMW app, making tracking expenses straightforward.
Parking Payments
Navigating city streets is challenging enough without the added stress of managing parking fees. BMW’s “Parking Payments” service addresses this pain point by allowing drivers to pay for parking directly from their vehicle across 12 European countries, with plans to expand further. This service is available in vehicles equipped with BMW Operating Systems 7, 8, 8.5, and 9.
When entering a participating parking zone, the vehicle automatically detects whether the payment service is available and prompts the driver to complete the booking using saved payment details. Payment is automatically terminated when the vehicle leaves the parking space, offering a hassle-free parking experience, especially in zones with per-minute billing.
For added convenience, the My BMW app provides a comprehensive view of all parking transactions, allowing drivers to end active bookings, view their parking history, and manage payment methods seamlessly from their smartphone.
A Gateway to Multiple Merchants
One of the standout features of BMW’s in-car payment system is the Single Sign-On functionality, enabling drivers to manage payments across multiple merchants with a single login. This streamlined process eliminates the need to juggle multiple accounts or re-enter payment information repeatedly.
The system uses the debit or credit card details stored in the My BMW app or entered directly through the vehicle’s menu, ensuring that payments are fast, secure, and convenient. With Single Sign-On, BMW aims to create a cohesive digital experience, integrating various services under one unified access point.
Setting Up Payments
Getting started with BMW’s in-car payment services is straightforward. Drivers need to log in to their BMW ConnectedDrive account or BMW ID and activate the “Parking Payments” and “Refueling Payments” services in their vehicle.
Here’s how to set up your payment services:
- Log in with BMW ID: Access the payment services in your vehicle by logging in with your BMW ID.
- Activate Services: Enable the “Parking Payments” and “Refueling Payments” features.
- Add Payment Method: A QR code will appear on the central screen, allowing payment details to be entered via smartphone.
- Start Paying: Once set up, the system is ready to use for both fuel and parking payments.
BMW’s partnership with Parkopedia plays a critical role in providing this seamless integration. Known for its extensive network, Parkopedia helps drivers find and pay for parking, EV charging, fuel, and tolls across 90 countries, enhancing the connected car experience.
BMW and Parkopedia
BMW’s collaboration with Parkopedia exemplifies the automotive giant’s commitment to enhancing the driving experience through digital innovation. Parkopedia’s expertise in connected car services and detailed mapping solutions complements BMW’s drive towards a future where vehicles are more than just modes of transport—they’re intelligent partners in mobility.
As self-driving and connected vehicle technologies advance, Parkopedia’s work on developing detailed indoor maps and navigation algorithms will become even more crucial. Together, BMW and Parkopedia are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in automotive convenience and connectivity.
A New Standard for Convenience
BMW’s in-car payment system for fuel and parking is more than just a technological novelty—it’s a glimpse into the future of driving. As these services expand across more countries and BMW continues to refine the digital experience, drivers can look forward to a world where everyday tasks are handled with ease, making time spent on the road more enjoyable and efficient.
This seamless integration of technology into the driving experience sets a new standard for convenience, reinforcing BMW’s position as a leader in the premium automotive sector. For drivers, it means less time worrying about payments and more time enjoying the journey.
BMW’s latest innovation shows that when it comes to enhancing the driving experience, they’re not just keeping up with the pace of change—they’re setting it.
