Get CONTROLS -> BMW iDrive Guide for BMW 4 Series 4 Door Second Generation (2020-2025)

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

BMW iDrive

of accident, injury, or property damage. Only

use the systems or devices when the traffic

situation allows. As warranted, stop and use

the systems and devices while the vehicle is

stationary.

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes model-specific equip-

ment, systems, and functions that are currently

available, or may become available in the fu-

ture, even if they are not present in the vehicle.

Additional information:

Main menu

Vehicle equipment, refer to page 8.

General information

The main menu is divided into different areas.

Display and operating

concept

Overview

Principle

BMW iDrive is the vehicle’s display and oper-

ating concept and includes a wide range of

functions.

General information

Depending on vehicle equipment, the functions

can be operated as follows:

1

Widgets

▷

Via the control display.

2

3

4

5

Status information

Configuration bar for main display

Temperature setting

Menu bar

Via the Controller.

Via the touchpad.

Via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Via the operating elements on the steering

wheel.

Menu bar

Additional information:

Instrument cluster, refer to page 129.

Apps menu

Access to apps and vehicle functions. A

filter can be selected. If necessary, change the

filter to see the apps you want.

Safety information

Warning

▷

"All apps": All apps and functions are dis-

played.

Operating the integrated information systems

and communication devices while driving can

distract from surrounding traffic. It is possible

to lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk

▷

"Infotainment": Only infotainment apps are

displayed.

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BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

▷

"Vehicle": Only vehicle adjustment func-

tions are displayed.

Main display

The main display shows real-time information

and dynamic content such as the navigation

map. This display also contains buttons and

lets you jump to the desired menu.

"Recently used": The most recently used

apps are displayed.

Media menu

Status information

Access to entertainment system functions,

e.g., radio stations or external device pairing.

General information

Communication menu

The status field can be found in the upper area

of the control display. Status information is dis-

played in the form of icons. Depending on the

equipment and national-market version, differ-

ent icons are available.

Access to telephone and message function

as well as pairing and management of mobile

devices, e.g., smartphones.

Navigation menu

Telephone status information

Access to navigation system, destination

entry, and traffic information. Configurable

map views and other functions such as points

of interest.

Icon

Meaning

Active call.

Signal strength.

SIM card missing.

Climate menu

The Climate menu provides access to all

climate control functions.

Entertainment status information

Apple CarPlay© menu

Depending on national-market version with

associated function: Access to Apple CarPlay.

Apple CarPlay enables the secure use of cer-

tain functions of a compatible Apple iPhone via

iDrive.

Icon Meaning

USB audio.

Bluetooth audio.

Smartphone audio.

Connected Music with Spotify.

Time shift.

Android Auto© menu

Depending on national-market version with

associated function: Access to Android Auto.

Android Auto enables the secure use of certain

functions of a compatible Android smartphone

via iDrive.

Wi-Fi.

Apple CarPlay.

Android Auto.

Widgets

Satellite radio is switched on.

Widgets show real-time information and dy-

namic content such as current media or paired

smartphones. The widgets also serve as but-

tons and allow jumping to the relevant menu.

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BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

Status information messages

Icon

Function

Change between capital and

lower-case letters.

Icon Meaning

Number of notifications.

Check Control message.

Enter a blank space.

Switching between languages.

Use voice control.

Suppress private information.

Do not disturb.

Confirm entry.

Message.

Shift the input area to the left

or right.

Additional information:

Owner's Manual for Navigation, Entertain-

ment, and Communication, refer to page 6.

Entry comparison

When entering data from a database such as

contacts, the selection is gradually narrowed

down for each character entered, with charac-

ters being added as necessary.

Other status information

Icon Meaning

Sound output active.

Activating/deactivating the functions

Sound output deactivated.

Activation word active.

BMW ID or driver profile.

Destination guidance active.

Go to quick access.

Some menu items are preceded by an icon.

Selecting the menu item enables or disables

the function.

Icon

Meaning

Function is activated.

Function is deactivated.

Wireless charging active.

Park Distance Control: sound active.

Enabling/disabling audible feedback

For some functions, audio confirmation is

given, e.g., sounds are emitted when operating

the control display.

Park Distance Control: sound deacti-

vated.

1.

Apps menu

Input and display

2. "Vehicle"

Letters and numbers

Letters and numbers can be entered using the

controller, touchpad, control display, or voice

control, depending on vehicle equipment.

3. "System settings"

4. "Sound"

5. Select the desired setting.

Quick access

The quick link provides access to shortcuts,

certain settings, and app recommendations.

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BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

The function will work immediately. This

means for instance that the connection is es-

tablished when a phone number is selected.

Input

Operation

Show

Swipe from top to bottom on the

quick link. control display.

Slide the controller up.

Tap the icon on the status

bar.

Swipe from the bottom up on the

quick link. control display.

Slide the controller down.

Deleting shortcuts

1. Swipe from top to bottom on the control

display.

2. Press and hold the desired shortcut.

3. "Delete shortcut"

Hide

BMW Curved Display

Activating/deactivating pop-ups

For some functions, pop-ups are displayed

automatically on the control display. Some of

these pop-ups can be activated or deactivated.

Principle

The BMW Curved Display is a single-screen

display in the instrument panel that is curved

towards the driver. The BMW Curved Display

comprises the instrument cluster on the driv-

er's side and the control display.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Pop-ups"

General information

Follow instructions for cleaning the BMW

Curved Display in the Care chapter.

5. Select the desired setting.

Shortcuts

Additional information:

Caring for special components, refer to

page 343.

General information

The iDrive functions can be stored on the

shortcuts and called up directly, for instance

radio stations, navigation destinations, phone

numbers and menu entries.

Overview

Storing a function

1. Select the desired function.

2. Press and hold the desired function.

3. "Add to shortcuts"

Shortcuts can only be created with an active

BMW ID or a driver profile.

1

Instrument cluster 129

Control display 50

Executing a function

1. Swipe from top to bottom on the control

display.

2

2. Tap the desired shortcut.

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BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

Switching the control display on/off

automatically

Control display

The control display is turned on automatically

when the vehicle is unlocked or as soon as the

control display is needed for operation.

Principle

The iDrive functions are displayed on the con-

trol display.

In certain situations, the control display is

switched off automatically, for instance if no

operation is performed on the vehicle for sev-

eral minutes.

Safety information

Warning

Switching the control display on/off

manually

1. Swipe from top to bottom on the control

display.

When driving, loose items or devices con-

nected to the vehicle with a cable, i.e., mobile

phones, may be thrown around the vehicle,

e.g., in the event of an accident or when brak-

ing or performing evasive maneuvers. There

is a risk of injury and risk of damage to prop-

erty. Secure loose objects or devices that are

connected to the vehicle via a cable.

2. "Screen off"

Tap the control display to turn it on again.

Setting the brightness

1.

Apps menu

Warning

2. "Vehicle"

Objects in the area in front of a display can

slip and damage the display. There is a risk

of injury or risk of damage to property. Do not

place objects in the area in front of a display.

3. "Displays"

4. "Control display"

5. "Brightness at night"

6. Make the desired setting.

Depending on the light conditions, the bright-

ness control may not be clearly visible.

Overview

System limits

In the case of very high temperatures on the

control display, for instance due to intense so-

lar radiation, the brightness may be reduced

down to complete deactivation. Once the

temperature is reduced, for instance through

shade or air conditioning system, the normal

functions are restored.

Control display.

50

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

Operation

Controller

▷

Rotate the Controller to switch between

menu options, for example.

Principle

The Controller can be used to select menu

items and enter the settings. The buttons can

be used to open the menus directly.

Overview

Press the Controller to select a menu

option, for example.

Controller

Buttons on the Controller

Button Function

Call up the main menu.

Slide the Controller in four directions to

switch between menus, for example.

Call up the Media/Radio menu.

Go to Phone menu.

Call up the navigation map.

Call up the destination input menu

for navigation.

Operating via the Controller

Go to previous menu.

Opening the main menu

Press the button.

Call up the Options menu.

The main menu is displayed.

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BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

The menu consists of various areas, for in-

stance:

Selecting menu items

1. Turn the Controller until the desired menu

item is highlighted.

▷

"General help": Go to the Integrated Own-

er's Manual.

2. Press the Controller.

▷

"Add to shortcuts": define menu item as

shortcut.

Adjusting the main display

The main display can be adjusted in the main

menu.

Entering letters and numbers

Input

1. Turn the Controller: select letters or num-

bers.

1.

Press the button.

2. If necessary, tilt the Controller to select the

main display.

2.

: confirm entry.

Additional information:

3. Tilt the Controller to the right.

4. Select the desired main display.

Setting the system language, refer to

page 57.

Selecting a widget

1. Use the Controller to select widgets.

Deleting an entry

2. If necessary, turn the Controller until the de-

sired widget is selected.

Icon Function

Press Controller: delete a letter or num-

ber.

3. Press the Controller.

Switching between menus

A new display opens after a menu item is se-

lected.

Hold the Controller down: delete all let-

ters or numbers.

Using alphabetical lists

For alphabetical lists with more than 30 en-

tries, the letters for which an entry exists can

be displayed in a text box.

▷

Slide the Controller to the left.

The current menu closes and the previous

menu is displayed.

1. Turn the Controller to the left or right

quickly.

▷

Press the button.

The current menu closes and the previous

menu is displayed.

2. Select the first letter of the desired entry.

The first entry of the selected letter is dis-

played in the list.

Calling up the context menu

Depending on the menu item, a context menu

with additional options can be displayed.

1. Select the desired menu item using the

Controller.

2. Press and hold the Controller.

52

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

Function

Operation

Operation via touchpad

Enter a hyphen. Swipe to the right in the

upper area of the touch-

pad.

General information

Depending on vehicle equipment, some iDrive

functions can be operated with the controller

touchpad.

Enter an under- Swipe to the right in the

score.

lower area of the touch-

pad.

The touchpad is located on the Controller.

Touch the touchpad with your fingers. Do not

use any objects.

Using the map

The map in the navigation system can be

moved via the touchpad.

Selecting functions

1.

Apps menu

Tap the map on the control display and then

continue operation using the touchpad.

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Touchpad"

Function

Operation

Move map.

Swipe in the appropriate di-

rection.

5. Select the desired setting.

Display menu. Tap once.

Entering letters and numbers

▷

Enter characters as they are displayed on

the control display.

Using alphabetical lists

Alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries

permit a direct jump to letters for which an en-

try exists.

▷

Always enter associated characters such as

accents or periods so that the letter can be

clearly recognized.

▷

The set language determines what input

is possible. Where necessary, enter special

characters via the Controller.

Enter the first letter on the touchpad.

The first entry of the entered letter is displayed

in the list.

Additional information:

Setting the system language, refer to

page 57.

Operation via control display

Entering special characters

General information

Depending on the equipment version, the con-

trol display is equipped with a touchscreen.

Function

Operation

Delete a charac- Swipe to the left on the

You can tap on menu items and widgets.

Touch the control display with your fingers. Do

not use any objects.

ter.

touchpad.

Enter a blank

space.

Swipe to the right in the

center of the touchpad.

Opening the main menu

Tap on the icon.

The main menu is displayed.

53

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

Deleting an entry

Adjusting the main display

The main display can be adjusted in the main

menu.

Icon Function

Tap icon: delete a letter or a number.

1.

Tap on the icon.

2. Swipe the configuration bar on the right

side of the screen to the left.

Press and hold the icon: delete all let-

ters or numbers.

3. Select the desired main display.

Using the map

The navigation map can be moved on the con-

trol display.

Sorting apps

To resort the app icons, press and hold the de-

sired icon and move it to the desired location.

Function

Operation

Move map.

Swipe in the appropriate

direction.

Switching between menus

A new display opens after a menu item is se-

lected.

Enlarge/shrink

map.

Drag in or out with the fin-

gers.

Select the arrow symbol.

The current menu closes and the previous

menu is displayed.

Display menu.

Tap once.

Using alphabetical lists

For alphabetical lists with more than 30 en-

tries, the letters for which an entry exists can

be displayed in a text box.

Calling up the context menu

Depending on the menu item, a context menu

with additional options can be displayed.

Press and hold the desired menu item.

1. Tap the letter in front of the list.

A letter box is displayed.

The menu consists of various areas, for in-

stance:

2. Tap the first letter of the desired entry.

▷

"General help": Go to the Integrated Own-

er's Manual.

The first entry of the selected letter is dis-

played in the list.

▷

"Add to shortcuts": define menu item as

shortcut.

BMW Intelligent Personal

Assistant

Entering letters and numbers

Input

1. If necessary, tap the

display.

icon or control

Principle

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a

personal assistant that enables natural voice

operation of various vehicle functions. The

Personal Assistant makes it easier to operate

the vehicle by providing proactive suggestions

and automating habits.

2. Enter desired letters and numbers.

54

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

The microphone on the driver's side is ac-

tive.

General information

▷

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is avail-

able depending on national-market version.

▷

Speaking the activation word.

The microphones on the driver's or front

passenger's side are active with the follow-

ing voice control, depending on where the

activation word was spoken.

▷

The system includes special microphones

on the driver side and the front passenger

side.

▷

Say the commands and numbers fluently

as well as with normal volume, emphasis,

and speed.

Then say the command. The activation word

and the command can be spoken without

pause in one sentence.

›...‹ identifies commands that can be spo-

ken.

Microphone button on steering wheel

Functional requirements

1.

Press button briefly.

▷

A language that is supported by the Per-

sonal Assistant must be set via iDrive.

2. Say the command.

Activation word

General information

Setting the system language, refer to

page 57.

▷

Always say commands in the configured

system language.

Saying the activation word will start the Per-

sonal Assistant. The Personal Assistant lis-

tens.

For the full range of functions, you must acti-

vate, configure, or purchase the following func-

tions:

▷

Online speech processing, refer to

page 58.

Preset activation word

›Hello BMW‹: The default activation word can

be activated and deactivated.

▷

For all settings under

Data protection, refer to page 65.

Activation word, refer to page 55.

BMW ID or a driver profile.

1.

Apps menu

▷

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Wake word"

Relevant ConnectedDrive services from the

ConnectedDrive Store.

▷

Suggestions, refer to page 58.

Activating the voice control system

7. ""Hello BMW""

Personal activation word

General information

In addition to the preset activation word, a

personal activation word can be set up with

an active BMW ID or a driver profile. The per-

sonal activation word can also be changed or

deleted.

There are various methods for activating the

voice control feature:

▷

Press the button on the steering

wheel briefly.

55

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

The activation word should consist of multiple

syllables to ensure good recognition.

▷

Slide the Controller to the right or left.

Press the Controller.

›Hello‹: The additional phrase is not necessary

for the activation word and does not need to

be spoken.

Possible commands

General information

1.

Apps menu

Commands can be used to give instructions

or ask questions, with the Personal Assistant

providing assistance.

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Wake word"

For example, you can call contacts, navigate

to an address, apply settings, or ask questions

about a vehicle function. Most vehicle functions

can be operated via voice commands, e.g., the

Automatic Parking Assistant.

7. "Personal wake word"

8. "Set"

Most content on the control display can be

spoken as commands, e.g., menu items or list

entries.

9. "Start recording"

Activation word from third-party providers

Depending on the national-market version,

some third-party providers provide digital voice

assistants such as Siri or Amazon Alexa.

Help for voice control

▷

›Voice commands‹: have possible example

commands suggested.

To use Siri, the smartphone must be con-

nected via Apple CarPlay.

▷

›General information on voice control‹: have

information on the operating principle of the

voice control announced.

Supported voice assistants can be used with a

connected smartphone in the vehicle.

▷

›Help‹: have tips and example commands

for voice control announced.

The activation word from connected third-

party providers can be used in addition to your

preset or personal activation word from BMW.

Additional example commands for the cur-

rent context are displayed in the widget of

the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

Sample commands

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

▷

›Call John Smith‹

›Drive me to JFK airport‹

›Play a classical music station‹

›Is my tire pressure still OK?‹

›Activate the climate control‹

›Increase the ACC distance‹

›Sport mode‹

5. "Additional speech assistants"

6. Select the desired setting.

Canceling voice control

▷

Press the button on the steering

wheel again.

›Cancel‹

56

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

Additional example commands can be dis-

played on the control display.

Settings

Setting the system language

1.

Apps menu

1.

Apps menu

2. "All apps"

2. "Vehicle"

3. "Personal Assistant"

4. "Help"

3. "System settings"

4. "Language"

5. "Example commands"

5. Select the desired setting.

Sample commands for the current context are

displayed in the BMW Intelligent Personal As-

sistant widget.

Setting the response length

You can set the Personal Assistant to use

standard dialog or a short version. In case of

the short version, the announcements by the

Personal Assistant are played back in an ab-

breviated version.

Additional information:

Adjust widgets, refer to page 53.

Menu items

The Personal Assistant can bring up menu

items directly. Say the menu items as they are

displayed on the control display. You do not

have to follow the order of the menu items

when speaking them out loud.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

1. Activate the voice control system.

2. ›Media‹

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Response length"

7. Select the desired setting.

3. ›Presets‹

The stored stations are displayed on the

control display.

Speaking during voice output

It is possible to answer during inquiries of the

Personal Assistant. The function can be dis-

abled if requests are often canceled uninten-

tionally, for instance due to background noise

or conversations in the vehicle.

Owner's Manual via voice operation

You can ask simple questions about vehicle

functions and the operation of the vehicle.

The voice activation system and the feed-

back it provides do not replace the printed

or Integrated Owner's Manual. The function

is available depending on the national-market

version. The speech recognition and quality of

the feedback may vary.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

Example command: ›How can the passenger

airbag be deactivated?‹

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Speaking during voice output"

The Personal Assistant returns feedback.

When stationary, the section of the integrated

Owner's Manual is displayed on the control

display.

57

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Online speech processing"

Suggestions

General information

The Personal Assistant provides helpful, indi-

vidual suggestions.

Configuring the visualization

How the Personal Assistant is visualized can

be set.

Activating/deactivating suggestions

1.

Apps menu

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Visualization"

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. "Receive suggestions"

Voice control from third-party

providers

Depending on vehicle equipment, third-party

voice control can be enabled by pressing and

holding the microphone button on the steering

wheel.

Adapting suggestions

Suggestions can be adapted, for example, by

category or to output a signal tone.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

5. "Personal Assistant (BMW)"

6. Select the desired setting.

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

5. "Long press"

Online speech processing

6. Select the desired setting.

Online speech processing improves the quality

of the speech recognition and search results

for points of interest. To use the functions,

data is transmitted to a service provider via an

encrypted connection and stored locally there.

An active ConnectedDrive contract is required

for online voice processing. ConnectedDrive is

available depending on the national-market

version. Online speech processing is not avail-

able in all languages.

Adjusting the volume

Turn the volume button during the voice guid-

ance until the desired volume is set.

The volume remains constant even if the vol-

ume of other audio sources is changed.

Using the voice activation of the

smartphone

Depending on the device, a smartphone con-

nected to the vehicle can be used via voice

control.

1.

Apps menu

2. "Vehicle"

3. "System settings"

4. "Voice control"

58

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

The device must be connected via Apple Car-

Play or Android Auto.

▷

Major language dialects can cause prob-

lems with the speech recognition feature.

A poor data connection affects the re-

sponse time of the Personal Assistant and

search function.

1. Press and hold the

button on the

steering wheel for approx. 3 seconds.

The voice activation of the smartphone is

activated.

Connecting mobile devices

to the vehicle

If activation is successful, a confirmation

appears on the control display.

Principle

2. Press and hold the

button on the

Various connection types are available for us-

ing mobile devices in the vehicle. The connec-

tion type to select depends on the mobile de-

vice and the desired function.

steering wheel to cancel voice control of the

smartphone.

Automating routines

General information

Detailed information on the functions and con-

nection types can be found in the following

media in the Owner's Manual under the speci-

fied keyword:

The Personal Assistant can automate routines,

for instance the automatic opening of windows

in the same place. Rules are created for this

purpose, which can be activated and deacti-

vated at any time.

▷

Integrated Owner's Manual in the vehicle.

Printed Owner's Manual for navigation,

communication and entertainment.

Activating/deactivating routines

The following information sources can also be

used:

1.

Apps menu

2. "All apps"

▷

Driver’s Guide app.

Driver’s Guide Web.

3. "Automate habits"

4. Select the desired setting.

Safety information

System limits

▷

The Personal Assistant provides informa-

tion about vehicle functions that may not be

installed in the vehicle.

Warning

Operating the integrated information systems

and communication devices while driving can

distract from surrounding traffic. It is possible

to lose control of the vehicle. There is a risk

of accident, injury, or property damage. Only

use the systems or devices when the traffic

situation allows. As warranted, stop and use

the systems and devices while the vehicle is

stationary.

This also applies to safety functions and

systems.

▷

Certain noises can be detected and may

lead to problems. Keep the doors and win-

dows closed.

Noises from the front passenger or occu-

pants can impair the system. Avoid making

other noise in the vehicle while speaking.

59

BMW iDrive

CONTROLS

them. The range of functions depends on the

vehicle equipment and the mobile device.

Overview

The following overview shows possible func-

tions and the suitable connection types for

Function

Connection type

Icon on the con-

trol display

Making calls via the hands-free sys- Bluetooth.

tem.

Keyword: Bluetooth connection.

Using phone functions via iDrive.

Keyword: calling via Bluetooth.

Playing music from a mobile device.

Keyword: audio.

Bluetooth audio.

Keyword: Bluetooth connection.

Calling without a mobile phone.

Personal eSIM.

Keyword: calling with the Personal

eSIM.

Keyword: Personal eSIM.

Data exchange between mobile de-

vice and vehicle.

Wi-Fi.

Keyword: vehicle WLAN.

Use Internet access via the personal Wi-Fi via personal hotspot.

hotspot.

Keyword: personal hotspot.

Using Apple CarPlay via iDrive and

via voice control.

Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

Keyword: Bluetooth connection and

Keyword: Apple CarPlay preparation. vehicle Wi-Fi.

Using Android Auto via iDrive and via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

voice control.

Keyword: Bluetooth connection and

Keyword: Android Auto preparation. vehicle Wi-Fi.

Playing music from a USB device.

Keyword: audio.

USB.

Keyword: USB connection.

Additional information:

USB port, refer to page 258.

60

CONTROLS -> BMW iDrive for Your BMW 4 Series 4 Door Second Generation (2020-2025)

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