Get CONTROLS -> General settings Guide for BMW 7 Series 4 Door Sixth Generation (2015-2021)

General settings

CONTROLS

General settings

Retrieving messages

Via iDrive:

Vehicle features and

options

1. Tip the Controller up.

2. "Notifications"

This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐

cific and optional features offered with the series.

It also describes features and functions that are

not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due

to the selected options or country versions. This

also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐

tems. When using these functions and systems,

the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐

served.

3. Select the desired message.

Deleting messages

All messages, except Check Control messages

or messages from the vehicle manufacturer, can

be deleted from the list.

Check Control messages or messages from the

vehicle manufacturer are displayed as long as

they are relevant.

Messages

Via iDrive:

1. Tip the Controller up.

Concept

The menu centrally displays all messages arriv‐

ing in the vehicle in list form.

2. "Notifications"

3. Select desired message, for instance. SMS.

4.

Press the button.

General information

The following messages can be displayed:

▷ Traffic messages.

5. "Delete"

Adjusting

The following settings can be adjusted:

▷ Check Control messages.

▷ Service requirements messages.

▷ Select the applications, from which mes‐

sages will be permitted.

▷ Communication messages, for example e-

mails, SMS text messages or reminders.

▷ All messages or a limited time period for re‐

ceived messages.

▷ Messages from, e.g., the Concierge service

or the BMW Connected app.

Via iDrive:

▷ Messages from the vehicle manufacturer.

1. Tip the Controller up.

2. "Notifications"

The number of messages is additionally dis‐

played in the status field.

The Messages menu can also be created as

Widget, refer to page 50.

3. "Settings"

4. Move the Controller to the right.

5. Select the desired setting.

65

General settings

CONTROLS

Automatic time setting

Depending on your vehicle's optional features,

the time, date and, if needed, the time zone are

updated automatically.

Time

Setting the time zone

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Date and time"

5. "Time zone:"

3. "General settings"

4. "Date and time"

5. "Automatic time setting"

6. Select the desired setting.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

Setting the time

Via iDrive:

Date

Setting the date

1. "CAR"

Via iDrive:

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Date and time"

5. "Time"

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Date and time"

5. "Date:"

6. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are

displayed.

7. Press the Controller.

6. Turn the Controller until the desired day is

displayed.

8. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes

are displayed.

7. Press the Controller.

8. Make the settings for the month and year.

9. "OK"

Setting the time format

Via iDrive:

Setting the date format

1. "CAR"

Via iDrive:

2. "Settings"

1. "CAR"

3. "General settings"

4. "Date and time"

5. "Time format:"

6. Select the desired setting.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Date and time"

5. "Date format:"

6. Select the desired setting.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

66

General settings

CONTROLS

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

Trip data settings

Concept

The intervals in which the trip data, refer to

page 161, will be reset can be configured.

Language

Setting the language

Via iDrive:

Resetting trip data

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Language:"

3. "General settings"

4. "Reset trip data"

5. Select the desired setting.

5. "System language"

6. Select the desired setting.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

Speed warning

Setting the voice dialog

For voice dialog for the voice activation system,

refer to page 56.

Concept

A speed limit can be set that when reached will

cause a warning to be issued.

General information

The warning is repeated if the vehicle speed ex‐

ceeds the set speed limit again, after it has drop‐

ped below it by 3 mph/5 km/h.

Setting the units of

measurement

Depending on the country version, you can set

the units of measurement for some values, for in‐

stance consumption, distances, and tempera‐

ture.

Adjusting

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Speed warning"

5. "Warning at:"

3. "General settings"

4. "Units"

5. Select the desired menu item.

6. Select the desired setting.

6. Turn the Controller until the desired speed is

displayed.

7. Press the Controller.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

67

General settings

CONTROLS

4. "Driver Attention Camera"

5. Select the desired setting.

Activating/deactivating

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

System limits

The Driver Attention Camera may not be fully

functional in the following situations:

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Speed warning"

5. "Speed warning"

▷ When the Driver Attention Camera is covered

by the steering wheel rim.

▷ When the driver is wearing infrared imperme‐

able sunglasses.

Setting your current speed as

the speed warning

Via iDrive:

Activating/deactivating

popup windows

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

For some functions, popup windows are dis‐

played automatically on the Control Display.

Some of these popup windows can be activated

or deactivated.

3. "General settings"

4. "Speed warning"

5. "Select current speed"

Via iDrive:

Driver Attention Camera

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

Concept

3. "General settings"

4. "Pop-ups"

A camera that monitors driver activity is located

in the instrument cluster. The camera evaluates

the head position and eye opening and uses the

data to analyze the attention of the driver. This

system supports various vehicle assistance sys‐

tems, e.g.:

5. Select the desired setting.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

▷ Fatigue alert, refer to page 210.

Activating/deactivating the

display of the current

vehicle position

▷ Steering and traffic jam assistant with As‐

sisted Driving Plus, refer to page 230.

For the position in the instrument cluster, refer to

page 150.

Concept

Activating/deactivating

If vehicle tracking has been activated, the current

vehicle position can be displayed in the BMW

Connected app or in the ConnectedDrive cus‐

tomer portal.

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

68

General settings

CONTROLS

Only make these settings while stationary.

Activating/deactivating

Via iDrive:

Activating/deactivating

Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Vehicle tracking"

5. Select the desired setting.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Data privacy"

5. "Agree and activate all"

Control Display

All services and functions that are relevant for

data protection will be activated or deacti‐

vated.

Brightness

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

Configuring the data transfer

The data transfer can be configured individually

for separate services.

2. "Settings"

3. "Displays"

4. "Control display"

5. "Brightness at night"

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

6. Turn the Controller until the desired bright‐

ness is set.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Data privacy"

7. Press the Controller.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

5. "Configure services"

6. Select the desired setting.

Depending on the light conditions, the bright‐

ness settings may not be clearly visible.

Deleting personal data in the

vehicle

Data protection

Concept

Depending on the usage, the vehicle stores per‐

sonal data, such as stored radio stations. This

personal data can be permanently deleted using

iDrive.

Data transfer

Concept

The vehicle offers different services, whose use

requires a data transfer to BMW or a service pro‐

vider. The data transfer can be deactivated for

some services.

General information

Depending on the equipment package, the fol‐

lowing data can be deleted:

General information

When the data transfer is deactivated, the re‐

spective service cannot be used.

▷ Driver profile settings.

▷ Stored radio stations.

69

General settings

CONTROLS

▷ Stored programmable memory buttons.

▷ Travel and Onboard Computer information.

▷ Music hard disk.

Function

Connec‐

tion type

Making calls via the hands-free

system.

Bluetooth.

▷ Navigation, for instance stored destinations.

▷ Phone book.

Using phone functions via iDrive

or touchscreen.

▷ Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.

▷ Office data, for instance voice notes.

▷ Login accounts.

Other functions, e.g. Contacts or

SMS.

Playing music from the smart‐

phone or the audio player.

Bluetooth or

USB.

Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up

to 15 minutes.

USB storage device:

Playing music.

USB.

Functional requirement

Data can only be deleted while stationary.

Playing videos from the smart‐

phone or the USB storage de‐

vice.

USB.

Deleting data

The personal data in the vehicle will be deleted

when the vehicle is reset to the factory settings.

Using the vehicle Internet ac‐

cess.

WiFi hotspot

via WiFi.

For resetting the vehicle to factory settings, refer

to page 77.

Using Apple CarPlay apps via

iDrive and voice operation.

Bluetooth

and WiFi.

Screen Mirroring:

WiFi.

Connecting mobile devices

to the vehicle

Showing the smartphone display

on the Control Display.

Concept

The following connection types require one-time

pairing with the vehicle:

Various connection types are available for using

mobile devices in the vehicle. The connection

type to select depends on the mobile device and

the desired function.

▷ Bluetooth.

▷ WiFi hotspot.

▷ Apple CarPlay.

▷ Screen Mirroring.

General information

The following overview shows possible functions

and the suitable connection types for them. The

scope of functions depends on the mobile de‐

vice.

Paired devices are automatically recognized later

on and connected to the vehicle.

70

General settings

CONTROLS

Safety information

Bluetooth connection

Warning

Functional requirements

Operating the integrated information systems

and communication devices while driving can

distract from traffic. It is possible to lose control

of the vehicle. There is a risk of accident. Only

use the systems or devices when the traffic sit‐

uation allows. As warranted, stop and use the

systems and devices while the vehicle is sta‐

tionary.

▷ Compatible device, refer to page 71, with

Bluetooth interface.

▷ The remote control or BMW display key is in

the vehicle.

▷ The device is ready for operation.

▷ Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle, refer

to page 71, and on the device.

▷ The pairing readiness is displayed on the

Control Display.

Compatible devices

General information

▷ Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may

be required on the device; refer to the own‐

er's manual of the device.

Information on mobile devices compatible with

the vehicle can be found at

bluetooth.

Switching on Bluetooth

Via iDrive:

Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed

or deviating software versions.

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

Displaying the vehicle identification

number and software part number

When looking for compatible devices, you may

have to state the vehicle identification number

and the software part number. These numbers

can be displayed in the vehicle.

5. "Bluetooth®"

6. Select setting.

Activating/deactivating

telephone functions

To use all supported functions of a mobile

phone, activate the desired functions in the vehi‐

cle prior to pairing the mobile phone with the ve‐

hicle as needed.

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

Via iDrive:

5. "Bluetooth® info"

6. "System information"

1. "COM"

2. "Personalize menu"

3. Select the desired settings, for instance"Text

messages".

71

General settings

CONTROLS

Delete the Bluetooth connection from the de‐

vice list on the mobile phone and start a new

device search.

Pairing the mobile device with

the vehicle

Via iDrive:

Too many Bluetooth devices with the same

function are paired.

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

▷ The mobile phone is in power-save mode or

has only a limited remaining battery life.

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

Charge the mobile phone and deactivate the

power-save mode where required.

5. Select the desired function:

▷ "Phone calls and Bluetooth® audio"

▷ "Audio"

Why does the mobile phone no longer react?

▷ The applications on the mobile phone do not

function anymore.

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on

the Control Display.

Switch the mobile phone off and on again.

▷ Too high or too low ambient temperature for

mobile phone operation.

6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth

devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.

Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme

ambient temperatures.

A control number is displayed.

7. Compare the control number displayed on

the Control Display with the control number

on the display of the mobile device, and con‐

firm that the two match.

Why can phone functions not be used via iDrive?

▷ Phone functions are not configured for the

mobile phone.

Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐

phone function.

8. Select Bluetooth connection if necessary:

"Use BMW iDrive for phone calls, Bluetooth®

audio, and apps."

Why are no or not all phone book entries dis‐

played or why are they incomplete?

The mobile device is connected to the vehicle

and displayed in the device list, refer to

page 76.

▷ Transmission of the phone book entries is

not yet complete.

▷ It is possible that only the phone book entries

of the mobile phone or the SIM card are

transmitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

All requirements are met and all required steps

were completed in the specified order. Despite

that, the mobile device does not function as ex‐

pected.

▷ It may not be possible to display phone book

entries with special characters.

▷ It may not be possible to transmit contacts

from social networks.

In this case, the following explanations can help:

Why could the mobile phone not be paired or

connected?

▷ The number of phone book entries to be

transmitted is too high.

▷ There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐

nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.

▷ Data volume of the contact too large, for in‐

stance due to stored information such as

notes.

In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections

with other devices.

Reduce the data volume of the contact.

▷ A mobile phone can only be connected as

audio source or as telephone.

72

General settings

CONTROLS

Configure the mobile phone and connect it

with the telephone function.

▷ Do not use force when plugging the connec‐

tor into the USB interface.

▷ Contact was created in the contact list of the

phone after the last synchronization.

▷ Use a flexible adapter cable.

▷ Protect the USB storage device against me‐

chanical damage.

Synchronize contacts again: "Reload

contacts"

▷ Due to the large number of USB storage de‐

vices available on the market, it cannot be

guaranteed that every device is operable on

the vehicle.

How can the phone connection quality be im‐

proved?

▷ Adjust the strength of the Bluetooth signal on

the mobile phone, depending on the mobile

phone.

▷ Do not expose USB storage devices to ex‐

treme environmental conditions, such as very

high temperatures; refer to the owner's

manual of the device.

▷ Insert the mobile phone into the wireless

charging tray.

▷ Due to the many different compression tech‐

niques, proper playback of the media stored

on the USB storage device cannot be guar‐

anteed in all cases.

▷ Adjust the volume of the microphone sepa‐

rately in the sound settings.

If all points in this list have been checked and the

required function is still not available, contact the

hotline, a dealer’s service center or another quali‐

fied service center or repair shop.

▷ To ensure proper transmission of the stored

data, do not charge a USB storage device via

the onboard socket, when it is connected to

the USB interface.

USB connection

▷ Depending on how the USB storage device is

being used, settings may be required on the

USB storage device, refer to the owner's

manual of the device.

General information

Mobile devices with a USB port are connected to

the USB interface.

Not compatible USB media:

▷ USB hard drives.

▷ Mobile phones.

▷ USB hubs.

▷ Audio devices such as MP3 players.

▷ USB storage devices.

▷ USB memory card readers with multiple slots.

▷ HFS-formatted USB storage devices.

▷ Devices such as fans or lamps.

Common file systems are supported. FAT32

and exFAT are the recommended formats.

A connected USB storage device will be sup‐

plied with charge current via the USB interface if

the device supports this. Follow the maximum

charge current of the USB interface.

Functional requirement

Compatible device, refer to page 71, with USB

interface.

The following uses are possible on USB interfa‐

ces with data transfer:

Connecting the device

Connect the USB storage device using a suitable

adapter cable to a USB interface, refer to

page 293.

▷ Playing music files.

▷ Playing videos.

Follow the following when connecting:

The USB storage device is displayed in the de‐

vice list, refer to page 76.

73

General settings

CONTROLS

"Internet connection"

WiFi hotspot

8. Move the Controller to the left.

9. Search for WiFi networks on the mobile de‐

vice. Select network name on the device.

Concept

Compatible devices with WiFi interface can use

the Internet connection of the vehicle via the

WiFi hotspot.

10.Enter hotspot code on the device and con‐

nect.

The device is displayed in the device list, refer to

page 76.

General information

Additionally, a QR code will be displayed on the

Control Display. Alternatively, this QR code can

be used to pair the mobile device with the hot‐

spot.

Up to 10 devices can be connected to the

WiFi hotspot simultaneously.

Functional requirements

▷ Compatible device, refer to page 71, with ac‐

tivated WiFi interface.

All devices connected via the hotspot use this

data volume.

▷ WiFi is activated on the vehicle.

Deactivating Internet usage via

the WiFi hotspot

Internet usage may be deactivated if the data

volume is used up, for instance.

▷ Internet use is activated for the vehicle.

▷ Registration and data contract with a service

provider where required.

▷ Standby state is switched on.

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

Connecting a device to the

Internet via the WiFi hotspot

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

Using the Internet for the first time via the

WiFi hotspot requires registration and possibly a

data volume purchase from a service provider.

5. "Internet connection"

6. Select the required setting.

Depending on the country version, data volume

can be purchased via the connected mobile de‐

vice or from the ConnectedDrive Store.

Via iDrive:

Apple CarPlay preparation

1. "COM"

Concept

CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible

Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice operation

and iDrive.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

5. "Internet"

Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis‐

played on the Control Display.

Functional requirements

▷ Compatible iPhone, refer to page 71.

iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.

▷ Corresponding mobile contract.

6. Activate Internet usage via WiFi if necessary.

"Open settings"

7. Activate Internet usage.

74

General settings

CONTROLS

▷ Bluetooth, WiFi, and Siri voice operation are

activated on the iPhone.

Operation

For more information, refer to the Integrated

Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐

gation, Entertainment, Communication.

▷ Booking the ConnectedDrive service: Apple

CarPlay preparation.

Switching on Bluetooth and

CarPlay

Frequently Asked Questions

All requirements are met and all required steps

were completed in the specified order. Despite

that, the mobile device does not function as ex‐

pected.

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

In this case, the following explanations can help:

The iPhone has already been paired with Apple

CarPlay. When a new connection is established,

CarPlay can no longer be selected.

5. Select the following setting:

"Apple CarPlay"

▷ Delete the iPhone concerned from the device

list.

6. Activate the function.

▷ On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned

from the list of stored connections under

Bluetooth and under WiFi.

Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay

Via iDrive:

▷ Pair the iPhone as a new device.

1. "COM"

If the steps listed have been carried out and the

required function is still not available: contact the

hotline, a dealer's service center or another quali‐

fied service center or repair shop.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

5. "Phone calls and Bluetooth® audio"

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on

the Control Display.

Screen Mirroring

6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth

devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.

General information

Screen Mirroring enables mirroring (outputting)

of the smartphone display on the Control Dis‐

play.

A control number is displayed.

7. Compare the control number displayed on

the Control Display with the control number

on the display of the mobile device, and con‐

firm that the two match.

Functional requirements

▷ Compatible smartphone, refer to page 71,

with Screen Mirroring interface.

8. Select CarPlay:

"Confirm note and connect to Apple CarPlay"

▷ Screen Mirroring is switched on on the

smartphone.

The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐

played in the device list, refer to page 76.

▷ WiFi is switched on in the vehicle.

75

General settings

CONTROLS

▷ For some devices, certain settings are neces‐

sary, for instance authorization; see the own‐

er's manual of the device.

Activate WiFi in the vehicle

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

Displaying the device list

All devices paired with or connected to the vehi‐

cle are displayed in the device list.

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

A maximum of 4 devices can be connected to

the vehicle via Bluetooth, and a maximum of 10

devices can be connected to the vehicle via WiFi.

A maximum of 20 devices will be detected.

5. "Wi-Fi®"

Pairing a smartphone with

Screen Mirroring

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "New device"

A symbol indicates, for which function a device is

used. When the icon is displayed in white, this

function is actively connected to the vehicle. The

icon is displayed in gray when the function of the

device is inactive.

5.

"Screen Mirroring"

The WiFi name of the vehicle is displayed on

the Control Display.

Symbol

Meaning

6. Search for WiFi devices in the surroundings

of the smartphone.

Telephone.

Bluetooth audio.

WiFi hotspot.

Apple CarPlay.

Screen Mirroring.

The WiFi name of the vehicle appears on the

device display. Select the WiFi name of the

vehicle.

7. Confirm the connection via iDrive.

The device is connected and displayed in the

device list, refer to page 76.

Configuring the device

Functions can be activated or deactivated for

paired and connected devices.

Managing mobile devices

If a function is assigned to a device, the function

will be deactivated where appropriate for a de‐

vice that is already connected and the device will

be disconnected. Follow the information on the

Control Display.

General information

▷ After one-time pairing, the devices are auto‐

matically recognized and reconnected when

standby state is switched on.

▷ After stored content on the SIM card or the

mobile phone, such as contacts, has been

detected, the data is transmitted to the vehi‐

cle and can be used via iDrive.

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

76

General settings

CONTROLS

3. Select the desired device.

4. Select the desired setting.

▷ "Disconnect device"

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

The device remains paired and can be

connected again.

3. "General settings"

4. "Reset vehicle data"

5. "Reset vehicle data"

▷ "Connect device"

The functions that were assigned to the

device before disconnecting are assigned

to the device when it is reconnected. The

functions may be deactivated on a device

already connected.

When the stored settings in a driver profile are

synchronized with the ConnectedDrive account,

these settings will remain in the ConnectedDrive

account.

▷ "Delete device"

The device is disconnected and removed

from the device list.

Priority of the phones

When two mobile phones are connected to the

vehicle, you can specify the priority of the mobile

phones for reconnection.

Via iDrive:

1. "COM"

2. "Mobile devices"

3. Move the Controller to the right.

4. "Settings"

5. "Priorities for telephones"

6. Select the desired device.

7. Turn the controller to select the priority for

the selected mobile phone.

Select the desired priority by sliding.

Resetting the vehicle

configuration

All individual settings can be reset to the factory

settings when the drive-ready state is switched

off.

77

CONTROLS -> General settings for Your BMW 7 Series 4 Door Sixth Generation (2015-2021)

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