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

iDrive

CONTROLS

iDrive

Input and display

Main menu

Vehicle features and

options

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.

General information

The main menu is divided into two areas. The

left area contains menu items that can be used

to call up all the iDrive functions. The right area

contains widgets that provide quick access to

certain functions.

Operating concept

Concept

iDrive includes a large number of functions.

These functions can be operated via the Control‐

ler and, depending on the equipment version, via

touchscreen, voice activation system or gesture

control.

Media/Radio

All functions of the entertainment system,

e.g., radio and TV stations, connection with ex‐

ternal devices and music collection.

Safety information

Communication

Warning

Phone and message functions, e-mail and

calendar, and also the connection and manage‐

ment of mobile devices, such as smartphones.

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.

Navigation

Access to the navigation system, destination

input and traffic bulletins. Configurable map

views and other functions, such as Points of In‐

terest and areas to be avoided.

My Car

Information about vehicle status and trips.

Access to the Integrated Owner's Manual and

also administration of driver profiles and range of

adjustments for vehicle and iDrive.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

Apps

Management and access to apps and vehicle

Activating/deactivating the

functions

functions. Additional apps can be purchased

from the BMW Store.

Several menu items are preceded by a check‐

box. The checkbox indicates whether the func‐

tion is activated or deactivated. Selecting the

menu item activates or deactivates the function.

Widgets

Widgets provide quick access to fre‐

quently used functions. The configured widgets

display dynamic contents such as the navigation

map, and serve as interfaces at the same time.

Function is activated.

Function is deactivated.

Status information

Letters and numbers

Letters and numbers can be selected when the

destination is entered, for example.

General information

The status field can be found in the upper area of

the Control Display. Status information is dis‐

played in the form of symbols.

Letters and numbers can be entered using the

Controller, touchscreen or the voice activation

system. The keyboard's display changes auto‐

matically.

Radio symbols

Symbol Meaning

Symbol

Function

HD Radio station is being received.

Satellite radio is switched on.

or

Change between capital and

lower-case letters.

Enter a blank space.

Use voice activation.

Confirm entry.

Telephone symbols

Symbol Meaning

Incoming or outgoing call.

Missed call.

Slide the input area to the left or

right.

Signal strength of cellular network.

Network search.

Entry comparison

When entering names and addresses, the choice

is narrowed down with every letter and number

and added automatically as needed.

Cellular network is not available.

The critical charge state of the mo‐

bile phone has been reached.

Entries are continuously compared with data

stored in the vehicle.

▷ Only those letters and numbers are offered

during entry for which data is available.

Roaming is active.

Locating is active.

▷ Destination search: place names can be en‐

tered in all languages that are available in

iDrive.

SMS text message received.

Message received.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

tinations, phone numbers and menu entries or

pages in the Integrated Owner's Manual.

Symbol Meaning

Reminder.

Settings are stored for the driver profile currently

used.

Sending not possible.

Overview

Entertainment symbols

Symbol

Meaning

Bluetooth audio.

USB audio interface.

WiFi.

Other symbols

1

Programmable memory buttons

Symbol Meaning

Check Control message.

Storing a function

The sound output has been

switched off.

A function can be stored on a programmable

memory button. A button with a stored function

can be overwritten with another function.

Request for the current vehicle posi‐

tion.

1. Select function via iDrive.

Checking the current vehicle posi‐

tion.

2.

Press and hold the desired button

until the displayed bar on the Control Display

has loaded completely.

Driver profile.

Messages.

Executing a function

Service requirements.

Information.

Stop.

Press the button.

The function will work immediately. This means,

for instance that the number is dialed when a

phone number is selected.

New data protection-related service

available.

Displaying the key assignment

Touch buttons with finger. Do not wear gloves or

use objects.

Programmable memory buttons

General information

The iDrive functions can be stored on the pro‐

grammable memory buttons and called up di‐

rectly, for instance radio stations, navigation des‐

The button assignment is displayed at the top

edge of screen.

48

iDrive

CONTROLS

Deleting all button assignments

Safety information

All button assignments can be deleted.

NOTICE

1. Press and hold buttons 1 and 8 at the same

time.

Objects in the area in the front of the Control

Display can shift and damage the Control Dis‐

play. There is a risk of damage to property. Do

not place objects in the area in front of the

Control Display.

2. "OK"

Control Display and

Controller

Switching on/off automatically

Concept

The iDrive functions are displayed on the Control

Display. The Control Display can be operated us‐

ing the Controller, touchpad, and touch screen.

The Control Display is switched on automatically

after unlocking.

In certain situations, the Control Display is

switched off automatically, for instance if no op‐

eration is performed on the vehicle for several

minutes.

Overview

Switching on/off manually

The Control Display can also be switched off

manually.

1. Tip the Controller up.

2. "Screen off"

Press the Controller or any button on the Con‐

troller to switch it back on again.

1

2

Control Display with touchscreen

System limits

Controller with buttons and touchpad

In the case of very high temperatures on the

Control Display, for instance due to intense solar

radiation, the brightness may be reduced down

to complete deactivation. Once the temperature

is reduced, for instance through shade or air con‐

ditioning, the normal functions are restored.

Control Display

General information

To clean the Control Display, follow the care in‐

structions, refer to page 383.

Controller

General information

The buttons can be used to open the menus di‐

rectly. The Controller can be used to select

menu items and enter the settings.

Some iDrive functions can be operated using the

touchpad on the Controller, refer to page 52.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

Operation

▷ Turn to switch between menu items, for ex‐

ample.

Button Function

Opens the Media/Radio menu.

Opens destination input menu for

navigation.

Opens navigation map.

Opens the previous display.

Opens the Options menu.

▷ Press to select a menu item, for example.

Operating via the Controller

Opening the main menu

Press the button.

▷ Tilt in four directions to switch between dis‐

plays, for example.

The main menu is displayed.

Selecting a menu

Selecting menu items

1. Turn the Controller until the desired menu

item is highlighted.

Buttons on the Controller

2. Press the Controller.

Button Function

Select a widget

Opens the main menu.

1. Move the Controller to the right.

2. Select a widget.

Opens the Communication menu.

3. Press the Controller.

It is also possible to select widgets in the instru‐

ment cluster, refer to page 151.

50

iDrive

CONTROLS

The current display closes and the previous

display is shown.

Adjusting the menu

Adjusting widgets

▷

Press the button.

The widgets can be adjusted in the main menu.

It is possible to create multiple pages with widg‐

ets and switch between pages. The adjustments

can only be performed when the vehicle is sta‐

tionary.

The previous display re-opens.

▷ Move the Controller to the right.

The new display opens.

An arrow indicates that additional displays can be

opened.

Via iDrive:

1. Select the desired page in the main menu.

Only the currently selected page can be ad‐

justed.

Opening the Options menu

Press the button.

2. Tip the Controller up.

3. "Adjust main menu"

The "Options" menu is displayed.

The menu consists of various areas:

4. Select the desired adjustment:

▷ Add new widget: "Add widget".

▷ Help for the selected menu, for instance

"Help".

A maximum of four widgets can be dis‐

played per page.

▷ System settings, for instance "Control display

off".

▷ Add new page: "Add page".

▷ Control options for the selected main menu,

for instance for "Media/Radio".

▷ Delete selected page: "Delete page".

▷ Adjust the content of the widget: select

widget.

Changing settings

Settings, such as brightness, can be entered.

Via iDrive:

5. "Done"

Adjusting menu contents

The display of the menus of "MEDIA", "COM"

and "NAV" can be adjusted, for instance to re‐

move the entries of functions that are not used

from the menu.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "Displays"

4. "Control display"

5. "Brightness at night"

Via iDrive:

1. Select the menu.

6. Turn the Controller until the desired setting is

displayed.

2. "Personalize menu"

3. Select desired menu contents to be dis‐

played.

7. Press the Controller.

Entering letters and numbers

Changing between displays

After a menu item is selected, for instance

"Settings", a new display appears.

Input

1. Turn the Controller: select letters or numbers.

▷ Move the Controller to the left.

2.

: confirm entry.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

Deleting

Symbol Function

Entering letters and numbers

▷ The system distinguishes between upper

and lower-case letters and numbers. The en‐

try may require switching between letters and

numbers, refer to page 46.

Press the Controller: delete letters or

number.

▷ Enter characters as they are displayed on the

Control Display.

Hold the Controller down: delete all

letters or numbers.

▷ Always enter associated characters, such as

accents or periods so that the letter can be

clearly recognized.

Using alphabetical lists

For alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries,

the letters for which an entry exists can be dis‐

played in a text box.

▷ The set language determines what input is

possible. Where necessary, enter special

characters via the Controller.

1. Turn the Controller to the left or right quickly.

2. Select the first letter of the desired entry.

Entering special characters

The first entry of the selected letter is dis‐

played in the list.

Input

Operation

Delete a charac‐ Swipe to the left on the

ter.

touchpad.

Operation via touchpad

General information

Enter a blank

space.

Swipe to the right in the

center of the touchpad.

Some iDrive functions can be operated using the

touchpad on the Controller.

Enter a hyphen. Swipe to the right in the up‐

per area of the touchpad.

Selecting functions

Via iDrive:

Enter an under‐ Swipe to the right in the

score.

lower area of the touchpad.

1. "CAR"

Using the map

The map in the navigation system can be moved

via the touchpad.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Touchpad"

Function

Operation

5. Select the desired setting:

Move map.

Swipe in the appropriate di‐

rection.

▷ "Character input": enter letters and num‐

bers.

Enlarge/shrink

map.

Drag in or out on the touch‐

pad with fingers.

▷ "Map": use the map.

▷ "Search fields": to write letters without se‐

lecting the list field.

Display menu.

Tap once.

▷ "Audio confirmation": pronounces entered

letters and numbers.

52

iDrive

CONTROLS

▷ Delete selected page: tap "Delete page".

Operation via touchscreen

General information

▷ Adjust content of the widget: tap center of

widget.

The Control Display is equipped with a touch‐

screen.

4. Tap "Done".

Showing/hiding the display bar

You can tap on menu items and widgets. Touch

the screen with your fingers. Do not use any ob‐

jects.

At the top edge of the screen, it is possible to

show or hide a display bar with additional func‐

tions.

Opening the main menu

▷ To show the display bar, pull down the dis‐

play bar at the top edge of the screen.

Tap on the symbol.

▷ To hide the display bar, pull up the display bar

at the top edge of the screen.

Changing between displays

After a menu item is selected, a new display

opens.

An arrow indicates that additional displays can be

opened.

▷ Swipe to the left.

▷ Tap arrow.

The main menu is displayed.

The new display opens.

Adjusting widgets

The widgets can be adjusted in the main menu.

It is possible to create multiple pages with widg‐

ets and switch between pages. The adjustments

can only be performed when the vehicle is sta‐

tionary.

Changing settings

Settings such as brightness can be changed via

the touchscreen.

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

1. Select the desired page in the main menu.

Only the currently selected page can be ad‐

justed.

2. "Settings"

3. "Displays"

4. "Control display"

5. "Brightness at night"

6. To perform the desired setting:

2.

Tap the symbol in the main menu.

3. Select the desired adjustment:

▷ Add new widget:

lect desired widget.

Tap symbol and se‐

▷ Slide in the selected field to the right or

left, until the desired setting is displayed.

The requested widget will be inserted in

the relevant position. A maximum of four

widgets can be displayed per page.

▷

,

Tap on the symbol.

▷ Delete selected widget:

Tap symbol.

▷ Add new page: tap "Add page".

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iDrive

CONTROLS

the voice activation system to a limited ex‐

tent.

Entering letters and numbers

Input

▷ The system includes special microphones on

the driver side and the front passenger side.

1.

Tap the symbol on the touchscreen.

▷ ›...‹ denotes commands to use with the voice

activation system.

A keyboard appears in the Control Display.

2. Enter letters and numbers.

Functional requirements

Deleting

▷ A language must be set via iDrive that is sup‐

ported by the voice activation system. To set

the language, refer to page 67.

Symbol Function

Tapping the symbol: deletes the let‐

ter or number.

▷ Always say commands in the language of the

voice activation system.

Tapping and holding the symbol all

letters: deletes all letters or numbers.

Activating the voice activation

system

Using the map

The navigation map can be moved using the

touchscreen.

General information

There are various methods for activating the

voice activation feature:

Function

Operation

Move map.

Swipe in the appropriate di‐

rection.

▷

Press the button on the steering

wheel.

▷ Say the wake word ›Hello BMW‹ or a personal

wake word.

Enlarge/shrink

map.

Drag in or out with the fin‐

gers.

▷ Active voice processing.

Display menu.

Tap once.

Then say the command. No other commands

may be available. In this case, operate the func‐

tion via iDrive.

Voice activation system

The voice activation can be terminated:

Press the button on the steering wheel

again or press ›Cancel‹.

Concept

The voice activation system can be used to op‐

erate functions with spoken commands. The

system supports you with announcements dur‐

ing input.

Button on the steering wheel

1.

Press the button on the steering

The voice control system and the feedback it

provides are not a substitute for the printed or

Integrated Owner's Manual.

wheel.

2. Wait for the signal.

3. Say the command.

General information

▷ Functions that can only be used when the ve‐

hicle is stationary can only be operated via

54

iDrive

CONTROLS

The symbol on the Control Display indi‐

cates that the voice activation system is

active.

Active voice processing

General information

Active voice processing recognizes keywords

that are spoken in the car's interior. For instance,

if the name of a city is named, information for the

navigation will be displayed on the Control Dis‐

play.

Wake word

General information

Speaking the wake word ›Hello BMW‹ will start

the system. Immediately following, the voice acti‐

vation can be continued with voice commands.

Activating/deactivating

Via iDrive:

1. Say the wake word ›Hello BMW‹.

2. Say the command.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

Preset wake word

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

The preset wake word ›Hello BMW‹ can be acti‐

vated and deactivated. The ›Hello BMW‹ option

activates the preset and personal wake word.

5. "Active speech processing"

Via iDrive:

Possible commands

General information

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

Most contents on the Control Display can be

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

tries. Speak these list entries out loud exactly as

they are shown in the list.

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

5. "Activation with "Hello BMW""

Say the commands, numbers, and letters

smoothly and with normal volume, emphasis,

and speed.

Personal wake word

In addition to a preset wake word ›Hello BMW‹, a

personal wake word can be set up.

The status of the voice recognition is displayed

in the upper area of the Control Display.

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

Example for function

The commands of the menu items are spoken

just as they are selected via the Controller.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

5. "Personal keyword"

6. "Start recording"

1.

Press the button on the steering

wheel.

2. ›Media and radio‹

3. ›Presets‹

For the "Start recording" option, online

speech processing must be available and ac‐

tivated. Alternatively, the personal wake word

can be entered using the Controller.

The stored stations are displayed on the Control

Display.

7. Follow the instructions on the Control Dis‐

play.

55

iDrive

CONTROLS

The voice activation system can also be used to

operate most climate control functions, refer to

page 285.

▷ "Online speech processing".

▷ "Synchronize driver profile" under

"Personalization" in the data protection

menu.

The voice activation system can be used to enter

the destination, refer to Owner's Manual for Navi‐

gation, Entertainment, Communication.

▷ All settings under "BMW ConnectedDrive" in

the data protection menu.

Help on the voice activation system

▷ To have the available spoken instructions

read out loud: ›Voice commands‹.

Example for function

1. Say the wake word ›Hello BMW‹ or a personal

wake word.

▷ To have information on the operating princi‐

ple of the voice activation system read out

loud: ›General information on voice control‹.

2. ›How high is the outside temperature‹

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant provides

information about the external temperature.

▷ To have help for the current menu read out

loud: ›Help‹.

Adjusting

Information for Emergency

Requests

Do not use the voice activation system to initiate

an Emergency Request. In stressful situations,

the voice and vocal pitch can change. This can

unnecessarily delay the establishment of a

phone connection.

Setting the language

The language to be used for voice activation and

system announcements can be set.

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

Instead, use the SOS button, refer to page 375,

close to the interior mirror.

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

5. "System language"

6. Select the desired language.

BMW Intelligent Personal

Assistant

Setting the voice dialog

Concept

You can set the system to use standard dialog or

a short version.

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant expands the

voice activation function to include additional

functions that improve interaction in the vehicle.

It is possible to ask questions about the current

state of the vehicle, for instance.

The short version of the voice dialog plays back

short messages in abbreviated form.

Via iDrive:

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is connected

to other digital services such as the Concierge

service and is continually being developed.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

Functional requirement

The driver's profile is activated.

5. "Speech mode"

6. Select the desired setting.

Activate the following settings to access the full

range of functions:

56

iDrive

CONTROLS

▷ Noises from the front passenger or the rear

seat bench can impair the system. Avoid

making other noise in the vehicle while

speaking.

Speaking during voice output

It is possible to answer during inquiries of the

voice activation system. The function can be de‐

activated if inquiries are often undesirably inter‐

rupted, for instance due to background noise or

talking.

▷ Major language dialects can cause problems

with the voice recognition feature. Speak loud

and clear.

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

Using the voice activation

system of the smartphone

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

A smartphone connected to the vehicle can be

used via voice activation.

Activate voice command response on the smart‐

phone for this purpose.

5. "Speaking during voice output"

Online speech processing

1.

2.

Press and hold the button on the

steering wheel for approx. 3 seconds.

Online speech processing provides a dictation

function, a natural method of entering destina‐

tions and improves the quality of voice recogni‐

tion. To use the functions, data is transmitted to

a service provider via an encrypted connection

and stored locally there.

Voice command response is activated on the

smartphone.

Release the button.

Via iDrive:

If activation is successful, a confirmation ap‐

pears on the Control Display.

1. "CAR"

If it was not possible to activate voice command

response, the list of Bluetooth devices appears

on the Control Display.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Language"

5. "Online speech processing"

BMW Gesture Control

Adjusting the volume

Concept

Several iDrive functions can be operated by hand

motion using BMW Gesture Control.

Turn the volume button during the spoken in‐

structions until the desired volume is set.

▷ The volume remains constant even if the vol‐

ume of other audio sources is changed.

▷ The volume is stored for the driver profile

currently used.

System limits

▷ Certain noises can be detected and may lead

to problems. Keep the doors, windows, and

glass sunroof closed.

57

iDrive

CONTROLS

Overview

Adjusting

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Gesture control"

5. Select the desired setting:

▷ "User help display": the possible gesture

is shown on the Control Display.

The gestures that are performed underneath the

interior mirror are captured by a camera in the

roofliner.

▷ "Audio confirmation": an acoustic signal is

emitted once the gesture is recognized.

Carrying out gestures

Perform gestures underneath the interior mirror

and next to the steering wheel.

Activating/deactivating

Via iDrive:

1. "CAR"

Execute gestures clearly.

2. "Settings"

The gestures can also be executed from the

front-passenger side.

3. "General settings"

4. "Gesture control"

5. "Gesture control"

Possible gestures

Gesture

Operation

Function

Move index finger forward and backward in the di‐ Accept call.

rection of the screen.

Select a highlighted entry in a list

during voice activation.

Confirm pop-up.

Move hand across the width of the Control Dis‐

play in the direction of the front-passenger side.

Reject call.

Close pop-up.

Terminate voice activation.

Slowly move hand clockwise in a circular pattern

with the index finger stretched out forward.

The volume is increased.

Gesture is detected after one circular motion.

58

iDrive

CONTROLS

Gesture

Operation

Function

The volume is reduced.

Slowly move hand counterclockwise with the in‐

dex finger stretched out forward.

Gesture is detected after one circular motion.

Pinch with thumb and index finger and move hand Surround View: turn camera

horizontally to the right or left.

view.

This gesture can only be exe‐

cuted while the vehicle is station‐

ary.

Move stretched out index and middle finger for‐

ward.

Individually assignable gesture.

Reverse Skip function.

Hold your stretched out thumb to the left.

Hold your stretched out thumb to the right.

Forward Skip function.

Stretch out five fingers, form a fist and stretch five Individually assignable gesture.

fingers out again.

Assigning gesture individually

System limits

Via iDrive:

Gesture recognition by the camera can be distur‐

bed by the following circumstances:

1. "CAR"

▷ The camera lens is covered.

2. "Settings"

▷ Objects are located on the interior mirror.

3. "General settings"

4. "Gesture control"

▷ The camera lens is dirty. Clean the camera

lenses, refer to page 383.

5. "Function assignment gesture 1" or

"Function assignment gesture 2"

▷ The gesture is executed outside of the de‐

tection range.

6. Select the desired setting.

59

iDrive

CONTROLS

▷ Wearing of gloves or jewelry.

▷ Smoking in the car's interior.

Operation

Buttons on BMW Touch Command

Button Function

BMW Touch Command

Display the main menu.

or

Concept

BMW Touch Command is a tablet that can be

used to operate important vehicle functions.

Display the application being used.

Back.

General information

Depending on the equipment version, BMW

Touch Command is located in the rear console

or in the center armrest in the rear.

Connecting BMW Touch Command

Switch on BMW Touch Command.

The following functions can be used:

▷ Audio sources in the front.

▷ Interior lighting.

The connection is established automatically.

If the connection is not established automatically,

follow the instructions on BMW Touch Com‐

mand.

▷ Seat adjustments for front passenger seat

and seats in the rear.

▷ Sun protection.

Charging the rechargeable battery

▷ Climate control in the rear.

▷ Rear entertainment.

BMW Touch Command can be charged in the

rear center armrest.

Insert BMW Touch Command into the tray with

the screen facing upward. To charge the re‐

chargeable battery, insert BMW Touch Com‐

mand with the charging socket to the left.

Overview

Selecting menu items

1.

Tap on the symbol.

The main menu is displayed.

2. Select the desired menu item.

3. Select the desired setting.

1

2

3

BMW Touch Command

Switching on/off

Ejecting

Adjusting

Displays

Settings, such as brightness, can be entered.

1.

2.

Tap on the symbol.

Tap the symbol in the status field.

60

iDrive

CONTROLS

3. "Brightness"

4. Slide the bar to the right or left until the de‐

sired setting is displayed.

Language setting

Regardless of the set language on the Control

Display, a different language can be selected for

BMW Touch Command.

1.

2.

Tap on the symbol.

Tap the symbol in the status field.

3. "Language"

4. Select the desired setting.

Device information

Information about the device can be displayed in

the settings:

▷ License information.

▷ Version.

▷ Data protection statement.

61

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

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