Get AT A GLANCE -> General settings Guide for BMW I3 4 Door First Generation (2013-2022)

General settings

AT A GLANCE

General settings

Setting the time

Via iDrive:

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.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Date and time"

4. "Time:"

5. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are

displayed.

6. Press the Controller.

7. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes

are displayed.

Language

8. Press the Controller.

Setting the language

Via iDrive:

Setting the time format

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Date and time"

4. "Time format:"

3. If necessary, "Language"

4. "Language:"

5. 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.

Time

Automatic time setting

Depending on your vehicle's optional features,

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

updated automatically.

Setting the time zone

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

Via iDrive:

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Date and time"

4. "Time zone:"

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Date and time"

4. "Automatic time setting"

5. 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.

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General settings

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Date

Activating/deactivating the

display of the current vehicle

position

Setting the date

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Date and time"

4. "Date:"

Concept

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.

5. Turn the Controller until the desired day is

displayed.

Activating/deactivating

Via iDrive:

6. Press the Controller.

7. Make the settings for the month and year.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "Vehicle settings"

3. "Data privacy"

Setting the date format

Via iDrive:

4. "Vehicle tracking"

5. Select the desired setting.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Date and time"

4. "Date format:"

Activating/deactivating pop-ups

5. Select the desired setting.

For some functions, pop-ups are displayed auto‐

matically on the Control Display. Some of these

pop-ups can be activated or deactivated.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

Via iDrive:

Setting the units of

measurement

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Pop-ups"

You can set the units of measurement for some

values, for example, consumption, distances and

temperature.

4. Select the desired setting.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

Control Display

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Units"

Brightness

Via iDrive:

4. Select the desired menu item.

5. Select the desired setting.

1. "My Vehicle"

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

2. "iDrive settings"

46

General settings

AT A GLANCE

3. "Displays"

Messages are additionally displayed in the status

field.

4. "Control display"

5. "Brightness at night"

Retrieving messages

Via iDrive:

6. Turn the Controller until the desired bright‐

ness is set.

1. "Notifications"

7. Press the Controller.

2. Select the desired notification.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

The menu in which the notification is displayed

will open.

Depending on the light conditions, the bright‐

ness settings may not be clearly visible.

Deleting messages

All messages, except Check Control messages

or messages from the vehicle manufacturer, can

be deleted from the list.

Selecting the contents of the main

menu

You can select the displayed contents for some

menu items in the main menu.

Check Control messages or messages from the

vehicle manufacturer are displayed as long as

they are relevant.

1.

Press the button.

Via iDrive:

2. "Contents of main menu"

1. "Notifications"

3. Select the desired menu and the desired

content.

2. Select the desired message.

The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐

rently used.

3.

Press the button.

4. "Delete this notification" or "Delete all

notifications"

Messages

Settings

The following settings can be adjusted:

Concept

The menu centrally displays all messages arriv‐

ing in the vehicle in list form.

▷ Select the applications, from which mes‐

sages will be permitted.

▷ Sort the messages according to date or prior‐

ity.

General information

The following messages can be displayed:

Via iDrive:

▷ Traffic messages.

1. "My Vehicle"

▷ Communication messages, for example e-

mails, SMS text messages or reminders.

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Notifications"

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

or the BMW Connected app.

4. Select the desired setting.

▷ Check Control messages.

▷ Messages on service notifications.

▷ Messages from the vehicle manufacturer.

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General settings

AT A GLANCE

▷ Phone book.

Data protection

▷ Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.

▷ Office data, for instance voice memos.

▷ Login accounts.

Data transfer

Concept

Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up

to 15 minutes.

The vehicle offers different functions, whose use

requires a data transfer to BMW or a service pro‐

vider. The data transfer can be deactivated for

some functions.

Functional requirement

Data can only be deleted while stationary.

General information

Deleting data

With data transfer deactivated, the respective

function cannot be used.

Note and follow the instructions on the Control

Display.

Only make these settings while stationary.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

Activating/deactivating

Follow the instructions on the Control Display.

Via iDrive:

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Data privacy"

4. "Delete personal data"

5. "Delete personal data"

6. "OK"

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Data privacy"

7. Exit and lock the vehicle.

4. Select the desired setting.

The deletion process takes 15 minutes to com‐

plete.

Deleting personal data in the vehicle

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.

If not all data was deleted, repeat the deletion.

Canceling deletion

Switch on the drive-ready state to cancel dele‐

tion of the data.

Connections

General information

Depending on the equipment package, the fol‐

lowing data can be deleted:

Concept

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.

▷ Driver profile settings.

▷ Stored radio stations.

▷ Stored programmable memory buttons.

▷ Travel and trip computer information.

▷ Music collection.

▷ Navigation, for instance stored destinations.

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General settings

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General information

Safety information

The following overview shows possible functions

and the suitable connection types for them. The

scope of functions depends on the mobile de‐

vice.

Warning

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.

Function

Connection

type

Making calls via the hands-free

system.

Bluetooth.

Using phone functions via iDrive.

Using the smartphone Office

functions.

Compatible devices

General information

Playing music from the smart‐

phone or the audio player.

Bluetooth or

USB.

Using compatible apps via

iDrive.

Bluetooth or

USB.

Information on mobile devices compatible with

the vehicle can be found at

bluetooth.

USB storage device:

USB.

Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed

or deviating software versions.

Exporting and importing driver

profiles.

Performing software updates.

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.

Exporting and importing stored

trips.

Playing music.

Playing videos from the smart‐

phone or the USB device.

USB.

Via iDrive:

Using the vehicle Internet ac‐

cess.

Internet hot‐

spot.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Settings"

Using Apple CarPlay apps via

iDrive and voice operation.

Bluetooth

and WLAN.

The following connection types require one-time

pairing with the vehicle:

5. "Bluetooth® info"

6. "System information"

▷ Bluetooth.

A software update, refer to page 55, can be

performed, if needed.

▷ Internet hotspot.

Paired devices are automatically recognized later

on and connected to the vehicle.

49

General settings

AT A GLANCE

Activate function to show the contact pic‐

tures.

Bluetooth connection

Functional requirements

▷ "Apple CarPlay"

▷ Compatible device, refer to page 49, with

Bluetooth interface.

Activate the function to use Apple Car‐

Play.

▷ The vehicle key is in the vehicle.

▷ The device is ready for operation.

Pairing the mobile device with the vehicle

Via iDrive:

▷ Bluetooth is activated on the device and in

the vehicle, refer to page 50.

1. "My Vehicle"

▷ Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may

be required on the device; refer to the own‐

er's manual of the device.

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Connect new device"

5. Select the functions for which the device will

be used:

Switching on Bluetooth

Via iDrive:

▷

"Telephone"

"Bluetooth® audio"

"Apps"

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Settings"

"Apple CarPlay"

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on

the Control Display.

5. "Bluetooth®"

6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth

devices in the vicinity.

Activating/deactivating telephone

functions

To use all supported functions of a mobile

phone, the following functions must be activated

prior to pairing.

The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears

on the mobile device display.

Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle.

7. Depending on the mobile device, a control

number is displayed or the control number

must be entered.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Settings"

▷ Compare the control number displayed

on the Control Display with the control

number on the display of the device.

Confirm the control number on the device

and on the Control Display.

5. Select the desired setting, e.g.:

▷ "Office"

▷ Enter and confirm the same control num‐

ber on the device and via iDrive.

Activate function to transmit short mes‐

sages, e-mails, calendars, tasks, memos,

and reminders to the vehicle. Costs can

be incurred by transmitting all data to the

vehicle.

The device is connected and displayed in the

device list, refer to page 54.

If connection was not successful: Frequently

Asked Questions, refer to page 51.

▷ "Contact images"

50

General settings

AT A GLANCE

▷ It may not be possible to display telephone

book entries with special characters.

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 transmit contacts

from social networks.

▷ The number of telephone book entries to be

stored is too high.

In this case, the following explanations can help:

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

stance due to stored information such as

memos.

Why could the mobile phone not be paired or

connected?

▷ There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐

nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.

Reduce the data volume of the contact.

▷ A mobile phone can only be connected as

audio source or as telephone.

In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections

with other devices.

Configure the mobile phone and connect it

with the telephone or additional phone func‐

tion.

Delete all known Bluetooth connections from

the device list on the mobile phone and start

a new device search.

How can the telephone connection quality be

improved?

▷ The mobile phone is in power-save mode or

has only a limited remaining battery life.

▷ The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the

mobile phone can be adjusted, depending on

the mobile phone.

Charge the mobile phone.

Why does the mobile phone no longer react?

▷ The applications on the mobile phone do not

function anymore.

▷ Insert the mobile phone into the wireless

charging tray.

Switch the mobile phone off and on again.

▷ Adjust the volume of the microphone and

loudspeakers separately.

▷ Too high or too low ambient temperatures for

mobile phone operation.

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.

Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme

ambient temperatures.

Why can telephone functions not be used via

iDrive?

▷ The mobile phone may not be properly con‐

figured, for instance as Bluetooth audio de‐

vice.

USB connection

General information

Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐

phone or additional phone function.

The following mobile devices can be connected

to the USB port:

Why are no or not all telephone book entries dis‐

played or why are they incomplete?

▷ Mobile phones.

▷ Audio devices with USB port, for instance

MP3 players.

▷ Transmission of the telephone book entries is

not yet complete.

▷ USB storage devices.

▷ It is possible that only the telephone book en‐

tries of the mobile phone or the SIM card are

transmitted.

Common file systems are supported. FAT32

and exFAT are the recommended formats.

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General settings

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A connected USB device will be supplied with

charge current via the USB port if the device

supports this. Follow the maximum charge cur‐

rent of the USB port.

▷ USB memory card readers with multiple slots.

▷ HFS-formatted USB devices.

▷ Devices such as fans or lamps.

The following uses are possible on USB ports

with data transfer:

Functional requirement

Compatible device, refer to page 49, with USB

port.

▷ Exporting and importing driver profiles, refer

to page 74.

▷ Playing music files via USB audio.

▷ Playing videos via USB video.

Connecting the device

Connect the USB device using a suitable adapter

cable to a USB port, refer to page 184.

▷ Loading of software updates, refer to

page 55.

The USB device is displayed in the device list,

refer to page 54.

Follow the following when connecting:

▷ Do not use force when plugging the connec‐

tor into the USB port.

Internet connection

General information

Up to 8 devices can be connected with the Inter‐

net hotspot.

▷ Use a flexible adapter cable.

▷ Protect the USB device against mechanical

damage.

▷ Due to the large number of USB devices

available on the market, it cannot be guaran‐

teed that every device is operable on the ve‐

hicle.

Functional requirements

▷ Compatible device, refer to page 49, with

WLAN interface.

▷ Do not expose USB devices to extreme envi‐

ronmental conditions, such as very high tem‐

peratures; refer to the owner's manual of the

device.

▷ ConnectedDrive contract.

▷ Data contract with a service provider.

▷ WLAN activated on the device.

▷ Internet hotspot activated in the vehicle.

▷ Standby state is switched on.

▷ Due to the many different compression tech‐

niques, proper playback of the media stored

on the USB device cannot be guaranteed in

all cases.

Activating the Internet hotspot

Via iDrive:

▷ To ensure proper transmission of the stored

data, do not charge a USB device via the on‐

board socket, when it is connected to the

USB port.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Settings"

▷ Depending on how the USB device is being

used, settings may be required on the USB

storage device, refer to the owner's manual of

the device.

5. "Internet hotspot"

Not compatible USB devices:

▷ USB hard drives.

▷ USB hubs.

Connecting a device to the Internet

hotspot

Via iDrive:

52

General settings

AT A GLANCE

Apple CarPlay preparation

Concept

CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible

Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice operation

and iDrive.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Connect new device"

5.

"Internet hotspot"

Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis‐

played on the Control Display.

Functional requirements

6. Search for WLAN networks on the device.

Select network name on the device.

▷ Compatible iPhone, refer to page 49.

iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.

▷ Corresponding mobile contract.

7. Enter hotspot code on the device and con‐

nect.

▷ Bluetooth, WLAN, and Siri voice operation

are activated on the iPhone.

You will need to purchase data volume from a

service provider when you first connect to the In‐

ternet via the Internet hotspot.

▷ If necessary, the setting for mobile data must

be activated on the iPhone.

All devices connected via the Internet hotspot

use this data volume.

▷ Booking the ConnectedDrive service: Apple

CarPlay preparation.

If necessary, data volume can be purchased from

the ConnectedDrive Store.

Switching on Bluetooth and CarPlay

Via iDrive:

Settings

1. "My Vehicle"

The network name and hotspot code can be

changed. In addition, the network name can be

hidden so that it cannot be found by other devi‐

ces.

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Settings"

Via iDrive:

5. Select the following settings:

▷ "Bluetooth®"

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

▷ "Apple CarPlay"

Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay

Pair the iPhone with the vehicle via Bluetooth, re‐

fer to page 50.

4.

5.

Press the button.

▷ "Change hotspot key"

Enter the desired hotspot code.

▷ "Change hotspot name"

Enter the desired network name.

▷ "Hide hotspot"

Select CarPlay as the function:

"Apple CarPlay"

The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐

played in the device list, refer to page 54.

Activate or deactivate the function.

Operation

6. Confirm the entry of the hotspot code or net‐

work name:

For more information, refer to the Integrated

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

gation, Entertainment, Communication.

Select the icon.

53

General settings

AT A GLANCE

A icon indicates, for which function a device is

used.

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.

Icon

Function

"Telephone"

In this case, the following explanations can help:

"Additional telephone"

"Bluetooth® audio"

"Apps"

The iPhone has already been paired with Apple

CarPlay. When a new connection is established,

CarPlay can no longer be selected.

▷ Delete the iPhone concerned from the device

list.

"Internet hotspot"

▷ On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned

from the list of stored vehicles under Blue‐

tooth and under WLAN.

Configuring the device

Functions can be activated or deactivated for

paired and connected devices.

▷ Pair the iPhone as a new device.

Via iDrive:

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.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. Select the desired device.

5. Select the desired setting.

Managing mobile devices

General information

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

matically recognized and reconnected when

standby state is switched on.

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.

▷ The data stored on the SIM card or in the

mobile phone are transferred to the vehicle

after recognition.

Disconnecting the device

The device's connection to the vehicle is discon‐

nected.

▷ For some devices, certain settings may be

necessary, for instance authorization, see

owner's manual of the device.

The device remains paired and can be con‐

nected again, refer to page 54.

Via iDrive:

Displaying the device list

All devices paired or connected with the vehicle

are displayed in the device list.

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. Select device.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

5. "Disconnect device"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

Connecting the device

A disconnected device can be reconnected.

54

General settings

AT A GLANCE

Via iDrive:

of the supported devices. The vehicle is kept up-

to-date via regular vehicle software updates.

1. "My Vehicle"

Updates and related current information is availa‐

ble at

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. Select device.

5. "Connect device"

Displaying the version of the installed

software

The software version installed in the vehicle is

displayed.

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.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Software update"

4. "Show current version"

Deleting the device

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

If an update has been carried out before, select

the desired version to display additional informa‐

tion.

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. Select device.

5. "Delete device"

Updating software via USB

The software may only be updated when the ve‐

hicle is stationary.

The device is disconnected and removed from

the device list.

Via iDrive:

Swapping the telephone and additional

telephone

1. Store the file for the software update in the

main folder of a USB device.

If two mobile phones are connected to the vehi‐

cle, the functions of the telephone and additional

telephone can be switched.

2. Connect the USB stick at a USB port, refer to

page 184.

3. "My Vehicle"

Via iDrive:

4. "iDrive settings"

5. "Software update"

6. "Update software"

7. "USB"

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Mobile devices"

4. "Settings"

8. "Install software"

9. "OK"

5. "Swap telephone/additional tel."

10.Wait for the update to complete.

11.Confirm system restart.

Software update

General information

The vehicle supports a large number of mobile

devices, for example mobile phones and MP3

players. Software updates are available for many

Restoring the software version

You can restore the software to the version prior

to the last update or to its factory settings.

55

General settings

AT A GLANCE

The software may only be restored when the ve‐

hicle is stationary.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle"

2. "iDrive settings"

3. "Software update"

4. "Restore software"

5.

▷ "Previous version"

The previous software version is restored.

▷ "Default software settings"

The first software version is restored.

6. "Remove software"

7. "OK"

8. Wait for restore.

9. Confirm system restart.

56

AT A GLANCE -> General settings for Your BMW I3 4 Door First Generation (2013-2022)

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