Get CONTROLS -> iDrive Guide for BMW M8 4 Door First Generation (2019-2025)

iDrive

CONTROLS

iDrive

the systems and devices while the vehicle is

stationary.

Vehicle features and options

This chapter describes all standard, country-

specific, and optional equipment offered with

the series. It also describes features and func-

tions that are not necessarily available in the

vehicle, e.g., due to the selected options or

country versions. This also applies to safety

functions and systems. When using these

functions and systems, the applicable laws

and regulations must be observed.

Input and display

Main menu

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

Principle

iDrive is the operating concept of the infotain-

ment system and includes a large number of

functions.

General information

Depending on vehicle equipment, the functions

can be operated as follows:

▷

Via the Controller.

Media/Radio

Via the control display.

All functions of the entertainment system,

e.g., radio stations or connection with external

devices.

Via the touchpad.

Via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.

Communication

Safety information

Phone and message functions, e-mail

and calendar, and also the connection and

management of mobile devices such as smart-

phones.

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

Navigation

Access to the navigation system, desti-

nation input and traffic bulletins. Configurable

map views and other functions such as points

of interest and areas to be avoided.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

My Car

ery character entered, with characters being

added as necessary.

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.

Entries are continuously compared with data

stored in the vehicle.

▷

Only those letters and numbers are offered

during entry for which data is available.

Apps

▷

Destination search: place names can be

entered in all languages that are available

in iDrive.

Management of apps, access to apps and

vehicle functions. Additional apps and vehicle

functions can be purchased from the BMW

Store.

Activating/deactivating the functions

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 func-

tion.

Widgets

Widgets provide quick access to fre-

quently used functions. The configured widg-

ets display dynamic contents such as the nav-

igation map, and serve as interfaces at the

same time.

Function is activated.

Function is deactivated.

Letters and numbers

Letters and numbers can be selected when

making the destination input, for example.

Status information

General information

Letters and numbers can be entered using the

controller, touchpad, control display, or voice

control, depending on vehicle equipment. The

keyboard's display changes automatically.

The status field can be found in the upper area

of the control display. Status information is dis-

played in the form of icons.

Icon

Function

Telephone icons

Change between capital and

lower-case letters.

Icon Meaning

Incoming or outgoing call.

Missed call.

Enter a blank space.

Switching between languages.

Use voice control.

Signal strength of mobile phone net-

work.

Confirm entry.

Network search.

Shift the input area to the left

or right.

Mobile phone network is not available.

The critical charge state of the mobile

phone has been reached.

Entry comparison

When entering names and addresses, the

selection is gradually narrowed down for ev-

Roaming is active.

Locating is active.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

Programmable memory buttons

Icon Meaning

SMS text message received.

General information

Message received.

Reminder.

The iDrive functions can be stored on the pro-

grammable memory buttons and called up di-

rectly, for instance radio stations, navigation

destinations, phone numbers and menu en-

tries.

Sending not possible.

Entertainment icons

Overview

Icon

Meaning

Bluetooth audio.

USB device.

Connected Music with Spotify.

Wi-Fi.

Apple CarPlay.

Android Auto.

Programmable memory buttons

Satellite radio is switched on.

Storing a function

Other icons

A function can be stored on a programmable

memory button. A button with a stored func-

tion can be overwritten with another function.

Icon Meaning

Check Control message.

1. Select function via iDrive, for instance radio

station.

Sound output active.

Sound output deactivated.

Voice activation system active.

Request for the current vehicle position.

Checking the current vehicle position.

Driver profile.

2.

Press and hold the desired button

until the displayed bar on the control dis-

play has loaded completely.

Executing a function

Press the button.

Notifications.

The function will work immediately. This

means for instance that the connection is es-

tablished when a phone number is selected.

Data protection.

Destination guidance active.

Passengers on board.

Do not disturb.

Displaying the key assignment

Touch buttons with finger. Do not wear gloves

or use objects.

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iDrive

CONTROLS

The assignment of the buttons is displayed in

the upper area of the control display.

erty. Secure loose objects or devices that are

connected to the vehicle via a cable.

Deleting all button assignments

All button assignments can be deleted.

Warning

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.

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

time.

2. "OK"

Control display and

Controller

Switching on/off automatically

The control display is turned on automatically

when the vehicle is unlocked or as soon as the

control display is needed for operation.

Principle

In certain situations, the control display is

switched off automatically, for instance if no

operation is performed on the vehicle for sev-

eral minutes.

The iDrive functions are displayed on the con-

trol display.

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

Control display

Controller

System limits

2

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

Safety information

Warning

Controller

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-

General information

The buttons can be used to open the menus

directly. The Controller can be used to select

menu items and enter the settings.

46

iDrive

CONTROLS

Operation

Button Function

▷

Turn to switch between menu items, for ex-

ample.

Call up the Media/Radio menu.

Call up the Communication menu.

Call up the navigation map.

Call up the destination input menu

for navigation.

Call up the previous display.

▷

Press to select a menu item, for example.

Call up the Options menu.

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

Buttons on the Controller

Selecting menu items

1. Turn the Controller until the desired menu

item is highlighted.

Button Function

Call up the main menu.

2. Press the Controller.

Go to Apps menu.

47

iDrive

CONTROLS

justed, for instance to remove the entries of

unused functions from the menu

Selecting a widget

1. Move the Controller in the main menu to

the right.

1. Select the menu.

2. Turn the Controller until the desired widget

is selected.

2. "Personalize menu"

3. Select the desired setting.

3. Press the Controller.

It is also possible to select widgets in the in-

strument cluster.

Changing between displays

After a menu item is selected, for instance

"Settings", a new display appears.

Adjusting the menu

▷

Tilt the Controller to the left.

The current display closes and the previous

display is shown.

Adjusting widgets

The widgets can be adjusted in the main

menu. It is possible to create multiple pages

with widgets and switch between pages. The

adjustments can only be performed when the

vehicle is stationary.

▷

Press the button.

The previous display re-opens.

Tilt the Controller to the right.

The new display opens.

1. Select the desired page in the main menu.

Only the currently selected page can be ad-

justed.

An arrow indicates that additional displays can

be opened.

2. Tip the Controller up.

Going to the Options menu

The menu items can be used to access addi-

tional options.

3. "Adjust main menu"

4. Select the desired adjustment:

▷

Icon and select desired widget: add

new widget.

Various options are available depending on

the menu item selected.

The requested widget will be inserted

in the relevant position. A maximum of

four widgets can be displayed per page.

Press the button.

Available options are displayed.

Entering letters and numbers

Input

▷

Select icon: delete selected widget.

Add new page: "Add page".

Delete selected page: "Delete page".

Adjust the content of the widget: select

widget.

1. Turn the Controller: select letters or num-

bers.

5. "Done"

2.

: confirm entry.

Adjusting contents

Depending on vehicle equipment, the contents

of the menus "MEDIA" and "COM" can be ad-

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iDrive

CONTROLS

Deleting

Entering letters and numbers

▷

Enter characters as they are displayed on

the control display.

Icon Function

Press the Controller: delete letters or

number.

▷

Always enter associated characters such as

accents or periods so that the letter can be

clearly recognized.

Hold the Controller down: delete all let-

ters or numbers.

▷

The set language determines what input

is possible. Where necessary, enter special

characters via the Controller.

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.

Setting the system language, refer to

page 62.

Entering special characters

1. Turn the Controller to the left or right

quickly.

Input

Operation

2. Select the first letter of the desired entry.

Delete a charac- Swipe to the left on the

ter.

touchpad.

The first entry of the selected letter is dis-

played in the list.

Enter a blank

space.

Swipe to the right in the

center of the touchpad.

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.

Selecting functions

1. "CAR"

Using the map

The map in the navigation system can be

moved via the touchpad. Tap the map on the

control display and then continue the operation

using the touchpad.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. "Touchpad"

Function

Operation

5. Select the desired setting.

Move map.

Swipe in the appropriate di-

rection.

Display menu. Tap once.

49

iDrive

CONTROLS

▷

Tap icon and select desired widget:

add new widget.

Using alphabetical lists

Alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries

permit a direct jump to letters for which an en-

try exists.

The requested widget will be inserted

in the relevant position. A maximum of

four widgets can be displayed per page.

Enter the first letter on the touchpad.

▷

Tap on the icon.

The first entry of the entered letter is displayed

in the list.

The widget is made larger.

Tap on the icon.

The widget is made smaller.

Tap on the icon.

Operation via control display

The widget is deleted.

Add new page: tap "Add page".

General information

Depending on the equipment version, the con-

trol display is equipped with a touchscreen.

▷

Delete selected page: tap "Delete

page".

You can tap on menu items and widgets.

Touch the control display with your fingers. Do

not use any objects.

▷

Adjust content of the widget: tap center

of widget.

4. Tap "Done".

Opening the main menu

Showing/hiding the display bar

Tap on the icon.

In the upper area of the control display, it is

possible to show or hide a display bar with

additional functions.

▷

To show the display bar, pull down the dis-

play bar at the top edge of the screen.

▷

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.

The main menu is displayed.

Adjusting widgets

An arrow indicates that additional displays can

be opened.

The widgets can be adjusted in the main

menu. It is possible to create multiple pages

with widgets and switch between pages. The

adjustments can only be performed when the

vehicle is stationary.

▷

Swipe to the left.

Tap arrow.

The new display opens.

1. Select the desired page in the main menu.

Only the currently selected page can be ad-

justed.

2.

Tap the icon in the main menu.

3. Select the desired adjustment:

50

iDrive

CONTROLS

Entering letters and numbers

BMW Intelligent Personal

Assistant

Input

1. A keyboard is displayed on the control dis-

play when approached.

Principle

The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a

personal assistant that enables natural voice

operation of various vehicle functions. The

Personal Assistant simplifies the operation of

the vehicle with the automation of processes

and habits.

2. Enter desired letters and numbers.

Deleting

Icon Function

Tapping the icon: deletes the letter or

number.

General information

▷

BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is avail-

able depending on national-market version.

Tapping and holding the icon all letters:

deletes all letters or numbers.

▷

The system includes special microphones

on the driver side and the front passenger

side.

Using the map

The navigation map can be moved on the con-

trol display.

▷

Say commands at a normal volume.

Speaking directly into the microphone does

not improve the speech recognition.

Function

Operation

Say the commands and numbers fluently

as well as with normal volume, emphasis,

and speed.

Move map.

Swipe in the appropriate

direction.

Enlarge/shrink

map.

Drag in or out with the fin-

gers.

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

ken.

Display menu.

Tap once.

Functional requirements

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.

▷

A language that is supported by the Per-

sonal Assistant must be set via iDrive.

Setting the system language, refer to

page 62.

▷

Always say commands in the configured

system language.

1. Tap the letter in front of the list.

A letter box is displayed.

For the full range of functions, the following

functions should be activated, set or booked:

2. Tap the first letter of the desired entry.

▷

Online speech processing, refer to

page 54.

▷

For all settings under

BMW ConnectedDrive, see Owner's Manual

on navigation, entertainment, and commu-

nication.

51

iDrive

CONTROLS

▷

Activation word, refer to page 52.

A driver profile.

Preset activation word

The preset activation word ›Hello BMW‹ can

be activated and deactivated.

Synchronize driver profile, refer to page 70.

Relevant ConnectedDrive services from the

ConnectedDrive Store.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. If necessary, "Personal assistant"

5. "Voice control"

6. "Wake word"

Activating the voice control system

General information

There are various methods for activating the

voice control feature:

7. "Wake word"

▷

Press the button on the steering

Personal activation word

wheel.

In addition to a preset activation word ›Hello

BMW‹, a personal activation word can be set

up in the active driver profile. The personal ac-

tivation word can also be changed or deleted.

The microphone on the driver's side is ac-

tive.

Say the activation word ›Hello BMW‹ or a

personal activation word.

The activation word should consist of multiple

syllables to ensure good recognition. An addi-

tion such as ›Hello‹ is not necessary.

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.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

Then say the command. The activation word

and the command can be spoken without

pause in one sentence. No other commands

may be available. In this case, operate the

function via iDrive.

3. "General settings"

4. If necessary, "Personal assistant"

5. "Voice control"

6. "Wake word"

7. "Personal wake word"

8. "Set wake word"

9. Select the desired setting.

Button on the steering wheel

1.

Press the button on the steering

wheel briefly.

Activation word from third-party providers

2. Say the command.

Activation word

General information

Depending on the national-market version,

some third-party providers provide digital voice

assistants, e.g. Amazon Alexa.

Supported voice assistants can be used with

a connected smartphone in the vehicle. In ad-

dition to the preset or personal activation word,

Speaking the activation word ›Hello BMW‹ or

the personal activation word will start the sys-

tem.

52

iDrive

CONTROLS

the activation word from connected third-party

providers can be used.

Communication

For example, when a mobile phone is con-

nected, calls can be started or SMS can be

sent.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

▷

›Call John Doe on cell phone.‹

3. "General settings"

4. If necessary, "Personal assistant"

5. "Voice control"

›Dial the number 1 8 0 0 8 3 1 1 1 1 7.‹

›New text message to John Doe: I'll be right

there.‹

6. "Third-party providers"

7. Select the desired setting.

Entertainment

▷

›Play Blue Suede Shoes by Elvis Presley‹

›Next title.‹

Canceling voice control

▷

Press the button on the steering

wheel again.

Climate control

▷

›Turn off the air conditioning.‹

›I'm cold.‹

▷

›Cancel‹

Tilt the Controller to the right or left.

Press the Controller.

Windows and light

▷

›Open the windows automatically.‹

Possible commands

›Delete activation point for automatic power

window.‹

General information

Most contents on the control display can be

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

entries. Say list entries as shown.

▷

›Ambient lighting.‹

Owner's Manual via voice operation

You can ask simple questions about vehicle

functions and the operation of the vehicle.

Instructions can be issued or questions can be

asked where the Personal Assistant provides

support.

The voice activation system and the feed-

back it provides do not replace the printed or

Integrated Owner's Manual. The speech rec-

ognition and quality of the feedback may vary.

Function examples

›How can the passenger airbag be

deactivated‹

Vehicle status and vehicle information

▷

›Is my tire pressure still OK?‹

›Show me the sport displays.‹

›Open Owner's Manual.‹

The Personal Assistant returns feedback.

When stationary, the section of the integrated

Owner's Manual is displayed on the control

display.

Navigation

▷

›Drive me to 300 Chestnut Ridge Road,

Woodcliff Lake in New Jersey.‹

▷

›Take me home.‹

›Are there any traffic messages?‹

53

iDrive

CONTROLS

Menu items

canceled, for instance due to background noise

or conversations in the vehicle.

The commands of the menu items are spoken

just as they are selected via the Controller.

1. "CAR"

1. Activate the voice control system.

2. ›MEDIA‹

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. If necessary, "Personal assistant"

5. "Voice control"

3. ›Presets‹

The stored stations are displayed on the con-

trol display.

6. "Speaking during voice output"

Help for voice control

Online speech processing

▷

›Voice commands‹: to have the available

spoken commands announced.

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.

▷

›General information on voice control‹: have

information on the operating principle of the

voice control announced.

▷

›Help‹: have help for the current menu read

out loud.

1. "CAR"

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. If necessary, "Personal assistant"

5. "Voice control"

Settings

Setting the voice control

You can set the system to use standard dialog

or a short version.

6. "Online speech processing"

The short version of the voice control plays

back short messages in abbreviated form.

Adjusting the volume

Turn the volume button during the voice guid-

ance until the desired volume is set.

1. "CAR"

The volume remains constant even if the vol-

ume of other audio sources is changed.

2. "Settings"

3. "General settings"

4. If necessary, "Personal assistant"

5. "Voice control"

Using the voice activation of the

smartphone

Depending on the device, a smartphone con-

nected to the vehicle can be used via voice

control.

6. "Response length"

7. Select the desired setting.

Speaking during voice output

It is possible to answer during inquiries of the

voice activation system. The function can be

deactivated if inquiries are often undesirably

The device must be connected via Apple Car-

Play or Android Auto.

1.

Press and hold the button on the

steering wheel for approx. 3 seconds.

54

iDrive

CONTROLS

The voice activation of the smartphone is

activated.

Automating routines

General information

2.

Release the button.

The Personal Assistant can automate routines,

for instance the automatic activation of the

seat heating from a specific outside tempera-

ture. Rules are created for this purpose, which

can be activated and deactivated at any time.

If activation is successful, a confirmation

appears on the control display.

Amazon Alexa Car Integration

Principle

Activate/deactivate

1. "APPS"

Amazon Alexa Car Integration is available de-

pending on vehicle equipment and national-

market version. Alexa is a digital assistant

from Amazon. With Amazon Alexa Car Integra-

tion, Alexa can be used in the vehicle. For

safety reasons, the use of some Alexa func-

tions may be restricted while driving your vehi-

cle.

2. "Installed apps"

3. "Personal assistant"

4. "Automate habits"

5. Select the desired setting.

Experience Modes

Functional requirement

Principle

▷

A driver profile is activated.

The Experience Modes combine different vehi-

cle functions in the car's interior to an overall

experience.

▷

An active Amazon account must exist.

Activating Amazon Alexa Car

Integration

General information

For example, the selection of a mode harmo-

nizes the ambient light and seat climate con-

trol.

Amazon Alexa Car Integration is activated in

the My BMW app and in the vehicle.

Follow the instructions from the Amazon Alexa

app to set it up in the vehicle.

Functional requirements

1. "APPS"

▷

The Experience Modes app is installed in

the vehicle.

2. "Installed apps"

3. "Amazon Alexa"

4. Select the desired setting.

▷

Drive-ready state is switched on.

Activate/deactivate

1. "CAR"

After setting it up, use Amazon Alexa in the

vehicle as follows:

Say the activation word "Alexa" and the de-

sired command.

2. "Experience Modes"

3. Select the desired mode.

The mode can be deactivated: "End"

Information about the active function is dis-

played on the control display. If the function

is restricted, reconnect Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as

necessary.

55

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CONTROLS

This also applies to safety functions and

systems.

Adjusting the mode

1. "CAR"

▷

Certain noises can be detected and may

lead to problems. Keep the doors, windows

and convertible top closed.

2. "Experience Modes"

3. Select the desired mode.

4. "Settings"

Noises from the front passenger or occu-

pants can impair the system. Avoid making

other noise in the vehicle while speaking.

5. Select the desired setting.

Caring Car

▷

Major language dialects can cause prob-

lems with the speech recognition feature.

Principle

A poor data connection influences the re-

sponse time of the Personal Assistant and

the Search.

Different vehicle functions in the car's interior

are harmonized for the driver in a short-term

program.

General information

By selecting a program, the interior lighting,

climate control and music selection will be ad-

justed. A program takes 3 minutes.

Activate/deactivate

1. "CAR"

2. "Caring Car"

3. Select the desired program.

The program can be stopped prematurely:

"End program"

Adjusting a program

1. "CAR"

2. "Caring Car"

3. Select the desired program.

4. "Music settings"

5. Select the desired setting.

System limits

▷

The Personal Assistant provides informa-

tion about vehicle functions that may not be

installed in the vehicle.

56

CONTROLS -> iDrive for Your BMW M8 4 Door First Generation (2019-2025)

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