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EnglishCONTROLS -> Connections for your BMW 5 Series 2017-2023
Connections
CONTROLS
Connections
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.
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
Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle
Principle
General information
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.
The following overview shows possible functions
and the suitable connection types for them. The
scope of functions depends on the mobile de‐
vice.
Function
Connection type
Symbol in the
device list
Making calls via the hands-free sys‐
tem.
Bluetooth.
Using phone functions via iDrive or
touchscreen.
Other functions, e.g. Contacts or SMS.
Playing music from the smartphone or Bluetooth audio.
the audio player.
WLAN in the vehicle:
WLAN.
WLAN.
WLAN.
Using apps in the vehicle.
Wi-Fi hotspot:
Using the vehicle Internet access.
Screen Mirroring:
Showing the smartphone display on
the Control Display.
USB port:
USB.
Playing music or videos from a USB
device.
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Function
Connection type
Symbol in the
device list
Apple CarPlay:
Bluetooth and WLAN.
Bluetooth and WLAN.
Using apps via iDrive and via voice op‐
eration.
Android Auto:
Using apps via iDrive and via voice op‐
eration.
The following connection types require one-time
pairing with the vehicle:
Displaying the vehicle identification
number and software part number
▷ Bluetooth.
▷ WLAN.
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.
Paired devices are automatically recognized later
on and connected to the vehicle.
1. "COM"
Safety information
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
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.
5. "Bluetooth® info"
6. "System information"
Managing mobile devices
General information
▷ After one-time pairing, the devices are auto‐
matically recognized and reconnected when
standby state is switched on.
Compatible devices
General information
Information on mobile devices compatible with
bluetooth.
▷ 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.
▷ For some devices, certain settings are neces‐
sary, for instance authorization; see the oper‐
ating instructions of the device.
Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed
or deviating software versions.
Displaying the device list
All devices paired with or connected to the vehi‐
cle are displayed in the device list.
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A maximum of four devices can be connected to
the vehicle via Bluetooth, and a maximum of ten
devices can be connected to the vehicle via
WLAN. A maximum of 20 devices will be de‐
tected.
functions may be deactivated on a device
already connected.
▷ "Disconnect device"
The device remains paired and can be
connected again.
1. "COM"
▷ "Delete device"
2. "Mobile devices"
The device is disconnected and removed
from the device list.
An icon to the right of the device name indicates,
for which function the device is used.
▷ "Connection mode"
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.
Select a connection mode, for instance
Apple CarPlay.
▷ "Telephone"
Set telephone.
Icon Meaning
Telephone.
▷ "Bluetooth® audio"
Playback of music files on external devi‐
ces such as audio devices or mobile
phones via Bluetooth®.
Bluetooth audio.
WLAN in the vehicle, Wi-Fi hotspot.
Apps.
▷ "Apps"
With the installed BMW app, apps from
the smartphone can be displayed in the
vehicle.
Screen Mirroring.
Apple CarPlay.
▷ "Wi-Fi®"
Connects the device with the WLAN in
the vehicle.
Android Auto.
Configuring the device
Functions can be activated or deactivated for
paired and connected devices.
Priority of the phones
When multiple mobile phones are connected to
the vehicle, you can specify the priority of the
mobile phones for reconnection.
The scope of functions depends on the mobile
device.
1. "COM"
Follow the information on the Control Display.
2. "Mobile devices"
1. "COM"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Select the desired device.
4. Select the desired setting:
▷ "Connect device"
5. "Priorities for telephones"
6. Select the desired device.
7. Select the desired priority by sliding.
The functions that were assigned to the
device before disconnecting are assigned
to the device when it is reconnected. The
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bluetooth connection
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.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible device with Bluetooth interface.
In this case, the following explanations can help:
▷ The vehicle key or BMW display key is in the
vehicle.
Why could the mobile phone not be paired or
connected?
▷ The device is ready for operation.
▷ There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐
nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.
▷ Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle and
on the device.
In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections
with other devices.
▷ The pairing readiness is displayed on the
Control Display.
Delete the Bluetooth connection from the de‐
vice list on the mobile phone and start a new
device search.
▷ Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may
be required on the device; refer to the operat‐
ing instructions of the device.
Too many Bluetooth devices with the same
function are paired.
Activate Bluetooth
1. "COM"
▷ The mobile phone is in power-save mode or
has only a limited remaining battery life.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
Charge the mobile phone and deactivate the
power-save mode where required.
Why does the mobile phone no longer react?
▷ The applications on the mobile phone do not
function anymore.
5. "Bluetooth®"
6. Select setting.
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.
▷ Too high or too low ambient temperature for
mobile phone operation.
Connecting the device
1. "COM"
Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme
ambient temperatures.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
Why can telephone functions not be used via
iDrive?
5. "Phone calls and audio"
▷ Phone functions are not configured for the
mobile phone.
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on
the Control Display.
Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐
phone function.
6. 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 are no or not all telephone book entries dis‐
played or why are they incomplete?
7. A Bluetooth connection is established.
The mobile device is connected to the vehicle
and displayed in the device list.
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▷ Transmission of the telephone book entries is
not yet complete.
WLAN connection
▷ It is possible that only the telephone book en‐
tries of the mobile phone or the SIM card are
transmitted.
General information
For certain applications, such as apps, the data
exchange between smartphone and vehicle oc‐
curs via WLAN.
▷ It may not be possible to display telephone
book entries with special characters.
▷ It may not be possible to transmit contacts
from social networks.
Functional requirements
▷ Standby state is switched on.
▷ The number of phone book entries to be
transmitted is too high.
▷ Compatible device with activated WLAN in‐
terface.
▷ Data volume of the contact too large, for in‐
stance due to stored information such as
memos.
Activate WLAN in the vehicle
1. "COM"
Reduce the data volume of the contact.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
▷ A mobile phone can only be connected as
audio source or as telephone.
Configure the mobile phone and connect it
with the telephone function.
5. "Wi-Fi®"
▷ Contact was created in the contact list of the
phone after the last synchronization.
Wi-Fi hotspot
Synchronize contacts again: "Reload
contacts"
Principle
Compatible devices with WLAN interface can
use the Internet connection of the vehicle via the
Wi-Fi hotspot.
How can the telephone connection quality be
improved?
▷ Adjust the strength of the Bluetooth signal on
the mobile phone, depending on the mobile
phone.
General information
Up to ten devices can be connected to the Wi-
Fi hotspot simultaneously.
▷ Insert the mobile phone into the wireless
charging tray.
▷ Adjust the volume of the microphone sepa‐
rately in the sound settings.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible device with activated WLAN in‐
terface.
If all points in this list have been checked and the
required function is still not available, contact
Customer Relations, a dealer’s service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop.
▷ WLAN is activated on the vehicle.
▷ Internet use is activated for the vehicle.
▷ Registration and data contract with a service
provider where required.
▷ Standby state is switched on.
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3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
Connecting a device to the
Internet via the Wi-Fi hotspot
5. "Internet connection"
6. Select the desired setting.
Using the Internet for the first time via the Wi-
Fi hotspot requires registration and possibly a
data volume purchase from a service provider.
Depending on the country version, data volume
can be purchased via the connected mobile de‐
vice or from the ConnectedDrive Store.
Screen Mirroring
General information
1. "COM"
Screen Mirroring enables mirroring (outputting)
of the smartphone display on the Control Dis‐
play.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
5. "Internet, apps"
Functional requirements
Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis‐
played on the Control Display.
▷ Compatible smartphone with Screen Mirror‐
ing interface.
6. Activate Internet usage via WLAN if neces‐
sary.
▷ Screen Mirroring is activated on the smart‐
phone.
"Open settings"
7. Activate Internet usage.
"Internet connection"
▷ WLAN is activated on the vehicle.
Pairing a smartphone with
Screen Mirroring
1. "COM"
8. Tilt the Controller to the left.
9. Search for WLAN networks on the mobile de‐
vice. Select network name on the device.
2. "Mobile devices"
10.Enter hotspot code on the device and con‐
nect.
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
The device is displayed in the device list.
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.
5. "Screen Mirroring"
The WLAN name of the vehicle is displayed
on the Control Display.
6. Search for WLAN devices in the surrounding
area of the smartphone.
All devices connected via the hotspot use this
data volume.
The WLAN name of the vehicle appears on
the device display. Select the WLAN name of
the vehicle.
Deactivating Internet usage via
the Wi-Fi hotspot
Internet usage may be deactivated if the data
volume is used up, for instance.
7. Confirm the connection via iDrive.
The device is connected and displayed in the
device list.
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
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Operation
For more information, refer to the Integrated
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment, Communication.
Apple CarPlay©
preparation
Principle
CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible
Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice control
and iDrive.
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.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible iPhone, iPhone 5 or later with
iOS 7.1 or later.
In this case, the following explanations can help:
The iPhone has already been paired with Apple
CarPlay. When a new connection is set up, Car‐
Play can no longer be selected.
▷ Corresponding mobile contract.
▷ Delete the iPhone concerned from the device
list.
▷ Bluetooth, WLAN, and Siri voice control are
activated on the iPhone.
▷ On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned
from the list of stored connections under
Bluetooth and under WLAN.
▷ If necessary, the setting for mobile data must
be activated on the iPhone.
▷ Booking the ConnectedDrive service: smart‐
phone integration.
▷ Pair the iPhone as a new device.
If the steps listed have been carried out and the
required function is still not available: contact
Customer Relations, a dealer's service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop.
▷ WLAN and Bluetooth are enabled in the vehi‐
cle.
Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
Android Auto© preparation
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
Principle
5. "Phone calls and audio"
Android Auto allows the operation of certain
functions of a compatible smartphone via voice
control and iDrive.
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on
the Control Display.
6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth
devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.
General information
The range of services offered depends on the
country.
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 Android smartphone: Samsung
or Google smartphone with Android 10 or an
8. "Use Apple CarPlay"
The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐
played in the device list.
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Android smartphone with Android 11, regard‐
less of the manufacturer.
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.
▷ Corresponding mobile contract.
▷ Bluetooth and WLAN are enabled on the
smartphone.
In this case, the following explanations can help:
The smartphone has already been paired with
Android Auto. When a new connection is set up,
Android Auto can no longer be selected.
▷ The smartphone must support a 5 Ghz WiFi
connection.
▷ If necessary, the setting for mobile data must
be activated on the smartphone.
▷ Delete the smartphone concerned from the
device list.
▷ WLAN and Bluetooth are enabled in the vehi‐
cle.
▷ On the smartphone, delete the vehicle con‐
cerned from the list of stored connections
under Bluetooth and under WLAN.
Pairing a smartphone with
Android Auto
▷ Pair the smartphone as a new device.
If the steps listed have been carried out and the
required function is still not available: contact
Customer Relations, a dealer's service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop.
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
5. "Phone calls and audio"
USB connection
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on
the Control Display.
General information
The following mobile devices can be connected
to the USB port:
6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth
devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.
A control number is displayed.
▷ Mobile phones.
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.
▷ Audio devices such as MP3 players.
▷ USB storage devices.
Common file systems are supported. FAT32 and
exFAT are the recommended formats.
8. "Use Android Auto"
9. If necessary, finish the setup on the mobile
device.
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.
The smartphone is connected to the vehicle and
displayed in the device list.
The following uses are possible on USB ports
with data transmission:
Operation
▷ Playing music files.
For more information, refer to the Integrated
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment, Communication.
▷ Playing videos.
Follow the following when connecting:
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▷ Do not use force when plugging the connec‐
tor into the USB port.
Additional information:
USB port, refer to page 295.
▷ 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.
▷ Do not expose USB devices to extreme envi‐
ronmental conditions, such as very high tem‐
peratures; refer to the operating instructions
of the device.
▷ Due to the many different compression tech‐
niques, proper playback of the media stored
on the USB device cannot be guaranteed in
all cases.
▷ 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.
▷ Depending on how the USB device is being
used, settings may be required on the USB
storage device, refer to the operating instruc‐
tions of the device.
Not compatible USB devices:
▷ USB hard drives.
▷ USB hubs.
▷ USB memory card readers with multiple slots.
▷ HFS-formatted USB devices.
▷ Devices such as fans or lamps.
Functional requirement
Compatible device with USB port.
Additional information:
Connecting the device
Connect the USB device using a suitable adapter
cable to a USB port.
The USB device is displayed in the device list.
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