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EnglishCONTROLS -> General settings for your BMW 7 Series 2015-2021
General settings
CONTROLS
General settings
Retrieving messages
Via iDrive:
Vehicle features and
options
1. Tip the Controller up.
2. "Notifications"
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features and functions that are
not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due
to the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. When using these functions and systems,
the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐
served.
3. Select the desired message.
Deleting messages
All messages, except Check Control messages
or messages from the vehicle manufacturer, can
be deleted from the list.
Check Control messages or messages from the
vehicle manufacturer are displayed as long as
they are relevant.
Messages
Via iDrive:
1. Tip the Controller up.
Concept
The menu centrally displays all messages arriv‐
ing in the vehicle in list form.
2. "Notifications"
3. Select desired message, for instance. SMS.
4.
Press the button.
General information
The following messages can be displayed:
▷ Traffic messages.
5. "Delete"
Adjusting
The following settings can be adjusted:
▷ Check Control messages.
▷ Service requirements messages.
▷ Select the applications, from which mes‐
sages will be permitted.
▷ Communication messages, for example e-
mails, SMS text messages or reminders.
▷ All messages or a limited time period for re‐
ceived messages.
▷ Messages from, e.g., the Concierge service
or the BMW Connected app.
Via iDrive:
▷ Messages from the vehicle manufacturer.
1. Tip the Controller up.
2. "Notifications"
The number of messages is additionally dis‐
played in the status field.
The Messages menu can also be created as
Widget, refer to page 50.
3. "Settings"
4. Move the Controller to the right.
5. Select the desired setting.
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General settings
CONTROLS
Automatic time setting
Depending on your vehicle's optional features,
the time, date and, if needed, the time zone are
updated automatically.
Time
Setting the time zone
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Date and time"
5. "Time zone:"
3. "General settings"
4. "Date and time"
5. "Automatic time setting"
6. Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Setting the time
Via iDrive:
Date
Setting the date
1. "CAR"
Via iDrive:
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Date and time"
5. "Time"
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Date and time"
5. "Date:"
6. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are
displayed.
7. Press the Controller.
6. Turn the Controller until the desired day is
displayed.
8. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes
are displayed.
7. Press the Controller.
8. Make the settings for the month and year.
9. "OK"
9. "OK"
Setting the time format
Via iDrive:
Setting the date format
1. "CAR"
Via iDrive:
2. "Settings"
1. "CAR"
3. "General settings"
4. "Date and time"
5. "Time format:"
6. Select the desired setting.
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Date and time"
5. "Date format:"
6. Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
66
General settings
CONTROLS
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Trip data settings
Concept
The intervals in which the trip data, refer to
page 161, will be reset can be configured.
Language
Setting the language
Via iDrive:
Resetting trip data
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Language:"
3. "General settings"
4. "Reset trip data"
5. Select the desired setting.
5. "System language"
6. Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Speed warning
Setting the voice dialog
For voice dialog for the voice activation system,
refer to page 56.
Concept
A speed limit can be set that when reached will
cause a warning to be issued.
General information
The warning is repeated if the vehicle speed ex‐
ceeds the set speed limit again, after it has drop‐
ped below it by 3 mph/5 km/h.
Setting the units of
measurement
Depending on the country version, you can set
the units of measurement for some values, for in‐
stance consumption, distances, and tempera‐
ture.
Adjusting
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Speed warning"
5. "Warning at:"
3. "General settings"
4. "Units"
5. Select the desired menu item.
6. Select the desired setting.
6. Turn the Controller until the desired speed is
displayed.
7. Press the Controller.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
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General settings
CONTROLS
4. "Driver Attention Camera"
5. Select the desired setting.
Activating/deactivating
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
System limits
The Driver Attention Camera may not be fully
functional in the following situations:
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Speed warning"
5. "Speed warning"
▷ When the Driver Attention Camera is covered
by the steering wheel rim.
▷ When the driver is wearing infrared imperme‐
able sunglasses.
Setting your current speed as
the speed warning
Via iDrive:
Activating/deactivating
popup windows
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
For some functions, popup windows are dis‐
played automatically on the Control Display.
Some of these popup windows can be activated
or deactivated.
3. "General settings"
4. "Speed warning"
5. "Select current speed"
Via iDrive:
Driver Attention Camera
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
Concept
3. "General settings"
4. "Pop-ups"
A camera that monitors driver activity is located
in the instrument cluster. The camera evaluates
the head position and eye opening and uses the
data to analyze the attention of the driver. This
system supports various vehicle assistance sys‐
tems, e.g.:
5. Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
▷ Fatigue alert, refer to page 210.
Activating/deactivating the
display of the current
vehicle position
▷ Steering and traffic jam assistant with As‐
sisted Driving Plus, refer to page 230.
For the position in the instrument cluster, refer to
page 150.
Concept
Activating/deactivating
If vehicle tracking has been activated, the current
vehicle position can be displayed in the BMW
Connected app or in the ConnectedDrive cus‐
tomer portal.
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
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General settings
CONTROLS
Only make these settings while stationary.
Activating/deactivating
Via iDrive:
Activating/deactivating
Follow the instructions on the Control Display.
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Vehicle tracking"
5. Select the desired setting.
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Data privacy"
5. "Agree and activate all"
Control Display
All services and functions that are relevant for
data protection will be activated or deacti‐
vated.
Brightness
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
Configuring the data transfer
The data transfer can be configured individually
for separate services.
2. "Settings"
3. "Displays"
4. "Control display"
5. "Brightness at night"
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
6. Turn the Controller until the desired bright‐
ness is set.
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Data privacy"
7. Press the Controller.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
5. "Configure services"
6. Select the desired setting.
Depending on the light conditions, the bright‐
ness settings may not be clearly visible.
Deleting personal data in the
vehicle
Data protection
Concept
Depending on the usage, the vehicle stores per‐
sonal data, such as stored radio stations. This
personal data can be permanently deleted using
iDrive.
Data transfer
Concept
The vehicle offers different services, whose use
requires a data transfer to BMW or a service pro‐
vider. The data transfer can be deactivated for
some services.
General information
Depending on the equipment package, the fol‐
lowing data can be deleted:
General information
When the data transfer is deactivated, the re‐
spective service cannot be used.
▷ Driver profile settings.
▷ Stored radio stations.
69
General settings
CONTROLS
▷ Stored programmable memory buttons.
▷ Travel and Onboard Computer information.
▷ Music hard disk.
Function
Connec‐
tion type
Making calls via the hands-free
system.
Bluetooth.
▷ Navigation, for instance stored destinations.
▷ Phone book.
Using phone functions via iDrive
or touchscreen.
▷ Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.
▷ Office data, for instance voice notes.
▷ Login accounts.
Other functions, e.g. Contacts or
SMS.
Playing music from the smart‐
phone or the audio player.
Bluetooth or
USB.
Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up
to 15 minutes.
USB storage device:
Playing music.
USB.
Functional requirement
Data can only be deleted while stationary.
Playing videos from the smart‐
phone or the USB storage de‐
vice.
USB.
Deleting data
The personal data in the vehicle will be deleted
when the vehicle is reset to the factory settings.
Using the vehicle Internet ac‐
cess.
WiFi hotspot
via WiFi.
For resetting the vehicle to factory settings, refer
to page 77.
Using Apple CarPlay apps via
iDrive and voice operation.
Bluetooth
and WiFi.
Screen Mirroring:
WiFi.
Connecting mobile devices
to the vehicle
Showing the smartphone display
on the Control Display.
Concept
The following connection types require one-time
pairing with the vehicle:
Various connection types are available for using
mobile devices in the vehicle. The connection
type to select depends on the mobile device and
the desired function.
▷ Bluetooth.
▷ WiFi hotspot.
▷ Apple CarPlay.
▷ Screen Mirroring.
General information
The following overview shows possible functions
and the suitable connection types for them. The
scope of functions depends on the mobile de‐
vice.
Paired devices are automatically recognized later
on and connected to the vehicle.
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General settings
CONTROLS
Safety information
Bluetooth connection
Warning
Functional requirements
Operating the integrated information systems
and communication devices while driving can
distract from traffic. It is possible to lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of accident. Only
use the systems or devices when the traffic sit‐
uation allows. As warranted, stop and use the
systems and devices while the vehicle is sta‐
tionary.
▷ Compatible device, refer to page 71, with
Bluetooth interface.
▷ The remote control or BMW display key is in
the vehicle.
▷ The device is ready for operation.
▷ Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle, refer
to page 71, and on the device.
▷ The pairing readiness is displayed on the
Control Display.
Compatible devices
General information
▷ Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may
be required on the device; refer to the own‐
er's manual of the device.
Information on mobile devices compatible with
bluetooth.
Switching on Bluetooth
Via iDrive:
Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed
or deviating software versions.
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
Displaying the vehicle identification
number and software part number
When looking for compatible devices, you may
have to state the vehicle identification number
and the software part number. These numbers
can be displayed in the vehicle.
5. "Bluetooth®"
6. Select setting.
Activating/deactivating
telephone functions
To use all supported functions of a mobile
phone, activate the desired functions in the vehi‐
cle prior to pairing the mobile phone with the ve‐
hicle as needed.
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
Via iDrive:
5. "Bluetooth® info"
6. "System information"
1. "COM"
2. "Personalize menu"
3. Select the desired settings, for instance"Text
messages".
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General settings
CONTROLS
Delete the Bluetooth connection from the de‐
vice list on the mobile phone and start a new
device search.
Pairing the mobile device with
the vehicle
Via iDrive:
Too many Bluetooth devices with the same
function are paired.
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
▷ The mobile phone is in power-save mode or
has only a limited remaining battery life.
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
Charge the mobile phone and deactivate the
power-save mode where required.
5. Select the desired function:
▷ "Phone calls and Bluetooth® audio"
▷ "Audio"
Why does the mobile phone no longer react?
▷ The applications on the mobile phone do not
function anymore.
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on
the Control Display.
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.
▷ Too high or too low ambient temperature for
mobile phone operation.
6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth
devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.
Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme
ambient temperatures.
A control number is displayed.
7. Compare the control number displayed on
the Control Display with the control number
on the display of the mobile device, and con‐
firm that the two match.
Why can phone functions not be used via iDrive?
▷ Phone functions are not configured for the
mobile phone.
Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐
phone function.
8. Select Bluetooth connection if necessary:
"Use BMW iDrive for phone calls, Bluetooth®
audio, and apps."
Why are no or not all phone book entries dis‐
played or why are they incomplete?
The mobile device is connected to the vehicle
and displayed in the device list, refer to
page 76.
▷ Transmission of the phone book entries is
not yet complete.
▷ It is possible that only the phone book entries
of the mobile phone or the SIM card are
transmitted.
Frequently Asked Questions
All requirements are met and all required steps
were completed in the specified order. Despite
that, the mobile device does not function as ex‐
pected.
▷ It may not be possible to display phone book
entries with special characters.
▷ It may not be possible to transmit contacts
from social networks.
In this case, the following explanations can help:
Why could the mobile phone not be paired or
connected?
▷ The number of phone book entries to be
transmitted is too high.
▷ There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐
nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.
▷ Data volume of the contact too large, for in‐
stance due to stored information such as
notes.
In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections
with other devices.
Reduce the data volume of the contact.
▷ A mobile phone can only be connected as
audio source or as telephone.
72
General settings
CONTROLS
Configure the mobile phone and connect it
with the telephone function.
▷ Do not use force when plugging the connec‐
tor into the USB interface.
▷ Contact was created in the contact list of the
phone after the last synchronization.
▷ Use a flexible adapter cable.
▷ Protect the USB storage device against me‐
chanical damage.
Synchronize contacts again: "Reload
contacts"
▷ Due to the large number of USB storage de‐
vices available on the market, it cannot be
guaranteed that every device is operable on
the vehicle.
How can the phone connection quality be im‐
proved?
▷ Adjust the strength of the Bluetooth signal on
the mobile phone, depending on the mobile
phone.
▷ Do not expose USB storage devices to ex‐
treme environmental conditions, such as very
high temperatures; refer to the owner's
manual of the device.
▷ Insert the mobile phone into the wireless
charging tray.
▷ Due to the many different compression tech‐
niques, proper playback of the media stored
on the USB storage device cannot be guar‐
anteed in all cases.
▷ Adjust the volume of the microphone sepa‐
rately in the sound settings.
If all points in this list have been checked and the
required function is still not available, contact the
hotline, a dealer’s service center or another quali‐
fied service center or repair shop.
▷ To ensure proper transmission of the stored
data, do not charge a USB storage device via
the onboard socket, when it is connected to
the USB interface.
USB connection
▷ Depending on how the USB storage device is
being used, settings may be required on the
USB storage device, refer to the owner's
manual of the device.
General information
Mobile devices with a USB port are connected to
the USB interface.
Not compatible USB media:
▷ USB hard drives.
▷ Mobile phones.
▷ USB hubs.
▷ Audio devices such as MP3 players.
▷ USB storage devices.
▷ USB memory card readers with multiple slots.
▷ HFS-formatted USB storage devices.
▷ Devices such as fans or lamps.
Common file systems are supported. FAT32
and exFAT are the recommended formats.
A connected USB storage device will be sup‐
plied with charge current via the USB interface if
the device supports this. Follow the maximum
charge current of the USB interface.
Functional requirement
Compatible device, refer to page 71, with USB
interface.
The following uses are possible on USB interfa‐
ces with data transfer:
Connecting the device
Connect the USB storage device using a suitable
adapter cable to a USB interface, refer to
page 293.
▷ Playing music files.
▷ Playing videos.
Follow the following when connecting:
The USB storage device is displayed in the de‐
vice list, refer to page 76.
73
General settings
CONTROLS
"Internet connection"
WiFi hotspot
8. Move the Controller to the left.
9. Search for WiFi networks on the mobile de‐
vice. Select network name on the device.
Concept
Compatible devices with WiFi interface can use
the Internet connection of the vehicle via the
WiFi hotspot.
10.Enter hotspot code on the device and con‐
nect.
The device is displayed in the device list, refer to
page 76.
General information
Additionally, a QR code will be displayed on the
Control Display. Alternatively, this QR code can
be used to pair the mobile device with the hot‐
spot.
Up to 10 devices can be connected to the
WiFi hotspot simultaneously.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible device, refer to page 71, with ac‐
tivated WiFi interface.
All devices connected via the hotspot use this
data volume.
▷ WiFi is activated on the vehicle.
Deactivating Internet usage via
the WiFi hotspot
Internet usage may be deactivated if the data
volume is used up, for instance.
▷ Internet use is activated for the vehicle.
▷ Registration and data contract with a service
provider where required.
▷ Standby state is switched on.
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
Connecting a device to the
Internet via the WiFi hotspot
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
Using the Internet for the first time via the
WiFi hotspot requires registration and possibly a
data volume purchase from a service provider.
5. "Internet connection"
6. Select the required setting.
Depending on the country version, data volume
can be purchased via the connected mobile de‐
vice or from the ConnectedDrive Store.
Via iDrive:
Apple CarPlay preparation
1. "COM"
Concept
CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible
Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice operation
and iDrive.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
5. "Internet"
Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis‐
played on the Control Display.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible iPhone, refer to page 71.
iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.
▷ Corresponding mobile contract.
6. Activate Internet usage via WiFi if necessary.
"Open settings"
7. Activate Internet usage.
74
General settings
CONTROLS
▷ Bluetooth, WiFi, and Siri voice operation are
activated on the iPhone.
Operation
For more information, refer to the Integrated
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment, Communication.
▷ Booking the ConnectedDrive service: Apple
CarPlay preparation.
Switching on Bluetooth and
CarPlay
Frequently Asked Questions
All requirements are met and all required steps
were completed in the specified order. Despite
that, the mobile device does not function as ex‐
pected.
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
In this case, the following explanations can help:
The iPhone has already been paired with Apple
CarPlay. When a new connection is established,
CarPlay can no longer be selected.
5. Select the following setting:
"Apple CarPlay"
▷ Delete the iPhone concerned from the device
list.
6. Activate the function.
▷ On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned
from the list of stored connections under
Bluetooth and under WiFi.
Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay
Via iDrive:
▷ Pair the iPhone as a new device.
1. "COM"
If the steps listed have been carried out and the
required function is still not available: contact the
hotline, a dealer's service center or another quali‐
fied service center or repair shop.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
5. "Phone calls and Bluetooth® audio"
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on
the Control Display.
Screen Mirroring
6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth
devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.
General information
Screen Mirroring enables mirroring (outputting)
of the smartphone display on the Control Dis‐
play.
A control number is displayed.
7. Compare the control number displayed on
the Control Display with the control number
on the display of the mobile device, and con‐
firm that the two match.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible smartphone, refer to page 71,
with Screen Mirroring interface.
8. Select CarPlay:
"Confirm note and connect to Apple CarPlay"
▷ Screen Mirroring is switched on on the
smartphone.
The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐
played in the device list, refer to page 76.
▷ WiFi is switched on in the vehicle.
75
General settings
CONTROLS
▷ For some devices, certain settings are neces‐
sary, for instance authorization; see the own‐
er's manual of the device.
Activate WiFi in the vehicle
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
Displaying the device list
All devices paired with or connected to the vehi‐
cle are displayed in the device list.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
A maximum of 4 devices can be connected to
the vehicle via Bluetooth, and a maximum of 10
devices can be connected to the vehicle via WiFi.
A maximum of 20 devices will be detected.
5. "Wi-Fi®"
Pairing a smartphone with
Screen Mirroring
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
A symbol indicates, for which function a device is
used. When the icon is displayed in white, this
function is actively connected to the vehicle. The
icon is displayed in gray when the function of the
device is inactive.
5.
"Screen Mirroring"
The WiFi name of the vehicle is displayed on
the Control Display.
Symbol
Meaning
6. Search for WiFi devices in the surroundings
of the smartphone.
Telephone.
Bluetooth audio.
WiFi hotspot.
Apple CarPlay.
Screen Mirroring.
The WiFi name of the vehicle appears on the
device display. Select the WiFi name of the
vehicle.
7. Confirm the connection via iDrive.
The device is connected and displayed in the
device list, refer to page 76.
Configuring the device
Functions can be activated or deactivated for
paired and connected devices.
Managing mobile devices
If a function is assigned to a device, the function
will be deactivated where appropriate for a de‐
vice that is already connected and the device will
be disconnected. Follow the information on the
Control Display.
General information
▷ After one-time pairing, the devices are auto‐
matically recognized and reconnected when
standby state is switched on.
▷ After stored content on the SIM card or the
mobile phone, such as contacts, has been
detected, the data is transmitted to the vehi‐
cle and can be used via iDrive.
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
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General settings
CONTROLS
3. Select the desired device.
4. Select the desired setting.
▷ "Disconnect device"
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
The device remains paired and can be
connected again.
3. "General settings"
4. "Reset vehicle data"
5. "Reset vehicle data"
▷ "Connect device"
The functions that were assigned to the
device before disconnecting are assigned
to the device when it is reconnected. The
functions may be deactivated on a device
already connected.
When the stored settings in a driver profile are
synchronized with the ConnectedDrive account,
these settings will remain in the ConnectedDrive
account.
▷ "Delete device"
The device is disconnected and removed
from the device list.
Priority of the phones
When two mobile phones are connected to the
vehicle, you can specify the priority of the mobile
phones for reconnection.
Via iDrive:
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Move the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
5. "Priorities for telephones"
6. Select the desired device.
7. Turn the controller to select the priority for
the selected mobile phone.
Select the desired priority by sliding.
Resetting the vehicle
configuration
All individual settings can be reset to the factory
settings when the drive-ready state is switched
off.
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