Deutsch
EnglishCONTROLS -> iDrive for your BMW 7 Series 2015-2021
iDrive
CONTROLS
iDrive
Input and display
Main menu
Vehicle features and
options
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐
cific and optional features offered with the series.
It also describes features and functions that are
not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due
to the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and sys‐
tems. When using these functions and systems,
the applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐
served.
General information
The main menu is divided into two areas. The
left area contains menu items that can be used
to call up all the iDrive functions. The right area
contains widgets that provide quick access to
certain functions.
Operating concept
Concept
iDrive includes a large number of functions.
These functions can be operated via the Control‐
ler and, depending on the equipment version, via
touchscreen, voice activation system or gesture
control.
Media/Radio
All functions of the entertainment system,
e.g., radio and TV stations, connection with ex‐
ternal devices and music collection.
Safety information
Communication
Warning
Phone and message functions, e-mail and
calendar, and also the connection and manage‐
ment of mobile devices, such as smartphones.
Operating the integrated information systems
and communication devices while driving can
distract from traffic. It is possible to lose control
of the vehicle. There is a risk of accident. Only
use the systems or devices when the traffic sit‐
uation allows. As warranted, stop and use the
systems and devices while the vehicle is sta‐
tionary.
Navigation
Access to the navigation system, destination
input and traffic bulletins. Configurable map
views and other functions, such as Points of In‐
terest and areas to be avoided.
My Car
Information about vehicle status and trips.
Access to the Integrated Owner's Manual and
also administration of driver profiles and range of
adjustments for vehicle and iDrive.
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CONTROLS
Apps
Management and access to apps and vehicle
Activating/deactivating the
functions
functions. Additional apps can be purchased
from the BMW Store.
Several menu items are preceded by a check‐
box. The checkbox indicates whether the func‐
tion is activated or deactivated. Selecting the
menu item activates or deactivates the function.
Widgets
Widgets provide quick access to fre‐
quently used functions. The configured widgets
display dynamic contents such as the navigation
map, and serve as interfaces at the same time.
Function is activated.
Function is deactivated.
Status information
Letters and numbers
Letters and numbers can be selected when the
destination is entered, for example.
General information
The status field can be found in the upper area of
the Control Display. Status information is dis‐
played in the form of symbols.
Letters and numbers can be entered using the
Controller, touchscreen or the voice activation
system. The keyboard's display changes auto‐
matically.
Radio symbols
Symbol Meaning
Symbol
Function
HD Radio station is being received.
Satellite radio is switched on.
or
Change between capital and
lower-case letters.
Enter a blank space.
Use voice activation.
Confirm entry.
Telephone symbols
Symbol Meaning
Incoming or outgoing call.
Missed call.
Slide the input area to the left or
right.
Signal strength of cellular network.
Network search.
Entry comparison
When entering names and addresses, the choice
is narrowed down with every letter and number
and added automatically as needed.
Cellular network is not available.
The critical charge state of the mo‐
bile phone has been reached.
Entries are continuously compared with data
stored in the vehicle.
▷ Only those letters and numbers are offered
during entry for which data is available.
Roaming is active.
Locating is active.
▷ Destination search: place names can be en‐
tered in all languages that are available in
iDrive.
SMS text message received.
Message received.
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iDrive
CONTROLS
tinations, phone numbers and menu entries or
pages in the Integrated Owner's Manual.
Symbol Meaning
Reminder.
Settings are stored for the driver profile currently
used.
Sending not possible.
Overview
Entertainment symbols
Symbol
Meaning
Bluetooth audio.
USB audio interface.
WiFi.
Other symbols
1
Programmable memory buttons
Symbol Meaning
Check Control message.
Storing a function
The sound output has been
switched off.
A function can be stored on a programmable
memory button. A button with a stored function
can be overwritten with another function.
Request for the current vehicle posi‐
tion.
1. Select function via iDrive.
Checking the current vehicle posi‐
tion.
2.
Press and hold the desired button
until the displayed bar on the Control Display
has loaded completely.
Driver profile.
Messages.
Executing a function
Service requirements.
Information.
Stop.
Press the button.
The function will work immediately. This means,
for instance that the number is dialed when a
phone number is selected.
New data protection-related service
available.
Displaying the key assignment
Touch buttons with finger. Do not wear gloves or
use objects.
Programmable memory buttons
General information
The iDrive functions can be stored on the pro‐
grammable memory buttons and called up di‐
rectly, for instance radio stations, navigation des‐
The button assignment is displayed at the top
edge of screen.
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CONTROLS
Deleting all button assignments
Safety information
All button assignments can be deleted.
NOTICE
1. Press and hold buttons 1 and 8 at the same
time.
Objects in the area in the front of the Control
Display can shift and damage the Control Dis‐
play. There is a risk of damage to property. Do
not place objects in the area in front of the
Control Display.
2. "OK"
Control Display and
Controller
Switching on/off automatically
Concept
The iDrive functions are displayed on the Control
Display. The Control Display can be operated us‐
ing the Controller, touchpad, and touch screen.
The Control Display is switched on automatically
after unlocking.
In certain situations, the Control Display is
switched off automatically, for instance if no op‐
eration is performed on the vehicle for several
minutes.
Overview
Switching on/off manually
The Control Display can also be switched off
manually.
1. Tip the Controller up.
2. "Screen off"
Press the Controller or any button on the Con‐
troller to switch it back on again.
1
2
Control Display with touchscreen
System limits
Controller with buttons and touchpad
In the case of very high temperatures on the
Control Display, for instance due to intense solar
radiation, the brightness may be reduced down
to complete deactivation. Once the temperature
is reduced, for instance through shade or air con‐
ditioning, the normal functions are restored.
Control Display
General information
To clean the Control Display, follow the care in‐
structions, refer to page 383.
Controller
General information
The buttons can be used to open the menus di‐
rectly. The Controller can be used to select
menu items and enter the settings.
Some iDrive functions can be operated using the
touchpad on the Controller, refer to page 52.
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CONTROLS
Operation
▷ Turn to switch between menu items, for ex‐
ample.
Button Function
Opens the Media/Radio menu.
Opens destination input menu for
navigation.
Opens navigation map.
Opens the previous display.
Opens the Options menu.
▷ Press to select a menu item, for example.
Operating via the Controller
Opening the main menu
Press the button.
▷ Tilt in four directions to switch between dis‐
plays, for example.
The main menu is displayed.
Selecting a menu
Selecting menu items
1. Turn the Controller until the desired menu
item is highlighted.
Buttons on the Controller
2. Press the Controller.
Button Function
Select a widget
Opens the main menu.
1. Move the Controller to the right.
2. Select a widget.
Opens the Communication menu.
3. Press the Controller.
It is also possible to select widgets in the instru‐
ment cluster, refer to page 151.
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CONTROLS
The current display closes and the previous
display is shown.
Adjusting the menu
Adjusting widgets
▷
Press the button.
The widgets can be adjusted in the main menu.
It is possible to create multiple pages with widg‐
ets and switch between pages. The adjustments
can only be performed when the vehicle is sta‐
tionary.
The previous display re-opens.
▷ Move the Controller to the right.
The new display opens.
An arrow indicates that additional displays can be
opened.
Via iDrive:
1. Select the desired page in the main menu.
Only the currently selected page can be ad‐
justed.
Opening the Options menu
Press the button.
2. Tip the Controller up.
3. "Adjust main menu"
The "Options" menu is displayed.
The menu consists of various areas:
4. Select the desired adjustment:
▷ Add new widget: "Add widget".
▷ Help for the selected menu, for instance
"Help".
A maximum of four widgets can be dis‐
played per page.
▷ System settings, for instance "Control display
off".
▷ Add new page: "Add page".
▷ Control options for the selected main menu,
for instance for "Media/Radio".
▷ Delete selected page: "Delete page".
▷ Adjust the content of the widget: select
widget.
Changing settings
Settings, such as brightness, can be entered.
Via iDrive:
5. "Done"
Adjusting menu contents
The display of the menus of "MEDIA", "COM"
and "NAV" can be adjusted, for instance to re‐
move the entries of functions that are not used
from the menu.
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "Displays"
4. "Control display"
5. "Brightness at night"
Via iDrive:
1. Select the menu.
6. Turn the Controller until the desired setting is
displayed.
2. "Personalize menu"
3. Select desired menu contents to be dis‐
played.
7. Press the Controller.
Entering letters and numbers
Changing between displays
After a menu item is selected, for instance
"Settings", a new display appears.
Input
1. Turn the Controller: select letters or numbers.
▷ Move the Controller to the left.
2.
: confirm entry.
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Deleting
Symbol Function
Entering letters and numbers
▷ The system distinguishes between upper
and lower-case letters and numbers. The en‐
try may require switching between letters and
numbers, refer to page 46.
Press the Controller: delete letters or
number.
▷ Enter characters as they are displayed on the
Control Display.
Hold the Controller down: delete all
letters or numbers.
▷ Always enter associated characters, such as
accents or periods so that the letter can be
clearly recognized.
Using alphabetical lists
For alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries,
the letters for which an entry exists can be dis‐
played in a text box.
▷ The set language determines what input is
possible. Where necessary, enter special
characters via the Controller.
1. Turn the Controller to the left or right quickly.
2. Select the first letter of the desired entry.
Entering special characters
The first entry of the selected letter is dis‐
played in the list.
Input
Operation
Delete a charac‐ Swipe to the left on the
ter.
touchpad.
Operation via touchpad
General information
Enter a blank
space.
Swipe to the right in the
center of the touchpad.
Some iDrive functions can be operated using the
touchpad on the Controller.
Enter a hyphen. Swipe to the right in the up‐
per area of the touchpad.
Selecting functions
Via iDrive:
Enter an under‐ Swipe to the right in the
score.
lower area of the touchpad.
1. "CAR"
Using the map
The map in the navigation system can be moved
via the touchpad.
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Touchpad"
Function
Operation
5. Select the desired setting:
Move map.
Swipe in the appropriate di‐
rection.
▷ "Character input": enter letters and num‐
bers.
Enlarge/shrink
map.
Drag in or out on the touch‐
pad with fingers.
▷ "Map": use the map.
▷ "Search fields": to write letters without se‐
lecting the list field.
Display menu.
Tap once.
▷ "Audio confirmation": pronounces entered
letters and numbers.
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▷ Delete selected page: tap "Delete page".
Operation via touchscreen
General information
▷ Adjust content of the widget: tap center of
widget.
The Control Display is equipped with a touch‐
screen.
4. Tap "Done".
Showing/hiding the display bar
You can tap on menu items and widgets. Touch
the screen with your fingers. Do not use any ob‐
jects.
At the top edge of the screen, it is possible to
show or hide a display bar with additional func‐
tions.
Opening the main menu
▷ To show the display bar, pull down the dis‐
play bar at the top edge of the screen.
Tap on the symbol.
▷ To hide the display bar, pull up the display bar
at the top edge of the screen.
Changing between displays
After a menu item is selected, a new display
opens.
An arrow indicates that additional displays can be
opened.
▷ Swipe to the left.
▷ Tap arrow.
The main menu is displayed.
The new display opens.
Adjusting widgets
The widgets can be adjusted in the main menu.
It is possible to create multiple pages with widg‐
ets and switch between pages. The adjustments
can only be performed when the vehicle is sta‐
tionary.
Changing settings
Settings such as brightness can be changed via
the touchscreen.
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
1. Select the desired page in the main menu.
Only the currently selected page can be ad‐
justed.
2. "Settings"
3. "Displays"
4. "Control display"
5. "Brightness at night"
6. To perform the desired setting:
2.
Tap the symbol in the main menu.
3. Select the desired adjustment:
▷ Add new widget:
lect desired widget.
Tap symbol and se‐
▷ Slide in the selected field to the right or
left, until the desired setting is displayed.
The requested widget will be inserted in
the relevant position. A maximum of four
widgets can be displayed per page.
▷
,
Tap on the symbol.
▷ Delete selected widget:
Tap symbol.
▷ Add new page: tap "Add page".
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CONTROLS
the voice activation system to a limited ex‐
tent.
Entering letters and numbers
Input
▷ The system includes special microphones on
the driver side and the front passenger side.
1.
Tap the symbol on the touchscreen.
▷ ›...‹ denotes commands to use with the voice
activation system.
A keyboard appears in the Control Display.
2. Enter letters and numbers.
Functional requirements
Deleting
▷ A language must be set via iDrive that is sup‐
ported by the voice activation system. To set
the language, refer to page 67.
Symbol Function
Tapping the symbol: deletes the let‐
ter or number.
▷ Always say commands in the language of the
voice activation system.
Tapping and holding the symbol all
letters: deletes all letters or numbers.
Activating the voice activation
system
Using the map
The navigation map can be moved using the
touchscreen.
General information
There are various methods for activating the
voice activation feature:
Function
Operation
Move map.
Swipe in the appropriate di‐
rection.
▷
Press the button on the steering
wheel.
▷ Say the wake word ›Hello BMW‹ or a personal
wake word.
Enlarge/shrink
map.
Drag in or out with the fin‐
gers.
▷ Active voice processing.
Display menu.
Tap once.
Then say the command. No other commands
may be available. In this case, operate the func‐
tion via iDrive.
Voice activation system
The voice activation can be terminated:
Press the button on the steering wheel
again or press ›Cancel‹.
Concept
The voice activation system can be used to op‐
erate functions with spoken commands. The
system supports you with announcements dur‐
ing input.
Button on the steering wheel
1.
Press the button on the steering
The voice control system and the feedback it
provides are not a substitute for the printed or
Integrated Owner's Manual.
wheel.
2. Wait for the signal.
3. Say the command.
General information
▷ Functions that can only be used when the ve‐
hicle is stationary can only be operated via
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iDrive
CONTROLS
The symbol on the Control Display indi‐
cates that the voice activation system is
active.
Active voice processing
General information
Active voice processing recognizes keywords
that are spoken in the car's interior. For instance,
if the name of a city is named, information for the
navigation will be displayed on the Control Dis‐
play.
Wake word
General information
Speaking the wake word ›Hello BMW‹ will start
the system. Immediately following, the voice acti‐
vation can be continued with voice commands.
Activating/deactivating
Via iDrive:
1. Say the wake word ›Hello BMW‹.
2. Say the command.
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
Preset wake word
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
The preset wake word ›Hello BMW‹ can be acti‐
vated and deactivated. The ›Hello BMW‹ option
activates the preset and personal wake word.
5. "Active speech processing"
Via iDrive:
Possible commands
General information
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
Most contents on the Control Display can be
spoken as commands, e.g. menu items or list en‐
tries. Speak these list entries out loud exactly as
they are shown in the list.
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
5. "Activation with "Hello BMW""
Say the commands, numbers, and letters
smoothly and with normal volume, emphasis,
and speed.
Personal wake word
In addition to a preset wake word ›Hello BMW‹, a
personal wake word can be set up.
The status of the voice recognition is displayed
in the upper area of the Control Display.
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
Example for function
The commands of the menu items are spoken
just as they are selected via the Controller.
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
5. "Personal keyword"
6. "Start recording"
1.
Press the button on the steering
wheel.
2. ›Media and radio‹
3. ›Presets‹
For the "Start recording" option, online
speech processing must be available and ac‐
tivated. Alternatively, the personal wake word
can be entered using the Controller.
The stored stations are displayed on the Control
Display.
7. Follow the instructions on the Control Dis‐
play.
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iDrive
CONTROLS
The voice activation system can also be used to
operate most climate control functions, refer to
page 285.
▷ "Online speech processing".
▷ "Synchronize driver profile" under
"Personalization" in the data protection
menu.
The voice activation system can be used to enter
the destination, refer to Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment, Communication.
▷ All settings under "BMW ConnectedDrive" in
the data protection menu.
Help on the voice activation system
▷ To have the available spoken instructions
read out loud: ›Voice commands‹.
Example for function
1. Say the wake word ›Hello BMW‹ or a personal
wake word.
▷ To have information on the operating princi‐
ple of the voice activation system read out
loud: ›General information on voice control‹.
2. ›How high is the outside temperature‹
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant provides
information about the external temperature.
▷ To have help for the current menu read out
loud: ›Help‹.
Adjusting
Information for Emergency
Requests
Do not use the voice activation system to initiate
an Emergency Request. In stressful situations,
the voice and vocal pitch can change. This can
unnecessarily delay the establishment of a
phone connection.
Setting the language
The language to be used for voice activation and
system announcements can be set.
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
Instead, use the SOS button, refer to page 375,
close to the interior mirror.
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
5. "System language"
6. Select the desired language.
BMW Intelligent Personal
Assistant
Setting the voice dialog
Concept
You can set the system to use standard dialog or
a short version.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant expands the
voice activation function to include additional
functions that improve interaction in the vehicle.
It is possible to ask questions about the current
state of the vehicle, for instance.
The short version of the voice dialog plays back
short messages in abbreviated form.
Via iDrive:
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is connected
to other digital services such as the Concierge
service and is continually being developed.
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
Functional requirement
The driver's profile is activated.
5. "Speech mode"
6. Select the desired setting.
Activate the following settings to access the full
range of functions:
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iDrive
CONTROLS
▷ Noises from the front passenger or the rear
seat bench can impair the system. Avoid
making other noise in the vehicle while
speaking.
Speaking during voice output
It is possible to answer during inquiries of the
voice activation system. The function can be de‐
activated if inquiries are often undesirably inter‐
rupted, for instance due to background noise or
talking.
▷ Major language dialects can cause problems
with the voice recognition feature. Speak loud
and clear.
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
Using the voice activation
system of the smartphone
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
A smartphone connected to the vehicle can be
used via voice activation.
Activate voice command response on the smart‐
phone for this purpose.
5. "Speaking during voice output"
Online speech processing
1.
2.
Press and hold the button on the
steering wheel for approx. 3 seconds.
Online speech processing provides a dictation
function, a natural method of entering destina‐
tions and improves the quality of voice recogni‐
tion. To use the functions, data is transmitted to
a service provider via an encrypted connection
and stored locally there.
Voice command response is activated on the
smartphone.
Release the button.
Via iDrive:
If activation is successful, a confirmation ap‐
pears on the Control Display.
1. "CAR"
If it was not possible to activate voice command
response, the list of Bluetooth devices appears
on the Control Display.
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Language"
5. "Online speech processing"
BMW Gesture Control
Adjusting the volume
Concept
Several iDrive functions can be operated by hand
motion using BMW Gesture Control.
Turn the volume button during the spoken in‐
structions until the desired volume is set.
▷ The volume remains constant even if the vol‐
ume of other audio sources is changed.
▷ The volume is stored for the driver profile
currently used.
System limits
▷ Certain noises can be detected and may lead
to problems. Keep the doors, windows, and
glass sunroof closed.
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CONTROLS
Overview
Adjusting
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
2. "Settings"
3. "General settings"
4. "Gesture control"
5. Select the desired setting:
▷ "User help display": the possible gesture
is shown on the Control Display.
The gestures that are performed underneath the
interior mirror are captured by a camera in the
roofliner.
▷ "Audio confirmation": an acoustic signal is
emitted once the gesture is recognized.
Carrying out gestures
Perform gestures underneath the interior mirror
and next to the steering wheel.
Activating/deactivating
Via iDrive:
1. "CAR"
Execute gestures clearly.
2. "Settings"
The gestures can also be executed from the
front-passenger side.
3. "General settings"
4. "Gesture control"
5. "Gesture control"
Possible gestures
Gesture
Operation
Function
Move index finger forward and backward in the di‐ Accept call.
rection of the screen.
Select a highlighted entry in a list
during voice activation.
Confirm pop-up.
Move hand across the width of the Control Dis‐
play in the direction of the front-passenger side.
Reject call.
Close pop-up.
Terminate voice activation.
Slowly move hand clockwise in a circular pattern
with the index finger stretched out forward.
The volume is increased.
Gesture is detected after one circular motion.
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CONTROLS
Gesture
Operation
Function
The volume is reduced.
Slowly move hand counterclockwise with the in‐
dex finger stretched out forward.
Gesture is detected after one circular motion.
Pinch with thumb and index finger and move hand Surround View: turn camera
horizontally to the right or left.
view.
This gesture can only be exe‐
cuted while the vehicle is station‐
ary.
Move stretched out index and middle finger for‐
ward.
Individually assignable gesture.
Reverse Skip function.
Hold your stretched out thumb to the left.
Hold your stretched out thumb to the right.
Forward Skip function.
Stretch out five fingers, form a fist and stretch five Individually assignable gesture.
fingers out again.
Assigning gesture individually
System limits
Via iDrive:
Gesture recognition by the camera can be distur‐
bed by the following circumstances:
1. "CAR"
▷ The camera lens is covered.
2. "Settings"
▷ Objects are located on the interior mirror.
3. "General settings"
4. "Gesture control"
▷ The camera lens is dirty. Clean the camera
lenses, refer to page 383.
5. "Function assignment gesture 1" or
"Function assignment gesture 2"
▷ The gesture is executed outside of the de‐
tection range.
6. Select the desired setting.
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iDrive
CONTROLS
▷ Wearing of gloves or jewelry.
▷ Smoking in the car's interior.
Operation
Buttons on BMW Touch Command
Button Function
BMW Touch Command
Display the main menu.
or
Concept
BMW Touch Command is a tablet that can be
used to operate important vehicle functions.
Display the application being used.
Back.
General information
Depending on the equipment version, BMW
Touch Command is located in the rear console
or in the center armrest in the rear.
Connecting BMW Touch Command
Switch on BMW Touch Command.
The following functions can be used:
▷ Audio sources in the front.
▷ Interior lighting.
The connection is established automatically.
If the connection is not established automatically,
follow the instructions on BMW Touch Com‐
mand.
▷ Seat adjustments for front passenger seat
and seats in the rear.
▷ Sun protection.
Charging the rechargeable battery
▷ Climate control in the rear.
▷ Rear entertainment.
BMW Touch Command can be charged in the
rear center armrest.
Insert BMW Touch Command into the tray with
the screen facing upward. To charge the re‐
chargeable battery, insert BMW Touch Com‐
mand with the charging socket to the left.
Overview
Selecting menu items
1.
Tap on the symbol.
The main menu is displayed.
2. Select the desired menu item.
3. Select the desired setting.
1
2
3
BMW Touch Command
Switching on/off
Ejecting
Adjusting
Displays
Settings, such as brightness, can be entered.
1.
2.
Tap on the symbol.
Tap the symbol in the status field.
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iDrive
CONTROLS
3. "Brightness"
4. Slide the bar to the right or left until the de‐
sired setting is displayed.
Language setting
Regardless of the set language on the Control
Display, a different language can be selected for
BMW Touch Command.
1.
2.
Tap on the symbol.
Tap the symbol in the status field.
3. "Language"
4. Select the desired setting.
Device information
Information about the device can be displayed in
the settings:
▷ License information.
▷ Version.
▷ Data protection statement.
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