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EnglishCONTROLS -> Connections for your BMW 8 Series 2018-2025
Connections
CONTROLS
Connections
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.
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
Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle
Principle
General information
Various connection types are available for us-
ing mobile devices in the vehicle. The connec-
tion type to select depends on the mobile de-
vice and the desired function.
The following overview shows possible func-
tions and the suitable connection types for
them. The range of functions depends on the
mobile device.
Function
Connection type
Icon in the de-
vice list
Making calls via the hands-free sys- Bluetooth.
tem.
Using phone functions via iDrive or
touchscreen.
Other functions, e.g. Contacts or
SMS.
Playing music from the smartphone
or the audio system.
Bluetooth audio.
WLAN in the vehicle:
Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi.
USB.
Using apps in the vehicle.
Wi-Fi hotspot:
Using the vehicle Internet access.
USB port:
Playing music or videos from a USB
device.
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Function
Connection type
Icon in the de-
vice list
Apple CarPlay:
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.
Using apps via iDrive and via voice
operation.
Android Auto:
Using apps via iDrive and via voice
operation.
The following connection types require one-
time pairing with the vehicle:
Displaying the vehicle identification
number and software part number
With a search 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.
▷
▷
Bluetooth.
Wi-Fi.
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 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
the systems and devices while the vehicle is
stationary.
5. "Bluetooth® info"
6. "System information"
Managing mobile devices
General information
▷
After one-time pairing, the devices are
automatically recognized and reconnected
when standby state is switched on.
Compatible devices
▷
After stored content on the SIM card or the
mobile phone such as contacts has been
detected, the data is transmitted to the ve-
hicle and can be used via iDrive.
General information
Information on compatible mobile devices is
available as follows:
▷
For some devices, certain settings are nec-
essary, for instance authorization; see the
operating instructions of the device.
▷
▷
▷
On the BMW homepage.
Via Hotline/Customer Support
At an authorized service center or another
qualified service center or repair shop.
Displaying the device list
All devices paired with or connected to the ve-
hicle 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 Wi-Fi.
The device remains paired and can be
connected again.
▷
▷
"Delete device"
The device is disconnected and re-
moved from the device list.
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
"Connection mode"
An icon to the right of the device name indi-
cates, for which function the device is used.
Select a connection mode, for instance
Apple CarPlay.
When the icon is displayed in white, this func-
tion is actively connected to the vehicle. The
icon is displayed in gray when the function of
the device is inactive.
▷
▷
"Telephone"
Set telephone.
"Bluetooth® audio"
Playback of music files on external de-
vices such as audio devices or mobile
phones via Bluetooth®.
Icon Meaning
Telephone.
▷
▷
"Apps"
Bluetooth audio.
WLAN in the vehicle, Wi-Fi hotspot.
Apps.
With the installed BMW app, apps from
the smartphone can be displayed in the
vehicle.
"Wi-Fi®"
Apple CarPlay.
Android Auto.
Connects the device with the WLAN in
the vehicle.
Priority of the phones
Configuring the device
When multiple mobile phones are connected
to the vehicle, you can specify the priority of
the mobile phones. The mobile phone with the
highest priority is preferred, for instance for
outgoing calls and messages.
Functions can be activated or deactivated for
paired and connected devices.
The range of functions depends on the mobile
device.
Observe the information on the control display.
1. "COM"
1. "COM"
2. "Mobile devices"
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
3. Select the desired device.
4. Select the desired setting:
5. "Priorities for telephones"
6. Select the desired device.
7. Select the desired priority by sliding.
▷
"Connect device"
The functions that were assigned to
the device before disconnecting are as-
signed to the device when it is recon-
nected. The functions may be deacti-
vated on a device already connected.
▷
"Disconnect device"
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Frequently Asked Questions
Bluetooth connection
All prerequisites are met and all required steps
were completed in the specified order. Despite
that, the mobile device does not function as
expected.
Functional requirements
▷
Compatible device with Bluetooth interface.
Compatible devices, refer to page 75.
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.
Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle and
on the device.
▷
There are too many Bluetooth devices con-
nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.
▷
▷
The pairing readiness is displayed on the
control display.
In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections
with other devices.
Bluetooth default settings such as for visi-
bility may be required on device, refer to
your device operating instructions.
Delete the Bluetooth connection from the
device list on the mobile phone and start a
new device search.
Too many Bluetooth devices are paired
with the same function. Adapt the functions
in the device list on the control display.
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.
5. "Bluetooth®"
Why does the mobile phone no longer react?
6. Select setting.
▷
The applications on the mobile phone do
not function anymore.
Connecting the device
1. "COM"
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.
▷
Too high or too low ambient temperature
for mobile phone operation.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
Do not subject the mobile phone to ex-
treme ambient temperatures.
5. "Phone calls and audio"
Why can telephone functions not be used via
iDrive?
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed
on the control display.
▷
Phone functions are not configured for the
mobile phone.
6. Compare the control number displayed on
the control display with the control number
on the display of the mobile device, and
confirm that the two match.
Connect the mobile phone with the tele-
phone function.
Why are no or not all telephone book entries
displayed 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
entries 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
occurs 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
instance 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"
▷
▷
The mobile phone has only been connected
as an audio source.
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
How can the telephone connection quality be
improved?
Compatible devices with WLAN interface can
use the Internet connection of the vehicle via
the Wi-Fi hotspot.
▷
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
If all points listed have been checked and the
required function is still not available: contact
the hotline, an authorized service center or an-
other qualified service center or repair shop.
▷
Compatible device with activated WLAN in-
terface.
Compatible devices, refer to page 75.
WLAN is activated on the vehicle.
Internet use is activated for the vehicle.
▷
▷
▷
Registration and data contract with a serv-
ice provider where required.
▷
Standby state is switched on.
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Connecting a device to the Internet
via the Wi-Fi hotspot
Using the Internet for the first time via the Wi-
Fi hotspot requires registration and possibly a
data volume purchase from a service provider.
Deactivating Internet usage via the
Wi-Fi hotspot
Internet usage may be deactivated if the data
volume is used up, for instance.
1. "COM"
Depending on the national-market version,
data volume can be purchased via the con-
nected mobile communication device or from
the ConnectedDrive Store.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "Settings"
5. "Wi-Fi hotspot"
1. "COM"
6. Select the desired setting.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
Apple CarPlay©
5. "Internet, apps"
Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis-
played on the control display.
Principle
CarPlay allows select functions of a compatible
Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice control
and iDrive.
6. Activate Internet usage via WLAN if neces-
sary.
"Open settings"
Functional requirements
7. Activate Internet usage.
"Wi-Fi hotspot"
▷
Compatible iPhone: iPhone 5 or later with
iOS 9.3 or later.
8. Tilt the Controller to the left.
Compatible devices, refer to page 75.
Corresponding mobile contract.
9. Search for WLAN networks on the mobile
device. Select network name on the device.
▷
▷
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Siri voice control are
activated on the iPhone.
10. Enter hotspot code on the device and con-
nect.
▷
▷
If necessary, the setting for mobile data
must be activated on the iPhone.
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
hotspot.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the ve-
hicle.
Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay
1. "COM"
All devices connected via the hotspot use this
data volume.
2. "Mobile devices"
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
5. "Phone calls and audio"
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed
on the control display.
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6. On the mobile device, search for nearby
Bluetooth devices and select the vehicle.
Android Auto©
A control number is displayed.
Principle
7. Compare the control number displayed on
the control display with the control number
on the display of the mobile device, and
confirm that the two match.
Android Auto allows select functions of a com-
patible smartphone to be operated via Goo-
gle Assistant voice control and via iDrive.
8. "Use Apple CarPlay"
General information
The range of services offered depends on the
country.
The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and
displayed in the device list.
Operation
For more information, refer to the Integrated
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for
Navigation, Entertainment, Communication.
Functional requirements
▷
Compatible Android smartphone: Samsung
or Google smartphone with Android 10 or
an Android smartphone with Android 11, re-
gardless of the manufacturer.
Frequently Asked Questions
▷
▷
▷
Compatible devices, refer to page 75.
Corresponding mobile contract.
All prerequisites are met and all required steps
were completed in the specified order. Despite
that, the mobile device does not function as
expected.
Bluetooth and WLAN are enabled on the
smartphone.
▷
▷
▷
The smartphone must support a Wi-Fi con-
nection with 5 GHz.
In this case, the following explanations can
help:
If necessary, the setting for mobile data
must be activated on the smartphone.
The iPhone has already been paired with
Apple CarPlay. When a new connection is set
up, CarPlay can no longer be selected.
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the ve-
hicle.
▷
Delete the iPhone concerned from the de-
vice list.
Pairing a smartphone with Android
Auto
1. "COM"
▷
On the iPhone, delete the vehicle con-
cerned from the list of stored connections
under Bluetooth and under WLAN.
▷
Pair the iPhone as a new device.
2. "Mobile devices"
If the steps listed have been carried out and
the required function is still not available: con-
tact the hotline, an authorized service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop.
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. "New device"
5. "Phone calls and audio"
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed
on the control display.
6. On the mobile device, search for nearby
Bluetooth devices and select the vehicle.
A control number is displayed.
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7. Compare the control number displayed on
the control display with the control number
on the display of the mobile device, and
confirm that the two match.
▷
Mobile phones.
▷
▷
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
current 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 transfer:
Operation
For more information, refer to the Integrated
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for
Navigation, Entertainment, Communication.
▷
▷
Playing music files.
Playing videos.
Follow the following when connecting:
Frequently Asked Questions
▷
Do not use force when plugging the con-
nector into the USB port.
All prerequisites are met and all required steps
were completed in the specified order. Despite
that, the mobile device does not function as
expected.
▷
▷
Use a flexible adapter cable.
Protect the USB device against mechanical
damage.
In this case, the following explanations can
help:
▷
▷
▷
▷
▷
Due to the large number of USB devices
available on the market, it cannot be guar-
anteed that every device is operable on the
vehicle.
The smartphone has already been paired with
Android Auto. When a new connection is set
up, Android Auto can no longer be selected.
Do not expose USB devices to extreme en-
vironmental conditions such as very high
temperatures, refer to the operating in-
structions of the device.
▷
Delete the smartphone concerned from the
device list.
▷
On the smartphone, delete the vehicle con-
cerned from the list of stored connections
under Bluetooth and under WLAN.
Due to the many different compression
techniques, proper playback of the media
stored on the USB device cannot be guar-
anteed in all cases.
▷
Pair the smartphone as a new device.
If the steps listed have been carried out and
the required function is still not available: con-
tact the hotline, an authorized service center or
another qualified service center or repair shop.
To ensure proper transmission of the
stored data, do not charge a USB device
via the onboard socket, when it is con-
nected to the USB port.
Depending on how the USB device is be-
ing used, settings may be required on the
USB storage device, refer to the operating
instructions of the device.
USB connection
General information
The following mobile devices can be con-
nected to the USB port:
Not compatible USB devices:
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▷
▷
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USB hard drives.
USB hubs.
USB memory card readers with multiple
slots.
▷
▷
HFS-formatted USB devices.
Devices such as fans or bulbs.
Functional requirement
Compatible device with USB port.
Additional information:
Compatible devices, refer to page 75.
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.
Additional information:
USB port, refer to page 285.
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