Deutsch
EnglishAT A GLANCE -> General settings for your BMW i3 2013-2022
General settings
AT A GLANCE
General settings
Setting the time
Via iDrive:
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.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Time:"
5. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are
displayed.
6. Press the Controller.
7. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes
are displayed.
Language
8. Press the Controller.
Setting the language
Via iDrive:
Setting the time format
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Time format:"
3. If necessary, "Language"
4. "Language:"
5. Select the desired setting.
5. 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.
Time
Automatic time setting
Depending on your vehicle's optional features,
the time, date and, if needed, the time zone are
updated automatically.
Setting the time zone
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
Via iDrive:
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Time zone:"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Automatic time setting"
5. 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.
45
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Date
Activating/deactivating the
display of the current vehicle
position
Setting the date
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Date:"
Concept
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.
5. Turn the Controller until the desired day is
displayed.
Activating/deactivating
Via iDrive:
6. Press the Controller.
7. Make the settings for the month and year.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "Vehicle settings"
3. "Data privacy"
Setting the date format
Via iDrive:
4. "Vehicle tracking"
5. Select the desired setting.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Date format:"
Activating/deactivating pop-ups
5. Select the desired setting.
For some functions, pop-ups are displayed auto‐
matically on the Control Display. Some of these
pop-ups can be activated or deactivated.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Via iDrive:
Setting the units of
measurement
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Pop-ups"
You can set the units of measurement for some
values, for example, consumption, distances and
temperature.
4. Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
Control Display
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Units"
Brightness
Via iDrive:
4. Select the desired menu item.
5. Select the desired setting.
1. "My Vehicle"
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
2. "iDrive settings"
46
General settings
AT A GLANCE
3. "Displays"
Messages are additionally displayed in the status
field.
4. "Control display"
5. "Brightness at night"
Retrieving messages
Via iDrive:
6. Turn the Controller until the desired bright‐
ness is set.
1. "Notifications"
7. Press the Controller.
2. Select the desired notification.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
The menu in which the notification is displayed
will open.
Depending on the light conditions, the bright‐
ness settings may not be clearly visible.
Deleting messages
All messages, except Check Control messages
or messages from the vehicle manufacturer, can
be deleted from the list.
Selecting the contents of the main
menu
You can select the displayed contents for some
menu items in the main menu.
Check Control messages or messages from the
vehicle manufacturer are displayed as long as
they are relevant.
1.
Press the button.
Via iDrive:
2. "Contents of main menu"
1. "Notifications"
3. Select the desired menu and the desired
content.
2. Select the desired message.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
3.
Press the button.
4. "Delete this notification" or "Delete all
notifications"
Messages
Settings
The following settings can be adjusted:
Concept
The menu centrally displays all messages arriv‐
ing in the vehicle in list form.
▷ Select the applications, from which mes‐
sages will be permitted.
▷ Sort the messages according to date or prior‐
ity.
General information
The following messages can be displayed:
Via iDrive:
▷ Traffic messages.
1. "My Vehicle"
▷ Communication messages, for example e-
mails, SMS text messages or reminders.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Notifications"
▷ Messages from, e.g., the Concierge service
or the BMW Connected app.
4. Select the desired setting.
▷ Check Control messages.
▷ Messages on service notifications.
▷ Messages from the vehicle manufacturer.
47
General settings
AT A GLANCE
▷ Phone book.
Data protection
▷ Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.
▷ Office data, for instance voice memos.
▷ Login accounts.
Data transfer
Concept
Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up
to 15 minutes.
The vehicle offers different functions, whose use
requires a data transfer to BMW or a service pro‐
vider. The data transfer can be deactivated for
some functions.
Functional requirement
Data can only be deleted while stationary.
General information
Deleting data
With data transfer deactivated, the respective
function cannot be used.
Note and follow the instructions on the Control
Display.
Only make these settings while stationary.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
Activating/deactivating
Follow the instructions on the Control Display.
Via iDrive:
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Data privacy"
4. "Delete personal data"
5. "Delete personal data"
6. "OK"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Data privacy"
7. Exit and lock the vehicle.
4. Select the desired setting.
The deletion process takes 15 minutes to com‐
plete.
Deleting personal data in the vehicle
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.
If not all data was deleted, repeat the deletion.
Canceling deletion
Switch on the drive-ready state to cancel dele‐
tion of the data.
Connections
General information
Depending on the equipment package, the fol‐
lowing data can be deleted:
Concept
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.
▷ Driver profile settings.
▷ Stored radio stations.
▷ Stored programmable memory buttons.
▷ Travel and trip computer information.
▷ Music collection.
▷ Navigation, for instance stored destinations.
48
General settings
AT A GLANCE
General information
Safety information
The following overview shows possible functions
and the suitable connection types for them. The
scope of functions depends on the mobile de‐
vice.
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.
Function
Connection
type
Making calls via the hands-free
system.
Bluetooth.
Using phone functions via iDrive.
Using the smartphone Office
functions.
Compatible devices
General information
Playing music from the smart‐
phone or the audio player.
Bluetooth or
USB.
Using compatible apps via
iDrive.
Bluetooth or
USB.
Information on mobile devices compatible with
bluetooth.
USB storage device:
USB.
Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed
or deviating software versions.
Exporting and importing driver
profiles.
Performing software updates.
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.
Exporting and importing stored
trips.
Playing music.
Playing videos from the smart‐
phone or the USB device.
USB.
Via iDrive:
Using the vehicle Internet ac‐
cess.
Internet hot‐
spot.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
Using Apple CarPlay apps via
iDrive and voice operation.
Bluetooth
and WLAN.
The following connection types require one-time
pairing with the vehicle:
5. "Bluetooth® info"
6. "System information"
▷ Bluetooth.
A software update, refer to page 55, can be
performed, if needed.
▷ Internet hotspot.
Paired devices are automatically recognized later
on and connected to the vehicle.
49
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Activate function to show the contact pic‐
tures.
Bluetooth connection
Functional requirements
▷ "Apple CarPlay"
▷ Compatible device, refer to page 49, with
Bluetooth interface.
Activate the function to use Apple Car‐
Play.
▷ The vehicle key is in the vehicle.
▷ The device is ready for operation.
Pairing the mobile device with the vehicle
Via iDrive:
▷ Bluetooth is activated on the device and in
the vehicle, refer to page 50.
1. "My Vehicle"
▷ Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may
be required on the device; refer to the own‐
er's manual of the device.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Connect new device"
5. Select the functions for which the device will
be used:
Switching on Bluetooth
Via iDrive:
▷
▷
▷
▷
"Telephone"
"Bluetooth® audio"
"Apps"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
"Apple CarPlay"
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on
the Control Display.
5. "Bluetooth®"
6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth
devices in the vicinity.
Activating/deactivating telephone
functions
To use all supported functions of a mobile
phone, the following functions must be activated
prior to pairing.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears
on the mobile device display.
Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle.
7. Depending on the mobile device, a control
number is displayed or the control number
must be entered.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
▷ Compare the control number displayed
on the Control Display with the control
number on the display of the device.
Confirm the control number on the device
and on the Control Display.
5. Select the desired setting, e.g.:
▷ "Office"
▷ Enter and confirm the same control num‐
ber on the device and via iDrive.
Activate function to transmit short mes‐
sages, e-mails, calendars, tasks, memos,
and reminders to the vehicle. Costs can
be incurred by transmitting all data to the
vehicle.
The device is connected and displayed in the
device list, refer to page 54.
If connection was not successful: Frequently
Asked Questions, refer to page 51.
▷ "Contact images"
50
General settings
AT A GLANCE
▷ It may not be possible to display telephone
book entries with special characters.
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 transmit contacts
from social networks.
▷ The number of telephone book entries to be
stored is too high.
In this case, the following explanations can help:
▷ Data volume of the contact too large, for in‐
stance due to stored information such as
memos.
Why could the mobile phone not be paired or
connected?
▷ There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐
nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.
Reduce the data volume of the contact.
▷ A mobile phone can only be connected as
audio source or as telephone.
In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections
with other devices.
Configure the mobile phone and connect it
with the telephone or additional phone func‐
tion.
Delete all known Bluetooth connections from
the device list on the mobile phone and start
a new device search.
How can the telephone connection quality be
improved?
▷ The mobile phone is in power-save mode or
has only a limited remaining battery life.
▷ The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the
mobile phone can be adjusted, depending on
the mobile phone.
Charge the mobile phone.
Why does the mobile phone no longer react?
▷ The applications on the mobile phone do not
function anymore.
▷ Insert the mobile phone into the wireless
charging tray.
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.
▷ Adjust the volume of the microphone and
loudspeakers separately.
▷ Too high or too low ambient temperatures for
mobile phone operation.
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.
Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme
ambient temperatures.
Why can telephone functions not be used via
iDrive?
▷ The mobile phone may not be properly con‐
figured, for instance as Bluetooth audio de‐
vice.
USB connection
General information
Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐
phone or additional phone function.
The following mobile devices can be connected
to the USB port:
Why are no or not all telephone book entries dis‐
played or why are they incomplete?
▷ Mobile phones.
▷ Audio devices with USB port, for instance
MP3 players.
▷ Transmission of the telephone book entries is
not yet complete.
▷ USB storage devices.
▷ It is possible that only the telephone book en‐
tries of the mobile phone or the SIM card are
transmitted.
Common file systems are supported. FAT32
and exFAT are the recommended formats.
51
General settings
AT A GLANCE
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.
▷ USB memory card readers with multiple slots.
▷ HFS-formatted USB devices.
▷ Devices such as fans or lamps.
The following uses are possible on USB ports
with data transfer:
Functional requirement
Compatible device, refer to page 49, with USB
port.
▷ Exporting and importing driver profiles, refer
to page 74.
▷ Playing music files via USB audio.
▷ Playing videos via USB video.
Connecting the device
Connect the USB device using a suitable adapter
cable to a USB port, refer to page 184.
▷ Loading of software updates, refer to
page 55.
The USB device is displayed in the device list,
refer to page 54.
Follow the following when connecting:
▷ Do not use force when plugging the connec‐
tor into the USB port.
Internet connection
General information
Up to 8 devices can be connected with the Inter‐
net hotspot.
▷ 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.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible device, refer to page 49, with
WLAN interface.
▷ Do not expose USB devices to extreme envi‐
ronmental conditions, such as very high tem‐
peratures; refer to the owner's manual of the
device.
▷ ConnectedDrive contract.
▷ Data contract with a service provider.
▷ WLAN activated on the device.
▷ Internet hotspot activated in the vehicle.
▷ Standby state is switched on.
▷ Due to the many different compression tech‐
niques, proper playback of the media stored
on the USB device cannot be guaranteed in
all cases.
Activating the Internet hotspot
Via iDrive:
▷ 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.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
▷ Depending on how the USB device is being
used, settings may be required on the USB
storage device, refer to the owner's manual of
the device.
5. "Internet hotspot"
Not compatible USB devices:
▷ USB hard drives.
▷ USB hubs.
Connecting a device to the Internet
hotspot
Via iDrive:
52
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Apple CarPlay preparation
Concept
CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible
Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice operation
and iDrive.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Connect new device"
5.
"Internet hotspot"
Hotspot name and hotspot code are dis‐
played on the Control Display.
Functional requirements
6. Search for WLAN networks on the device.
Select network name on the device.
▷ Compatible iPhone, refer to page 49.
iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.
▷ Corresponding mobile contract.
7. Enter hotspot code on the device and con‐
nect.
▷ Bluetooth, WLAN, and Siri voice operation
are activated on the iPhone.
You will need to purchase data volume from a
service provider when you first connect to the In‐
ternet via the Internet hotspot.
▷ If necessary, the setting for mobile data must
be activated on the iPhone.
All devices connected via the Internet hotspot
use this data volume.
▷ Booking the ConnectedDrive service: Apple
CarPlay preparation.
If necessary, data volume can be purchased from
the ConnectedDrive Store.
Switching on Bluetooth and CarPlay
Via iDrive:
Settings
1. "My Vehicle"
The network name and hotspot code can be
changed. In addition, the network name can be
hidden so that it cannot be found by other devi‐
ces.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
Via iDrive:
5. Select the following settings:
▷ "Bluetooth®"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
▷ "Apple CarPlay"
Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay
Pair the iPhone with the vehicle via Bluetooth, re‐
fer to page 50.
4.
5.
Press the button.
▷ "Change hotspot key"
Enter the desired hotspot code.
▷ "Change hotspot name"
Enter the desired network name.
▷ "Hide hotspot"
Select CarPlay as the function:
"Apple CarPlay"
The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐
played in the device list, refer to page 54.
Activate or deactivate the function.
Operation
6. Confirm the entry of the hotspot code or net‐
work name:
For more information, refer to the Integrated
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment, Communication.
Select the icon.
53
General settings
AT A GLANCE
A icon indicates, for which function a device is
used.
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.
Icon
Function
"Telephone"
In this case, the following explanations can help:
"Additional telephone"
"Bluetooth® audio"
"Apps"
The iPhone has already been paired with Apple
CarPlay. When a new connection is established,
CarPlay can no longer be selected.
▷ Delete the iPhone concerned from the device
list.
"Internet hotspot"
▷ On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned
from the list of stored vehicles under Blue‐
tooth and under WLAN.
Configuring the device
Functions can be activated or deactivated for
paired and connected devices.
▷ Pair the iPhone as a new device.
Via iDrive:
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.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. Select the desired device.
5. Select the desired setting.
Managing mobile devices
General information
▷ After one-time pairing, the devices are auto‐
matically recognized and reconnected when
standby state is switched on.
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.
▷ The data stored on the SIM card or in the
mobile phone are transferred to the vehicle
after recognition.
Disconnecting the device
The device's connection to the vehicle is discon‐
nected.
▷ For some devices, certain settings may be
necessary, for instance authorization, see
owner's manual of the device.
The device remains paired and can be con‐
nected again, refer to page 54.
Via iDrive:
Displaying the device list
All devices paired or connected with the vehicle
are displayed in the device list.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. Select device.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
5. "Disconnect device"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
Connecting the device
A disconnected device can be reconnected.
54
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Via iDrive:
of the supported devices. The vehicle is kept up-
to-date via regular vehicle software updates.
1. "My Vehicle"
Updates and related current information is availa‐
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. Select device.
5. "Connect device"
Displaying the version of the installed
software
The software version installed in the vehicle is
displayed.
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.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Software update"
4. "Show current version"
Deleting the device
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
If an update has been carried out before, select
the desired version to display additional informa‐
tion.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. Select device.
5. "Delete device"
Updating software via USB
The software may only be updated when the ve‐
hicle is stationary.
The device is disconnected and removed from
the device list.
Via iDrive:
Swapping the telephone and additional
telephone
1. Store the file for the software update in the
main folder of a USB device.
If two mobile phones are connected to the vehi‐
cle, the functions of the telephone and additional
telephone can be switched.
2. Connect the USB stick at a USB port, refer to
page 184.
3. "My Vehicle"
Via iDrive:
4. "iDrive settings"
5. "Software update"
6. "Update software"
7. "USB"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
8. "Install software"
9. "OK"
5. "Swap telephone/additional tel."
10.Wait for the update to complete.
11.Confirm system restart.
Software update
General information
The vehicle supports a large number of mobile
devices, for example mobile phones and MP3
players. Software updates are available for many
Restoring the software version
You can restore the software to the version prior
to the last update or to its factory settings.
55
General settings
AT A GLANCE
The software may only be restored when the ve‐
hicle is stationary.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Software update"
4. "Restore software"
5.
▷ "Previous version"
The previous software version is restored.
▷ "Default software settings"
The first software version is restored.
6. "Remove software"
7. "OK"
8. Wait for restore.
9. Confirm system restart.
56
