General settings for your BMW i8 2014-2020

General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
General settings  
4. "Time zone:"  
Vehicle features and options  
5. Select the desired setting.  
This chapter describes all standard, country-spe‐  
cific and optional features offered with the series.  
It also describes features that are not necessarily  
available in your vehicle, for instance, due to the  
selected options or country versions. This also  
applies to safety-related functions and systems.  
When using these functions and systems, the  
applicable laws and regulations must be ob‐  
served.  
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐  
rently used.  
Setting the time  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Date and time"  
4. "Time:"  
Language  
5. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are  
displayed.  
Setting the language  
6. Press the Controller.  
Via iDrive:  
7. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes  
are displayed.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
8. Press the Controller.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. If necessary, "Language"  
4. "Language:"  
Setting the time format  
Via iDrive:  
5. Select the desired setting.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐  
rently used.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Date and time"  
4. "Time format:"  
Setting the voice dialog  
For voice dialog for the voice activation system,  
refer to page 41.  
5. Select the desired setting.  
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:  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Date and time"  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
3. "Date and time"  
3. "Units"  
4. "Automatic time setting"  
4. Select the desired menu item.  
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.  
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.  
6. Press the Controller.  
Activating/deactivating  
Via iDrive:  
7. Make the settings for the month and year.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Setting the date format  
2. "Vehicle settings"  
3. "Vehicle tracking"  
4. "Vehicle tracking"  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Date and time"  
4. "Date format:"  
Activating/deactivating popup  
windows  
5. Select the desired setting.  
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐  
rently used.  
For some functions, popup windows are dis‐  
played automatically on the Control Display.  
Some of these popup windows can be activated  
or deactivated.  
Setting the units of  
measurement  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
You can set the units of measurement for some  
values, for example, consumption, distances and  
temperature.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Pop-ups"  
4. Select the desired setting.  
Via iDrive:  
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐  
rently used.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
Communication messages, for example e-  
mails, SMS text messages or reminders.  
Control Display  
Messages from, e.g., the Concierge service  
or the BMW Connected app.  
Brightness  
Via iDrive:  
Check Control messages.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Messages on service notifications.  
Messages from the vehicle manufacturer.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
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.  
7. Press the Controller.  
1. "Notifications"  
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐  
rently used.  
2. Select the desired message.  
The respective menu is opened, where the mes‐  
sage is displayed.  
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"  
3. Select the desired menu and the desired  
content.  
1. "Notifications"  
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  
Adjusting  
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:  
Traffic messages.  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
Via iDrive:  
Driver profile settings.  
Stored radio stations.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Stored programmable memory buttons.  
Travel and Onboard Computer information.  
Music hard disk.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Notifications"  
4. Select the desired setting.  
Navigation, for instance stored destinations.  
Phone book.  
Data protection  
Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.  
Office data, for instance voice notes.  
Login accounts.  
Data transfer  
Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up  
to 15 minutes.  
Concept  
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.  
Deleting data  
General information  
Note and follow the instructions on the Control  
Display.  
With data transfer deactivated, the respective  
function cannot be used.  
Via iDrive:  
Only make these settings while stationary.  
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  
Start the engine to cancel deletion of the data.  
General information  
Depending on the equipment package, the fol‐  
lowing data can be deleted:  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
Bluetooth.  
Connections  
Paired devices are automatically recognized later  
on and connected to the vehicle.  
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.  
Safety information  
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.  
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.  
Function  
Connection  
type  
Making calls via the hands-free  
system.  
Bluetooth.  
Compatible devices  
General information  
Information on mobile devices compatible with  
bluetooth.  
Using phone functions via iDrive.  
Using the smartphone Office  
functions.  
Playing music from the smart‐  
phone or the audio player.  
Bluetooth or  
USB.  
Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed  
or deviating software versions.  
Using compatible apps via  
iDrive.  
Bluetooth or  
USB.  
Displaying the vehicle identification  
number and software part number  
USB storage device:  
USB.  
Exporting and importing driver  
profiles.  
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.  
Performing software updates.  
Exporting and importing stored  
trips.  
Via iDrive:  
Playing music.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. "Settings"  
Playing videos from the smart‐  
phone or the USB storage de‐  
vice.  
USB.  
Using Apple CarPlay apps via  
iDrive and voice operation.  
Bluetooth  
and WiFi.  
5. "Bluetooth® info"  
6. "System information"  
A software update, refer to page 53, can be  
performed, if needed.  
The following connection types require one-time  
pairing with the vehicle:  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
Activate function to show the contact pic‐  
tures.  
Bluetooth connection  
Functional requirements  
"Apple CarPlay"  
Compatible device, refer to page 48, with  
Bluetooth interface.  
Activate the function to use Apple Car‐  
Play.  
The vehicle key is in the vehicle.  
The device is ready for operation.  
6. Move the Controller to the left.  
Pairing the mobile device with the vehicle  
Via iDrive:  
Bluetooth is activated on the device and in  
the vehicle, refer to page 49.  
Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may  
be required on the device; refer to the own‐  
er's manual of the device.  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. "Connect new device"  
Switching on Bluetooth  
5. Select the functions for which the device will  
be used:  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. "Settings"  
"Telephone"  
"Bluetooth® audio"  
"Apps"  
"Apple CarPlay"  
5. "Bluetooth®"  
The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on  
the Control Display.  
Activating/deactivating telephone  
functions  
To use all supported functions of a mobile  
phone, the following functions must be activated  
prior to pairing.  
6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth  
devices in the vicinity.  
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears  
on the mobile device display.  
Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle.  
Via iDrive:  
7. Depending on the mobile device, a control  
number is displayed or the control number  
must be entered.  
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.  
5. Select the desired setting, e.g.:  
"Office"  
Confirm the control number on the device  
and on the Control Display.  
Activate function to transmit short mes‐  
sages, e-mails, calendars, tasks, notes,  
and reminders to the vehicle. Costs can  
be incurred by transmitting all data to the  
vehicle.  
Enter and confirm the same control num‐  
ber on the device and via iDrive.  
The device is connected and displayed in the  
device list, refer to page 52.  
If connection was not successful: Frequently  
Asked Questions, refer to page 50.  
"Contact images"  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
It may not be possible to transmit contacts  
from social networks.  
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.  
The number of phone book entries to be  
stored is too high.  
Data volume of the contact too large, for in‐  
stance due to stored information such as  
notes.  
In this case, the following explanations can help:  
Why could the mobile phone not be paired or  
connected?  
Reduce the data volume of the contact.  
A mobile phone can only be connected as  
audio source or as telephone.  
There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐  
nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.  
Configure the mobile phone and connect it  
with the telephone or additional phone func‐  
tion.  
In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections  
with other devices.  
Delete all known Bluetooth connections from  
the device list on the mobile phone and start  
a new device search.  
How can the phone connection quality be im‐  
proved?  
The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the  
mobile phone can be adjusted, depending on  
the mobile phone.  
The mobile phone is in power-save mode or  
has only a limited remaining battery life.  
Charge the mobile phone.  
Insert the mobile phone into the snap-in  
adapter or place it in the area of the center  
console.  
Why does the mobile phone no longer react?  
The applications on the mobile phone do not  
function anymore.  
Adjust the volume of the microphone and  
loudspeakers separately.  
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.  
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 phone functions not be used via iDrive?  
USB connection  
General information  
The mobile phone may not be properly con‐  
figured, for instance as Bluetooth audio de‐  
vice.  
Mobile devices with a USB port are connected to  
the USB interface.  
Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐  
phone or additional phone function.  
Mobile phones.  
Why are no or not all phone book entries dis‐  
played or why are they incomplete?  
The snap-in adapter features a separate USB  
port that is automatically connected when a  
compatible mobile phone is inserted.  
Transmission of the phone book entries is  
not yet complete.  
Audio devices with USB port, for instance  
MP3 players.  
It is possible that only the phone book entries  
of the mobile phone or the SIM card are  
transmitted.  
USB storage devices.  
It may not be possible to display phone book  
entries with special characters.  
Common file systems are supported. FAT32  
and exFAT are the recommended formats.  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
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.  
USB memory card readers with multiple slots.  
HFS-formatted USB storage devices.  
Devices such as fans or lamps.  
The following uses are possible on USB interfa‐  
ces with data transfer:  
Functional requirement  
Compatible device, refer to page 48, with USB  
interface.  
Exporting and importing driver profiles, refer  
to page 73.  
Playing music files via USB audio.  
Playing videos via USB video.  
Connecting the device  
Connect the USB storage device using a suitable  
adapter cable to a USB interface, refer to  
page 176.  
Loading of software updates, refer to  
page 53.  
The USB storage device is displayed in the de‐  
vice list, refer to page 52.  
Follow the following when connecting:  
Do not use force when plugging the connec‐  
tor into the USB interface.  
Apple CarPlay preparation  
Concept  
CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible  
Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice operation  
and iDrive.  
Use a flexible adapter cable.  
Protect the USB storage device against me‐  
chanical damage.  
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.  
Functional requirements  
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.  
Compatible iPhone, refer to page 48.  
iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.  
Corresponding mobile contract.  
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.  
Bluetooth, WiFi, and Siri voice operation are  
switched on on the iPhone.  
Booking the ConnectedDrive service: Apple  
CarPlay preparation.  
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.  
Switching on Bluetooth and CarPlay  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
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.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. "Settings"  
Not compatible USB media:  
USB hard drives.  
USB hubs.  
5. Select the following settings:  
"Bluetooth®"  
"Apple CarPlay"  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
For some devices, certain settings may be  
necessary, for instance authorization, see  
owner's manual of the device.  
Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay  
Pair the iPhone with the vehicle via Bluetooth, re‐  
fer to page 49.  
Select CarPlay as the function:  
"Apple CarPlay"  
Displaying the device list  
All devices paired or connected with the vehicle  
are displayed in the device list.  
The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐  
played in the device list, refer to page 52.  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Operation  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Mobile devices"  
For more information, refer to the Integrated  
Owner's Manual or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐  
gation, Entertainment, Communication.  
A symbol indicates, for which function a device is  
used.  
Frequently Asked Questions  
Symbol  
Function  
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.  
"Telephone"  
"Additional telephone"  
"Bluetooth® audio"  
"Apps"  
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.  
Configuring the device  
Functions can be activated or deactivated for  
paired and connected devices.  
Delete the iPhone concerned from the device  
list.  
On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned  
from the list of stored vehicles under Blue‐  
tooth and under WiFi.  
Via iDrive:  
1. "My Vehicle"  
Pair the iPhone as a new device.  
2. "iDrive settings"  
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.  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. Select the desired device.  
5. Select the desired setting.  
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.  
Managing mobile devices  
General information  
After one-time pairing, the devices are auto‐  
matically recognized and reconnected when  
standby state is switched on.  
Disconnecting the device  
The device's connection to the vehicle is discon‐  
nected.  
The data stored on the SIM card or in the  
mobile phone are transferred to the vehicle  
after recognition.  
The device remains paired and can be con‐  
nected again, refer to page 53.  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
Via iDrive:  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. "Settings"  
1. "My Vehicle"  
5. "Swap telephone/additional tel."  
2. "iDrive settings"  
3. "Mobile devices"  
4. Select device.  
Software update  
General information  
5. "Disconnect device"  
The vehicle supports a large number of mobile  
devices, for example mobile phones and MP3  
players. Software updates are available for many  
of the supported devices. The vehicle is kept up-  
to-date via regular vehicle software updates.  
Connecting the device  
A disconnected device can be reconnected.  
Via iDrive:  
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  
phone  
1. Store the file for the software update in the  
main directory of a USB flash drive.  
If two mobile phones are connected to the vehi‐  
cle, the functions of the phone and additional  
phone can be switched.  
2. Connect the USB storage device to a USB  
interface, refer to page 176.  
3. "My Vehicle"  
Via iDrive:  
4. "iDrive settings"  
5. "Software update"  
6. "Update software"  
1. "My Vehicle"  
2. "iDrive settings"  
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General settings  
AT A GLANCE  
7. "USB"  
8. "Install software"  
9. "OK"  
10.Wait for the update to complete.  
11.Confirm system restart.  
Restoring the software version  
You can restore the software to the version prior  
to the last update or to its factory settings.  
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.  
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