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EnglishAT A GLANCE -> General settings for your BMW 4 Series 2013-2020
General settings
AT A GLANCE
General settings
4. "Time zone:"
Vehicle features and
options
5. Select the desired setting.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
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, e. g., due to the selected
options or country versions. This also applies to
safety-related functions and systems. When us‐
ing these functions and systems, the applicable
laws and regulations must be observed.
Setting the time
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
4. "Time:"
5. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are
displayed.
Language
6. Press the Controller.
Setting the language
Via iDrive:
7. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes
are displayed.
1. "My Vehicle"
8. Press the Controller.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Language"
Setting the time format
Via iDrive:
4. "Language:"
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
Voice dialog for the voice activation system, refer
to page 50.
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"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Date and time"
2. "iDrive settings"
52
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 location 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, fuel 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"
53
General settings
AT A GLANCE
3. Select the desired menu and the desired
content.
Control Display
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Brightness
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Displays"
Messages
Concept
The menu centrally displays all messages arriv‐
ing in the vehicle in list form.
4. "Control display"
5. "Brightness"
6. Turn the Controller until the desired bright‐
ness is set.
General information
The following messages can be displayed:
▷ Traffic messages.
7. Press the Controller.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
▷ Check Control messages.
Depending on the light conditions, the bright‐
ness settings may not be clearly visible.
▷ Communication messages, for example e-
mails, SMS text messages or reminders.
▷ Service requirements messages.
Screensaver
If no settings are made via iDrive, a screensaver
will be displayed after an adjustable time.
Messages are additionally displayed in the status
field.
Via iDrive:
Retrieving messages
1. "My Vehicle"
Via iDrive:
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Displays"
1. "Notifications"
2. Select the desired message.
4. "Control display"
5. "Screensaver"
6. Select the desired setting.
The respective menu is opened, where the mes‐
sage is displayed.
Deleting messages
All messages, except Check Control messages,
can be deleted from the list. Check Control mes‐
sages are displayed as long as they are relevant.
The setting is stored for the driver profile cur‐
rently used.
Selecting the contents of the
main menu
Via iDrive:
For some menu items of the main menu, the dis‐
played contents can be selected.
1. "Notifications"
2. Select the desired message.
1.
Press button.
3.
Press button.
2. "Contents of main menu"
4. "Delete this notification" or "Delete all
notifications"
54
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Settings
The following settings can be adjusted:
Deleting personal data in the
vehicle
▷ Select the applications, from which mes‐
sages will be permitted.
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.
▷ Sort the messages according to date or prior‐
ity.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
General information
Depending on the equipment package, the fol‐
lowing data can be deleted:
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Notifications"
4. Select the desired setting.
▷ Driver profile settings.
▷ Stored radio stations.
Data protection
▷ Stored programmable memory buttons.
▷ Travel and Onboard Computer information.
▷ Music collection.
Data transfer
▷ Navigation, for instance stored destinations.
▷ Phone book.
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.
▷ Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.
▷ Office data, for instance voice notes.
▷ Login accounts.
Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up
to 15 minutes.
General information
With data transfer deactivated, the respective
function cannot be used.
Functional requirement
Data can only be deleted while stationary.
Only make these settings while stationary.
Activating/deactivating the data
transfer
Follow the instructions on the Control Display.
Deleting data
Heed and follow the instructions on the Control
Display.
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. "My Vehicle"
1. Switch on the ignition.
2. "My Vehicle"
3. "iDrive settings"
3. "iDrive settings"
4. "Data privacy"
4. "Data privacy"
5. Select the desired setting.
5. "Delete personal data"
6. "Delete personal data"
55
General settings
AT A GLANCE
7. "OK"
8. Exit and lock the vehicle.
Function
Connec‐
tion type
After 15 minutes, the deletion process is com‐
pleted.
USB storage device:
USB.
Exporting and importing driver
profiles.
If not all of the data was deleted, repeat the dele‐
tion.
Performing software updates.
Exporting and importing stored
trips.
Canceling deletion
Start the engine to cancel deletion of the data.
Playing music.
Playing videos from the smart‐
phone or the USB storage de‐
vice.
USB.
Connections
Concept
Using the vehicle Internet ac‐
cess.
Internet hot‐
spot.
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.
Use Apple Carplay apps via
iDrive and voice operation.
Bluetooth
and WiFi.
The following connection types require one-time
pairing with the vehicle:
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.
▷ Bluetooth.
▷ Internet hotspot.
▷ Apple CarPlay.
Function
Connec‐
tion type
Paired devices are automatically recognized later
on and connected to the vehicle.
Making calls via the hands-free
system.
Bluetooth.
Safety information
Using phone functions via iDrive.
WARNING
Using the smartphone Office
functions.
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 an accident.
Only use the systems or devices when the traf‐
fic situation allows. As warranted, stop and use
the systems and devices while the vehicle is
stationary.
Playing music from the smart‐
phone or the audio player.
Bluetooth or
USB.
Using compatible apps via
iDrive.
Bluetooth or
USB.
56
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Switching on Bluetooth
Via iDrive:
Compatible devices
General information
Information on mobile devices compatible with
bluetooth.
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed
or deviating software versions.
5. "Bluetooth®"
Displaying the vehicle identification
number and software part number
Activating/deactivating telephone
functions
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.
To use all supported functions of a mobile
phone, the following functions must be activated
prior to pairing.
Via iDrive:
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
5. Select desired setting:
▷ "Office"
5. "Bluetooth® info"
6. "System information"
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.
A software update, refer to page 62, can be
performed, if needed.
Bluetooth connection
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible device, refer to page 57, with
Bluetooth interface.
▷ "Contact images"
Activate function to show the contact pic‐
tures.
6. Move the Controller to the left.
▷ The remote control 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 57.
▷ 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"
5. Select the functions for which the device will
be used:
57
General settings
AT A GLANCE
▷
▷
▷
▷
"Telephone"
"Bluetooth® audio"
"Apps"
▷ The mobile phone is in power-save mode or
has only a limited remaining battery life.
Charge mobile phone.
Why does the mobile phone no longer react?
"Apple CarPlay"
▷ The applications on the mobile phone do not
function anymore.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is dis‐
played on the Control Display.
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.
6. Search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity of
the mobile device.
▷ Too high or too low ambient temperatures for
mobile phone operation.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears
on the mobile device display.
Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme
ambient temperatures.
Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle.
Why can phone functions not be used via iDrive?
7. Depending on the mobile device, a control
number is displayed or the control number
must be entered.
▷ The mobile phone may not be properly con‐
figured, for instance as Bluetooth audio de‐
vice.
▷ Compare the control number displayed
on the Control Display with the control
number on the display of the device.
Connect the mobile phone with the tele‐
phone or additional phone function.
Confirm the control number on the device
and on the Control Display.
Why are no or not all phone book entries dis‐
played or why are they incomplete?
▷ Enter and confirm the same control num‐
ber on the device and via iDrive.
▷ Transmission of the phone book entries is
not yet complete.
The device is connected and displayed in the
device list, refer to page 61.
▷ It is possible that only the phone book entries
of the mobile phone or the SIM card are
transmitted.
If connection was not successful: Frequently
Asked Questions, refer to page 58.
▷ It may not be possible to display phone book
entries with special characters.
Frequently asked questions
▷ It may not be possible to transmit contacts
from social networks.
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.
▷ There are too many Bluetooth devices con‐
nected to the mobile phone or vehicle.
▷ 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 phone connection quality be im‐
proved?
58
General settings
AT A GLANCE
▷ The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the
mobile phone can be adjusted, depending on
the mobile phone.
▷ Protect the USB storage device against me‐
chanical damage.
▷ Due to the large number of USB media avail‐
able on the market, it cannot be guaranteed
that every device is operable on the vehicle.
▷ Insert the mobile phone into the snap-in
adapter or place it in the area of the center
console.
▷ Do not expose USB media to extreme envi‐
ronmental conditions, such as very high tem‐
peratures; refer to the owner's manual of the
device.
▷ Insert mobile phone into the wireless charg‐
ing tray.
▷ Adjust the volume of the microphone and
loudspeakers separately.
▷ 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.
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.
▷ A connected USB storage device will be sup‐
plied with charging current via the USB inter‐
face if the device supports this.
USB connection
▷ 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.
General information
Mobile devices with a USB port are connected to
the USB interface.
▷ 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.
▷ Mobile phones.
The snap-in adapter features a separate USB
port that is automatically connected when a
compatible mobile phone is inserted.
Not compatible USB media:
▷ USB hard drives.
▷ USB hubs.
▷ Audio devices with USB port, for instance
MP3 player.
▷ USB storage devices.
▷ USB memory card readers with multiple in‐
serts.
Common file systems are supported. FAT32
and exFAT are the recommended formats.
▷ HFS-formatted USB media.
▷ Devices such as fans or lamps.
The following applications are possible:
▷ Exporting and importing driver profiles, refer
to page 79.
Functional requirement
Compatible device, refer to page 57, with USB
interface.
▷ Playing music files via USB audio.
▷ Playing videos via USB video.
▷ Loading of software updates, refer to
page 62.
Connecting the device
Follow the following when connecting:
Connect the USB storage device using a suitable
adapter cable to a USB interface, refer to
page 215.
▷ Do not use force when plugging the connec‐
tor into the USB interface.
▷ Use a flexible adapter cable.
The USB storage device is displayed in the de‐
vice list, refer to page 61.
59
General settings
AT A GLANCE
With the first Internet usage via the Internet hot‐
spot, data volume must be purchased from a
service provider.
Internet connection
General information
Up to 8 devices can be connected with the Inter‐
net hotspot.
All devices connected via the Internet hotspot
use this data volume.
If necessary, data volume can be purchased from
the ConnectedDrive Store.
Functional requirements
▷ Compatible device, refer to page 57, with
WiFi interface.
Settings
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.
▷ ConnectedDrive contract.
▷ Data contract with a service provider.
▷ WiFi activated on the device.
▷ Internet hotspot activated in the vehicle.
▷ The ignition is switched on.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
Activating the Internet hotspot
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
4.
5.
Press button.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
▷ "Change hotspot key"
Enter the desired hotspot code.
▷ "Change hotspot name"
Enter the desired network name.
▷ "Hide hotspot"
5. "Internet hotspot"
Connecting device with Internet
hotspot
Via iDrive:
Activate or deactivate the function.
6. Confirm the entry of the hotspot code or net‐
work name:
1. "My Vehicle"
Select the symbol.
Apple CarPlay preparation
Concept
CarPlay allows certain functions of a compatible
Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice operation
and iDrive.
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.
6. Search for WiFi networks on the device. Se‐
lect network name on the device.
Functional requirements
7. Enter hotspot code on the device and con‐
nect.
▷ Compatible iPhone, refer to page 57.
iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.
▷ Corresponding mobile wireless contract.
60
General settings
AT A GLANCE
▷ Bluetooth, WiFi, and Siri voice operation are
switched on on the iPhone.
▷ Pair the iPhone as a new device.
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.
Switching on Bluetooth and CarPlay
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
Managing mobile devices
General information
▷ After one-time pairing, the devices are auto‐
matically recognized and reconnected when
the ignition is switched on.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
5. Select the following settings:
▷ "Bluetooth®"
▷ The data stored on the SIM card or in the
mobile phone are transferred to the vehicle
after recognition.
▷ "Apple CarPlay"
Pairing iPhone with CarPlay
Pair iPhone via Bluetooth with the vehicle, refer
to page 57.
▷ For some devices, certain settings may be
necessary, for instance authorization, see
owner's manual of the device.
Select CarPlay as the function:
"Apple CarPlay"
Displaying the device list
The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and dis‐
played in the device list, refer to page 61.
All devices paired or connected with the vehicle
are displayed in the device list.
Via iDrive:
Operation
1. "My Vehicle"
For more information, see the Integrated Own‐
er's Manual, Online Owner's Manual, BMW Driv‐
er's Guide app or the Owner's Manual for Navi‐
gation, Entertainment, and Communication.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
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.
"Internet hotspot"
"Apple CarPlay"
▷ 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.
61
General settings
AT A GLANCE
Configuring the device
Deleting the device
Functions can be activated or deactivated for
paired and connected devices.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
Via iDrive:
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. Select device.
5. "Delete device"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. Select the desired device.
5. Select the desired setting.
The device is disconnected and removed from
the device list.
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.
Swapping the telephone and
additional phone
If two mobile phones are connected to the vehi‐
cle, the functions of the phone and additional
phone can be switched.
Disconnecting the device
The connection of the device to the vehicle is
disconnected.
Via iDrive:
1. "My Vehicle"
The device remains paired and can be con‐
nected again, refer to page 62.
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Mobile devices"
4. "Settings"
Via iDrive:
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 instance mobile phones and MP3
players. Software updates are available for many
of the supported devices. The vehicle is main‐
tained up-to-date via regular vehicle software up‐
dates.
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 installed software
version
The functions that were assigned to the device
before disconnecting are assigned to the device
when it is reconnected. If the device is already
connected, these functions are deactivated.
The software version installed in the vehicle is
displayed.
62
General settings
AT A GLANCE
5.
Via iDrive:
▷ "Previous version"
The previous software version is restored.
▷ "Default software settings"
1. "My Vehicle"
2. "iDrive settings"
3. "Software update"
4. "Show current version"
The first software version is restored.
6. "Remove software"
7. "OK"
If an update has been carried out before, select
the desired version to display additional informa‐
tion.
8. Wait for restore.
9. Confirm system restart.
Updating software via USB
The software may only be updated when the ve‐
hicle is stationary.
Via iDrive:
1. Store the file for the software update in the
main directory of a USB flash drive.
2. Connect the USB storage device to a USB
interface, refer to page 215.
3. "My Vehicle"
4. "iDrive settings"
5. "Software update"
6. "Update software"
7. "USB"
8. "Install software"
9. "OK"
10.Wait for the update to complete.
11.Confirm system restart.
Restoring the software version
The software version before the last software
update and the version before the first software
update can be restored.
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"
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