The control wheel, which can rotate both clockwise and counterclockwise like a volume dial, is the key component of the BMW iDrive system. The center serves as a button that can be pressed to confirm a choice or select an alternative, and it can also be pushed forward, backward, and to either side like a joystick. In addition to the rotary control, a newer iDrive system can be used in a variety of ways thanks to the touchscreen technology, gesture control, and voice commands that were incorporated in subsequent versions, as was already described.
There are a number of shortcut buttons next to the steering wheel that will take you directly to the navigation, media, phonebook, and settings menus. To return to the home screen, use another shortcut. Even yet, there are still a lot of sub-menus to get lost in, so at least the buttons let you return when necessary.
Functions:
Scrolling: You can rotate the wheel either clockwise or counterclockwise to move through a list of choices. You can scroll the list up or down by navigating in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction.
If your BMW has a satellite navigation system, you can use the steering wheel to zoom in and out of the map. With some models, you can switch the layout from 2D to 3D and move the controller left or right to gaze about. iDrive can be configured in a split-screen layout on vehicles with the largest infotainment screens, providing you with more information or providing a detailed view of the junction in front of you.
360-degree cameras: Some models give you the option to select 360-degree vision, which consists of a number of cameras. If you do, you can use the iDrive wheel to navigate between the various cameras, alter the view, and zoom in and out.
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iDRIVE BONUS HACK: BMW secret menu
The Service menu is a secret hidden menu that is only accessible to expert users in iDrive. A BMW mechanic could use the diagnostic information on this menu.
Your iDrive version determines how you can access it. The procedure is a little bit different for CCC iDrives than it is for later iDrive versions (thanks to the four-way Communication / Navigation / Entertainment / Climate home screen).
Press the “Menu” button to access the home screen of CCC iDrive, then keep holding the iDrive controller for at least 8 seconds to reveal the hidden menu. Then, turn it one click to the right, one click to the left, one click to the right, and one click to the right. Finally, press the controller knob once more. The food menu will appear.
Press the “Menu” button to get to the home screen for CIC / NBT iDrives, then keep the iDrive controller in the up position for at least 8 seconds to bring up the secret menu. Then, turn it one click to the right, one click to the left, one click to the right, and one click to the right. Finally, press the controller knob once more. To access the hidden iDrive menu, select the new “Service menu” option in your iDrive menu.
Please contact our knowledgeable team if you have any additional queries regarding your iDrive and how to optimize it.
gesture control for BMW
This one is sure to get you pumped up. Imagine you want to increase the volume of your brand-new car while traveling at 95 mph on the interstate. How do you behave? All you have to do to use BMW iDrive 7.0 gesture control is point your finger at the iDrive screen and circle it clockwise. Bam! The music gets louder. Want to mute it a little bit? Simply turn your finger the opposite way.
You can use gestures to control additional features besides these. Additionally on the list are options for accepting or declining calls, choosing navigational options, reversing functions, and adjusting the angle of the 360-degree rear view camera.
Although the NBT Evo ID6 iDrive-equipped 2015 BMWs were the first to have gesture control, it is now present in practically every BMW with Operating System 7.0.
Do not despair if gesture control was not a feature of your BMW’s iDrive 7.0. For vehicles with the Operating System 7, BimmerTech provides a retrofit for BMW Gesture Control.
The operation of iDrive it
In its most basic form, the most recent BMW iDrive system consists of a rotary controller that turns both clockwise and counterclockwise, can be moved forward, backward, left, and right, and presses down to pick an option similar to a computer mouse. The top of the control wheel serves as a touchpad for writing characters on more sophisticated versions of iDrive, but this only works well in a right-hand-drive car if you’re left-handed or dexterous enough to clearly write characters with your left hand; otherwise, you might be better off using the voice control system.
Along with the rotary controller, the iDrive system’s parts can also be accessed quickly by pressing a collection of buttons at the bottom of the device. There is a shortcut to take you directly back to the home screen, but they can transport you directly to the navigation, audio, phone, and car setup screens instead.
To select your preferred option, use the iDrive controller to scroll up and down after pressing one of these buttons to change the display on the center console to the new option. While it may be simple to become lost inside the menus, it’s helpful to know the shortcut buttons are available to return to the beginning if necessary. Selecting these is likely to throw up more sub-menus.
When you have navigation turned on, using the iDrive controller, you may pan the controller from side to side to view around you while also zooming in and out on the map. While BMWs with a larger infotainment screen can even have a split-screen display that allows you to have detailed junction information alongside the usual map screen, it also makes it easy to modify the point of view of the map from 2D to 3D and viewpoint styles.
The iDrive feature on more sophisticated versions with 360-degree cameras enables you to choose which cameras you want to watch, zoom in and out, and switch between narrow and wide-angle views.
Ironically, BMW has just begun to provide touchscreen infotainment systems on a few of its vehicles, albeit often this is combined with an iDrive controller. However, we believe that the most recent iDrive control system is the best one yet because, after spending some time getting to know it, it’s rather simple to use. Additionally, it avoids leaving unsightly fingerprints on the screen.
BMW’s infotainment system is known as iDrive, but how does it operate, how can you use it, and what can it do? Find out by reading on.
Here is all the information you need to know about BMW’s iDrive infotainment system and control, which was first introduced in the company’s flagship saloon, the BMW 7 Series, in 2001. Since then, it has developed into a completely different creature and is now installed in every BMW model, from the base BMW 1 Series to the flagship BMW 8 Series.
iDrive by BMW
The BMW vehicle control system is the subject of this article. IDrive Inc. is the name of the internet storage company. To learn more, go to iDrive.
Most auxiliary vehicle systems are managed by the in-car communications and entertainment system known as iDrive in late-model BMW vehicles. It debuted with the 2001 launch of the E65 7 Series. A control knob situated on the center console and an LCD panel mounted in the dashboard make up the system’s single control architecture, which unifies a variety of functions.
The climate (heating and air conditioner), music system (radio and CD player), navigation system, and communication system can all be managed by the driver (and, in some versions, front-seat passengers).
Due to Rolls-Royce’s ownership by BMW and the fact that Toyota and BMW collaborate on the Toyota Supra, which will be available starting in 2019, iDrive is also employed in contemporary Rolls-Royce vehicles. A condensed version of iDrive, known as Connected, is offered on certain vehicles because Mini is owned by BMW.
How should I configure my BMW iDrive?
Make sure Bluetooth is turned on in both the automobile and the mobile device before proceeding. Choose Communication > Manage mobile devices > Connect new device* on the iDrive. The Bluetooth name for your BMW is then displayed* after you have selected the necessary features for the device. Simply locate and choose the BMW Bluetooth name from the phone’s Bluetooth menu, then adhere to the directions on the phone’s display and the vehicle’s display. You will be required to verify that the distinct code displayed in the car display matches the code on the majority of cellphones. Pressing OK causes the features to work. The phone appears in the device list after being linked with the vehicle. Only pairing a phone while the car is still is permitted for your protection.
Only applies to automobiles equipped with a professional navigation system. Use the iDrive to select “Add new device” for vehicles equipped with business navigation.
How does BMW iDrive function?
The operation of iDrive it The most basic form of the most recent BMW iDrive system includes a rotary controller that turns both clockwise and counterclockwise, may be pushed forward, backward, left, and right, and presses down to pick an option similar to a computer mouse.
When did BMW introduce iDrive?
BMW introduces the iDrive in 2001. The BMW iDrive was the brand-new control system that BMW introduced. The amount of buttons on the dashboard were drastically decreased when it was first introduced in the BMW 7 Series. Instead, the iDrive Controller, a single push-and-turn dial located in the center console, took their place.
How can I tell what model of BMW iDrive I have?
The iDrive system’s navigation is a crucial component that makes getting from A to B simple. But since roads and sites of interest constantly change, it’s critical to maintain your BMW’s GPS maps updated if you want to get the most out of your iDrive.
Many of the most recent BMW models include over-the-air (OTA) map updates, which use the vehicle’s integrated SIM card to automatically download the most recent map data. The procedure in these automobiles is comparable to updating your smartphone to the most recent iOS or Android version; all you have to do is restart your car after your iDrive has downloaded the data.
For vehicles that do not allow OTA updates, a manual upgrade is necessary. Previously, updating BMW navigation maps required changing a DVD holding the map data. More newer vehicles include built-in hard drives that hold the data, allowing you to update your map by overwriting the hard drive’s contents. You can accomplish this with BMW by connecting a USB stick with the updated map data to the USB port in your vehicle.
It’s a good idea to determine which map version you need, which relies on your iDrive system, before purchasing a new BMW map. Use the settings menu when your iDrive navigation is open to navigate to “Navigation system version,” where you can see the region, version, and year of your current GPS data.
BMW iDrive is it free?
All eligible BMW vehicles with the software installed are eligible for free registration with ConnectedDrive. For three years, most BMW vehicles come standard with it. BMW offers the majority of the Digital Services capabilities separately or as a trial since it understands that not all owners will want or require all of the ConnectedDrive functions.
The majority of these have different prices, ranging from PS1 for a one-month trial of real-time traffic data to PS79 for a map update for the My Journey system. BMW, on the other hand, offers four ConnectedDrive packages that range in price from PS59 to PS239 and run for a full year. As the price rises, each bundle includes more ConnectedDrive features.
Only BMWs with the most recent OS7 infotainment system and up receive Apple CarPlay for free, which may surprise some BMW owners. When their BMWs reach their third anniversary, some owners will still be required to pay up to PS265 for Apple CarPlay. In 2020, BMW vehicles finally offered Android Auto connectivity as an option, providing wireless integration to the vehicle’s infotainment system at no additional cost.