Call dropouts, music that won’t play despite a decent connection, phones that won’t pair with the car, and poor voice quality at high speeds are just a few of the Bluetooth problems BMW drivers may experience.
Although the symptoms can differ, software is almost always the primary culprit. Or, if you prefer, the software bug. Likewise in your BMW and phone.
I’ve swapped out a lot of control units and antennae when troubleshooting Bluetooth issues, only to find that the largest offender is actually the flaw in smartphone software.
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BMW – Bluetooth Audio Problems
Numerous consumers are experiencing problems with BMW Bluetooth audio (such as sporadic disconnections), which makes it challenging or impossible to make phone calls or stream audio (music).
It’s good to know that you’re not by yourself. The bad news is that there isn’t a fix available besides purchasing a vehicle with Apple CarPlay.
BMW produces excellent automobiles, but they frequently fall flat when it comes to technology and infotainment. I contend that BMW’s downward spiral began about the time Apple unveiled the iPhone 5 and the company chose against producing a snap-in adaptor. BMW said they would have one for the iPhone 5(s), however two years later, when Apple debuted the iPhone 6, they still didn’t have one.
BMW’s support for the iPhone (and possibly other phone models) has declined since that time. In my 2016 BMW X4, the iPhone X/iPhone XS I currently own was all but useless.
We finally upgraded from the X4 to an Acura MDX with Apple CarPlay a few months ago. We haven’t had a single problem with iOS 12 since then!
The only option, which BMW also dragged its feet to provide, is CarPlay. Thankfully, the German automaker began selling it with its 2017 lineup—for a price! Yes, using your iPhone in a BMW requires an additional fee.
iPhone and BMW Bluetooth connection problems
It’s been a while since the iPhone connectivity problem was fixed. These problems are typically experienced by IOS 9.3 users. difficulties like voice disturbances or abrupt call disconnections. Sometimes the connection is so hazy that it cuts off in the middle of a call and then reconnects abruptly. These problems are typically brought on by communication control mistakes. In iOS 9.2.1 or smaller versions, iPhone often does not respond to orders delivered via Bluetooth.
Why won’t my phone pair with my BMW via Bluetooth?
The troubleshooting steps that your BMW dealer or Apple Genius might suggest are shown below. Although none of them have been successful for me, it doesn’t harm to try the ones you think might be useful:
- Turn on pairing mode to re-pair the devices after erasing all previously-paired Bluetooth devices (BMW) and the Bluetooth accessories (vehicle) in iOS.
- iOS software update (this often makes the situation worse)
- The iPhone was factory reset (a huge waste of time)
- Reset the network settings on your phone (iOS)
- turn on and off airplane mode
- changing the head unit (BMW)
- Bluetooth should be turned off, then back on.
What is the BMW iDrive’s Bluetooth setup procedure?
- Make sure your mobile device has Bluetooth turned on.
- Press COM > Mobile Devices > New Device on the iDrive 7 screen’s left side to add a new device.
- Choose your BMW from the Bluetooth menu on your smartphone.
Why did my car’s Bluetooth suddenly stop working?
The most frequent problem is compatibility. For instance, one person in the car might be successful in connecting their phone to the car’s Bluetooth system, but the other person is unsuccessful. When you’re attempting to use hands-free features while driving, this can be very unpleasant.
If your Bluetooth in your car isn’t working properly, there are a few things you can do. The best course of action is to make sure that both the system in your automobile and your phone are up to date. Since a new version of Bluetooth could not be compatible with the Bluetooth receiver in your car, updates occasionally can make Bluetooth compatibility better.
Second, try restarting both the car and your phone. This can occasionally assist in resolving any concerns.
How do I reset the Bluetooth module in my BMW?
I don’t have iDrive; I have a bmw professional system. and the Bluetooth worked flawless until the phone icon on the screen suddenly changed to two dashes.
Now, nothing happens when you touch the BT button in the menu! And my phone won’t pair because it can’t locate the BMW BT! I can’t access the menu to turn it on either. lol
According to an auto electrician, removing the battery would reset everything EXCEPT the airbags, and all warning lights would illuminate until I took the vehicle to a BMW dealership for a reset. Ist das so?
I’m not sure if that happened on the 320, but it did on my 330. The bluetooth returned after I unplugged the negative battery cable. Nothing, not even airbag lights… It’s much the same as changing a battery, which is something that is frequently done without a reset.
My experience was the same. My entire iDrive ceased functioning a few days after the BlueTooth quit functioning. You might be going through the first step of iDrive failure, so I hope you don’t experience the same issue I experienced.
Yes, I might experience a similar issue. I thought I noticed the Bluetooth icon when the salesman told me I had Bluetooth, but it’s gone now. Can I check to see if my car has Bluetooth?
If a bluetooth module is present under the boot floor—not the typical lift-up part, but the area closer to the back seats—you have Bluetooth. In my case, the issue was that I hadn’t reconnected the CD changer at that point after installing an amplifier. The BT connects to the head unit via a fiber optic link, which loops through other devices; if you unplug one of them, the BT is lost. Therefore, if a reset doesn’t work, I would advise the original poster to verify all the fiber connections.
The TCU can be seen if you take the trunk carpet out (telematics control unit). If you unplug the big connector and the fiber optic connector, then wait an hour before plugging them back in, Bluetooth should come back!
Why won’t my iPhone and BMW pair?
Try these actions if the problem still exists after the update: Make sure Bluetooth Sync Contacts is turned on in Settings > Bluetooth. Go to Settings > Bluetooth, turn Bluetooth off, and then turn it back on. Restarting your iPhone after turning it off
Why can’t my iPhone discover the Bluetooth in my car?
Try these steps to see if they help you couple a Bluetooth accessory, like as a wireless keyboard, to your iOS or iPadOS device:
- Ensure that your iOS or iPadOS device and Bluetooth accessories are in close proximity to one another.
- Restart your Bluetooth device after turning it off.
- Make sure your Bluetooth accessory is turned on, fully charged, and plugged in. Check to check if your attachment needs new batteries if it does.
- Make sure Bluetooth is enabled for any apps you use with the Bluetooth accessory by going to Settings > Privacy > Bluetooth on your iOS or iPadOS device.
Why has my Bluetooth stopped functioning?
- If your Bluetooth devices aren’t connecting, they probably aren’t in pairing mode or are out of range.
- Try rebooting your devices or letting your phone or tablet “forget” the connection if you’re experiencing persistent Bluetooth connection issues.
When your computer won’t connect to a printer and you’re in a rush, it can be mildly annoying when your headphones won’t pair with your phone. It can also be really inconvenient.
What is the BMW-iPhone pairing procedure?
On your iPhone, go to “Settings” > “General” > “Siri” and “Settings” > “WiFi” to accomplish this. You can now use Bluetooth to link your iPhone and vehicle together. To do this, go to your iPhone’s settings and choose “Bluetooth.” Then select “Manage mobile devices” from the menu under “Media” on the BMW control display.
How can I restart the Bluetooth in my car?
The best approach to accomplish this is to turn off Bluetooth on both your smartphone and your car. Remove your smartphone from the infotainment system in your car, along with any history of connected devices. After that, turn off the car, turn on your smartphone, and restart it.
How can I activate pairing mode on my BMW?
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.
Why can’t Bluetooth locate devices?
The device you’re trying to pair with Bluetooth frequently doesn’t appear in the list when your phone searches for Bluetooth devices. The device’s own Bluetooth is typically either off or not in pairing mode when this happens.
To find out how to activate pairing mode and make it discoverable, consult the user handbook. While some devices have a specific Bluetooth button, some headphones require you to keep the power button down longer.
Some of the most annoying devices require a complete reset in order to become discoverable once more.
Why won’t my smartphone and car connect?
Reasons Why Android Auto Doesn’t Connect a poor wired or wireless connection. a faulty app. The erroneous car could be the one Android Auto is attempting to connect to. Perhaps your car or smartphone are incompatible
Why is my iPhone no longer able to connect to my car?
CarPlay, a more intelligent and secure method of using your iPhone in the car, is available on a few models. CarPlay displays the activities you want to perform on your iPhone while driving directly on the in-dash display in your vehicle.
Connect your iPhone to the USB port on your car’s audio if it supports CarPlay utilizing the USB port. There may be a CarPlay icon or a smartphone icon on the USB port’s label.
Press and hold the voice command button on your steering wheel to set up CarPlay if your vehicle supports wireless CarPlay. Alternatively, check sure your car is in Bluetooth or wireless pairing mode. Next, select your vehicle on your iPhone by going to Settings > General > CarPlay > Available Cars. For more details, consult the owner’s manual that came with your vehicle.
My BMW Connected app has to be refreshed.
Connected Drive by BMW. Select “CAR menu” > “Settings” > “General settings” > “Reset vehicle data” in your BMW with Operating System 7 to reset your personal data and settings.
Why won’t my phone work with SYNC in my car?
Try turning off, resetting, or removing the battery from your cell phone before attempting again. Before trying again, try removing SYNC from your device and SYNC from your device. Always double-check your cell phone’s SYNC Bluetooth connection’s security and auto-accept prompt settings.
How can I make a Bluetooth device link by force?
- From the top of the screen, swipe downward.
- Touch Bluetooth and hold it.
- To pair a new device, tap. If Pair new device isn’t there, go under “Available devices” or hit More. Refresh.
- Select the Bluetooth device you want to associate with your device by tapping its name.
- Observe any guidelines shown on the screen.