The BMW 2010-5 Series may have come with a variety of features, including a music collection. This could include a built-in stereo system with a CD player, satellite radio, and Bluetooth connectivity for playing music from a smartphone or other device. The car may also have had the option for a premium sound system from a manufacturer such as Bowers & Wilkins or Bang & Olufsen. Additionally, the car may have had the ability to play music from a USB drive or through a streaming service like Spotify or Apple Music.
Storing music
Music tracks from CDs, DVDs and USB devices can be stored in the music collection in the vehicle and played from there.
- Audio CD: tracks are converted into a compressed audio format when they are stored. If available, information on the album, such as the artist, is stored as well.
- CD/DVD or USB device with compressed audio files: the entire content of the CD/ DVD or the USB device is stored in the vehicle as an album. After storing, the tracks and directories can be deleted individually. Files are only stored in the WMA, MP3, and AAC formats.
Tracks with DRM copy protection can be stored in the vehicle but cannot be played back.
⚠ Regularly back up the music data; otherwise, it could be lost if there is a fault on the hard disc.
Music recognition technology and related data are provided by Gracenote®. Gracenote® is the industry standard in music recognition technology and related content delivery. For more information, please visit www.gracenote.com
CD and music-related data from Gracenote, Inc., copyright © 2000-2009 Gracenote. Gracenote Software copyright 2000-2009 Gracenote. This product and service may practice one or more of the following U.S. Patents: #5,987,525; #6,061,680; #6,154,773, #6,161,132, #6,230,192, #6,230,207, #6,240,459, #6,330,593, and other patents issued or pending. Some services supplied under license from Open Globe, Inc., for U.S.
Patent: #6,304,523.
Gracenote and CDDB are registered trade marks of Gracenote. The Gracenote logo, the logo typeface and the “powered by Gracenote” logo are trade marks of Gracenote.
Storing from CDs/DVDs
Data can only be stored from CDs/DVDs on the CD/DVD player.
- Insert the CD/DVD into the CD/DVD player.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “CD/DVD”
- Select the symbol for the CD/DVD player.
- “Store in vehicle”
The music collection is displayed. The tracks are stored and played back in sequence out of the music collection. Observe the following during the storage process:
Do not switch back to the CD/DVD player and do not remove the CD/DVD from the CD/DVD player as this will interrupt the storage process. You can switch to the other audio sources without interrupting the storage process. Tracks from the current CD/DVD that have already been stored can also be called up.
Interrupting storage
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “CD/DVD
- “Storing…”
- “Cancel storing”
The storage process is interrupted and can be continued at any time.
Continuing the storage process
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “CD/DVD”
- Select the symbol for the CD/DVD player.
- “Continue storing”
Storage of the CD continues at the beginning of the track at which storage was interrupted.
Album information
During storage, information such as the name of the artist is stored with the track, if this information is available in the vehicle database or on the CD. To update the database, contact your service center.
Storing from a USB device
To store music, a suitable device must be connected to the USB interface in the glove compartment.
- Suitable devices: USB mass storage devices, such as USB flash drives or MP3 players with a USB interface.
- Unsuitable devices: USB hard discs, USB hubs, USB memory card readers with multiple inserts, Apple iPod/iPhone.
▶ Data can only be stored from a USB device via the USB interface in the glove compartment.
- Connect the USB device to the USB interface in the glove compartment.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Open “Options”.
- “Music data import/export”
- “Import music (USB)”
Music, playing
Music search
All tracks for which additional information has been stored can be accessed by the music search. Tracks without additional information can be called up via the corresponding album.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- “Music search”
- Select the desired category.
- To select the desired entry:
- Open “A-Z search” and enter the desired entry. or
- Select the desired entry from the list.
- Select additional categories if desired. The tracks found are listed in alphabetical order. Not all categories need to be selected. For example, to search for all tracks by a certain artist, call up that artist only. All of the tracks by that artist are then displayed.
- “Start play”.
Restarting the music search
“New search”
Music search by voice*
For instructions on the voice activation system
- Press the black button on the steering wheel.
- {Music search}
- Open the desired category, e.g., {Select artist}.
- Say the desired entry in the list.
- Select additional categories if desired.
To select a track directly:
{Title …}
Say the voice command and the name of the desired track in one sentence.
Current playback
The list of tracks that was generated last by the music search or the album selected last.
- “Current playback”
- Select the desired track, if necessary.
Top 50
List of the 50 most frequently played tracks.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- “Top 50”
- Select the desired track, if necessary.
Albums
All stored albums, listed in order of their storage dates. Symbols indicate the format.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Select the desired album.
Depending on the album, the tracks or the subdirectories of the album are displayed. The first track is played automatically, if possible.
- To select tracks, change directories if needed. To go up one level in the directory, move the controller to the left.
Random play sequence
All tracks of the selection are played back in random sequence.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Open “Options”.
- “Random”
Managing music
Albums
Renaming an album
ically entered when the album is stored. If the name is unknown, it can be changed later if needed.
An album cannot be renamed while a track from that album is being played.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Highlight the album.
- Open “Options”.
- “Rename album”
- Select the letters individually.
Deleting an album
An album cannot be deleted while a track from that album is being played.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Highlight the album.
- Open “Options”.
- “Delete album”
Deleting a directory and track
A track cannot be deleted while it is being played back. A directory cannot be deleted while a track from
that directory is being played back.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Highlight the directory or track.
- Open “Options”.
- “Delete folder” or “Delete track”.
Free memory capacity
Display the free memory capacity in the music collection.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Open “Options”.
- “Free memory”
Music collection
Backing up the music collection
The entire music collection can be stored on a USB device. Make sure there is enough free memory capacity on the USB device. Depending on the number of tracks, backing up the music collection may take several hours.
Therefore, it is best to perform the backup during a long trip.
- Start the engine.
- Connect the USB device to the USB interface in the glove compartment.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
- Open “Options”.
- “Music data import/export”
- “Backup music on USB”
Restoring the music collection in the vehicle
⚠ When storing music from the USB device, the existing music collection in the vehicle is replaced.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “Music collection”
External devices
AUX-IN port
You can connect an external audio device, e.g., an MP3 player, and play the sound via the vehicle speakers. The sound can be adjusted via iDrive.
Connecting
Connection for audio playback: TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm To play audio tracks over the car’s loudspeaker
system, connect the headset or line-out port of the external device to the AUX-IN port.
Starting audio playback
Connect the audio device, switch it on and select a track. Operate the system on the audio device.
Via iDrive
- “CD/Multimedia”
- If applicable, “External devices”
- “AUX front”
Adjusting volume
The volume of the sound output depends on the audio device. If this volume differs markedly from the volume of the other audio sources, it is advisable to adjust the volumes.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- If applicable, “External devices”
- “AUX front”
- “Volume”
- To adjust: turn the controller.
- To store: press the controller.
USB audio interface*
It is possible to connect external audio devices/ mobile phones. They can be operated on the iDrive. The sound is played back on the vehicle loudspeakers.
Connectors for external devices
Connection via USB audio interface: Apple iPod/iPhone, USB devices, e.g., MP3 players, USB flash drives or mobile phones that are supported by the USB audio interface.
Due to the large number of different audio devices/mobile phones available on the market, it cannot be ensured that every audio device/ mobile phone is operable on the vehicle. Ask about suitable audio devices/mobile phones at your BMW center.
Audio files
The system can play back common audio files, e.g., MP3, WMA, WAV (PCM) and AAC, as well as playback lists in the M3U format.
Connecting via the USB audio interface
Lift up the center armrest.
Apple iPod/iPhone
To connect the device, use the special cable adapter for the Apple iPod/iPhone, available from your BMW center. The cable adapter is required for a flawless connection.
USB device
⚠ To connect the device, use a flexible adapter cable to protect the USB interface and your USB device against physical damage.
Connect the USB device to the USB audio interface.
After connecting for the first time, the information of all tracks (e.g., artist, music genre) and
the playback lists of the USB device are transferred to the vehicle. This process can take some time. The time required is dependent on the USB device and on the number of tracks.
During transmission, the tracks can be called up via the file directory. Information from up to four USB devices can be stored in the vehicle, or a total of about 16,000 tracks. If a fifth USB device is connected or if more than 16,000 tracks are stored, information on existing tracks may be deleted.
▶ Music tracks with integrated Digital Rights Management (DRM) cannot be played.
Starting audio playback
If the audio device has a device name, this will be displayed if possible.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “External devices”
- Select the symbol. The name of the audio device may appear.
The playback starts with the first track.
Information about the track
If information about a track has been stored, it is displayed automatically:
- Artist
- Album title
- Number of tracks
- Track file name
Track search
You can call up the tracks via the playback lists and information. With USB devices you can also call up the tracks via the file directory.
Selection is possible via:
- Playback lists
- Information: type of music, artist, album, track
- Additionally for USB devices: file directory, composer
Tracks are displayed if they have been saved in the Latin alphabet.
Starting a track search
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “External devices”
- Select the symbol. The name of the audio device may appear.
- Select the desired category, “Genre”, “Artist”.
All entries are displayed in a list. The “A-Z search” can be used to find specific entries.
- Open “A-Z search” and enter the desired entry.
- Select the desired entry from the list
- Select additional categories if desired. The tracks found are listed. Not all categories need to be selected. For example, to search for all tracks by a certain artist, call up that artist only. All of the tracks by that artist are then displayed.
- “Start play”
Restarting a track search
“New search”
Playback lists
To open playback lists:
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “External devices”
- Select the symbol.
- “Playlists”
Current playback
List of tracks currently being played.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “External devices”
- Select the symbol.
- “Current playback”
Random play sequence
You can play back the tracks of the selected list in random order, e.g., all tracks of an artist.
- “CD/Multimedia”
- “External devices”
- Open “Options”.
- “Random”
Fast forward/reverse
Press and hold the button for the corresponding direction.
Notes
⚠ Do not subject the audio device to extreme environmental conditions, e.g., extremely high temperatures, refer to the operating instructions of the audio device. Otherwise, the audio device can be damaged and the
resulting distraction can reduce road safety while driving.
Depending on the configuration of the audio files, e.g., bit rates greater than 256 kbit/s, proper playback cannot always be ensured.
Connecting instructions
- The connected audio device is supplied with a current of max. 500 mA if this is supported by the device. Therefore, do not connect the device to the power socket in the vehicle.
- Do not force the plug into the USB interface.
- Do not connect devices such as fans or lamps to the USB audio interface.
- Do not connect USB hard discs.
- Do not use the USB audio interface to recharge external devices.