The 2010-5 Series BMW models have a built-in telephone system. The system allows for hands-free calling, and uses Bluetooth technology to connect to a compatible phone. The car’s iDrive interface is used to make and receive calls, and the car’s audio system is used to play the call. Some models may also have a SIM card slot, which allows you to use a cellular network to make calls, even if your phone is not connected to the car.
The concept
Your BMW is equipped with a full preparation package mobile phone. After pairing a suitable mobile phone with the vehicle once, you can operate the mobile phone via the iDrive, the buttons on the steering wheel or using voice commands*.
A mobile phone that has been paired once is automatically detected again with the engine running or the ignition switched on as soon as it is in the vehicle interior. The logon data of up to four mobile phones can be stored simultaneously. If several mobile phones are detected simultaneously, the respective last mobile phone paired can be operated via the vehicle.
Using a phone in your vehicle
Using snap-in adapter*
The so-called snap-in adapter, a mobile phone cradle, enables the battery to be charged and the mobile phone to be connected to the external antenna of your vehicle. This ensures improved network reception and a consistent voice reproduction quality. Ask your BMW center which mobile phones snap-in adapters are offered for.
For your safety
A car phone makes life more convenient in many ways, and can even save lives in an emergency. While you should consult your mobile phone’s separate operating instructions for a detailed description of safety precautions and information, we request that you direct your particular attention to the following:
⚠ Only make entries when traffic conditions allow you to do so. Do not hold the mobile phone in your hand while you are driving; use the hands-free system instead. If you do not observe this precaution, your being distracted can endanger vehicle occupants and other road users.
Suitable mobile phones
Ask your BMW center which mobile phones with a Bluetooth interface are supported by the mobile phone preparation package or which mobile phones snap-in adapters are available for. These mobile phones support the functions described in this Owner’s Manual with a certain software version. Malfunctions can occur with other mobile phones.
Operating options
You can operate the mobile phone using:
- Buttons on steering wheel
- iDrive
- Voice commands*
- Programmable memory buttons
Avoid operating a mobile phone recognized by the vehicle via the mobile phone’s keypad, otherwise malfunctions may result.
Commissioning
Pairing mobile phone in vehicle
The following prerequisites must be met:
- Compatible mobile phone: The mobile phone is supported by the full preparation package mobile phone. Information on this subject is also provided on the Internet at: www.bmw.com/bluetooth.
- The mobile phone is ready to operate.
- Bluetooth is activated in the vehicle, and on the mobile phone.
- Depending on the mobile phone, certain settings may be necessary on the mobile phone, e.g. via the following menu items:
- Bluetooth activated
- Connection must be allowed without requiring further confirmation
- Reconnect
- Depending on the mobile phone model, the setting energy saving mode can, for example, result in vehicle failing to detect the paired mobile phone.
- For pairing, define a 4- to 16-digit number of your choice as the Bluetooth Passkey, e.g. 25081107. A long and complex number offers better protection against unauthorized access. This Bluetooth passkey is no longer required following successful pairing.
- The ignition is switched on.
⚠ Only pair the mobile phone with the vehicle stopped, otherwise the passengers and other road users can be endangered due to a lack of attentiveness on the part of the driver.
Switching on ignition
- Insert the remote control as far as possible into the ignition lock.
- Switch on the ignition by pressing the Start/ Stop button without depressing the brake or clutch pedal.
Preparation via iDrive
- “Telephone”
- “Bluetooth”
- “Add new phone”
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is displayed.
Preparation with mobile phone
- Additional operations must be carried out on the mobile phone and differ depending on the model, refer to the operating instructions of your mobile phone, e.g., find, connect or pair under Bluetooth device. The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears on the mobile phone display.
- Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle on the mobile phone display
Pairing
Depending on your mobile phone, you will first be requested consecutively via the display of your mobile phone or iDrive to enter the Bluetooth passkey you specified.
- Enter the Bluetooth passkey. Depending on the mobile phone, approx. 30 seconds are available for entering the Bluetooth passkey on the mobile phone and on the Control Display.
If pairing was successful, the mobile phone appears at the top of the list of mobile phones.
Following the initial pairing
- The mobile phone is detected/connected in the vehicle within 2 minutes if the engine is running or the ignition is switched on.
- As soon as a mobile phone is detected bythe vehicle, the phone book entries stored on the SIM card or on your mobile phone are transmitted to your vehicle. This transmission is dependent on your mobile phone, refer to the operating instructions of the mobile phone if necessary, and can take several minutes.
- Four mobile phones can be paired.
- Specific settings may be necessary in some mobile phones, e.g., authorization or a secure connection, refer to the mobile phone operating instructions.
If not all phone book entries are displayed:
- Transfer all phone book entries from the SIM card to the mobile phone if necessary.
- It may not be possible to display phone book entries with special characters.
Checking if pairing is unsuccessful
- Is the mobile phone supported by the mobile phone preparation package? Information on this subject is also provided on the Internet at: www.bmw.com/bluetooth.
- Do the Bluetooth passkeys on the mobile phone and the vehicle match? The same Bluetooth passkey must be entered both on the mobile phone display and via iDrive.
- Have you required longer than 30 seconds to enter the Bluetooth passkey? Then repeat the pairing procedure.
- Are too many Bluetooth devices connected to the mobile phone? If so, delete the connections with other devices on the mobile phone
- The mobile phone no longer reacts? Switch the mobile phone off and then on again or disconnect the power supply.
- Repeat the pairing procedure.
- If all items on the list have been checked and the mobile phone still cannot be paired, please contact Customer Relations.
Connecting a particular mobile phone
If more than one mobile phone is detected by the vehicle, the mobile phone at the top of the list is connected. A different mobile phone can be connected by selecting it.
- “Telephone”
- “Bluetooth”
- Select the desired mobile phone.
Unpairing the mobile phone from the vehicle
- “Telephone”
- “Bluetooth”
- Highlight the mobile phone that is to be unpaired.
- Open “Options”.
- “Remove phone from list”
The unpaired mobile phone is deleted from the list. The phone book entries and the lists of stored phone numbers are also deleted.
Activating/deactivating Bluetooth link
▶ Bluetooth technology is not approved in all countries. Observe the applicable local regulations. Temporarily deactivate the Bluetooth link between the vehicle and the mobile phone if necessary. If the Bluetooth link is deactivated, you cannot operate your mobile phone via the vehicle and other devices with a Bluetooth interface can be used via the mobile phone, e.g., a laptop computer.
To temporarily deactivate the Bluetooth link between the vehicle and your mobile phone:
- “Telephone”
- Open “Options”.
- “Bluetooth”
Adjusting volume
Turn the knob during a call to select the desired volume. This volume for the hands-free system is maintained, even if the other audio sources are set to minimum volume. The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Operation via iDrive
You can operate the following functions via iDrive:
- Accepting/refusing a call
- Dialing phone numbers
- Dialing phone numbers from the phone book
- Selecting stored phone numbers, e.g., from the list of received calls
- Ending a call
When the ignition is switched off or in radio readiness, e.g., after taking the remote control out of the ignition switch, you can continue an ongoing call via the hands-free system for several minutes.
Speech quality
If the person you are talking to cannot understand you well, this may be due to excessively loud background noises. The full preparation package mobile phone can compensate for these noises to a certain extent. To optimize voice quality during a call, we recommend that you:
- Reduce background noises, e.g., by closing the windows, reducing the air volume of the automatic climate control or pointing the opened front vent outlets downward
- Reduce the volume of the hands-free system.
Requirements
- The logon data of the mobile phone are stored in the vehicle and the mobile phone is ready to operate.
- The engine is running or the ignition is switched on.
- The mobile phone is detected by the vehicle.
Receiving calls
If you have the phone number of the caller stored in the phone book and the phone number has been transmitted, the name of the entry is displayed.
Accepting a call
Press the button on the steering wheel or “Accept”.
Rejecting a call
“Reject”
The caller is diverted to your mailbox if it has been activated.
Ending a call
Press the call button on the steering wheel or
- “Telephone”
- “Active calls”
- Select an active call.
Dialing phone numbers
- “Telephone”
- “Dial number”
- Select the digits individually
- Select this call symbol to make a connection
or Press the button on the steering wheel. The phone number can also be entered using voice commands*.
For your phone number to be displayed to the person you are talking to, the display of phone numbers must be enabled by your provider.
Calls with multiple parties
You can switch between calls and connect two calls to a single conference call. These functions must be supported by the mobile phone and service provider.
Accepting a call while speaking to another party
This function may need to be enabled by the service provider and the mobile phone may have to be set up accordingly. If a second call comes in during an active call, you will hear a call waiting signal. “Accept” The call is accepted and the existing call is put on hold.
Establishing a second call
Establish another call during an active call.
- “Telephone”
- “Active calls
- “Hold”
The existing call is put on hold.
- Dial the new phone number or select it from a list.
Switching between two calls, toggling
- Active call: indicated by a red handset
- Call on hold: indicated by a green handset
To switch to the call on hold, select this handset.
Establishing a conference call
Two calls can be connected to a single telephone conference call.
- Establish two calls.
- “Conference call”
When terminating a conference call, both calls are ended.
Phone book
The phone book accesses the contacts* and shows all contacts for which a phone number has been stored. The entries can be selected to make a call.
- “Telephone”
- “Phone book”
All contacts with a phone number are displayed. A symbol indicates the storage location of the contacts.
Calling a contact
- Select the desired contact. A connection is established immediately if calling contacts with one phone number. For contacts with several phone numbers:
- Select the desired phone number. The connection is established.
Editing a contact
The entries in the contacts can be changed. When a contact from the mobile phone is changed, the changes are not stored on the mobile phone. A copy of the entry is stored in the vehicle.
- Highlight the contact.
- Open “Options”.
- “Edit entry”
The contact can be edited.
Redialing
The eight phone numbers dialed last are stored.
Dialing the number via iDrive
- “Telephone”
- “Redial”
- Select the desired entry. The connection is established.
Deleting entries
- Highlight an entry.
- Open “Options”.
- “Delete entry” or “Delete list”.
Saving an entry in the contacts
- Highlight an entry.
- Open “Options”.
- “Store as new contact” or “Add to existing contact”.
- Select the type of number: “Home”, “Business”, “Mobile” or “Other”.
- Complete the entries if necessary.
- “Store in vehicle”
Received calls
The 20 calls that were last received are displayed.
- “Telephone”
- “Received calls
Dialing a number
Select an entry. The connection is established.
Deleting entries
- Highlight an entry.
- Open “Options”.
- “Delete entry” or “Delete list”.
Saving an entry in the contacts
- Highlight an entry.
- Open “Options”.
- “Store as new contact” or “Add to existing contact”.
- Select the type of number: “Home”, “Business”, “Mobile” or “Other”.
- Complete the entries if necessary.
- “Store contact”
Messages
Different types of messages can be displayed:
- My Info messages from the BMW Assist portal
- Messages from BMW Concierge
Displaying messages
- “Telephone”
- “Messages”
- Select the desired message.
My Info
To start destination guidance:
- Select the message that contains the desired destination.
- “Start guidance” or “Add as another dest.”.
Dial the number in the message:
- Select the message that contains the desired number.
- “Call”
Messages from the Concierge service
To use the address in destination guidance*:
- Select the message.
- “Start guidance” or “Add as another dest.
- Start destination guidance, if necessary.
To dial a phone number:
- Select the message.
- “Call”
To store the address:
- Select the message.
- Open “Options”.
- “Store contact in vehicle”
Deleting messages
- Select the message to be deleted.
- Open “Options”.
- “Delete message”
Switching between the mobile phone and hands-free system
From mobile phone to hands-free system*
You can continue calls begun outside the Bluetooth range of the vehicle via the hands-free system when the motor is running or the ignition is switched on. Depending on your mobile phone, the system automatically changes over to the hands-free mode.
For mobile phones that do not automatically change over to the hands-free mode: Depending on the mobile phone model used, the conversation can be continued via the hands-free system if necessary. Act according
to what is shown on the mobile phone display, refer to the operating instructions of your mobile phone.
From hands-free system to mobile phone
When you telephone via the hands-free system, you can also continue the call via the mobile phone if necessary, depending on the mobile phone model. Act according to what is shown on the mobile phone display, refer to the operating instructions of your mobile phone. Alternatively, you can deactivate the Bluetooth link.
Depending on your mobile phone model, poor reception of the wireless communications network can result in the system changing from the hands-free system to the mobile phone.
Operation by voice*
The concept
- You can operate your mobile phone without having to remove your hands from the steering wheel.
- Most menu items on the Control Display can be voiced as commands. The voiceactivation system supports you by making announcements and asking questions.
- {…} Verbal instructions to use with the voice activation system.
Requirements
The same prerequisites as for operation via iDrive apply.
Voice commands
Activating voice activation system
- Briefly press the button on the steering wheel. An acoustic signal indicates that you can say commands.
- Say the command.
Ending/canceling operation by voice
Briefly press the button on the steering wheel or {Cancel}.
Example: Dialing phone numbers
To start the dialog:
Press the button on the steering wheel.
Setting volume of instructions
You can adjust the volume for the instructions from the system:
In dialogs where text is spoken, e.g., a name rather than a command, canceling is only possible using the button on the steering wheel.
Having possible commands read aloud
The system understands default commands that must be spoken word for word. You can have the possible commands spoken by the system at any point:
{Help}.
The system recognizes digits from zero to nine. You can say each digit individually or group them into a sequence to accelerate the input.
Using alternative commands
There are often a number of commands to run a function, for instance:
{Dial name} or {Name}.
Turn the knob during instructions. This volume for the instructions is maintained, even if the other audio sources are set to minimum volume. The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Calling
Dialing phone numbers
- {Dial number}.
- Say the phone number. For telephone calls abroad, say {Plus} and then the country code.
- {Dial}
The connection to the desired subscriber is established.
Correcting phone number
After the last spoken sequence of digits has been repeated by the system, you can delete this sequence of digits.
{Correct number}. The digits are deleted. The command {Correct number} can be repeated as often as you like.
Deleting phone number
{Redial}.
Voice phone book
Operating by voice command requires a personal voice phone book.
The entries must be entered using voice commands and are separate from the memory in the mobile phone. In this case, it is not possible to use voice command either to call phone numbers stored in the mobile phone or to store new numbers. Up to 50 entries can be set up. An entry always consists of a name and phone number.
Creating and editing a voice phone book
To store an entry: An entry always consists of a name and phone number
- {Save name}.
- Say the name. The spoken length of the names in the phone book must not exceed approx.
2 seconds. - Say the phone number after being requested to do so by the system.
- To store the phone number: {Save}.
Delete entry:
You can delete any entry from the voice phone book.
- {Delete name}. The dialog for deleting an entry is opened.
- Say the name when prompted.
- Confirm the query with {Yes}.
Delete all entries:
{Delete phonebook} deletes all entries in the phone book.
- {Delete phonebook}. The dialog for deleting phone book isopened.
- Confirm the query with {Yes}.
- Confirm the query again with {Yes}.
Listen to the entries and select:
You can have all the entries of your voice phone book read aloud in the order of input and select
a certain entry to establish a connection:
- {Read phonebook}. The dialog for reading phone book is opened.
- {Dial number}, when the desired entry is read aloud.
Selecting an entry
The connection to the phone number of the selected entry is established.
- {Dial name}. The dialog for selecting an entry is opened.
- Say the name when prompted.
- Confirm the query with {Yes}
Notes
Notes on Emergency Requests
Do not use the voice activation system to initiate an Emergency Request. In stressful situations, the voice and vocal pitch can change. This can unnecessarily delay the establishment of a telephone connection. Use the SOS button* instead.
Important for voice commands
For voice commands, keep the following in mind:
- Say the commands, numbers and letters smoothly and with normal volume, emphasis and speed.
- Always say commands in the language of the voice activation system.
- Keep the doors, windows, glass sunroof/panorama glass sunroof closed to prevent interference from ambient noise.
- Avoid making other noise in the vehicle while speaking.
Inserting/removing the snapin adapter*
- Press button 1 and remove the cover.
- Insert the snap-in adapter in the front and press it downward until it engages.
To remove the snap-in adapter: Press button 1.
Inserting mobile phone
- Remove the protective cap from the mobile phone’s antenna connector if necessary, sothat the mobile phone can engage in the snap-in adapter.
- Push the mobile phone with the buttons facing upward toward the electrical connections and press down until it engages.
The mobile phone’s battery is charged from radio readiness or with the steering unlocked.
▶ To conserve vehicle battery power, avoid using the mobile phone when the ignition is switched off.
Removing mobile phone
Press button.
Contacts
You can create and edit contacts. The contacts from the mobile phone* are displayed as well if this function is supported by the mobile phone. The addresses can be used as destinations for navigation and the phone numbers can be dialed.
New contact
- “Contacts”
- “New contact”
- If the entry fields are still filled with previous entries, select “Delete input fields”.
- To fill in the entry fields: Select the symbol next to the entry field.
- Enter the text.
▶ If the vehicle is equipped with a navigation system, it is only possible to enter addresses that are contained in the navigation data in the vehicle. This ensures that destination guidance is possible for all addresses.
- If applicable, “Store”
- “Store contact in vehicle”.
Specifying a contact as the home address
A contact can be stored as the home address. It is placed at the top of “My contacts”.
- Create a new contact.
- Open “Options”.
- “Store as home address”
If the home address is deleted, only the content of the home address entry is deleted and not the entry itself.
My contacts
A list of all contacts in the vehicle and on the mobile phone*.
Displaying contacts
“My contacts”
All contacts are listed in alphabetical order. Depending on the number of contacts, an A-Z search is offered. A symbol indicates the storage location of the contacts:
Displaying the detailed view*
Select the desired contact. All fields that have been filled in for that contact are displayed.
Selecting a contact as the navigation destination
- “My contacts”
- Select the desired contact.
- Select the desired address.
Contacts from the mobile phone* may contain addresses that do not match the navigation data contained in the vehicle and thus cannot be used for destination guidance. In this case: Manually correct the address.
Checking the address as a destination*
An address that is to be used for destination guidance must match the navigation data contained in the vehicle. An address that is stored on the mobile phone can be corrected to match to the navigation data.
- Select the desired contact and highlight the address.
- Open “Options”.
- “Check as destination”
- Correct and store the address, if necessary.
After an address has been corrected, the contact can be stored in the vehicle. The address is not changed on the mobile phone.
Dialing a phone number*
- “My contacts”
- Select the desired contact.
- Select the desired phone number.
The connection is established.
Editing a contact
- “My contacts”
- Select the desired contact.
- “Edit contact”