You can connect audio devices to the USB/ audio interface, e.g. an iPod or a USB device
(MP3 player, USB memory stick). You can then operate these with iDrive.
The common audio files, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV (PCM) and AAC, as well as playback lists in the
M3U format can be played back.
Due to the large number of audio devices available on the market, operation via the vehicle
cannot be ensured for every audio device. Ask your BMW center which audio devices are
suitable.
Once connected, the car’s iDrive system will display the files on the connected device and allow the user to control music playback through the car’s audio system and the iDrive display. The same feature also allow to play music from your phone via Bluetooth. This feature was an extra cost option on the 2007-2010 BMW 5 Series cars.
Connecting
1 USB interface
2 Connection for audio playback: 1/8 in/3.5 mm jack plug.
iPod
For audio playback via the vehicle loudspeakers, connect the iPod to the connections 1 and 2. Use an iPod adapter cable to connect the iPod. The menu structure of the iPod is supported by the USB/audio interface.
USB storage medium
⚠Use a flexible adapter cable for connection to protect the USB interface and your USB device against mechanical damage.⚠
For audio playback via the vehicle loudspeakers, connect the USB device to the connection 1.
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 the transfer you can select the tracks via the directories and file names. Following the transfer you can call up the tracks via the information and playback lists. The information of up to four USB devices can be stored in the vehicle, for a total of approx. 20,000 tracks. If a fifth USB device is connected, the information of the tracks of the first USB device stored in the vehicle is deleted.
▶Music tracks with integrated Digital Rights Management (DRM) cannot be played.◀
Starting audio playback
Via iDrive
If the audio device has a device name, this will be displayed if possible.
1. Press the MENU button. This opens the start menu.
2. Move the controller backwards to open “Entertainment”.
3. Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the controller until “AUX” is selected and press the controller.
4. Select “USB” or the name of the audio device and press the controller.
5. The playback starts with the first track.
With programmable memory/direct selection buttons
You can save the function “USB” on the programmable memory/direct selection buttons to start audio playback.
Selecting a track
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.
1. Make your selection, e.g. “Playlists” or “Artists”, and press the controller.
2. Select the track and press the controller.
Displaying information on track
You can display any information stored on the current track, e.g. the name of the artist.
- Press the controller during playback.
- Select “Details” and press the controller.
The information for the current track are displayed.
Repeating Random play sequencea track
- Select the current track and press the controller.
- Select “Repeat track” and press the controller.
To stop repeating:
- Press the controller.
- Select “Repeat track” and press the controller.
Random play sequence
You can play back the tracks of the selected list in random order, e.g. all tracks of an artist.
- Select the current track and press the controller.
- Select “Random” and press the controller.
End random playback:
- Press the controller.
- Select “Random” and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Notes
- The USB/audio interface supplies the connected audio device with power, provided the audio device supports this function. Therefore, do not connect the audio device to a socket in the vehicle during operation.
- Do not subject the audio devices to extreme environmental conditions, e.g. extremely high temperatures, refer to the operating instructions of the audio device.
- Do not connect any devices, e.g. fans or lamps, to the USB/audio interface.
- Do not connect USB hard disks. > Depending on the configuration of the audio files, e.g. bit rates greater than 256 Kbit/s, proper playback cannot always be ensured.