BMW 5 Series: Compatible devices

General information

Information on mobile devices compatible with the vehicle can be found at www.bmwusa.com/ bluetooth.

Malfunctions may occur with devices not listed or deviating software versions.

Displaying the vehicle identification number and software part number

When looking for compatible devices, you may have to state the vehicle identification number and the software part number. These numbers can be displayed in the vehicle.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle".

2. "iDrive settings".

3. "Mobile devices".

4. "Settings".

5. "Bluetooth info".

6. "System information".

A software update can be performed, if needed.

Bluetooth connection

Functional requirements

• Compatible device with Bluetooth interface.
• The vehicle key or BMW display key is in the vehicle.
• The device is ready for operation.
• Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle and on the device.
• Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may be required on the device; refer to the owner's manual of the device.

Switching on Bluetooth

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle".

2. "iDrive settings".

3. "Mobile devices".

4. "Settings".

5. "Bluetooth".

Activating/deactivating telephone functions

To use all supported functions of a mobile phone, the following functions must be activated prior to pairing the mobile phone with the vehicle.

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle".

2. "iDrive settings".

3. "Mobile devices".

4. "Settings".

5. Select the desired setting:

• "Office"
  Activate function to transmit short messages, e-mails, calendars, tasks, notes, and reminders to the vehicle. Costs can be incurred by transmitting all data to the vehicle.
• "Contact images"
  Activate function to show the contact pictures.

6. Move the Controller to the left.

Pairing the mobile device with the vehicle

Via iDrive:

1. "My Vehicle".

2. "iDrive settings".

3. "Mobile devices".

4. "Connect new device".

5. Select functions:

• "Telephone"
• "Bluetooth audio"
• "Apps"
• "Apple CarPlay"

The vehicle's Bluetooth name is displayed on the Control Display.

6. On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity.

The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears on the mobile device display.

Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle.

7. Depending on the mobile device, a control number is displayed or the control number must be entered.

• Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the device.

  Confirm the control number on the device and on the Control Display.

• Enter and confirm the same control number on the device and via iDrive.

The device is connected and displayed in the device list.

Frequently Asked Questions

All requirements are met and all required steps were completed in the specified order. Despite that, the mobile device does not function as expected.

In this case, the following explanations can help: Why could the mobile phone not be paired or connected?

• There are too many Bluetooth devices connected to the mobile phone or vehicle.

  In the vehicle, delete Bluetooth connections with other devices.

  Delete all known Bluetooth connections from the device list on the mobile phone and start a new device search.

• The mobile phone is in power-save mode or has only a limited remaining battery life.

  Charge the mobile phone.

Why does the mobile phone no longer react?

• The applications on the mobile phone do not function anymore.

  Switch the mobile phone off and on again.

• Too high or too low ambient temperature for mobile phone operation.

  Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme ambient temperatures.

Why can phone functions not be used via iDrive?

• The mobile phone may not be properly configured, for instance as Bluetooth audio device.

  Connect the mobile phone with the telephone or additional phone function.

Why are no or not all phone book entries displayed or why are they incomplete?

• Transmission of the phone book entries is not yet complete.
• It is possible that only the phone book entries of the mobile phone or the SIM card are transmitted.
• It may not be possible to display phone book entries with special characters.
• It may not be possible to transmit contacts from social networks.
• The number of phone book entries to be stored is too high.
• Data volume of the contact too large, for instance due to stored information such as notes.

  Reduce the data volume of the contact.

• A mobile phone can only be connected as audio source or as telephone.

  Configure the mobile phone and connect it with the telephone or additional phone function.

How can the phone connection quality be improved?

• Adjust the strength of the Bluetooth signal on the mobile phone, depending on the mobile phone.
• Insert the mobile phone into the snap-in adapter or place it in the area of the center console.
• Insert the mobile phone into the wireless charging tray.
• Adjust the volume of the microphone and loudspeakers separately in the sound settings.

If all points in this list have been checked and the required function is still not available, contact the hotline, a dealer's service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

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