General questions on BMW Connected Drive
Faq.
Would you like to know more about BMW ConnectedDrive Services? Have you got some questions about the Bluetooth and USB interfaces? You’ll find answers, links and contact data here.
General.
Bluetooth® is an industry standard that enables wireless communication between different devices. Various functions are supported in Bluetooth® profiles. Vehicle-relevant profiles include, for example, Hands-free Profile and Phonebook Access Profile. Further information on Bluetooth ® is available on the internet at XXXwww.bluetooth.comXXX and XXXwww.bluetooth.orgXXX.
BMW was the first automobile manfacturer to introduce the Bluetooth® communication standard for the integration of mobile phones and to offer it in all vehicle models. Requirements for using this standard are the BMW optional equipment SA 644 mobile phone preparation with Bluetooth interface or or SA 633 mobile phone preparation Business with Bluetooth interface (or option code SA 639 for North America).
The mobile devices tested by BMW can be found on the internet at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX. Here you can also obtain detailed information on which functions of your mobile device are supported in your vehicle as well as further notes on usage.
BMW recommends using the mobile devices listed at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX, which have produced positive test results. Non-listed mobile devices should generally support the basic functions. However, these devices have not been tested by BMW
Due to the large number of devices appearing on the market, it is necessary to make a selection. Before a selected mobile device can be included on the list, it has to undergo extensive testing with all mobile phone preparations installed in BMW vehicles. After the device has passed these tests, it can be included ionn the list of mobile devices tested by BMW. BMW works with all leading manufacturers so that the latest mobile devices can be included as soon as possible.
BMW recommends using the software status for mobile devices listed at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX. No comment is possible on the functionality and compatibility of any other software status. However, general experience shows that when a more recent software status is used, it can be assumed that compatibility characteristics will be similar. Please note that, in some cases, functional limitations may also be due to the data stored in the mobile device and the size of this data.
Telephone manufacturers implement the Bluetooth® standard in different ways.
As implementation of the Bluetooth® standard differs distinctly between various mobile devices and may also change during the product life cycle of a model, limitations of function in the vehicle may occur for which the BMW Group is not responsible. In addition to the software status of a mobile device, the following factors may also influence compatibility:
– Hardware version of the mobile device
– Mobile device configuration (e.g. size of telephone book, power-saving mode)
– Operating status of the mobile device (e.g. battery charge, length of operation, degree of use)
– Network and SIM card
For this reason, sporadic functional limitations cannot be ruled out, even in the case of mobile devices which otherwise function reliably.
When the telephone system is switched on, it automatically looks for the mobile device which was last connected. If this device is not found within a certain period of time, the vehicle automatically looks for the next phone on the list of registrations. If necessary, the list is scanned again.
If you have any questions regarding your mobile device, you can find further information in the operating manual for your mobile device. Assistance is also available from the phone manufacturer or from your mobile phone provider.
Apple:
Find the serial number as follows:[Settings][General][Info][Serial Number]
Enter the serial number on the following website:
[support.apple.com/specs]
HTC:
Information on the model is generally on the outside of the casing; alternatively in the following menus:
Windows Mobile 6.1: [Start][Settings][System][Device Information][Identity][Model No.]
Windows Mobile 6.5: [Settings][All settings][System][Device Information][Identity]
Android: [Menu][Settings][Info][Model Number]
Motorola:
Information is normally on a CE label on the inside of the casing; if necessary, remove the battery.
Nokia:
*#0000#
RIM:
[Applications][Options][About]
Sony Ericsson:
Information is normally on a CE label on the inside of the casing; if necessary, remove the battery.
Alternatively in the menu: [Settings][General][Phone Status] under Model
LG:
Information is normally on a CE label on the inside of the casing; if necessary, remove the battery.
Samsung:
Information is displayed briefly when the mobile device is switched on.
Palm:
[Device Info] [Name]
Apple:
[Settings][General][About][Version]
HTC:
[Start][Settings][System][Device information][ROM version]
Motorola:
*#9999# or [Menu][Settings][Phone Status][Other Info][S/W version]
Milestone: [Settings][Telephone info][Firmware Version]
Nokia:
*#0000#
RIM:
[Applications][Options][Info]
Sony Ericsson:
[Menu][Settings][Update Service][Software Version]
Windows (e.g. X1): [Start][Settings][System][Device Information][ROM Version]
LG
2945# or [Menu][Settings][Phone Settings][Phone Info]
Samsung
*#1234# or *#9999# or *#0000#
Palm
[Device info][Further info][Software]
This information can be found in the operating manual of your mobile device. Alternatively, you can obtain it from the manufacturer of the device.
Please check whether the volume can be changed using the vehicle’s control elements. Otherwise, an adjustment can be made by changing the volume settings directly on the mobile phone (this may not apply to all mobile devices).
Please avoid exposing the mobile device to extreme conditions (e.g. temperature, humidity), as this may affect the functionality. For example, the charger should be switched off when operating temperatures are running high. further information can be found in the operating manual of your mobile device.
The USB audio interface makes it possible to connect Apple iPhone/iPod devices, suitable MP3 players and USB sticks to your vehicle via a USB interface or a suitable snap-in adapter (not Bluetooth or Aux input). The connected device can be operated using the vehicle’s input controls and the audio data stored on it can then be played. A selection of music is offered according to genre, artist, album, song and playlist. The information displayed is based on the information stored in the MP3 player (e.g. ID3 tags).
The following device classes are supported (details can be found in the compatibility information on the appropriate BMW Group website):
• Apple iPhone and iPod
• MP3 players and USB sticks (USB mass storage complying with the specification USB Mass Storage Class)
• MP3 players with Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)
• The message “Device not supported” inside the vehicle indicates that the device in use belongs to an unsuitable class of devices.
Due to the large number of devices available on the market and technical differences between them, it is only possible to ensure that they operate perfectly in the vehicle by carrying out a functional test inside the vehicle.
Please note that mobile USB devices have not been developed for use in the vehicl. Therefore, operating conditions inside the car, such as heat, cold and extreme vibrations, may cause damage.
In isolated cases, it is possible that old USB sticks or USB sticks with low transfer rates may not be recognised by the vehicle. This can lead to prolonged waiting times.
Avoid the CDFS file system. The FAT32 file system is recommended. Information on other formats that are supported can be found in your vehicle’s operatring manual.
Some mobile device models do not permit simultaneous Bluetooth operation for the device, i.e. there is no guarantee that it will be possible to receive or make calls.
When Apple iPhone/iPod devices, MP3 players and mobile phones are connected, they are supplied with electrical current via the USB interface. Depending on the entertainment system, up to 1 A is supplied. If your mobile device has been fully discharged prior to use with the USB audio interface, it may take several minutes before you can use it to play music. If the vehicle is not in operation, your mobile device will not be charged any further.
You can disconnect you USB device from the vehicle at any time and without losing any data.
In the case of vehicles with a graphic display, it is also possible to show any covers saved on the player.
In the case of MP3 players (USB mass storage devices in accordance with the specification USB Mass Storage Class or with Media Transfer Protocol (MTP)), the covers to be displayed have to be saved in the individual music files (in the meta data). Please use the special software (e.g. Apple iTunes, Windows Media Player, etc.) for saving the album images in the music file.
The software version of your Apple iPhone/iPod can be found under Settings > General > About > Version. Further information is available on Apple websites. Please note that iTunes can automatically update the iPhone/iPod software, which might adversely affect the interplay between the iPhone/iPod and the USB audio interface.
A description of how to carry out a reset on your iPhone/iPod can be found at the following address:
XXXsupport.apple.com/kb/HT1320XXX
Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) is a further development of the Picture Transfer Protocol. It enables the transfer of data between mobile devices and computers. MTP-capable MP3 players use the MTP protocol to transfer and synchronise music files. Some MTP-capable MP3 players permit a manual switch between MTP and USB mass storage mode. Please consult the operating manual of the device used in each case.
Depending on your vehicle equipment, you can play audio and video files from an iPhone/iPod or USB device via the USB audio interface.
It is only possible to play iPhone/iPod videos via a snap-in adapter or via a special adapter cable. For more information on playing videos from your iPhone/iPod in the vehicle in your vehicle and on where you can obtain obtain the special adapter cable/special snap-in adapter, please consult the relevant dealer.
For safety reasons, it is only possible to play videos when the vehicle is stationary.
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Questions and notes on operation.
For security reasons, your mobile device and mobile phone preparation have to go through a one-off registration (pairing) procedure. You will find notes on the registration procedure in the operating manual of your vehicle as well as in the operating manual for your mobile device.
If a mobile device has already been registered in the vehicle, the connection will be made automatically when you start your journey. However, in order to establish the connection, make sure that the Bluetooth® service is activated both on the telephone and in the vehicle.
During the registration procedure, you will be asked to enter a pass key. You can choose any key you wish. However, for security reasons, it should consist of at least four digits and not be easy to guess (e.g. “0000” or “1234”).
Up to four mobile devices can be registered at the same time. One of these mobile devices can be active (i.e. connected) at any time.
If your BMW vehicle supports music via Bluetooth®, another device (mobile device or a Bluetooth®-capable audio player) can also be connected with the vehicle at the same time.
You can remove the ignition key during the telephone conversation without having to end the call. The telephone system remains switched on until either you or the person you are talking to has ended the call. However, depending on the vehicle equipment and battery charging status, the telephone system may be switched off earlier. You may then continue the call on your mobile phone
Please check on XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX whether the relevant function is supported by your mobile device and vehicle equipment.
In general, the data update is initiated as soon as the ignition is switched on. Please check the display on your mobile device as well: you may have to confirm the data transfer.
The sort sequence for the telephone book depends on both the mobile device and the vehicle equipment. Some mobile devices do not distinguish between first names and last names: Both names are entered into one text field; in many mobile devices, a comma or semi-colon determines which part is interpreted as the first name or last name. This applies in particular to entries on the SIM card as well.
Some mobile devices provide an option for setting the sort sequence – however, this may not necessarily be taken into account when the telephone book is transferred via the Bluetooth® connection. In current vehicles with the relevant equipment, it is possible to set the sorting sequence in the Control Display.
You will find further information in the operating manual for your vehicle and at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
This function must be supported by your vehicle equipment, the mobile device and your mobile phone provider. The mobile phone provider may have to activate this service on the SIM card.
Further information can be found in the operating manual for your mobile device, in the operating manual for your vehicle and at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
Note: If the Call waiting function is not enabled, it is not possible to arrange a conference call with an incoming call.
Normally, this is because the caller has activated the Withhold number function on their mobile device.
Please check the settings of your mobile device to see whether the Withhold number function is activated.
If this is not the case, the problem may be due to the fact that your mobile device provider activates this function by default (CLIR = Calling Line Identification Restriction). To have CLIR deactivated, please contact your mobile device provider.
Appointments that are either older than 20 days or that lie more than 50 days in the future are not transferred. Completed to-dos or to-dos that lie more than 90 days in the future are not transferred. Depending on the number of appointments stored in your mobile device, not all will be displayed in the vehicle.
Further information can be found in the operating manual for your mobile device, in the operating manual for your vehicle and at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
The transfer of call lists depends both on the mobile device and on the vehicle. Please check which mobile devices support the export of call lists at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX and whether your vehicle is equipped with this function.
When you are using mobile devices that do not support call lists, the lists shown in the vehicle include only those calls made using the Bluetooth® connection in the vehicle.
The transfer of text messages depends both on the mobile device and on the vehicle. Please observe the information on this at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX
Make sure that the Audio (Bluetooth) function is activated on the Control Display and check whether your mobile device supports Bluetooth audio reproduction on XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
On some mobile devices, it is necessary to start the programme for playing music files on your mobile device and then select a title using the device.
Normally, the muting of audio reproduction is cancelled automatically. Should this not be the case, you can restart the audio reproduction by pressing the volume key again.
Not all mobile devices provide stable support for this function. If problems occur with audio reproduction, deactivate Audio (Bluetooth) on the Control Display.
Please check on XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX whether the function Contact pictures is supported by your mobile device and vehicle equipment. Please note that the number of contact pictures supported is limited by the system.
Further information on this topic can be found at XXXwww.bmw.com/updateXXX.
This requires the optional equipment with the option code SA 614 in connection with SA 644 or SA 6NK in vehicles with a date of production of September 2010 onwards (this function is not offered in all countries).
Please ensure that the system has been updated before you use the internet in the vehicle for the first time. This can be performed in the Control Display under BMW Services > Service status > Update BMW Services.
Please also make sure that your mobile device is properly configured. Further information can be found below in this FAQ section.
In the operating manual of your mobile device, you will find instructions on configuring Access Point Name (APN); other names for this may be “Internet Settings”, “Modem Settings” or “Tethering Settings”. The required settings are available from your service provider.
Please note that most Sony Ericsson mobile devices only recognise the first entry in the APN list. We therefore recommend deleting all other APN configurations.
In connection with BMW TeleServices (option code SA 6AA), a BMW Teleservice Call is initiated automatically when a service is required. This may involve numerous attempts to establish a data connection over the mobile device in order to transmit vehicle data.
If the mobile device supports the transfer of entries stored on the SIM card, these are also shown in the vehicle.
This sometimes happens when the same number is used for several different entries in the telephone directory. When a phone call is made, only one of the names attributed to this number is displayed.
File names should be kept short so that the length displayed (including the directory paths) does not exceed 255 characters. Should this length be exceeded or several files with the same name be present on one storage medium, they will be identified by numbers and the names will be shortened. Please do not use any special characters or symbols when naming your device.
When MP3 players or USB sticks are connected for the first time, the music files can initially only be accessed via the directory structure of the device. The more convenient method of searching via genre, artist, album or song is not possible until all the relevant file information has been transferred. The response of the MP3 player or USB stick, such as the duration of the synchronisation and the operating speed, depends on the storage capacity and technology of the device being used as well as the number and type of stored audio tracks. In the case of an MP3 player with an 8 GB Flash memory, this synchronisation takes approximately 10 minutes. This may take longer, depending on the device used. During this time, the audio tracks can be selected via directories and file names.
Playlists in M3U format are supported by all BMW USB audio interfaces. Other formats are also supported, depending on the type of your USB audio interface. Please consult your operating manual for information on this subject.
Some USB devices need more time to be recognised by the USB audio interface, depending on size, capacity and speed of access. This becomes apparent, for example, due to the fact that some devices have to be actively selected under Entertainment and the music playback does not start automatically, even when the USB audio interface was the last active audio source when the user left the vehicle.
In individual cases, problems may occur with recognition of the Apple iPhone/iPod. The following steps may provide a remedy:
• Please disconnect the Apple iPhone/iPod and then reconnect it.
• Please check whether the Apple iPhone/iPod is connected to the USB audio interface with the correct adapter cable.
• Please check the cable for possible damage. Avoid rolling up the cable.
• If you have a vehicle with Extended connection for music player in the mobile phone (USB snap-in adapter), it may be necessary to remove the USB snap-in adapter from the base plate if you wish to operate an iPhone/iPod on the USB interface. This also applies to an empty snap-in adapter.
• Please check the charge status of the Apple iPhone/iPod.
• If the above-mentioned action is unsuccessful, please reset your Apple iPhone/iPod.
Product.
Equipment with the option code SA 6NB or the SAP snap-in adaptor can be operated via the SIM card of a GSM provider or via a mobile phone that supports the SAP Bluetooth profile.
In addition to existing telephone equipment (options SA 633 or SA 644) and the USB audio interface (option SA 6FL), there is the extended connectivity of the music player in the mobile phone (option SA 6NF). With the aid of a matching USB snap-in adapter, this equipment can be used for accessing the music data stored on the phone in nearly all series for selected mobile devices.
Equipped with the matching USB snap-in adapter for your mobile device, you meet all the conditions for using your mobile device with both the hands-free and audio reproduction functions at the same time.
For optimum operation of the mobile device in the vehicle, BMW Group recommends using a snap-in adapter to ensure that the mobile device is secured safely, that it is charged and that it is connected with the external aerial. Information on the current range of snap-in adapters can be found at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
Audio reproduction from USB devices is supported with the special optional equipment SA6NL, SA6NK, SA6NH or SA6FL. This may also be available as standard equipment in some markets.
In vehicles that contain the USB audio interface as a standard feature, the SA numbers are no longer listed separately.
Extensions can be used to connect your devices, as can adapter cables from USB mini/micro to USB. This use of a flexible adapter cable is actually recommended in order to protect the USB interface and your MP3 player against mechanical damage. The cable should not be more than one metre in length.
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Product.
First of all, check whether the mobile device is on the list of mobile devices tested by BMW (XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX).
The pass key entered in the vehicle must be identical to that entered in the mobile device. In addition, the registration procedure has to take place within 30 seconds. For older models, the passkey should be entered within seven seconds. If you have to repeat the registration procedure, it may be necessary to delete the existing entries on the list of devices. For more information, please consult the operating manual for your mobile device.
Make sure that the Bluetooth® service is activated in the mobile device and in the vehicle. If no automatic connection is established, check the display on your mobile device.
Some mobile devices require a confirmation for the current connection and for subsequent connections. Further information can be found in the operating manual for your mobile device.
If the mobile device fails to connect automatically even after several attempts, this may be solved by switching the mobile phone off completely and then switching it back on again, by briefly removing the battery or resetting the mobile phone to the factory settings. Before resetting the mobile phone, you are strongly advised to back up your data.
For more information, please consult the operating manual for your mobile device.
Also check whether the registration information is still present in both the vehicle and in the mobile device. If this is not the case, delete the remaining registration entries and carry out the registration procedure again.
The inability to establish a permanent or stable connection (e.g. repeated interruptions of the Bluetooth connection) is often due to a hardware error in the mobile device or in the data stored on the mobile device (e.g. telephone book entries, text messages, call lists). In such cases, it is recommended that you reset the mobile device to the factory settings (if necessary, carry out a data backup beforehand).
If the call was initiated from the mobile device while a Bluetooth connection was active, it cannot be guaranteed that the number or name of the other party will appear on the Control Display. Otherwise, check whether the telephone book of the mobile device is displayed on the Control Display and that the contact has been transferred correctly and completely.
This function is not supported by all mobile devices. And some mobile devices transfer the current signal strength but with a considerable delay. Further information is available XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
Not all contact entries are shown on the Control Display and/or not all details of the contact entries of the mobile device are displayed. The transfer of contact entries depends both on the mobile device and on the vehicle. The number of contact entries is limited by the system. Further information is available XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX.
In many cases, Blackberry mobile device are operated in Enterprise mode. In such cases, the company’s IT administration defines the security settings and policy.
In most cases, the problem can be resolved by adapting one of these security settings. Please check whether the following option is set to No:
Options > Security Options > General Settings > Insert Address Book > No
If you are not able to change this option or it does not produce the desired effect, please consult your IT administrator.
First of all, check at XXXwww.bmw.com/bluetoothXXX, whether your mobile device supports the desired functions in connection with your vehicle. Also make sure that downloading e-mails and text messages as well as the calendar, tasks and notes does not begin until the telephone book has been downloaded completely. This may take several minutes, depending on the size and contents of the telephone book. In addition, the download process is interrupted when a telephone call is made or received.
When calendar entries, tasks and notes are accessed, some mobile devices emit notification sounds. Depending on the mobile device used, these notification sounds can be deactivated (e.g. in the profile settings). Status and error messages that may appear on the mobile device can be ignored.
In this case, data encryption (Content Protection) prevents the transfer of data from the locked Blackberry to the vehicle. If the Blackberry has been unlocked by entering the password, the messages will be transferred correctly.
To resolve this issue permanently, the security options should be configured on the mobile device as follows: Menu > Options > Security Options > Encryption: Disabled. If you are unable to adjust these settings, please contact the administrator of the Blackberry Enterprise Server at your company’s IT department.
Purchased songs are often provided with copy protection (DRM: Digital Rights Management). Songs with copy protection cannot be played and are skipped. The next eligible song in the list is then played. The same procedure applies to corrupt or defective songs.
Please check your MP3 files and re-rip them or rip them with different software. If you have connected your mobile device with the Aux-In port, set the output volume on your device to maximum and then adjust the volume via the entertainment system of your vehicle.
Please check whether you are using the snap-in adapter for video. If necessary, remove any cables from the analogue AUX port.
If you can find certain songs in the directory only, check the ID3 tag information for the songs. If this information is not filled in correctly, it is not possible to sort the songs correctly.
If you change the ID3 tags of files on the storage medium, it is sometimes possible that the change will not be recognised by the USB audio interface. In such cases, please disconnect the device from the USB audio interface and delete a file on the device or add a file to it. By doing this, you force the song information to be reread when the device is next connected to the USB audio interface.
When the vehicle starts up, an attempt is made to play the last audio source. In the case of the USB audio interface, this is affected by the MP3 player connected. When the vehicle starts up, the time taken to recognise the MP3 player may vary. This depends on factors such as the size, capacity and access speed of the MP3 player. In some cases, communication to the MP3 player cannot be established quickly enough and the vehicle therefore first switches to radio.
Random play is executed by your Apple iPhone/iPod or your USB audio interface. The time taken to adopt the random play setting depends on the size of the lists. Delays may occur particularly with long lists.
The digits shown represent placeholders for entries in the list and are displayed whenever the information from your MP3 player cannot be loaded quickly enough. As soon as the information is available, the entries in the lists are completed.
This message appears when you are scrolling quickly in a list or when browsing in folders with lots of entries.
Special characters, umlauts and characters from other languages in the ID3 tags of the audio files may mean that the meta information stored is not displayed correctly. If necessary, please remove these characters from the meta information of the affected files or, alternatively, use a different programme to save the meta information.
MP3 files playing at different volumes although the sound control for playback in the vehicle has not been altered might be due to the MP3 files themselves. Please check the volume settings when converting the audio tracks to MP3 files and, if necessary, reconvert the audio tracks into MP3 files. Alternatively, you can use a programme to standardise the volume of your music collection.
In the case of older software versions, the music filter is sometimes not saved in the vehicle. You should therefore update the software version of your Apple device. You can display the software version you have installed on your Apple device via the menu option: Settings > General > About > Version
In rare cases, it is possible for a black image to be shown when apps are active in the background on your Apple device. If this is the case, you should close any apps that are not required, via the task manager of your device.
Please select the desired iPhone/iPod video clip again if the video does not appear in the centre of your display. You will obtain the best playback quality if the video preferences on your iPhone/iPod are set to NTSC and Widescreen =on.
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