Telephone
The concept
Mobile phones or other external devices such as audio players can be connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth.
After these devices are paired once, they are recognized automatically when the ignition is switched on. As soon as they are inside the vehicle, they can be operated via iDrive, the buttons on the steering wheel, and via voice activation.
General information
Depending on their functionality, external devices can be used via the vehicle as a telephone or as an audio source.
Up to four external devices can be paired.
Hints
Certain functions may need to be enabled by the mobile phone provider or service provider.
At high temperatures, the charge function of the mobile phone can be limited where appropriate and the functions are no longer executed.
When the mobile phone is used via the vehicle, refer to the operating manual of the mobile phone.
Approved mobile phones
Details on which mobile phones and external devices with a Bluetooth interface are supported by the mobile phone preparation package can be obtained at www.bmwusa.com/bluetooth.
Displaying the vehicle identification number and software part number
The vehicle identification number and software part number are needed to determine which mobile phones are supported by the mobile phone preparation package. The software version of the mobile phone may also be required.
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
Open "Options".
- 5.
"Bluetooth® info"
- 6.
"Display system information"
These approved mobile phones, with a certain software version, support the vehicle functions described below.
Malfunctions may occur with other mobile phones or software versions.
Do not operate a mobile phone that is connected to the vehicle on the mobile phone keypad, as this may lead to a malfunction.
A software update can be performed, if necessary.
Functions
The following functions can be assigned to a mobile phone upon pairing.
Telephone and telephone 2
The telephone or telephone 2 function can be assigned to a mobile phone.
Bluetooth audio
The Bluetooth audio function can be assigned to a mobile phone. The mobile phone can then beused as an audio source.
Pairing/unpairing the mobile phone
Functional requirements
The mobile phone is suitable.
The mobile phone is ready for operation.
The ignition is switched on.
Bluetooth is activated in the vehicle and on the mobile phone.
Bluetooth presets may need to be made on the mobile phone, e.g., for a connection without confirmation or visibility, refer to the mobile phone operating instructions.
Deactivate Bluetooth audio if necessary.
A number with at least four and a maximum of 16 digits should be defined as the Bluetooth passkey. It is only required once for pairing.
Vehicle is stationary.
Activating/deactivating Bluetooth
Bluetooth is not permitted everywhere. Comply with all safety guidelines and regulations.
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
"Bluetooth®"
Activating/deactivating the functions
Activate functions before registering, so that they can be assigned to a mobile phone.
Information on suitable mobile phones that support these functions.
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
Open "Options".
- 5.
"Configure Bluetooth®"
- 6.
Select the desired functions.
"Bluetooth® audio"
"Office"
"Show images"
"Telephone 2"
- 7.
Move the controller to the left.
Pairing and connecting
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
"Add new device"
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle is displayed in the Control Display.
- 5.
To perform additional steps on the mobile phone, refer to the mobile phone operating instructions: e.g., search for or connect the Bluetooth device or a new device.
The Bluetooth name of the vehicle appears on the mobile phone display.
- 6.
Select the Bluetooth name of the vehicle on the mobile phone display.
- 7.
Enter the same passkey on the mobile phone and via iDrive and confirm.
Or
Compare the control number on the Control Display with the control number in the display of the mobile phone. Confirm the control number in the mobile phone and on the Control Display.
"OK"
- 8.
Select the functions for which the mobile phone is to be used.
- 9.
"OK"
The mobile phone is paired and will appear at the top of the list of mobile phones.
Up to three mobile phones can be connected with the vehicle at once.
If pairing was unsuccessful: What to do if....
Display of supported functions
Functions supported by the mobile phone are shown as a symbol during pairing.
White Symbol: Function active.
Gray symbol: Function inactive.
Symbol | Function |
---|---|
Telephone. | |
Telephone 2. | |
Audio source. |
Following the initial pairing
The mobile phone is paired with the vehicle within a short period of time if the engine is running or the ignition is switched on.
The phone book entries stored on the SIM card or mobile phone are transmitted to the vehicle after detection, depending on the mobile phone.
Specific settings may be necessary in some mobile phones, e.g., authorization or a secure connection; refer to the mobile phone operating instructions.
Connecting a particular mobile phone
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
Select the mobile phone that is to be connected.
The functions assigned to the mobile phone before unpairing are assigned to the mobile phone when it is reconnected. If the mobile phone is already connected, these functions are deactivated.
Configuring mobile phones
Functions can be activated or deactivated for paired and connected mobile phones.
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
Highlight the mobile phone to be configured.
- 5.
Open "Options".
- 6.
"Configure device"
- 7.
At least one function must be selected.
"Telephone"
"Telephone 2"
"Audio"
- 8.
"OK"
If a function is assigned to a mobile phone, the function will be deactivated where appropriate for a mobile phone that is already connected and the mobile phone will be unpaired.
Swap telephone and 2
The function of the telephone and telephone 2 can be swapped automatically.
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
"Swap telephone 1 and 2"
Unpairing the mobile phone
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Connections"
- 3.
"Bluetooth®"
- 4.
Highlight the mobile phone that is to be unpaired.
- 5.
Open "Options".
- 6.
"Remove device"
What to do if...
Information on suitable mobile phones.
The mobile phone could not be paired or connected.
Is Bluetooth activated in the vehicle and on the mobile phone? Activate Bluetooth in the vehicle and on the mobile phone.
Do the Bluetooth passkeys on the mobile phone and the vehicle match? Enter the same passkey on the mobile phone and via iDrive.
Did it take longer than 30 seconds to enter the passkey? Repeat the pairing procedure.
Do the control numbers on the mobile phone and vehicle match? Repeat the pairing procedure.
Are too many Bluetooth devices connected to the mobile phone or vehicle? Delete connections with other devices if necessary.
Is Bluetooth audio activated? Deactivate Bluetooth audio.
Is the mobile phone in power-save mode or does it have only a limited remaining battery life? Charge the mobile phone in the snap-in adapter or via the charging cable.
Depending on the mobile phone, it is possible that only one mobile phone can be connected to the vehicle. Unpair the connected mobile phone from the vehicle and pair and connect only one mobile phone.
The mobile phone no longer reacts.
Switch the mobile phone off and on again.
Ambient temperatures too high or too low? Do not subject the mobile phone to extreme ambient temperatures.
The telephone functions are not available.
Configure the mobile phone and connect it with the telephone or telephone 2 function.
No or not all phone book entries are displayed, or they are 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.
The number of phone book entries to be stored is too high.
Is the data volume of the contact too large, e.g., due to stored information such as notes? Reduce the data volume of the contact.
Is the mobile phone connected as an audio source? Configure the mobile phone and connect it with the telephone or telephone 2 function.
The phone connection quality is poor.
The strength of the Bluetooth signal on the mobile phone can be adjusted, depending on the mobile phone.
Insert the mobile phone into the snap-in adapter or place it in the area of the center console.
Adjust the volume of the microphone and loudspeakers separately.
If all points in this list have been checked and the required function is still not available, contact the hotline or the service center.
Controls
Adjusting the volume
Turn the volume button on the radio until the desired volume is selected. The setting is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Automatic volume adjustment
The vehicle automatically adjusts the volume of the microphone on the telephone and the volume of the called party. Depending on the mobile phone, the volumes may need to be adjusted. The settings can only be made during a call and must be adjusted separately for each mobile phone. The settings are deleted as soon as the mobile phone is unpaired.
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Tone"
- 3.
"Volume settings"
- 4.
Select the desired setting: "Microphone" or "Speakers"
- 5.
To adjust: turn the controller.
- 6.
To store: press the controller.
Incoming call
Receiving calls
If the number of the caller is stored in the phone book and is transmitted by the network, the name and telephone number of the contact is displayed. Otherwise, only the phone number is displayed.
Accepting a call
Via iDrive
"Accept"
Via the button on the steering wheel

Press the button.
Via the instrument cluster
"Accept"
Rejecting a call
Via iDrive
"Reject"
Via the instrument cluster
"Reject"
Ending a call
Via iDrive
"End call"
Via the button on the steering wheel

Press the button.
Via the instrument cluster
"End call"
Dialing a number
When entering phone numbers, you can switch between entering letters and numbers.
Service numbers can be entered more easily, e. g., 1-888-BMW-CARD.
- 1.
"Telephone"
- 2.
"Dial number"
- 3.
Select the digits individually.
- 4.
Convert to letters as required.
Select the symbol.
Select the letters individually.
- 5.
Select the symbol.
Select symbol to convert to numbers. The connection is established via the mobile phone to which this function has been assigned.
If a connection is to be set up via the auxiliary phone:
- 1.
Select the digits individually.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Call via" mobile phone 2.
The phone number can also be entered by voice. Only numbers can be spoken. The connection is established via the mobile phone to which the telephone function has been assigned.
Letter/number assignment
Letter | Number |
---|---|
ABC | 2 |
DEF | 3 |
GHI | 4 |
JKL | 5 |
MNO | 6 |
PQRS | 7 |
TUV | 8 |
WXYZ | 9 |
Calls with multiple parties
General information
You can switch between calls or 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
If a second call comes in during an ongoing call, a call waiting signal sounds where appropriate.
"Accept"
The call is accepted and the existing call is put on hold.
Establishing a second call
Establish an additional call during an active call.
Dial the new phone number or select it from a list.
The first call is put on hold.
Switching between two calls, hold call
You can switch between two calls. The calls can be conducted on both paired mobile phones.
The active call is displayed in color.
The call on hold is displayed in gray.
"Swap calls"
The call on hold is resumed.
Establishing a conference call
Two calls can be connected to a single telephone conference call. The calls must be made from a mobile phone.
- 1.
Establish two calls.
- 2.
"Conference call"
When terminating a conference call, both calls are ended. If one call is terminated by another party, the other call can be continued.
Switching the microphone to mute
When a call is active, the microphone can be muted.
"Microphone"
A microphone that has been switched to mute is automatically reactivated:
When a new connection is established.
When switching between call parties.
DTMF suffix dialing
DTMF suffix dialing can be used for gaining access to network services or for controlling devices, e.g., to make a remote inquiry of an answering machine. The DTMF code is needed for this purpose.
- 1.
"Telephone"
- 2.
Select the contact from a list or "Dial number".
- 3.
"Keypad dialing"
- 4.
Enter DTMF code via iDrive.
Phone book
General information
The phone book accesses the contacts stored in the vehicle and the contacts in the mobile phone to which the telephone or telephone 2 function has been assigned. All contacts for which a telephone number is entered are displayed. The contacts stored with BMW Online are also displayed.
Displays
- 1.
"Telephone"
- 2.
"Phone book"
Calling
The entries can be selected to make a call.
Symbol | Meaning |
---|---|
Contact with one stored number. | |
Contact with more than one stored number. | |
Call not possible; mobile phone without reception or network, or Service Request is active. |
Contact with one stored telephone number: select desired entry.
Contact with more than one stored telephone number: select desired entry and then the telephone number.
The connection is established via the mobile phone from which the entry originates.
Phonebook entries stored in the vehicle or originating from BMW Online are connected via the mobile phone to which the telephone function is assigned.
The connection can be established via the other mobile phone:
- 1.
Highlight the contact or in the case of multiple stored telephone numbers, highlight the desired telephone number.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Call via"
Editing a contact
Changing the entries in "Contacts". When a contact is changed, the changes are not stored on the mobile phone. A copy of the entry is stored in the vehicle.
- 1.
Highlight the contact.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Edit entry"
The contact can be edited.
Redialing
General information
Lists of numbers dialed from the mobile phones to which the telephone or telephone 2 function is assigned are transmitted to the vehicle. The last 20 dialed numbers are displayed for each mobile phone.
Dialing the number via the instrument cluster
This is possible when there is no active call.
- 1.
Press the button on the steering wheel.
- 2.
Select the desired phone number.
The connection is established via the mobile phone that contains the list from which the number originates.
Select number via iDrive
- 1.
"Telephone"
- 2.
"Redial"
- 3.
Select the desired entry and the phone number if necessary.
The connection is established via the mobile phone that contains the list from which the entry originates.
The connection can be established via the other mobile phone:
- 1.
Highlight the entry.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Call via"
Saving an entry in the contacts
- 1.
Highlight the entry.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Store as new contact" or "Add to existing contact"
- 4.
Select the contact, if necessary.
- 5.
Select the type of number: "Home", "Business", "Mobile" or "Other".
- 6.
Complete the entries if necessary.
- 7.
"Store contact"
Deleting entry or list
- 1.
Highlight the desired entry.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Delete entry" or "Delete list"
Received calls
General information
The lists of the 20 last received and missed calls of the mobile phone to which the telephone or telephone function 2 is assigned are transferred into the vehicle.
Select number via iDrive
- 1.
"Telephone"
- 2.
"Received calls"
- 3.
Select the desired entry and the phone number if necessary.
The connection is established via the mobile phone that contains the list from which the entry originates.
The connection can be established via the other mobile phone:
- 1.
Highlight the entry.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Call via"
Saving an entry in the contacts
- 1.
Highlight the entry.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Store as new contact" or "Add to existing contact"
- 4.
Select the contact, if necessary.
- 5.
Select the type of number:"Home", "Business", "Mobile" or "Other".
- 6.
Complete the entries if necessary.
- 7.
"Store contact"
Deleting entry or list
- 1.
Highlight the desired entry.
- 2.
Open "Options".
- 3.
"Delete entry" or "Delete list"
Hands-free system
General information
Calls that are being made on the hands-free system can be continued on the mobile phone and vice versa.
From the mobile phone to the hands-free system
Calls that were begun outside of the Bluetooth range of the vehicle can be continued on the hands-free system with the ignition switched on.
Depending on the mobile phone, the system automatically switches to the hands-free system.
If the system does not switch over automatically, follow the instructions on the mobile phone display; refer also to the mobile phone operating instructions.
From the hands-free system to the mobile phone
Calls that are made on the hands-free system can in some cases be continued on the mobile phone; this depends on the mobile phone.
Follow the instructions on the mobile phone display; refer also to the mobile phone operating instructions.
Snap-in adapter
The concept
The snap-in adapter is used to:
Hold the mobile phone.
Recharge the battery.
Connect to the outside antenna of the vehicle.
This provides for better network reception and consistent sound quality.
General information
Detailed information about the snap-in adapter, which supports the functions of the mobile phone, is available from the service center.
Hints
At high temperatures, the charge functions of the mobile phone can be limited under certain circumstances, and functions are no longer executed.
Installation position
The snap-in adapter is located in the front of the center armrest. The direction of installation in the center armrest varies according to the vehicle.
Inserting the snap-in adapter
- 1.
Press the button and remove the cover.
- 2.
Insert the snap-in adapter at the front, arrow 1, and press down, arrow 2, until it engages.
Inserting the mobile phone
- 1.
Depending on the mobile phone, remove the protective cap from the antenna connector and from the USB connection of the mobile phone.
- 2.
Slide the mobile phone with the buttons facing up in the direction of the electrical connections, arrow 1, and push downward, arrow 2, until it engages.
Removing the mobile phone

Depending on the mobile phone, press or slide the button and remove the mobile phone. Depending on the mobile phone, reinstall the protective cover on the phone's antenna plug and USB connector.
Removing the snap-in adapter
Press the button in front of the snap-in adapter. Remove the adapter and, if necessary, reattach the cover.