BMW iDrive
Vehicle features and options
This chapter describes model-specific equipment, systems, and functions that are currently available, or may become available in the future, even if they are not present in the vehicle.
Additional information:
Vehicle equipment.
Display and operating concept
Principle
BMW iDrive is the vehicle’s display and operating concept and includes a wide range of functions.
General information
Depending on vehicle equipment, the functions can be operated as follows:
Via the control display.
Via the Controller.
Via the touchpad.
Via the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Via the operating elements on the steering wheel.
Additional information:
Instrument cluster.
Safety information
Observe when operating systems and devices
Main menu
General information
The main menu is divided into different areas.
Overview
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4
1
Menu bar
2
Widgets
3
Status information
4
Climate control bar
Menu bar
Menu Apps
Access to apps and vehicle functions. A filter can be selected. If necessary, change the filter to see the apps you want.
"All apps": All apps and functions are displayed.
"Infotainment": Only infotainment apps are displayed.
"Vehicle": Only vehicle adjustment functions are displayed.
"Recently used": The most recently used apps are displayed.
Media menu
Access to entertainment system functions, e.g., radio stations or external device pairing.
Communication menu
Access to telephone and message function as well as pairing and management of mobile devices, e.g., smartphones.
Navigation menu
Access to navigation system, destination entry, and traffic information. Configurable map views and other functions such as points of interest.
Climate menu
The Climate menu provides access to all climate control functions.
Apple CarPlay© menu
Depending on national-market version with associated function: Access to Apple CarPlay. Apple CarPlay enables the secure use of certain functions of a compatible Apple iPhone via iDrive.
Android Auto© menu
Depending on national-market version with associated function: Access to Android Auto. Android Auto enables the secure use of certain functions of a compatible Android smartphone via iDrive.
Widgets
Widgets show real-time information and dynamic content such as current media or paired smartphones. The widgets also serve as buttons and allow jumping to the relevant menu.
Status information
General information
The status field can be found in the upper area of the control display. Status information is displayed in the form of icons. Depending on the equipment and national-market version, different icons are available.
Telephone status information
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Icon |
Meaning |
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Active call. |
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Signal strength. |
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SIM card missing. |
Entertainment status information
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Icon |
Meaning |
|---|---|
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USB audio. |
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Bluetooth audio. |
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Smartphone audio. |
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Connected Music with Spotify. |
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Time shift. |
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Wi-Fi. |
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Apple CarPlay. |
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Android Auto. |
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Satellite radio is switched on. |
Status information messages
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Icon |
Meaning |
|---|---|
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Number of notifications. |
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Check Control message. |
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Suppress private information. |
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Do not disturb. |
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Message. |
Additional information:
Notification center on control display.
Other status information
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Icon |
Meaning |
|---|---|
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Sound output active. |
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Sound output deactivated. |
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Activation word active. |
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BMW ID or driver profile. |
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Destination guidance active. |
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Go to quick access. |
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Wireless charging active. |
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Park Distance Control: sound active. |
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Park Distance Control: sound deactivated. |
Input and display
Letters and numbers
Letters and numbers can be entered using the controller, touchpad, control display, or voice control, depending on vehicle equipment.
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Icon |
Function |
|---|---|
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Change between capital and lower-case letters. |
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Enter a blank space. |
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Switching between languages. |
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Use voice control. |
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Confirm entry. |
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Shift the input area to the left or right. |
Entry comparison
When entering data from a database such as contacts, the selection is gradually narrowed down for each character entered, with characters being added as necessary.
Activating/deactivating the functions
Some menu items are preceded by an icon. Selecting the menu item enables or disables the function.
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Icon |
Meaning |
|---|---|
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Function is activated. |
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Function is deactivated. |
Enabling/disabling audible feedback
For some functions, audio confirmation is given, e.g., sounds are emitted when operating the control display.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Sound"
Select the desired setting.
Quick access
The quick link provides access to shortcuts, certain settings, and app recommendations.
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Input |
Operation |
|---|---|
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Show quick link. |
Swipe from top to bottom on the control display. Slide the controller up.
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Hide quick link. |
Swipe from the bottom up on the control display. Slide the controller down. |
Activating/deactivating pop-ups
For some functions, pop-ups are displayed automatically on the control display. Some of these pop-ups can be activated or deactivated.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Pop-ups"
Select the desired setting.
Shortcuts
General information
The iDrive functions can be stored on the shortcuts and called up directly, for instance radio stations, navigation destinations, phone numbers and menu entries.
Storing a function
Select the desired function.
Press and hold the desired function.
"Add to shortcuts"
Shortcuts can only be created with an active BMW ID or a driver profile.
Executing a function
Swipe from top to bottom on the control display.
Tap the desired shortcut.
The function will work immediately. This means for instance that the connection is established when a phone number is selected.
Deleting shortcuts
Swipe from top to bottom on the control display.
Press and hold the desired shortcut.
"Delete shortcut"
BMW Curved Display
Principle
The BMW Curved Display is a single-screen display in the instrument panel that is curved towards the driver. The BMW Curved Display comprises the instrument cluster on the driver's side and the control display.
General information
Follow instructions for cleaning the BMW Curved Display in the Care chapter.
Additional information:
Caring for special components.
Overview
1
2
1
Instrument cluster
2
Control display
Control display
Principle
The iDrive functions are displayed on the control display.
Safety information
Secure loose objects in the interior
Do not place objects in front of the control display
Overview
Control display
Switching the control display on/off automatically
The control display is turned on automatically when the vehicle is unlocked or as soon as the control display is needed for operation.
In certain situations, the control display is switched off automatically, for instance if no operation is performed on the vehicle for several minutes.
Switching the control display on/off manually
Swipe from top to bottom on the control display.
"Screen off"
Tap the control display to turn it on again.
Setting the brightness
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"Displays"
"Control display"
"Brightness at night"
Make the desired setting.
Depending on the light conditions, the brightness control may not be clearly visible.
System limits
In the case of very high temperatures on the control display, for instance due to intense solar radiation, the brightness may be reduced down to complete deactivation. Once the temperature is reduced, for instance through shade or air conditioning system, the normal functions are restored.
Controller
Principle
The Controller can be used to select menu items and enter the settings. The buttons can be used to open the menus directly.
Overview
Controller
Buttons on the Controller
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Button |
Function |
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Call up the main menu. |
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Call up the Media/Radio menu. |
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Go to Phone menu. |
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Call up the navigation map. |
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Call up the destination input menu for navigation. |
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Go to previous menu. |
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Call up the Options menu. |
Operation
Rotate the Controller to switch between menu options, for example.
Press the Controller to select a menu option, for example.
Slide the Controller in four directions to switch between menus, for example.
Operating via the Controller
Opening the main menu
Press the button.
The main menu is displayed.
Selecting menu items
Turn the Controller until the desired menu item is highlighted.
Press the Controller.
Selecting a widget
Slide the Controller in the main menu to the right.
Turn the Controller until the desired widget is selected.
Press the Controller.
Switching between menus
A new display opens after a menu item is selected.
Slide the Controller to the left.
The current menu closes and the previous menu is displayed.
Press the button.
The current menu closes and the previous menu is displayed.
Entering letters and numbers
Input
Turn the Controller: select letters or numbers.
: confirm entry.
Additional information:
Setting the system language.
Deleting an entry
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Icon |
Function |
|---|---|
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Press Controller: delete a letter or number. |
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Hold the Controller down: delete all letters or numbers. |
Using alphabetical lists
For alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries, the letters for which an entry exists can be displayed in a text box.
Turn the Controller to the left or right quickly.
Select the first letter of the desired entry.
The first entry of the selected letter is displayed in the list.
Operation via touchpad
General information
Depending on vehicle equipment, some iDrive functions can be operated with the controller touchpad.
The touchpad is located on the Controller. Touch the touchpad with your fingers. Do not use any objects.
Selecting functions
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Touchpad"
Select the desired setting.
Entering letters and numbers
Enter characters as they are displayed on the control display.
Always enter associated characters such as accents or periods so that the letter can be clearly recognized.
The set language determines what input is possible. Where necessary, enter special characters via the Controller.
Additional information:
Setting the system language.
Entering special characters
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Function |
Operation |
|---|---|
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Delete a character. |
Swipe to the left on the touchpad. |
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Enter a blank space. |
Swipe to the right in the center of the touchpad. |
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Enter a hyphen. |
Swipe to the right in the upper area of the touchpad. |
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Enter an underscore. |
Swipe to the right in the lower area of the touchpad. |
Using the map
The map in the navigation system can be moved via the touchpad.
Tap the map on the control display and then continue operation using the touchpad.
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Function |
Operation |
|---|---|
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Move map. |
Swipe in the appropriate direction. |
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Display menu. |
Tap once. |
Using alphabetical lists
Alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries permit a direct jump to letters for which an entry exists.
Enter the first letter on the touchpad.
The first entry of the entered letter is displayed in the list.
Operation via control display
General information
Depending on the equipment version, the control display is equipped with a touchscreen.
You can tap on menu items and widgets. Touch the control display with your fingers. Do not use any objects.
Opening the main menu
Tap on the icon.
The main menu is displayed.
Adjusting widgets
The widgets can be adjusted in the main menu. The adjustments can only be performed when the vehicle is stationary.
If necessary,tap the icon.
Press and hold the widget.
Make the desired adjustment:
Tap on the icon.
A new widget can be selected.
Tap on the icon.
The widget is deleted.
Press and hold the widget and drag to the left or right.
The widget is moved to the desired position.
Sorting apps
To resort the app icons, press and hold the desired icon and move it to the desired location.
Switching between menus
A new display opens after a menu item is selected.
Swipe from left to right on the control display.
The current menu closes and the previous menu is displayed.
Calling up the context menu
Depending on the menu item, a context menu with additional options can be displayed.
Press and hold the desired menu item.
The menu consists of various areas, for instance:
"General help": Go to the Integrated Owner's Manual.
"Add to shortcuts": define menu item as shortcut.
Entering letters and numbers
Input
If necessary, tap the
icon or control display.
Enter desired letters and numbers.
Deleting an entry
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Icon |
Function |
|---|---|
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Tap icon: delete a letter or a number. |
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Press and hold the icon: delete all letters or numbers. |
Using the map
The navigation map can be moved on the control display.
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Function |
Operation |
|---|---|
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Move map. |
Swipe in the appropriate direction. |
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Enlarge/shrink map. |
Drag in or out with the fingers. |
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Display menu. |
Tap once. |
Using alphabetical lists
For alphabetical lists with more than 30 entries, the letters for which an entry exists can be displayed in a text box.
Tap the letter in front of the list.
A letter box is displayed.
Tap the first letter of the desired entry.
The first entry of the selected letter is displayed in the list.
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
Principle
Animation: BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is a personal assistant that enables natural voice operation of various vehicle functions. The Personal Assistant makes it easier to operate the vehicle by providing proactive suggestions and automating habits.
General information
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is available depending on national-market version.
The system includes special microphones on the driver side and the front passenger side.
Say the commands and numbers fluently as well as with normal volume, emphasis, and speed.
›...‹ identifies commands that can be spoken.
Functional requirements
A language that is supported by the Personal Assistant must be set via iDrive.
Setting the system language.
Always say commands in the configured system language.
For the full range of functions, you must activate, configure, or purchase the following functions:
Online speech processing.
For all settings under
Data protection.
Activation word.
BMW ID or a driver profile.
Relevant ConnectedDrive services from the ConnectedDrive Store.
Get suggestions.
Activating the voice control system
General information
There are various methods for activating the voice control feature:
Press the button on the steering wheel briefly.
The microphone on the driver's side is active.
Speaking the activation word.
The microphones on the driver's or front passenger's side are active with the following voice control, depending on where the activation word was spoken.
Then say the command. The activation word and the command can be spoken without pause in one sentence.
Microphone button on steering wheel
Press button briefly.
Say the command.
Activation word
General information
Saying the activation word will start the Personal Assistant. The Personal Assistant listens.
Preset activation word
›Hello BMW‹: The default activation word can be activated and deactivated.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Wake word"
""Hello BMW""
Personal activation word
In addition to the preset activation word, a personal activation word can be set up with an active BMW ID or a driver profile. The personal activation word can also be changed or deleted.
The activation word should consist of multiple syllables to ensure good recognition.
›Hello‹: The additional phrase is not necessary for the activation word and does not need to be spoken.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Wake word"
"Personal wake word"
"Set"
"Start recording"
Activation word from third-party providers
Depending on the national-market version, some third-party providers provide digital voice assistants such as Siri or Amazon Alexa.
To use Siri, the smartphone must be connected via Apple CarPlay.
Supported voice assistants can be used with a connected smartphone in the vehicle.
The activation word from connected third-party providers can be used in addition to your preset or personal activation word from BMW.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Additional speech assistants"
Select the desired setting.
Canceling voice control
Press the button on the steering wheel again.
›Cancel‹
Slide the Controller to the right or left.
Press the Controller.
Possible commands
General information
Commands can be used to give instructions or ask questions, with the Personal Assistant providing assistance.
For example, you can call contacts, navigate to an address, apply settings, or ask questions about a vehicle function. Most vehicle functions can be operated via voice commands, e.g., the Automatic Parking Assistant.
Most content on the control display can be spoken as commands, e.g., menu items or list entries.
Help for voice control
›Voice commands‹: have possible example commands suggested.
›General information on voice control‹: have information on the operating principle of the voice control announced.
›Help‹: have tips and example commands for voice control announced.
Additional example commands for the current context are displayed in the widget of the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant.
Sample commands
›Call John Smith‹
›Drive me to JFK airport‹
›Play a classical music station‹
›Is my tire pressure still OK?‹
›Activate the climate control‹
›Increase the ACC distance‹
›Sport mode‹
Additional example commands can be displayed on the control display.
Apps menu
"All apps"
"Personal assistant"
"Help"
"Example commands"
Sample commands for the current context are displayed in the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant widget.
Additional information:
Adjust widgets.
Menu items
The Personal Assistant can bring up menu items directly. Say the menu items as they are displayed on the control display. You do not have to follow the order of the menu items when speaking them out loud.
Activate the voice control system.
›Media‹
›Presets‹
The stored stations are displayed on the control display.
Owner's Manual via voice operation
You can ask simple questions about vehicle functions and the operation of the vehicle.
The voice activation system and the feedback it provides do not replace the printed or Integrated Owner's Manual. The function is available depending on the national-market version. The speech recognition and quality of the feedback may vary.
Example command: ›How can the passenger airbag be deactivated?‹
The Personal Assistant returns feedback. When stationary, the section of the integrated Owner's Manual is displayed on the control display.
Settings
Setting the system language
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Language"
Select the desired setting.
Setting the response length
You can set the Personal Assistant to use standard dialog or a short version. In case of the short version, the announcements by the Personal Assistant are played back in an abbreviated version.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Response length"
Select the desired setting.
Speaking during voice output
It is possible to answer during inquiries of the Personal Assistant. The function can be disabled if requests are often canceled unintentionally, for instance due to background noise or conversations in the vehicle.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Speaking during voice output"
Suggestions
General information
The Personal Assistant helps with individual suggestions.
Activating/deactivating suggestions
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Receive suggestions"
Adapting suggestions
Suggestions can be adapted, for example, by category or to output a signal tone.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
Select the desired setting.
Online speech processing
Online speech processing improves the quality of the speech recognition and search results for points of interest. To use the functions, data is transmitted to a service provider via an encrypted connection and stored locally there. An active ConnectedDrive contract is required for online voice processing. ConnectedDrive is available depending on the national-market version. Online speech processing is not available in all languages.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Online speech processing"
Configuring the visualization
How the Personal Assistant is visualized can be set.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Personal Assistant (BMW)"
"Visualization"
Voice control from third-party providers
Depending on vehicle equipment, third-party voice control can be enabled by pressing and holding the microphone button on the steering wheel.
Apps menu
"Vehicle"
"System settings"
"Voice control"
"Long press"
Select the desired setting.
Adjusting the volume
Turn the volume button during the voice guidance until the desired volume is set.
The volume remains constant even if the volume of other audio sources is changed.
Using the voice activation of the smartphone
Depending on the device, a smartphone connected to the vehicle can be used via voice control.
The device must be connected via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.
Press and hold thebutton on the steering wheel for approx. 3 seconds.
The voice activation of the smartphone is activated.
If activation is successful, a confirmation appears on the control display.
Press and hold thebutton on the steering wheel to cancel voice control of the smartphone.
Amazon Alexa Car Integration
Principle
Amazon Alexa Car Integration is available depending on vehicle equipment and national-market version. Alexa is a digital assistant from Amazon. With Amazon Alexa Car Integration, Alexa can be used in the vehicle. For safety reasons, the use of some Alexa functions may be restricted while driving your vehicle.
Functional requirements
A BMW ID or driver profile is activated.
An active Amazon account must exist.
Activating Amazon Alexa Car Integration
Amazon Alexa Car Integration is activated in the vehicle and My BMW app if necessary.
Follow the instructions from the Amazon Alexa app to set it up in the vehicle.
Apps menu
"All apps"
"Amazon Alexa"
Select the desired setting.
After setting it up, use Amazon Alexa in the vehicle as follows:
Say the activation word "Alexa" and the desired command.
Information about the active function is displayed on the control display. If the function is restricted, reconnect Bluetooth and Wi-Fi as necessary.
Automating routines
General information
The Personal Assistant can automate routines, for instance the automatic opening of windows in the same place. Rules are created for this purpose, which can be activated and deactivated at any time.
Activating/deactivating routines
Apps menu
"All apps"
"Automate habits"
Select the desired setting.
System limits
The Personal Assistant provides information about vehicle functions that may not be installed in the vehicle.
This also applies to safety functions and systems.
Certain noises can be detected and may lead to problems. Keep the doors and windows closed.
Noises from the front passenger or occupants can impair the system. Avoid making other noise in the vehicle while speaking.
Major language dialects can cause problems with the speech recognition feature.
A poor data connection affects the response time of the Personal Assistant and search function.
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