2023 BMW M5 Owners Manual - Connections

Connections

Connecting mobile devices to the vehicle

Principle

Various connection types are available for using mobile devices in the vehicle. The connection type to select depends on the mobile device and the desired function.

General information

The following overview shows possible functions and the suitable connection types for them. The range of functions depends on the mobile device.

The following connection types require one-time pairing with the vehicle:

Bluetooth.

Wi-Fi.

Paired devices are automatically recognized later on and connected to the vehicle.

Safety information

Observe when operating systems and devices

Compatible devices

General information

Information on compatible mobile devices is available as follows:

On the BMW homepage.

Via Hotline/Customer Support

At an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

Displaying the vehicle identification number and software part number

With a search 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.

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"Settings"

"Bluetooth® info"

"System information"

Managing mobile devices

General information

After one-time pairing, the devices are automatically recognized and reconnected when standby state is switched on.

After stored content on the SIM card or the mobile phone, such as contacts, has been detected, the data is transmitted to the vehicle and can be used via iDrive.

For some devices, certain settings are necessary, for instance authorization; see the operating instructions of the device.

Displaying the device list

All devices paired with or connected to the vehicle are displayed in the device list.

A maximum of four devices can be connected to the vehicle via Bluetooth®, and a maximum of ten devices can be connected to the vehicle via Wi-Fi.

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

An icon to the right of the device name indicates, for which function the device is used.

When the icon is displayed in white, this function is actively connected to the vehicle. The icon is displayed in gray when the function of the device is inactive.

Configuring the device

Functions can be activated or deactivated for paired and connected devices.

The range of functions depends on the mobile device.

Follow the information on the Control Display.

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Select the desired device.

Select the desired setting:

"Connect device"

The functions that were assigned to the device before disconnecting are assigned to the device when it is reconnected. The functions may be deactivated on a device already connected.

"Disconnect device"

The device remains paired and can be connected again.

"Delete device"

The device is disconnected and removed from the device list.

"Connection mode"

Select a connection mode, for instance Apple CarPlay.

"Telephone"

Set telephone.

"Bluetooth® audio"

Playback of music files on external devices such as audio devices or mobile phones via Bluetooth®.

"Apps"

With the installed BMW app, apps from the smartphone can be displayed in the vehicle.

"Wi-Fi®"

Connects the device with the WLAN in the vehicle.

Priority of the phones

When multiple mobile phones are connected to the vehicle, you can specify the priority of the mobile phones. The mobile phone with the highest priority is preferred, for instance for outgoing calls and messages.

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"Settings"

"Priorities for telephones"

Select the desired device.

Select the desired priority by sliding.

Bluetooth connection

Functional requirements

Compatible device with Bluetooth interface.

Compatible devices.

The vehicle key is in the vehicle.

The device is ready for operation.

Bluetooth is switched on in the vehicle and on the device.

The pairing readiness is displayed on the Control Display.

Bluetooth presettings, such as visibility, may be required on the device; refer to the operating instructions of the device.

Activate Bluetooth

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"Settings"

"Bluetooth®"

Select setting.

Connecting the device

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"New device"

"Phone calls and audio"

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

Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and confirm that the two match.

A Bluetooth connection is established.

The mobile device is connected to the vehicle and displayed in the device list.

Frequently Asked Questions

All prerequisites 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 the Bluetooth connection from the device list on the mobile phone and start a new device search.

Too many Bluetooth devices with the same function are paired. Adapt the functions in the device list on the control display.

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

Charge the mobile phone and deactivate the power-save mode where required.

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 telephone functions not be used via iDrive?

Phone functions are not configured for the mobile phone.

Connect the mobile phone with the telephone function.

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

Transmission of the telephone book entries is not yet complete.

It is possible that only the telephone book entries of the mobile phone or the SIM card are transmitted.

It may not be possible to display telephone book entries with special characters.

It may not be possible to transmit contacts from social networks.

The number of phone book entries to be transmitted is too high.

Data volume of the contact too large, for instance due to stored information such as memos.

Reduce the data volume of the contact.

The mobile phone has only been connected as an audio source.

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

Contact was created in the contact list of the phone after the last synchronization.

Synchronize contacts again: "Reload contacts"

How can the telephone 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 wireless charging tray.

Adjust the volume of the microphone separately in the sound settings.

If all points listed have been checked and the required function is still not available: contact the hotline, an authorized service center or another qualified service center or repair shop.

WLAN connection

General information

For certain applications, such as apps, the data exchange between smartphone and vehicle occurs via WLAN.

Functional requirements

Standby state is switched on.

Compatible device with activated WLAN interface.

Activate WLAN in the vehicle

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"Settings"

"Wi-Fi®"

Wi-Fi hotspot

Principle

Compatible devices with WLAN interface can use the Internet connection of the vehicle via the Wi-Fi hotspot.

General information

Up to ten devices can be connected to the Wi-Fi hotspot simultaneously.

Functional requirements

Compatible device with activated WLAN interface.

Compatible devices.

WLAN is activated on the vehicle.

Internet use is activated for the vehicle.

Registration and data contract with a service provider where required.

Standby state is switched on.

Connecting a device to the Internet via the Wi-Fi hotspot

Using the Internet for the first time via the Wi-Fi hotspot requires registration and possibly a data volume purchase from a service provider.

Depending on the national-market version, data volume can be purchased via the connected mobile communication device or from the ConnectedDrive Store.

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"New device"

"Internet, apps"

Hotspot name and hotspot code are displayed on the Control Display.

Activate Internet usage via WLAN if necessary.

"Open settings"

Activate Internet usage.

"Wi-Fi hotspot"

Tilt the Controller to the left.

Search for WLAN networks on the mobile device. Select network name on the device.

Enter hotspot code on the device and connect.

The device is displayed in the device list.

Additionally, a QR code will be displayed on the Control Display. Alternatively, this QR code can be used to pair the mobile device with the hotspot.

All devices connected via the hotspot use this data volume.

Deactivating Internet usage via the Wi-Fi hotspot

Internet usage may be deactivated if the data volume is used up, for instance.

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"Settings"

"Wi-Fi hotspot"

Select the desired setting.

Apple CarPlay© preparation

Principle

CarPlay allows select functions of a compatible Apple iPhone to be used via Siri voice control and iDrive.

Functional requirements

Compatible iPhone, iPhone 5 or later with iOS 7.1 or later.

Compatible devices.

Corresponding mobile contract.

Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and Siri voice control are activated on the iPhone.

If necessary, the setting for mobile data must be activated on the iPhone.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the vehicle.

Pairing the iPhone with CarPlay

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"New device"

"Phone calls and audio"

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

On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.

A control number is displayed.

Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and confirm that the two match.

"Use Apple CarPlay"

The iPhone is connected to the vehicle and displayed in the device list.

Operation

Further descriptions for the operation of CarPlay.

Frequently Asked Questions

All prerequisites 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:

The iPhone has already been paired with Apple CarPlay. When a new connection is set up, CarPlay can no longer be selected.

Delete the iPhone concerned from the device list.

On the iPhone, delete the vehicle concerned from the list of stored connections under Bluetooth and under WLAN.

Pair the iPhone as a new device.

If the steps listed have been carried out and the required function is still not available: contact the hotline, an authorized service center, or another qualified service center or repair shop.

Android Auto© preparation

Principle

Android Auto allows select functions of a compatible smartphone to be operated via Google Assistant voice control and via iDrive.

General information

The range of services offered depends on the country.

Functional requirements

Compatible Android smartphone: Samsung or Google smartphone with Android 10 or an Android smartphone with Android 11, regardless of the manufacturer.

Compatible devices.

Corresponding mobile contract.

Bluetooth and WLAN are enabled on the smartphone.

The smartphone must support a Wi-Fi connection with 5 GHz.

If necessary, the setting for mobile data must be activated on the smartphone.

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are enabled in the vehicle.

Pairing a smartphone with Android Auto

"COM"

"Mobile devices"

Tilt the Controller to the right.

"New device"

"Phone calls and audio"

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

On the mobile device, search for Bluetooth devices in the vicinity and select the vehicle.

A control number is displayed.

Compare the control number displayed on the Control Display with the control number on the display of the mobile device, and confirm that the two match.

"Use Android Auto"

If necessary, finish the setup on the mobile device.

The smartphone is connected to the vehicle and displayed in the device list.

Operation

Further descriptions for the operation of Android Auto.

Frequently Asked Questions

All prerequisites 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:

The smartphone has already been paired with Android Auto. When a new connection is set up, Android Auto can no longer be selected.

Delete the smartphone concerned from the device list.

On the smartphone, delete the vehicle concerned from the list of stored connections under Bluetooth and under WLAN.

Pair the smartphone as a new device.

If the steps listed have been carried out and the required function is still not available: contact the hotline, an authorized service center, or another qualified service center or repair shop.

USB connection

General information

The following mobile devices can be connected to the USB port:

Mobile phones.

Audio devices such as MP3 players.

USB storage devices.

Common file systems are supported. FAT32 and exFAT are the recommended formats.

A connected USB device will be supplied with charge current via the USB port if the device supports this. Follow the maximum charge current of the USB port.

The following uses are possible on USB ports with data transfer:

Playing music files via USB audio.

Playing videos via USB video.

Follow the following when connecting:

Do not use force when plugging the connector into the USB port.

Use a flexible adapter cable.

Protect the USB device against mechanical damage.

Due to the large number of USB devices available on the market, it cannot be guaranteed that every device is operable on the vehicle.

Do not expose USB devices to extreme environmental conditions, such as very high temperatures; refer to the operating instructions of the device.

Due to the many different compression techniques, proper playback of the media stored on the USB device cannot be guaranteed in all cases.

To ensure proper transmission of the stored data, do not charge a USB device via the onboard socket, when it is connected to the USB port.

Depending on how the USB device is being used, settings may be required on the USB storage device, refer to the operating instructions of the device.

Not compatible USB devices:

USB hard drives.

USB hubs.

USB memory card readers with multiple slots.

HFS-formatted USB devices.

Devices such as fans or bulbs.

Functional requirement

Compatible device with USB port.

Additional information:

Compatible devices.

Connecting the device

Connect the USB device using a suitable adapter cable to a USB port.

The USB device is displayed in the device list.

Additional information:

USB port.