
Controls
 55Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
6.Select a button, if appropriate, and press 
the controller.
You can operate the selected function using the 
corresponding button.
Operating a function
Briefly press the appropriate button on the 
steering wheel.
If you have programmed "Navigation voice 
instructions" for one of the buttons:
>Switch voice instructions on/off:
Press the button for a longer period.
>To repeat the last voice instruction:
Press the button briefly.
>To cancel a voice instruction during an 
announcement:
Press the button briefly. 

Practical interior accessories
110
Practical interior accessories
Integrated universal remote 
control*
The concept
The integrated universal remote control can 
replace as many as three hand-held transmit-
ters for various remote-controlled devices, 
such as garage doors and gates or lighting sys-
tems. The integrated universal remote control 
registers and stores signals from the original 
hand-held transmitters.
The signal of an original hand-held transmitter 
can be programmed on one of the three mem-
ory buttons1. After this, the programmed 
memory button1 will operate the system in 
question. The LED2 flashes to confirm trans-
mission of the signal.
Should you sell your vehicle one day, be sure to 
delete the stored programs beforehand for your 
safety, refer to page111.
To prevent possible damage or injury, 
before programming or using the inte-
grated universal remote control, always inspect 
the immediate area to make certain that no peo-
ple, animals or objects are within the pivoting or 
travel range of the device being operated. Com-
ply also with the safety instructions supplied 
with the original hand-held transmitter.<
Checking compatibility
If this symbol appears on the package 
or in the instructions supplied with the 
original hand-held transmitter, you can 
assume that the radio remote control device will 
be compatible with the integrated universal 
remote control.
For additional information, please contact your 
BMW center or call: 1-800-355-3515.
You can also obtain information on the Internet 
at: 
www.bmwusa.com or 
www.homelink.com. HomeLink is a registered trademark of Johnson 
Controls, Inc.<
Programming
1Memory buttons
2LED
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters
1.Switch on the ignition, refer to page59.
2.When starting operation for the first time: 
Press the left and right memory buttons1 
for approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 
flashes rapidly. The three memory buttons 
are cleared.
3.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
4.Simultaneously press the transmit key on 
the original hand-held transmitter and the 
desired memory button 1 on the integrated 
universal remote control. The LED 2 flashes 
slowly at first. As soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly, release both buttons. If the LED2 
does not flash rapidly after approx. 15 sec-
onds, alter the distance and repeat this 
step.
5.To program other original hand-held trans-
mitters, repeat steps 3 and 4. 

Controls
 111Reference
At a glance
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
You can operate the device while the ignition is 
switched off.
If the device fails to function even after 
repeated programming, check whether 
the original hand-held transmitter uses an alter-
nating-code system. To do so, either read the 
instructions for the original hand-held transmit-
ter or hold down the programmed memory 
button1 of the integrated universal remote 
control. If the LED2 on the integrated universal 
remote control flashes rapidly and then remains 
lit for about two seconds, the original hand-held 
transmitter uses an alternating-code system. If 
it uses an alternating-code system, program 
the memory buttons1 as described under 
Alternating-code hand-held transmitters.<
Alternating-code hand-held 
transmitters
To program the integrated universal remote 
control, consult the operating instructions for 
the device to be set. You will find information 
there on the possibilities for synchronization.
When programming hand-held transmitters 
that employ an alternating code, please observe 
the following supplementary instructions:
P r o g ra m m in g  w i ll  b e  ea s i er  w it h  t h e  a i d  o f  
a second person.<
1.Park your vehicle within the range of the 
remote-controlled device.
2.Program the integrated universal remote 
control as described above in the section 
Fixed-code hand-held transmitters.
3.Locate the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set, e.g. on the drive unit.
4.Press the button on the receiver of the 
device to be set. After step 4, you have 
approx. 30 seconds for step 5.
5.Press the programmed memory button1 of 
the integrated universal remote control 
three times.The corresponding memory button 1 is now 
programmed with the signal of the original 
hand-held transmitter.
If you have any questions, please contact 
your BMW center.<
Deleting all stored programs
Press the left and right memory buttons1 for 
approx. 20 seconds until the LED2 flashes rap-
idly: all stored programs are deleted.
Reassigning individual programs
1.Hold the original hand-held transmitter at a 
distance of approx. 4 to 12 in/10 to 30 cm 
from the memory buttons1.
The required distance between the 
hand-held transmitter and the mem-
ory buttons1 depends on the system of the 
respective original hand-held transmitter 
used.<
2.Press the desired memory button1 of the 
integrated universal remote control.
3.If the LED2 flashes slowly after approx. 
20 seconds, press the transmit key of the 
original hand-held transmitter. Release 
both buttons as soon as the LED2 flashes 
rapidly. If the LED2 does not flash rapidly 
after approx. 15 seconds, alter the distance 
and repeat this step. 

Navigation
Driving tips
 151Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Entertainment
Mobility
Repeating or canceling voice 
instructions
With the programmable buttons on the steering 
wheel, you can also execute the following func-
tions, refer to page54:
>Repeat the voice instruction:
Press the button.
>Switch voice instructions on/off:
Press the button for a longer period.
Adjusting volume for voice instructions
The volume can be adjusted only while a voice 
instruction is being issued.
1.Have the last voice instruction repeated, if 
necessary.
2.Turn the button during the voice instruction 
to select the desired volume.
This volume is independent of the volume of the 
audio sources.
The setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Changing a route
During destination guidance, you can revise the 
navigation system's route recommendations to 
avoid particular stretches of road. Enter the 
number of miles/kilometers that you want to 
travel before returning to the original route.1.Select "Navigation" and press the control-
ler.
2.Move the highlight marker to the third field 
from the top. Turn the controller until "New 
route" is selected and press the controller.
3.Turn the controller to enter the desired 
number and press the controller.
The route is recalculated.
To exit from the menu without changing the 
route:
Select the   arrow and press the controller.
Traffic information*
In many metropolitan areas you can receive 
traffic information broadcast by radio stations. 
The traffic conditions are monitored by traffic 
control centers and the traffic information is 
updated periodically. 
During destination guidance, the traffic infor-
mation relevant to the route you are planning to 
take is automatically shown and taken into 
account in route planning. Whether destination 
guidance is active or not, you can have the traf-
fic information displayed in the map view or in 
the traffic info list.
Switching reception of traffic 
information on/off
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu. 

On/off and settings
160
On/off and settings
The following audio sources have shared con-
trols and setting options:
>Radio
>CD player
>CD changer
*
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near the CD player
>iDrive
>Buttons
 on the steering wheel, refer to 
page11
>Programmable memory keys, refer to 
page21
Buttons on the CD player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on the unit, the last set 
radio station or track is played.
>Turn: adjust volume.
2Drive for audio CDs
3 Eject CD.
4 Station scan/track search
>Change radio station.
>Select track for CD player and CD 
changer.
5Drive for navigation DVD
Operation via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up 
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
>"SAT": satellite radio
*
>"CD": CD player or changer
>"AUX": AUX-In port, USB-audio interface
>"Set": depending on the audio source, 
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with 
the radio: update station with strongest 
reception, store station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
From another menu, you can switch 
directly to the screen last displayed, refer 
to Convenient call-up of menu items on 
page18.<
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
the selected audio source is stored for the 
remote control currently in use.
Switching on/off
In order to switch the entertainment sound out-
put on and off:
Press button1 on the CD player.
 This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 161Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
Adjusting volume
Turn knob1 on the CD player until the desired 
volume is obtained.
You can also adjust the volume with buttons on 
the steering wheel, refer to page11.
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
the setting is stored for the remote control cur-
rently in use.
Tone control
You can alter various tone settings, e.g. treble 
and bass or the speed-dependent volume 
increase.
The tone settings are applied to all audio 
sources.
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond, 
the settings are stored for the remote control 
currently in use.
Changing tone settings
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Press the controller to open the   menu.
3.Turn the controller until "Settings" is 
selected and press the controller.
4.Select "Audio" and press the controller.
The tone settings can also be selected if you 
have called up "Entertainment" in the start 
menu:
Select "Set" and then "Tone", pressing the 
controller after each selection.
Treble and bass
1.Select "Treble / Bass" and press the con-
troller.
2.Move the controller to the left or right to 
select "Treble" or "Bass".
3.Turn the controller until the desired setting 
is selected.
Balance and fader
You can adjust the volume distribution in the 
same manner as "Treble / Bass".
>"Balance": left/right volume distribution
>"Fader": front/rear volume distribution
Speed-dependent volume control
The speed-dependent volume control auto-
matically increases the volume with increasing 
driving speed. You can set various stages for 
the increase in volume. 

Radio
164
Radio
Your radio provides reception of the FM and AM 
wavebands.
Listening to the radio
Press the button if the sound output is switched 
off.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the   button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up 
"Entertainment".
3.If necessary, move the highlight marker to 
the uppermost field. Select "FM" or "AM".
4.Press the controller.
Stations are shown on the Control Display on 
the basis of various selection criteria, e.g. "Pre-
sets".
If "Autostore" does not show a station in the AM 
waveband or if the displayed stations are no 
longer receivable, update the stations with the 
best reception, refer to page165.
Changing stations
Turn the controller.
Buttons on the CD player
 Press the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
The system switches to the next displayed sta-
tion.
You can also change the station with the but-
tons on the steering wheel, refer to page11.
Changing selection criteria
In addition to the stations currently displayed, 
you can have stations with another selection 
criterion displayed.
You can choose from the following selection 
criteria:
>"All stations"
*:
Stations that can currently be received on 
the "FM" waveband.
>"Autostore":
Stations with the best reception on the 
"AM" waveband. 
For High Definition Radio: stations with the 
best reception on the "FM" waveband.
>"Presets":
Stations you have previously stored, refer to 
page166.
>"Manual":
To set stations that can be received in addi-
tion to those already being displayed, refer 
to Selecting the frequency manually, 
page165. 

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
 165Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
To change the selection criterion:
1.Move the highlight marker to the second 
field from the top.
2.Choose a selection criterion and press the 
controller.
Sampling stations, Scan
The stations on the current waveband are auto-
matically sampled in succession.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
"Set" is selected.
2.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.
3.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
The stations are sampled.
Stop sampling:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Scan" and press the controller.
Station sampling is interrupted and the 
selected station stays on.
Buttons on the CD player
 To sample stations, press the but-
ton for the corresponding direction for an 
extended time.To stop scanning, press the button again.
Selecting the frequency manually
With "Manual" you can select stations that can 
be received in addition to those displayed.
1.Select "FM" or "AM" and press the control-
ler.
2.Move the highlight marker to the second 
field from the top.
3.Select "Manual" and press the controller.
4.Turn the controller to set a certain fre-
quency.
Updating stations with best reception
If on a longer journey you move out of the 
reception range of the stations originally 
received, you can update the list of stations 
received with the strongest signals in the AM 
waveband.
1.Select "AM" and press the controller.
2.Move the highlight marker to the second 
field from the top.
3.Select "Autostore" and press the controller.
"Set" is selected.
4.Press the controller.
Other menu items are displayed.