
iDriveVehicle features and options
This chapter describes all standard, country-
specific and optional features offered with the
series. It also describes features that are not
necessarily available in your car, e. g., due to
the selected options or country versions. This
also applies to safety-related functions and
systems. The respectively applicable country
provisions must be observed when using the
respective features and systems.
The concept
The iDrive combines the functions of many
switches. Thus, these functions can be oper‐
ated from a central location.
WARNING
Operating the integrated information
system and communication devices while driv‐
ing can distract from traffic. It is possible to
lose control of the vehicle. There is risk of an
accident. Only use the systems or devices
when the traffic situation allows. If necessary
stop and use the systems and devices while
the vehicle is stationary.◀Control elements at a glance
Control elements1Control Display2Controller with buttons and, depending on
the equipment version, with touchpad
Control Display
Information
▷To clean the Control Display, follow the
care instructions.▷Do not place objects close to the Control
Display; otherwise, the Control Display can
be damaged.▷In the case of very high temperatures on
the Control Display, e.g. due to intense so‐
lar radiation, the brightness may be re‐
duced down to complete deactivation.
Once the temperature is reduced, e.g.
through shadow or climate control system,
the normal functions are re-established.
Switching on
1.Switch on the ignition.2.Press the controller.
Switch off
1. Press button.
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6.Turn the controller to set the hours and
press the controller.7.Turn the controller to set the minutes and
press the controller.
Status information
Status field The following information is displayed in the
status field at the top right:
▷Time.▷Current entertainment source.▷Sound output, on/off.▷Wireless network reception strength.▷Phone status.▷Traffic bulletin reception.
Status field symbols
The symbols are grouped as follows.
Radio symbols
SymbolMeaning HD Radio station is being received. Satellite radio is switched on.
Telephone symbols
SymbolMeaning Incoming or outgoing call. Missed call. Wireless network reception
strength.
Symbol flashes: network search. Wireless network is not available. Bluetooth is switched on. Roaming is active.SymbolMeaning Text message was received. Check the SIM card. SIM card is blocked. SIM card is missing. Enter PIN.
Entertainment symbols
SymbolMeaning CD/DVD player. Music collection. Gracenote® database. AUX-IN port in the front or in the
rear. USB audio interface.
Additional symbols
SymbolMeaning Spoken instructions are turned off.
Split screen
General information Additional information can be displayed on the
right side of the split screen, e.g., information
from the on-board comupter.
In the divided screen view, the so-called split
screen, this information remains visible even when you change to another menu.
Switching the split screen on and off On the Control Display:
1. Press button.
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▷Navigation, e.g. stored destinations.▷Phone book.▷Online data, e.g. Favorites, cookies.▷Voice notes▷Login accounts.▷RemoteApp smartphone tethering.
Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up
to 30 minutes.
Functional requirement Data can only be deleted while stationary.
Deleting data Heed and follow the instructions on the Con‐
trol Display.
1.Switch on the ignition.2."Settings"3.Open "Options".4."Delete personal data"5."Continue"6."OK"
Entering letters and numbers
General information
On the Control Display:
1.Turn the controller: select letters or num‐
bers.2.Select additional letters or numbers if
needed.3."OK": confirm the entry.SymbolFunction Press the controller: delete the let‐
ter or number. Press the controller for an extended
period: delete all letters or numbers.Switching between cases, letters and
numbers
Depending on the menu, you can switch be‐
tween entering upper and lower case, letters
and numbers:SymbolFunction Enter the letters. Enter the numbers. or Tip controller up.
Without navigation system
Select symbol.
Entry comparison
Entering names and addresses: choice is nar‐
rowed down with every letter entered and let‐
ters may be added automatically.
Entries are continuously compared with data
stored in the vehicle.
▷Only those letters are offered during input
for which data is available.▷Target search: names of locations may be
entered in languages available through
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Backrest widthChange the width of the back‐
rest using the side wings to ad‐
just the lateral support.
Shoulder support
Also supports the back in the shoulder area:
▷Results in a relaxed seating position.▷Reduces strain on the shoulder muscles.
Front seat heating
Switching on Press button once for each tempera‐
ture level.
The maximum temperature is reached when
three LEDs are lit.
If the journey is continued within approx. 15
minutes, the seat heating is activated automat‐
ically with the temperature selected last.
When ECO PRO, refer to page 200, is acti‐
vated, the heater output is reduced.
Switch off
Press button longer.
The LEDs go out.
Temperature distribution
The heating action in the seat cushion and
backrest can be distributed in different ways.
On the Control Display:1."Climate"2."Front seat heating"3.Select the required seat.4.Turn the controller to set the temperature
distribution.
Active seat ventilation, front
The concept The seat cushion and backrest surfaces are
cooled by means of integrated fans.
The ventilation cools the seat, e. g., if the vehi‐
cle interior is overheated or for continuous
cooling at high temperatures.
Overview
Active seat ventilation button
Switching on Press button once for each ventilation
level.
The highest level is active when three LEDs
are lit.
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When the middle section is folded down,
comfortable entry is not possible.2.Pull the lever and fold the seat forward.
If the second row of seats is not locked, a
warning symbol is displayed in the instrument
cluster.
Rear seat heating
Switching on Press button once for each tempera‐
ture level.
The maximum temperature is reached when
three LEDs are lit.
If the journey is continued within approx. 15
minutes, the seat heating is activated automat‐
ically with the temperature selected last.
When ECO PRO, refer to page 200, is acti‐
vated, the heater output is reduced.
Switch off Press button longer.
The LEDs go out.
Third row of seats
General information
The third row of seats is divided and offers
space for two people.
Folding up the backrest WARNING
With an unlocked backrest, an unsecured
load can be thrown into the car's interior, e.g.
in case of an accident, braking or evasive ma‐
neuver. There is risk of injuries. Make sure that
the backrest engages into the locking after
folding it back.◀
Before folding up the backrest, remove the
cargo cover, refer to page 181. If necessary,
slide the second row of seats forward a little.1.Pull the lever, arrow, to unlock the back‐
rest.2.Fold up and latch the backrest.3.Slide headrests into the highest position.
Folding the backrest down
1.Moving the headrest down.Seite 56ControlsAdjusting56
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The radio-ready state remains active if, e.g.,
the ignition is automatically switched off for the
following reasons:▷Opening or closing the driver's door.▷Unfastening of the driver's safety belt.▷When automatically switching from low
beams to parking lights.
If the engine is switched off and the ignition is
switched on, the system automatically
switches to the radio-ready state if the lights
are turned off or, if correspondingly equipped,
the daytime running lights are activated.
Starting the engine
Information DANGER
If the exhaust pipe is blocked or ventila‐
tion is insufficient, harmful exhaust gases can
enter into the vehicle. The exhaust gases con‐
tain carbon monoxide, an odorless and color‐
less but highly toxic gas. In enclosed areas, ex‐
haust gases can also accumulate outside of
the vehicle. There is danger to life. Keep the
exhaust pipe free and ensure sufficient ventila‐
tion.◀
WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:
▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀CAUTION
In the case of repeated starting attempts
or repeated starting in quick succession, the
fuel is not burned or is inadequately burned.
The catalytic converter can overheat. There is
risk of property damage. Avoid repeated start‐
ing in quick succession.◀
Diesel engine
If the engine is cold and temperatures are be‐
low approx. 32 ℉/0 ℃, the start process may
be delayed somewhat due to automatic pre‐
heating.
A Check Control message is displayed.
Steptronic transmission
Starting the engine1.Depress the brake pedal.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The ignition is activated automatically for a
certain time and is stopped as soon as the en‐
gine starts.
Engine stop
Information WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
move the vehicle and endanger themselves
and traffic, e.g. with the following actions:
▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing of doors or windows.▷Shifting the selector lever into neutral.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Carry remote control along when exiting
and lock the vehicle.◀
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WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀
Before driving into a car wash
So that the vehicle can roll into a car wash ob‐
serve instructions for going into an automatic
car wash, refer to page 254.
Steptronic transmission
Switching off the engine
1.Engage selector lever position P with the
vehicle stopped.2.Press the Start/Stop button.
The engine is switched off.
The radio-ready state is switched on.3.Set the parking brake.
Auto Start/Stop function
The concept The Auto Start/Stop function helps save fuel.
The system switches off the engine during a
stop, e.g., in traffic congestion or at traffic lights. The ignition remains switched on. The
engine starts again automatically for driving
off.
Automatic mode After every start of the engine using the Start/
Stop button, the Auto Start/Stop function is in
the last selected state, refer to page 72.
When the Auto Start/Stop function is active, it
is available when the vehicle is traveling faster
than about 3 mph, approx. 5 km/h.
Engine stop The engine is switched off automatically dur‐
ing a stop under the following conditions:
Steptronic transmission:▷The selector lever is in selector lever posi‐
tion D.▷The brake pedal remains pressed while the
vehicle is stationary or the vehicle is held
by Automatic Hold.▷The driver's safety belt is buckled or the
driver's door is closed.
The air flow from the air conditioner is reduced
when the engine is switched off.
Displays in the instrument cluster The display indicates that the
Auto Start/Stop function is
ready for an Automatic engine
start.
The display indicates that the conditions for an automatic en‐
gine stop have not been met.
Functional limitations The engine is not switched off automatically in
the following situations:
▷External temperature too low.▷The external temperature is high and auto‐
matic climate control is running.▷The car's interior has not yet been heated
or cooled to the required level.▷The engine is not yet at operating temper‐
ature.▷The wheels are at a sharp angle or the
steering wheel is being turned.Seite 71DrivingControls71
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Switching off the vehicle during an
automatic engine stop
During an automatic engine stop, the vehicle
can be switched off permanently, e. g., when
leaving it.1.Press the Start/Stop button. The ignition is
switched off. The Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated.
Selector lever position P is engaged auto‐
matically.2.Set the parking brake.
Engine start as usual via Start/Stop button.
Automatic deactivation
In certain situations, Auto Start/Stop function
is deactivated automatically for safety reasons
as if the driver were absent.
Malfunction
The Auto Start/Stop function no longer
switches off the engine automatically. A Check
Control message is displayed. It is possible to
continue driving. Have the system checked.
Parking brake The concept
The parking brake is used to prevent the vehi‐
cle from rolling when it is parked.
Overview
Parking brake
Setting WARNING
An unsecured vehicle can put itself into
motion and roll away. There is risk of an acci‐
dent. Before exiting, secure the vehicle against
rolling.
In order to ensure that the vehicle is secured
against rolling away, observe the following:▷Set the parking brake.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, turn the
front wheels in the direction of the curb.▷On uphill grades or on a slope, also secure
the vehicle, e.g. with a wheel chock.◀
WARNING
Unattended children or animals can
move the vehicle and endanger themselves
and traffic, e.g. with the following actions:
▷Pressing the Start/Stop button.▷Releasing the parking brake.▷Opening and closing of doors or windows.▷Shifting the selector lever into neutral.▷Using vehicle equipment.
There is risk of accidents or injuries. Do not
leave children or animals unattended in the ve‐
hicle. Carry remote control along when exiting
and lock the vehicle.◀
Pull the switch.
The LED lights up.
The indicator lamp lights up red. The
parking brake is set.
While driving
Use as emergency brake while driving:
Pull the switch and hold it. The vehicle brakes
hard while the switch is being pulled.
The indicator lamp lights up red, a sig‐
nal sounds and the brake lights light
up.
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