BMW iDrive tips: hidden features and settings worth knowing
Many BMW owners use only a small part of iDrive. Useful iDrive tips: favourite buttons, driver profiles, voice control, light and lock settings, display options and features that make daily driving easier.
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These BMW iDrive tips will help you get more from your car. iDrive has grown from a simple controller into a complete operating system that controls navigation, media, phone, vehicle settings and driver assistance.
Many owners use only a small part of it and never discover the settings that make daily driving easier. In this guide we share practical tips that work on many models, from favourite buttons to driver profiles, voice control, lights, locking and display options. The exact menus vary by iDrive version, so check your owner's manual for details.
Know your iDrive version
BMW has used several iDrive generations since 2001, each with different menus and features. Our article on BMW iDrive generations explains how to identify your system.
The tips below apply to many modern BMWs, but the exact names, menus and availability depend on the model, year and equipment.
BMW iDrive tips: use the favourite buttons
Many BMWs have programmable favourite buttons below the central display or on the centre console. You can store:
- Radio stations and media sources.
- Phone numbers of people you call often.
- Navigation destinations, such as home or work.
- Menu shortcuts to functions you use regularly.
To store a favourite, select the function and hold the button until it is saved. This saves a lot of time while driving.
On newer models with fewer physical buttons, similar shortcuts can be placed on the home screen as widgets. Arrange the widgets you use most often, such as navigation, media and phone, so you can reach them with one touch. On cars with a touchscreen, you can also use the iDrive controller, which is often easier while driving because you do not need to look for the right spot on the screen.
Create a driver profile
Driver profiles store personal settings, such as seat position, mirrors, climate preferences, media favourites and display layout. On many models, the profile is linked to the key or a smartphone, so the car adjusts automatically when you unlock it.
This is very useful when several people drive the same car. Some newer BMWs also store profiles online through the BMW ID, so your settings can follow you to another compatible BMW.
Use voice control
Voice control allows you to set destinations, make calls, change the temperature or select media without taking your hands off the wheel. On newer models, you can activate the assistant with a wake phrase or the voice button on the steering wheel.
Speak naturally, for example asking the car to make it warmer or to navigate to a specific address. Voice control is one of the safest ways to use iDrive while driving.
It is worth spending a few minutes learning which commands work in your car. Many systems understand requests about vehicle functions, such as opening the windows, changing the driving mode or explaining a warning light. Some systems can also read and reply to messages from your phone.
Light and visibility settings
In the vehicle settings, you can often adjust:
- Welcome light when unlocking the car.
- Home lights, which keep headlights on for a short time after locking.
- Daytime running lights, depending on local rules.
- Mirror dipping when reversing, so the passenger mirror tilts down to show the kerb.
- Ambient lighting colour and brightness.
Mirror dipping is especially useful to avoid kerbing wheels. Our article on BMW alloy wheel repair explains why kerb damage is so expensive.
Locking and comfort settings
Useful options often include:
- Automatic locking when driving away.
- Unlocking only the driver's door for more security.
- Folding mirrors automatically when locking.
- Comfort opening and closing of windows with the key.
- Seat and steering wheel easy entry, which moves them for easier access.
Our article on BMW Comfort Access explains the keyless entry system and how to keep it secure.
Display and driving information
You can usually personalise:
- The instrument cluster layout, for example showing navigation, media or driving data.
- Head-Up Display content, if fitted. Our article on the BMW Head-Up Display explains the options.
- Split screen on the central display, showing navigation and other information at the same time.
- Units for speed, distance and temperature.
A clear layout reduces distraction while driving.
Safety tips
- Set up iDrive while parked, not while driving.
- Use voice control and steering wheel buttons whenever possible.
- Keep software up to date. Our article on BMW Remote Software Upgrade explains how updates work.
- Restart iDrive if the system becomes slow or unresponsive. On many models, holding the volume button for some seconds restarts the system.
Spending half an hour exploring the settings in a quiet place can make every journey more comfortable and less distracting.
BMW iDrive tips at a glance
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Favourites | Store stations, contacts, destinations, shortcuts |
| Driver profile | Seat, mirrors, climate, displays |
| Voice control | Destinations, calls, climate, media |
| Mirror dipping | Passenger mirror tilts when reversing |
| Locking | Auto-lock, driver door only, mirror folding |
| Displays | Cluster, Head-Up Display, split screen |
| Restart | Often by holding the volume button |
Frequently asked questions
How do I set favourites in BMW iDrive?
Select the function, then hold a favourite button until it is stored.
Can I make my BMW mirror dip when reversing?
On many models, yes. Activate the function in the mirror settings in iDrive.
How do I restart BMW iDrive?
On many models, hold the volume button for some seconds until the system restarts. Check your owner's manual.
Can I save my settings in a BMW driver profile?
Yes. Driver profiles store seat, mirror, climate, media and display settings on many models.
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