If your BMW is equipped with navigation, it includes an iDrive controller with touchpad. This means letters and numbers can be drawn when filling in a navigation address or search field.
You can also turn the dial to scroll up or down, or to highlight a letter from the controller speller. Press down to make selections.
What is iDrive?
iDrive is the operating concept of the infotainment system from BMW. It is based on the multimedia system of the (former) CAA AG. With the takeover of CAA AG by Harman Becker, the know-how passed to Harman Becker. Harman Becker developed the system further and now supplies it as a premium supplier to BMW, Mercedes and Porsche.
It has a large display in the middle of the dashboard and is mainly controlled by a single controller – the so-called iDrive controller – and several quick selection buttons. iDrive should integrate all comfort functions (especially navigation, telecommunications, audio and chassis settings) and thus greatly reduce the number of control buttons and controls. With a simultaneous increase in the variety of functions, this is intended to facilitate vehicle operation.
iDrive buttons and their function
MEDIA
The MEDIA button quick key takes you to the current or last played selection. Press the MEDIA button again to access a list of available sources.
COM
The COM button quick key opens up the communications menu.
MAP
MAP button is a shortcut to display the navigation map on the screen.
NAV
The NAV button takes you to the navigation menu with destination input, quick search, point of entry search and more.
MENU
If you press the MENU button once, the main menu displays. Press it again to see the recently used menu selections. The last used menu bar gives you quick access to the menus you have recently visited, you can make a selection by highlighting it and pressing down on the controller.
BACK
The BACK button takes you to your last page or menu.
OPTION
The OPTION button is used to access special settings in certain menus.
