BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 General and Personal Settings User Manual

Introduction

One of the most opulent and performance-focused executive sedans on the market for many years has been the BMW 5 Series. The 5 Series has long been regarded as a mark of status and refinement due to its elegant design, state-of-the-art technology, and dynamic driving experience. BMW has elevated this iconic vehicle with the 2020–2023 model years by providing a variety of general and private settings that improve the overall driving experience and customization options for the discerning driver. The features and settings that will be available in the BMW 5 Series from 2020 to 2023 will be covered in this introduction, with an emphasis on both standard and custom settings.

General Settings: The BMW 5 Series’s general settings include a broad range of features that enhance the car’s overall functionality and comfort. With the help of these settings, drivers can personalize their driving environment and experience according to their preferences. Key general settings include the following:

1. Climate Control: The 5 Series has sophisticated climate control features that let drivers and passengers customize the cabin’s temperature, airflow, and distribution. This guarantees a relaxing and enjoyable ride, regardless of the weather outside.
2. Lighting: To set a particular mood or ambiance, drivers can modify the interior ambient lighting’s brightness and color using the vehicle’s lighting settings. Additionally, exterior lighting settings provide alternatives for improved visibility and safety while driving at night, including adaptive headlights and automatic high beams.
3. Sound System: The BMW 5 Series has a top-notch audio system that is adjustable using the general settings. Drivers can customize their audio experience by adjusting the surround sound options, equalizer settings, and sound balance.
4. Driver Assistance Systems: The 5 Series comes equipped with a number of driver aids, such as adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and blind-spot monitoring. The driver’s preferences can be taken into account when changing these settings, ensuring a secure and enjoyable driving experience.

Personal Settings: In addition to the standard settings, the BMW 5 Series provides a number of personal settings to suit the preferences of different drivers. The performance and interior features of the car can be more precisely customized using these settings to meet the individual needs of the driver. The following are some noteworthy personal settings:

1. Driving Dynamics: The 5 Series offers a number of driving settings, including Comfort, Sport, and Eco Pro, which can be changed to alter the vehicle’s performance characteristics. Drivers can select their preferred mode based on how sporty and efficient they want it to be.
2. Seat and Mirror Memory: Individualized seat and mirror settings let different drivers save their preferred seating arrangements, mirror positions, and other comfort options. Each driver will be able to quickly restore their preferred configuration with the touch of a button thanks to this feature.
3. iDrive Infotainment System: The BMW 5 Series is equipped with the highly customizable iDrive infotainment system. To enable quick and simple access to various functions and features, drivers can customize the home screen layout, shortcut buttons, and menu preferences.
4. Digital Instrument Cluster: The digital instrument cluster in the 5 Series can be customized to show pertinent data and graphics. Drivers can select from a variety of themes and layouts to suit their tastes and prioritize the information that will be most useful to them.

In conclusion, the BMW 5 Series, which will be available from 2020 to 2023, offers a variety of global and individual settings that raise the driving experience to entirely new levels. These settings enable drivers to customize their vehicle to their preferences, ensuring a luxurious and unique journey. They range from climate control and lighting to driving dynamics and infotainment customization. The BMW 5 Series continues to be the benchmark for executive sedans in the automotive industry thanks to its timelessly elegant style, state-of-the-art technology, and wide range of customization options.

General Settings

Vehicle Features and Options

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series. It also describes features and functions that are not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems. When using these functions and systems, the applicable laws and regulations must be observed.

Time
Setting the time zone

1. “CAR”
2. Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Date and time”
5. “Time zone:”
6.  Select the desired setting.

Setting the time

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Date and time”
5. “Time:”
6. Turn the Controller until the desired hours are displayed.
7. Press the Controller.
8. Turn the Controller until the desired minutes are displayed.
9. “OK”

Setting the time format

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Date and time”
5. “Time format:”
6.  Select the desired setting.

Automatic Time Setting

Depending on your vehicle’s optional features, the time, date and, if needed, the time zone are updated automatically.

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Date and time”
5. “Automatic time setting”

Date

Setting the date

1. “CAR”
2. Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Date and time”
5. “Date:”
6. Turn the Controller until the desired day is displayed.
7. Press the Controller.
8. Make the settings for the month and year.
9. “OK”

Setting the date format

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Date and time”
5. “Date format:”
6. Select the desired setting.

Language

Setting the system language

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Language”
5. Select the desired setting.

Setting the Units of Measurement

Depending on the country version, you can set the units of measurement for some values, for in‐stance consumption, distances, and temperature.

1. “CAR”
2.  “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Units”
5. Select the desired menu item.
6. Select the desired setting.

Driver Attention Camera

Principle
A camera that monitors driver activity is located in the instrument cluster. The camera evaluates the head position and eye opening and uses the data to analyze the attention of the driver. This system supports various vehicle assistance systems, e.g.

• Fatigue alert.
  Steering and traffic jam assistant with Ex‐tended Traffic Jam Assistant.

Activating/deactivating

1. CAR”
2. Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Driver Attention Camera”
5. Select the desired setting.

System limits
The Driver Attention Camera may not be fully functional in the following situations:

• When the Driver Attention Camera is covered by the steering wheel rim.
  When the driver is wearing infrared impermeable sunglasses.

Trip Data Settings

Principle
The intervals in which the trip data will be reset can be configured.

Resetting trip data

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Reset trip data”
5. Select the desired setting.

Speed Warning

Principle
The speed warning can be used to set a speed limit. A warning will be issued when this speed limit is exceeded.

General information
The warning is repeated if the vehicle speed exceeds the set speed limit again, after it has dropped below it by 3 mph/5 km/h.

Adjusting

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4.  “Speed warning”
5. “Warning at:”
6. Turn the Controller until the desired speed is displayed.
7. Press the Controller.

Activate/deactivate

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Speed warning”
5. “Speed warning”

Accept current speed as the speed warning

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. General settings”
4. “Speed warning”
5. “Select current speed”

Activating/Deactivating Pop-ups

For some functions, pop-ups are displayed automatically on the Control Display. Some of these popups can be activated or deactivated.

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Pop-ups”
5. Select the desired setting.

Control Display

Brightness

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “Displays”
4. “Control display”
5. “Brightness at night”
6. Press the Controller.
7. Turn the Controller until the desired bright‐ness is set.
8. Press the Controller.

Depending on the light conditions, the bright‐ness settings may not be clearly visible.

Reset Vehicle Data

All individual settings can be reset to the factory settings when the drive-ready state is switched off.

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Reset vehicle data”
5. “Reset vehicle data”

When the stored settings in a driver profile are synchronized with the ConnectedDrive account, these settings will remain in the ConnectedDrive account.

Notifications

Principle
The menu centrally displays all notifications arriving in the vehicle in form of a list.

General information
The following notifications can be displayed:

• Traffic messages.
  Check Control messages.
  Messages on service notifications.
  Communication messages, for example e-mails, SMS text messages or reminders.
  Messages, for instance from the BMW app.
  Messages from the manufacturer of the vehicle, for instance technical information or important customer information.

The number of notifications is additionally dis‐played in the status field.

Go to notifications

1. Tip the Controller up.
2. “Notifications”
3. Select desired notification.

Delete notifications
All notifications, except Check Control messages or messages from the vehicle manufacturer, can be deleted from the list.
Check Control messages or messages from the vehicle manufacturer are displayed as long as they are relevant.

1. Tip the Controller up.
2. “Notifications”
3. Select desired notifications.
4. Press the button.
5. Select the desired setting.

Settings
It is possible to set which notifications are per‐mitted and which notifications will be displayed at the start of the trip and at the completion of the trip.

1. Tip the Controller up.
2. “Notifications”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. “Settings”
5. Select the desired setting.

Display, notifications
General information
The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistants allows the configuration of the range of messages that will be displayed. Depending on the situation, the desired condition can be activated.

Condition Description
“Do not disturb”
Incoming calls and non-critical notifications are not displayed.
Icon is shown in the status information with the number of messages.

“Passenger on board”
Private contents, such as messages, will not be displayed directly.
Icon is shown in the status information with the number of messages.

Activate/deactivate

1. Tip the Controller up.
2. “Notifications”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
4. “Notification display”
5. Select the desired setting.

Personal Settings

Vehicle Features and Options

This chapter describes all standard, country-specific and optional features offered with the series. It also describes features and functions that are not necessarily available in your vehicle, e.g., due to the selected options or country versions. This also applies to safety-related functions and systems. When using these functions and systems, the applicable laws and regulations must be observed.

Data Protection

Data transmission
Principle
The vehicle offers different services, whose use requires a data transfer to BMW or a service provider. The data transmission can be deactivated for some services.

General information
When the data transmission is deactivated, the respective service cannot be used.
Only make these settings while stationary.

Settings
The data transfer can be configured in different stages or individually for separate services.

1. “CAR”
2. “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. Data privacy”
5. elect the desired setting.

Deleting personal data in the vehicle
Principle
Depending on the usage, the vehicle stores personal data, such as stored radio stations. This personal data can be permanently deleted using iDrive.

General information
Depending on the equipment, the following data is deleted:

Driver profile settings.
Stored radio stations.
Stored programmable memory buttons.
Travel and trip computer information.
Navigation, for instance stored destinations.
Phone book.
Online data, for instance Favorites, cookies.
Office data, for instance voice memos.
Login accounts.
Linking vehicle and ConnectedDrive account.

Altogether, the deletion of the data can take up to 15 minutes.
Functional requirement
Data can only be deleted while stationary.

Deleting data
The personal data in the vehicle will be deleted when the vehicle is reset to the factory settings.

Additional information:
Reset vehicle data, refer to page 63.

Driver Profiles

Principle
Driver profiles can be created to store personal vehicle settings. If the vehicle is used by multiple drivers, each driver can create his personal driver profile. When a driver profile is selected, the vehicle will automatically apply the stored settings in the driver profile.

General information
Three personal driver profiles can be created.
In addition, a guest profile is available that can be selected by any driver. The guest profile is active when a personal driver profile has not been selected.
Changes to the vehicle settings are automatically stored in the active driver profile or in the guest profile.
The vehicle can already adjust to the driver when it is unlocked. For this purpose, the recognition via a vehicle key or a digital key must be as‐signed to a driver profile.
ConnectedDrive countries: The settings stored in the driver’s profile can be synchronized with the personal BMW ConnectedDrive account. It is thereby possible to use these settings in other BMW vehicles as well.

Functional requirements
When a driver profile is created, switched or deleted, the vehicle must move at a maximum of walking speed.

Welcome screen
After the Control Display is switched on, the Welcome screen will be displayed.
The following actions can be carried out on the Welcome screen:

• Switching the driver profile.
  Starting the set-up assistant.

This option is offered in new vehicle for a limited period of time.

As soon as the engine is started or any button is pressed, the Welcome screen will be hidden.
Setup assistant
The setup assistant is offered in new vehicles for a limited period of time on the Welcome screen to configure the most important settings for the vehicle.
“Getting started” Select to start the set-up assistant.
The set-up assistant can be started via iDrive at any time.

1. “CAR”
2.  “Settings”
3. “General settings”
4. “Getting started”

The driver is guided step by step through the following functions:

• Setting the system language.
  ConnectedDrive countries:
  If the set-up assistant was opened in the guest profile: create driver profile.
• Pairing mobile devices with the vehicle.
• If the set-up assistant was opened from an al‐ready defined driver profile: set up personal assistant.
• Depending on whether the set-up assistant was opened from an already defined driver profile or a guest profile: set up services or confirm the explanation for the transmission of vehicle related data.
• Set up other methods for use.

The selected settings are stored in the active driver’s profile.

Guest Profile
The guest profile can be activated by any driver. Vehicle settings that are entered when the guest profile is active will be stored in the guest profile.

In the following cases the guest profile is automatically active:

• A driver profile has not been created yet.
  No driver profile has been assigned to the vehicle key that was used to unlock the vehicle.
  No driver profile has been assigned to the digital key that was used to unlock the vehicle.

The following limitations apply:

•  The guest profile cannot be renamed.
  It is not possible to assign the recognition to the guest profile.
  It is not possible to assign a PIN to the guest profile.
  ConnectedDrive countries: It is not possible to synchronize with a ConnectedDrive ac‐count.

The guest profile is selected on the Welcome screen or via iDrive:

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
   As an alternative for Steps 1 and 2, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
3. “Guest”
4. “OK”

Creating a Driver Profile

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Add driver profile”

Non-ConnectedDrive countries: A name must be entered for the driver profile.
ConnectedDrive countries: An existing Connected Drive account must be assigned to a driver profile. The following options are available for this purpose:

• “Via My BMW app”

Scanning the displayed QR code will accept the access data for the ConnectedDrive ac‐count from the BMW app.

• “Log in”
  The access data must be entered via iDrive.
  “New registration”
  Scan the displayed QR code and follow the instructions on the smartphone.

Selecting Recognition

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Driver recognition”
5. Select the desired setting:
   • “with vehicle key”
     The vehicle key that is recognized in the car’s interior is assigned to the driver profile. If multiple vehicle keys are detected, the unintended vehicle keys must be re‐moved from the car’s interior.
   • “With Digital Key”
     The digital key that is recognized in the car’s interior is assigned to the driver pro‐file. If multiple digital keys are detected, the unintended digital keys must be removed from the car’s interior.
6. “Activate linkage”

As soon as the vehicle detects the vehicle key or the digital key, the corresponding driver profile will be activated. If the vehicle key or the smart‐phone with the digital key is not carried with you or not recognized, the driver profile can only be selected on the Welcome screen when a PIN has been set up.

Setting up a PIN
A driver profile with recognition cannot be activated without vehicle key and without digital key.

In this case, a PIN can be set up to activate the driver profile.
Countries in which ConnectedDrive is not available: If a PIN was not set up or the PIN is not known, the driver profile cannot be activated.
Countries in which ConnectedDrive is available: If a PIN was not set up or the PIN is not known, the driver’s profile can be activated with the access data of the corresponding ConnectedDrive ac‐count.

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Driver recognition”
5. “using PIN”

Changing/Canceling the Recognition Function

When another vehicle key or another digital key is assigned to a driver profile, the current assignment must be canceled first.

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Driver recognition”
5. Select the desired setting:
   • “with vehicle key”
   • “With Digital Key”
6. “Activate linkage”

When the vehicle and vehicle key will be handed over, such as for maintenance, carry out the following steps first:

• Setting up PIN.
  Canceling recognition using the vehicle key.
  Switching to the guest profile.

The handed over vehicle key can then no longer be used to access the personal driver profile.
Selecting a driver profile
Depending on the recognition setting, the driver profile will be selected automatically.
If the guest profile is active, the driver profile will be selected on the Welcome screen or via iDrive. A PIN may have to be entered.

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
   As an alternative for Steps 1 and 2, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
3. Select driver profile.
4. “OK”

All settings stored in the selected driver profile are automatically applied.

Switching Synchronization with the ConnectedDrive Account on/off

The settings stored in the driver’s profile are synchronized with the personal ConnectedDrive account. This means that it is possible to use the personal settings in other BMW vehicles with ConnectedDrive access as well, if this function is supported.
The synchronization with the ConnectedDrive account is enabled when a driver profile is created or via iDrive:

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Settings”
5. “Synchronize driver profile”
6. “Synchronize driver profile”

Renaming a driver profile
Non-ConnectedDrive countries:

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
   As an alternative for Steps 1 and 2, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
3.  Select driver profile.
4. “Settings”
5. Enter a profile name.
6. Select the icon.
   ConnectedDrive countries:

The name of the driver profile is transferred from the ConnectedDrive account. Changes for the profile name must be made in the Connected‐Drive account.
Selecting a profile picture

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Avatar”
5. Select the desired profile picture. ConnectedDrive countries:

The profile image is transferred from the ConnectedDrive customer portal or the BMW app.

Deleting the Driver Profile

1. “CAR”
2. “Driver profiles”
3. Tilt the Controller to the right.
   As an alternative for Steps 1 to 3, the profile image can be tapped in the top status bar.
4. “Settings”
5. “Remove driver profile”
6. Select the desired driver profile.
7. “Delete now”

ConnectedDrive countries: If the driver profile was synchronized with a ConnectedDrive ac‐count, the stored data in the ConnectedDrive account will be retained.

System limits
A clear detection of the desired vehicle key may not be possible in the following cases, e.g.:

• The driver unlocks the vehicle via Comfort Access.
• The driver changes, but the vehicle is not locked and unlocked.
• When multiple vehicle keys are located in the outer area on the driver’s side of the vehicle.

ConnectedDrive countries:
A driver profile can only be created and synchronized with the ConnectedDrive account when the vehicle has cellular network reception.
The use of personal settings that are stored in the ConnectedDrive account in other vehicles is subject to technical limitations. For example, set‐tings may be stored for a system that is not avail‐able, or available in a non-compatible version, in other vehicles.

FAQs

1. How do I adjust the date and time in the BMW 5 Series?
   To start the vehicle, simply press the Start/Stop button once the key fob is inside the car.
2. Can I change the language displayed on the iDrive system?
   The answer is yes. To do so, open the iDrive menu, choose “Settings,” then “Language/Units.” From the list of available languages, pick your favourite one.
3. How do I adjust the display brightness?
   By choosing “Settings” from the iDrive menu, then “Display,” you can change the brightness of the display. After that, you can adjust the brightness settings as needed.
4. What is the purpose of the “Comfort Access” feature?
   When you approach the car while carrying the key fob in your pocket or backpack, the doors will instantly unlock.
5. How do I set up and use the memory function for the driver’s seat?
   Set the steering wheel, mirrors, and seat to the positions you choose. Once you hear a beep, push and hold one of the numbered memory buttons on the driver’s door. Thus, the settings are saved. Press the matching memory button to bring up the previously saved settings.
6. Can I adjust the sensitivity of the automatic wipers?
   Yes, you may change the automatic wipers’ sensitivity by heading to the iDrive menu, choosing “Settings,” and then “Light/Rain Sensor.” You may then alter the sensitivity settings from there.
7. How do I customize the driver assistance features?
   You can modify the driver aid functions by heading to the iDrive menu, choosing “Settings,” and then “Driver Assistance.” From there, you may change settings for adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and lane conflict warning.
8. How can I activate the auto start-stop function?
   Pressing the “Auto Start Stop” button next to the gear lever will enable the auto start-stop feature. By automatically shutting off the engine when the car stops, this feature reduces fuel consumption.
9. How do I adjust the audio settings?
   By choosing “Settings” from the iDrive menu, then “Tone,” you can modify the audio parameters. From there, you may customize the fader, balance, treble, and bass settings to suit your tastes.
10. Can I change the default driving mode?
    The answer is yes. To do so, open the iDrive menu, choose “Settings,” then “Vehicle Settings.” Choose “Driving Mode Settings” from there and then pick your chosen default setting.
11. How do I enable or disable the auto-lock feature?
    By choosing “Settings,” then “Doors/Key” from the iDrive menu, you can enable or disable the auto-lock option. The automatic lock option can then be turned on or off from there.
12. How can I adjust the sensitivity of the parking sensors?
    By choosing “Settings” from the iDrive menu, then “PDC,” you can modify the parking sensors’ sensitivity. The front and rear sensors’ sensitivity settings can then be adjusted from there.
13. How do I set up and use the voice control feature?
    To use the voice control option, either press the “Hey BMW” button on the steering wheel or simply speak it. To operate various aspects of the car, simply follow the instructions and utter your directions.

Useful Links

View Full User Guide: BMW 5 Series 2020-2023 User Manual | Auto User Guide
Download Manuals: BMW Owner’s Manuals – BMW USA | BMW