At a glance
USB audio interface*
You can connect audio devices to the USB
audio interface, e.g. an iPod or a USB device
(MP3 player, USB memory stick). You can then
operate these with iDrive.
The common audio files, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV
(PCM) and AAC, as well as playback lists in the
M3U format can be played back.
Due to the large number of audio devices avail-
able on the market, operation via the vehicle
cannot be ensured for every audio device.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
which audio devices are suitable.
Connecting
Open the lid of the center armrest.
1 Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8 in/3.5 mm
2 USB interface
iPod
To connect the iPod, use the BMW cable
adapter for Apple iPods. For more information,
please contact a BMW Sports Activity Vehicle
Center or consult our website: www.bmw.com
For audio playback via the vehicle loudspeak-
ers, connect the iPod to the connections 1
and 2.
The menu structure of the iPod is supported by
the USB audio interface.
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USB device
Use a flexible adapter cable for connec-
tion to protect the USB interface and your
USB device against mechanical damage.<
Controls
For audio playback via the vehicle loudspeak-
ers, connect the USB device to the connec-
tion 2.
After connecting for the first time, the informa-
tion of all tracks (e.g. artist, music genres) and
Driving tips
the playback lists of the USB device are trans-
ferred to the vehicle. This process can take
some time. The time required is dependent on
the USB device and on the number of tracks.
During the transfer you can select the tracks via
the directories and file names.
Following the transfer you can call up the tracks
Navigation
via the information and playback lists.
The information of up to four USB devices or for
a total of approx. 20,000 tracks can be stored in
the vehicle.
If a fifth USB device is connected or if more than
Communications Entertainment
20,000 tracks are to be stored, then the infor-
mation about existing tracks is deleted if neces-
sary.
Music tracks with integrated Digital
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be
played.<
Mobility
Reference
189
 Starting audio playback Selecting a track
USB audio interface

You can call up the tracks via the playback lists

Via iDrive
and information. With USB devices you can also
If the audio device has a device name, this will call up the tracks via the file directory. The titles
be displayed if possible. can be displayed if they are stored in the Latin
1. Press the button. alphabet.
This opens the start menu. 1. Make your selection, e.g. "Playlists" or
2. Move the controller backwards to open "Artists", and press the controller.
"Entertainment".
3. Change to upper field if necessary. Turn the
controller until "AUX" is selected and press
the controller.

2. Select the track and press the controller.

Displaying information on track

You can display any information stored on the
4. Select "USB" or the name of the audio current track, e.g. the name of the artist.
device and press the controller. 1. Press the controller during playback.
2. Select "Details" and press the controller.

The playback starts with the first track.

The information for the current track are dis-

With programmable memory/
played.
direct selection buttons
You can save the function "USB" on the pro-
grammable memory/direct selection buttons to
start audio playback, refer to page 21.

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 At a glance
Repeating a track Notes
1. Select the current track and press the con- Do not subject the audio device to
troller. extreme environmental conditions, e.g.
2. Select "Repeat track" and press the con- extremely high temperatures, refer to the oper-
troller. ating instructions of the audio device. Other-
wise the audio device may be damaged, impair-
ing driving safety while driving.<

Controls
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e.g. bit rates greater than 256 Kbit/s,
proper playback cannot always be ensured.

Information on connection

Driving tips
> The USB audio interface supplies the con-
nected audio device with power, provided
the audio device supports this function.
To stop repeating: Therefore, do not connect the USB audio
1. Press the controller. device to a socket in the vehicle during
2. Select "Repeat track" and press the con- operation.
troller. > Do not use force when plugging the con-

Random play sequence
You can play back the tracks of the selected list
in random order, e.g. all tracks of an artist.
Navigation
nector into the USB interface.
> Do not connect any devices, e.g. fans or
lamps, to the USB audio interface.
> Do not connect USB hard disks.
> Do not use the audio interface to recharge

Communications Entertainment
1. Select the current track and press the con- external devices.
troller.
2. Select "Random" and press the controller.
To end random playback:
1. Press the controller.
2. Select "Random" and press the controller.

Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering wheel or on the CD
player:
Press and hold the button for the corre-
sponding direction.
Mobility
Reference

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 DVD system in rear*
DVD system in rear

With the DVD system in the rear you can play Controls
CDs and DVDs with audio, video and image
data. External audio and video devices can also
be connected and played via the DVD system in
the rear.
Tone output is possible both via headphones
and via the vehicle loudspeakers.
You can operate the DVD system in the rear
with the buttons on the CD/DVD player or with
the remote control.
Some functions can only be operated
with the remote control.<

Enabling DVD system

Enable the DVD system with iDrive. For operat-
ing principle refer to page 16.
1. Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Press the controller to open the menu.
1 Display screen
3. Select "Settings" and press the controller.
2 Infrared interface for headphones
4. Select "Unlock rear menu" and press the
controller. 3 CD/DVD player
5. Select "Rear enabled" and press the con- 4 Headphone connection:
troller. Jack plug 1/8 in/3.5 mm
5 12 V sockets, refer to page 122

Folding in display screen

When using the ski bag or when transporting
bulky pieces of luggage, the display screen
should be folded in, as otherwise it may be dam-
aged.
Do not open the covers of the center arm-
rest or rest your arm on the display screen
with the display screen folded in, as otherwise
The DVD system is enabled.
the display screen may be damaged.<

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1. Turn display screen, arrow 1.
The display screen switches off.
2. Fold in display screen, arrow 2.
The display screen is folded out in the reverse
order.
CD/DVD player
Controls
1 Press: switching DVD system on/off
Turn: volume for headphones on left
2 Eject CD, DVD
3 Start of track, reverse
Stop
Playback, pause, hold screen
Next track, fast forward
4 CD/DVD bay
5 Connection for external device:
Cinch sockets with protective cap
6 Press: switching DVD system on/off
Turn: volume for headphones on right
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At a glance
Connecting headphones
You can connect headphones with a jack plug
1/8 in/3.5 mm or operate them using the infra-
red interface.
Ask your BMW Sports Activity Vehicle Center
which infrared headphones are supported by
the infrared interface.
Controls
When using infrared headphones, the
infrared connection between the head-
phones and the infrared interface may not be
interrupted. This means that no obstacle may
be located between them and the cover of the
Driving tips
infrared interface may not be covered or
scratched. Unfavorable lighting conditions,
such as glaring ambient light, can result in poor
reception.<
Remote control
Navigation
Communications Entertainment
1 Menu navigation
2 Volume for headphones with jack plug
3 Change track or chapter with CD or DVD
playback, fast forward/reverse
4 Switch over headphones right/left
5 Open start menu for DVD system
Menu navigation
You can navigate through the menus with the
knurled wheel 1 and the buttons 1. For operat-
Mobility
ing principle also refer to iDrive, page 16.
> Turn the knurled wheel 1:
Selecting a menu item.
> Press buttons 1:
Changing between fields.
Reference
193
 > Press the button: 3. Select "AUX / Rear" and press the control-
DVD system in rear

Activating menu item. ler.

Changing batteries

1. Press the detent and remove the cover.

Switching DVD system on/off
2. Change the batteries. The type and installa- Press the button on the CD/DVD player.
tion position are marked on the bottom of The DVD system switches on automatically
the battery compartment. when a CD or DVD is inserted.
3. Close the cover.
Return used batteries to a recycling col-
lection point or to your BMW Sports Playing CD/DVD
Activity Vehicle Center.< The menu item with which the contents of the
CD/DVD can be called up is dependent on the
data on a CD or DVD:
Sound output via > Video data via "DVD"
loudspeakers > Audio data via "CD"
In addition to the headphones, you can also play > Images via "Photo"
the sound via the vehicle loudspeakers.
As soon as a plug is inserted in the AUX-In con-
nection in the center console, the sound output
of the DVD system via the vehicle loudspeakers
is interrupted.
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page 16.
1. Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2. Move the controller backwards to open
"Entertainment".

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Playing videos from CD/DVD
Country codes of DVDs
Your DVD player only plays DVDs with the cod-
ing of your home region, e.g. Europe = 2. The
country codes supported by your DVD are con-
tained in the information on your DVD.
At a glance
DVD control
With the DVD control, you can select the track
and chapter, open the DVD-specific menu and
operate functions such as Language, Fast for-
ward and Reverse or Freeze frame.
A DVD can briefly deactivate functions of the
DVD control, under certain circumstances while
the entire DVD is being played. It is not possible

Controls
An overview of the coding zones:
to operate the DVD control under these circum-
stances. In this case, try to make the selection
Code Region
using the DVD-specific menu.
1 USA, Canada
1. Press the button on the remote con-
2 Japan, Europe, Middle East, South trol during playback.

Driving tips
Africa
3 Southeast Asia
4 Australia, Central and South America,
New Zealand
5 Northwest Asia, North Africa
6 China

Navigation
Starting playback
1. Push the CD/DVD into the drive with the
labeled side facing upward. 2. Press the buttons on the remote control
The CD/DVD is automatically pulled in. or turn the knurled wheel to select the
desired function.

Communications Entertainment
> Playback usually begins automatically
after a few seconds. 3. Press the button.
> If playback does not begin automatically:
Function
Select "DVD".
Press the button. Exit DVD control

2. If the DVD control or the DVD-specific "SET" Settings for playing DVD
menu is displayed for a DVD, select the
desired option for menu guidance with the Start playback
remote control buttons.
Stop playback
Or:
Activate and deactivate freeze
Press the button on the CD/DVD player.
frame
You can control the playback with the buttons
Skip chapter
on the CD/DVD player or the DVD control.
Fast forward/reverse
Video CDs, VCD, and Super Video CDs,
SVCD, can be played like DVDs if they do "Menu" Open DVD-specific menu
Mobility

not have a DVD menu of their own.<

The DVD control disappears again after a short
Ejecting CD/DVD time if you have not selected a function.
Press the button on the CD/DVD player. Or:
The DVD emerges slightly from the drive. Press the button on the remote control
Reference

to exit the DVD control.

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 Fast forward/reverse Freeze frame
DVD system in rear

1. Press the button on the remote con-

Forward/reverse with DVD control trol during playback.
1. Press the button on the remote con-
trol during playback.
2. Select the symbol.
3. Press the button.
4. Press the button several times to
increase the fast forward/reverse speed.
The DVD playback will be distorted.
To cancel fast forward/reverse:
1. Select the symbol.
2. Select the symbol.
2. Press the button.
3. Press the button.
Or:
To continue playback:
Press the button on the CD/DVD player.
1. Select the or symbol.
The DVD will start play at the point selected.
2. Press the button.

Forward/reverse with remote control As an alternative you can also stop and con-
tinue playback with the button on the CD/
Press and hold the button until you reach
DVD player.
the desired point.
Or: Making settings for DVD
1. During playback, turn the knurled wheel. 1. Press the button during playback.
Fast forward/reverse is interrupted.
2. Continue to turn the knurled wheel.
The speed is increased.
3. Press the button on the CD/DVD player.
Fast forward/reverse is interrupted.
The DVD will start play at the point selected.

Skipping chapter
You can change to the next or previous chapter
during playback. 2. Make the settings with the remote control:
1. Press the button on the remote con- > "Video settings":
trol during playback.
> "Brightness", "Color" and "Contrast" of
2. Select the symbol. screen display
3. Press the button repeatedly, continuing > Additional settings can be made after
until you reach the desired chapter. changing to the top field.
Or: "Language": system language of DVD
system in rear.
Press the button on the left or right on the
"Display": background brightness of
remote control repeatedly until you reach the
screen.
desired chapter.

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> "Tone":
> "Treble / Bass" and "Balance":
Separately adjustable for the left and
right-hand headphones and the infrared
headphones.
> "Reset":
The settings are reset to the default
At a glance
Opening DVD-specific menu
Additional functions may be available on DVDs.
For example, it is possible to select from several
possible plots or display information on the film.
1. Press the button on the remote con-
trol during playback.
2. Select "Menu".

Controls
value.
3. Press the button.
> "DVD format":
On some DVDs, selecting "Menu"
> "Standard" and "Title" gives you the option of
> "Zoom": full-screen playback. choosing from additional menus.<
> "Language": To make a selection:

Driving tips
Language or sound track of DVD playback. 1. Use the buttons on the remote control to
The language advances one setting each select the desired function in the DVD-spe-
time the menu item is selected. cific menu.
> "Subtitles": 2. Press the button.
Language of subtitles
You can also select language, subtitles,
"00 n/a": no subtitles.
camera angle, or track in the DVD-spe-
> "Title":

Navigation
cific menu.
Selection of a single track of the DVD. Observe the information on your DVD.<
> "Angle of view":
Camera angle Compressed video files
Notes or symbols that appear during the
playback of a film generally point out differ- Playback

Communications Entertainment
ent camera angles. These are usually only 1. Select the directory if necessary.
briefly available.
> "Menu":
Call up the DVD-specific menu.
> "Return":
Exit menu or:
Press the buttons on the remote con-
trol.
Many DVDs offer dialogs and subtitles in vari-
ous languages or scene descriptions for the
hearing impaired. These functions are stored
2. Press the button.
on the DVD.
With some DVDs, it is only possible to
select language, subtitles, camera angle,
or track by using the DVD-specific menu.
Mobility

Refer to the information on your DVD for possi-

ble selections.
Entries marked in gray in the menus cannot be
selected.<
Reference

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 3. Select a track. > "Repeat track":
DVD system in rear

Repeat the selected track.

> "Repeat directory":
Repeat the tracks in the current direc-
tory.
4. Press the button.

Playing audio tracks from

CD/DVD
4. Press the button.
5. Select "Play". Start playback
Push the CD/DVD into the drive with the labeled
side facing upward.
The CD/DVD is automatically pulled in.
> Playback begins automatically after a
few seconds.
> If playback does not begin automatically:
Select "CD".
Press the button.
For CDs/DVDs with compressed audio files,
refer to page 199, it may take several minutes to
6. Press the button.
read the data depending on the directory struc-
To change the directory: ture.
1. Select the directory. To start playback when there is already a
CD/DVD in the drive:
1. Open the start menu with the remote con-
trol.
2. Select "CD".

2. Press the button.

Playback functions
1. Select a track.
2. Press the button. As an alternative you can also control the play-
3. Select a menu item: back with the buttons on the CD/DVD player.
> "Play": To eject CD/DVD:
Start playback. Press the button on the CD/DVD player.
> "Pause":
Stop and continue playback.

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