USB BMW 323I SEDAN 2008 E90 Owner's Manual

Reference
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Contents
The fastest way to find information on a partic-
ular topic or item is by using the index, refer to
page252.
Using this Owner's Manual
4Notes
6Reporting safety defects
At a glance
10Cockpit
16iDrive
23Voice command system
Controls
28Opening and closing
43Adjustments
52Transporting children safely
56Driving
71Everything under control
85Technology for driving comfort and
safety
96Lamps
100Climate
106Practical interior accessories
Driving tips
120Things to remember when driving
Navigation
128Starting the navigation system
130Destination entry
143Destination guidance
152What to do if …
Entertainment
156On/off and settings
160Radio
166Satellite radio
169CD player and CD changer
175AUX-In port
176USB-audio interface
Communications
182Telephoning
197BMW Assist
Mobility
206Refueling
208Wheels and tires
221Under the hood
226Maintenance
228Replacing components
235Giving and receiving assistance
Reference
242Technical data
247Short commands for the voice command
system
252Everything from A - Z

At a glance
17Reference
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Menu overview
Communication
>Telephone*
>BMW Assist* or TeleService*
Navigation
>Navigation system
>Onboard information, e.g. for displaying the
average fuel consumption
Entertainment
>Radio
>CD player and CD changer
*
>AUX-In port, USB-audio interface* for
external audio device
Climate
>Vent settings
>Automatic programs
>Parked car operation
menu
>Switching off Control Display
>Tone and display settings
>Settings for your vehicle, e.g. for the central
locking system
>Display of service requirements and dates
for statutory inspections
>Settings for telephone
Operating principle
As of radio readiness, the following message
appears on the Control Display:
To hide the message:
Press the controller.
The start menu is displayed.
The message is automatically hidden after
approx. 10 seconds.
Start menu
All iDrive functions can be called up via five
menu items.
Opening start menu
Press the button.
To open the start menu from the menu:
Press the button twice.

Practical interior accessories
110
Locking
To lock the glove compartment, use the inte-
grated key of the remote control, refer to
page28.
LED hand lamp
In a holder on the left side of the glove compart-
ment.
Insert the hand lamp into the holder with
the lens pointing toward the passenger
compartment to ensure that the lamp cannot be
switched on accidentally.<
Center armrest
Storage compartment
The center armrest between the front seats
contains either a compartment or the cover for
the snap-in adapter
*, depending on the equip-
ment version. For more information about this
mobile phone base plate refer to the separate
Owner's Manual.
Opening
Press the button, see arrow.
Ventilated storage compartment
The storage compartment in the center armrest
can be ventilated: slide the switch backwards.
The temperature is controlled via the knurled
wheel for adjusting the temperature of air venti-
lating the rear of the passenger compartment,
refer to page104.
Connection for external audio device
You can connect an external audio device such
as a CD or MP3 player and play audio tracks
over the car's loudspeaker system:
>AUX-In port, refer to page175
>USB-audio interface
*, refer to page176
Storage compartments inside
the vehicle
Depending on your vehicle's equipment, you
will find compartments beside the steering col-
umn
*, in the front doors and in the center con-
sole
*.
There are nets
* on the front-seat backrests.
Clothes hooks
There are clothes hooks on the grab handles in
the rear passenger compartment.
Items of clothing hung from the hooks
must not obstruct the driver's view. Do
not hang heavy objects from the hooks, other-
wise they could endanger the car's occupants,
e.g. in case of heavy braking or sudden swerv-
ing.<

On/off and settings
156
On/off and settings
The following audio sources have shared con-
trols and setting options:
>Radio
>CD player
>CD changer
*
Controls
The audio sources can be operated using:
>Buttons near the CD player
>iDrive
>Buttons
on the steering wheel, refer to
page11
>Programmable memory keys, refer to
page21
Buttons on the CD player
1Sound output for entertainment on/off, vol-
ume
>Press: switch on/off.
When you switch on the unit, the last set
radio station or track is played.
>Turn: adjust volume.
2Drive for audio CDs
3 Eject CD.
4 Station scan/track search
>Change radio station.
>Select track for CD player and CD
changer.
5Drive for navigation DVD
Operation via iDrive
iDrive, for operating principle refer to page16.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up
"Entertainment".
You have the following choices:
>"FM" and "AM": radio reception
>"SAT": satellite radio
*
>"CD": CD player or changer
>"AUX": AUX-In port, USB-audio interface
>"Set": depending on the audio source,
other adjustments can be made, e.g. with
the radio: update station with strongest
reception, store station, tone control, sam-
ple stations.
From another menu, you can switch
directly to the screen last displayed, refer
to Convenient call-up of menu items on
page18.<
With the ignition at radio readiness or beyond,
the selected audio source is stored for the
remote control currently in use.
Switching on/off
In order to switch the entertainment sound out-
put on and off:
Press button1 on the CD player.
This symbol on the Control Display indi-
cates that sound output is switched off.

USB-audio interface
176
USB-audio interface
You can connect audio devices, e. g. an iPod or
a USB device (MP3 player, USB stick) to the
USB-audio interface. They can be operated via
iDrive.
Standard audio formats, e.g. MP3, WMA, WAV
(PCM) and AAC, and playlists in the M3U format
can be played.
Due the variety of audio devices on the market,
it cannot be guaranteed that every device will
be operable on the vehicle.
Ask your BMW center about what audio devices
are suitable.
Connecting
Lift up the center armrest.
1Connection for audio playback:
TRS connector 1/8"/3.5 mm
2USB interface
Depending on your vehicle's equipment
version, it may contain a storage pouch
for your audio device. The pouch is located
under the center armrest.<
iPod
To connect the iPod use the BMW cable
adapter for Apple iPod. For more information,
contact the BMW center or go to the Internet:
www.bmw.com
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the iPod to ports 1
and 2.The iPod's menu structure is supported by the
USB-audio interface.
USB device
To connect the device, use the included
flexible adapter cable to protect the USB
interface and your USB device against physical
damage.<
To play audio tracks over the vehicle's loud-
speaker system, connect the USB device to
port2.
After the device is connected for the first time,
the information on all tracks (e. g. artist, type of
music) and the playlists are transferred from the
USB device to the vehicle. This procedure may
take some time. The duration depends on the
USB device and the number of tracks.
During transfer, you can select the tracks using
the directories and file names.
After transfer, you can call up the tracks using
the information and playlists.
Information from up to four USB devices or for
about 20,000 tracks can be stored on the vehi-
cle.
If a fifth USB device is connected and if more
than 20,000 tracks are to be stored, the infor-
mation on existing tracks may be lost.
Music tracks with integrated Digital
Rights Management (DRM) cannot be
played.<
Starting audio playback
Via iDrive
If the audio device has a device name, the name
is displayed.
1.Press the button.
This opens the start menu.
2.Move the controller backwards to call up
"Entertainment".
*

Navigation
Entertainment
Driving tips
177Reference
At a glance
Controls
Communications
Mobility
3.If necessary, move the highlight marker to
the uppermost field. Turn the controller
until "AUX" is selected and press the con-
troller.
4.Select "USB" or the name of the audio
device and press the controller.
Playback begins with the first track.
Via programmable memory keys
You can store the "USB" function on a pro-
grammable memory key to start audio play-
back, refer to page21.
Selecting a track
You can call up the tracks using the playlists
and information. With USB devices you can also
call up tracks using the file directory. The tracks
can be displayed if they have been stored in the
Latin alphabet.1.Make your selection, e.g. "Playlists" or "Art-
ists", and press the controller.
2.Select a track and press the controller.
Displaying information about the track
Any information about the current track that has
been recorded can be displayed, e.g. the name
of the artist.
1.Press the controller during playback.
2.Select "Details" and press the controller.
The information is shown for the current track.

USB-audio interface
178
Repeating tracks
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Stop repeating:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Repeat track" and press the con-
troller.
Random play sequence
You can play the tracks in the selected list in
random order, e. g. all tracks of a single artist.
1.Select the current track and press the con-
troller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Stop random play:
1.Press the controller.
2.Select "Random" and press the controller.
Fast forward/reverse
Buttons on the steering wheel or CD player:
Press and hold the button for the
corresponding direction.
Notes
Do not expose the audio device to
extreme environmental conditions, e. g.
very high temperatures, refer to the operating
instructions of the audio device. Otherwise the audio device may become damaged, which
could compromise safety while driving.<
Depending on the configuration of the audio
files, e. g. bit rates greater than 256 KBit/s, the
files may not play back correctly in every case.
Notes on connecting
>The USB-audio interface acts as the power
supply to the connected audio devices, pro-
vided that this is supported by the audio
device. Therefore, do not connect the USB
audio device to the power socket in the
vehicle during operation.
>Do not forcibly connect the plug to the USB
interface.
>Do not connect devices such as fans or
lamps to the USB-audio interface.
>Do not connect USB hard disks.
>Do not use the USB-audio interface to
charge external devices.

Reference 253
At a glance
Controls
Driving tips
Communications
Navigation
Entertainment
Mobility
Automatic
– air distribution102
– air flow rate102
– cruise control63,64
– headlamp control96
– service notification199
– storing of stations161
Automatic climate control100
– automatic air
distribution102
– settings via iDrive101
Automatic curb monitor49
"Automatic programs" with
automatic climate
control102
Automatic recirculated-air
control AUC102
Automatic station search161
Automatic transmission with
Steptronic58
– interlock58,59
– overriding selector lever
lock60
– shiftlock, refer to Changing
selector lever position59
– sport program59
– towing237
– tow-starting237
"Automatic ventilation"104
AUTO program for automatic
climate control102
"Auto Request"199
"Autostore"
– on the radio162
"AUX"156,175,177
– AUX-In port175
– USB-audio interface176
AUX-IN
– port110
AUX-In port175
Average fuel consumption73
– setting the units76
Average speed73
"Avoid ferries" in
navigation141
"Avoid highways" in
navigation141
Avoid highways in
navigation141Avoiding unintentional
alarms36
"Avoid tollroads" in
navigation141
Axle loads, refer to
Weights245
"A - Z"189
,190
B
Backrest contour, refer to
Lumbar support45
Backrests, refer to Seat
adjustment44
Backrest width adjustment45
Back seats
– refer to Rear seats46
Backup lamps
– replacing bulb232
Backup lamps, refer to Tail
lamps231
Balance, tone control157
Band-aids, refer to First-aid
pouch236
Bar, refer to Towing
methods238
Base plate for telephone or
mobile phone
– refer to Snap-in adapter in
the center armrest storage
compartment110
Bass, tone control157
Bass sounds, refer to Treble
and bass157
Battery233
– charging233
– disposal38,234
– jump starting236
– remote control28
– temporary power failure234
Battery renewal
– remote control38
– remote control for vehicle38
Being towed238
Belts, refer to Safety belts48
Belt tensioner, refer to Safety
belts48
Beverage holders, refer to
Cup holders111Blower, refer to Air flow
rate102
Bluetooth, refer to separate
Owner's Manual
"BMW Assist"198,199,200
BMW Assist
– activating202
– Concierge service200
– contacting BMW Customer
Relations200
– Roadside Assistance198
– services offered197
– TeleService199
"BMW Contact"192
"BMW Contact
Numbers"192
BMW Homepage4
BMW Maintenance
System226
"BMW Service settings"203
BMW webpage4
Bottle holders, refer to Cup
holders111
Brake assist, refer to Dynamic
Brake Control DBC86
Brake fluid, refer to Service
requirements76
Brake Force Display93
Brake lamps
– replacing bulb232
– two-stage93
Brake pads120
– breaking in120
Brake rotors122
– brakes120
– breaking in120
Brakes
– ABS86
– BMW Maintenance
System226
– breaking in120
– parking brake57
– service requirements76
Brakes, refer to Braking
safely122

Everything from A - Z
268
U
Underbody protection, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Uniform Tire Quality Grading/
UTQR217
"Units"76
Units
– average consumption76
– temperature76
Universal garage door opener,
refer to Integrated universal
remote control106
Universal mobile phone
preparation package, refer
to separate Owner's Manual
Universal remote control106
Unlatching, refer to
Unlocking36
"Unlock button"30
Unlocking
– from inside32
– from outside29
– luggage compartment lid37
– tailgate37
– without remote control, refer
to Convenient access36
"Update services"201
USB-audio interface176
"USB" for audio
mode175,177
V
Vehicle
– battery233
– breaking in120
– care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
– cargo loading123
– Identification Number, refer
to Engine compartment222
– measurements, refer to
Dimensions243
– parking57
– washing, refer to Caring for
your vehicle brochure
– weight245"Vehicle / Tires" for
unlocking30
Vehicle decommissioning
– refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Vehicle jack233
Vehicle position, refer to
Displaying current
position151
Ventilation103
– draft-free103
– in the rear104
Ventilation, refer to
Climate100
Ventilation while at a
standstill104
Vents, refer to Ventilation103
"Vent settings"101
Voice commands
– overview23
– short commands247
Voice instructions from
navigation system146
– muting51,147
– repeating51,147
– switching on/off146
– volume147
Voice phone book194
Volume156
– audio sources156
– fuel tank, refer to
Capacities246
– mobile phone187
– speed-dependent
control157
– voice instructions147
Volume distribution
– front/rear157
– left/right157
W
Warning and indicator
lamps13
Warning messages, refer to
Check Control81
Warning triangle236
Washer fluid62
– content of the reservoir63Washer fluid reservoir62
Washing the car, refer to
Caring for your vehicle
brochure
Waste tray, refer to
Ashtray111
Water on roads, refer to
Driving through water122
Waveband with the radio160
Wear indicators in tires, refer
to Minimum tread depth218
Weights245
Welcome lamps96
"Welcome light"97
Wheel/tire combination, refer
to Correct wheels and
tires219
Wheelbase, refer to
Dimensions243
Wheels, new219
Wheels and tires208
Width, refer to
Dimensions243
Windows38
– convenient operation30
– opening, closing38
– pinch protection system39
– rear window35
– safety switch39
Windows, indicator on Control
Display16
Windshield
– cleaning62
Windshield wash61
– filling capacity, reservoir246
– nozzles62
– rear window62
– reservoir for washer fluid62
– washer fluid62
Windshield wiper blades,
changing228
Windshield wipers, blades,
care, refer to Caring for your
vehicle brochure
Windshield wipers, refer to
Wiper system61
Winter tires220
– setting speed limit83
– storage220