BMW How-to: Map, Distance control, Alexa, Digital Key

In the next part of the BMW how-to series, we will continue with the basic features of a BMW. In this article –“BMW How-to: Map, Distance Control, Amazon Alexa, Digital Key”, Leather1993 will give you basic information on how to use Map, how to adjust setting for distance control and assisted Driving, how to use BMW digital key, how to share it with friends and family.

Contents

Using BMW Maps in BMW Operating System 8

The new BMW Maps navigation system in BMWs with Operating System 8 offers more personalized and intelligent destination input and route guidance features.

here we go:

Log in with your BMW ID to unlock all BMW Maps features and services

In the “Navigation” App, select “Destination Input” to search for an address, a point of interest, a contact, or coordinates.

Upon entering the first letters, BMW Maps suggests likely destinations.

Select “Settings” – “Configure Services” and activate “Online destinations” to include web destinations in your search. Under “Recent Destinations” you can select destinations that you have recently entered with your BMW ID account.

Go to “My destinations” to save places you frequently drive to as “Home address”, “Work address” or as individual “Favourites” for quicker selection in the future. In Map view, you can choose between three different modes.

Press the toggle button below the map to switch between the map modes “Reduced”, “Expanded” and “Adaptive”. The latter automatically shows map items fitting to your specific driving situation – like resting or charging opportunities. You can also select the map mode directly under “Content and zoom” in the side toolbar.

Need more visual support? When you drive with active route guidance, go to “Settings” to select and activate “Augmented View”: See how additional guidance graphics indicate your next maneuver over a real-time image of the road ahead of you.

Adjusting Settings for Distance Control and Assisted Driving

Driving Assistant Professional, Assisted Driving, and the Distance Control with Stop&Go function in BMWs with Operating System 8 are individually adjustable to maintain your set speed and intelligently regulate your distance to vehicles ahead.

For detailed adjustments press the “Driving Settings” button in the centre console. Select “Driver Assistance” – “Driving” – “Speed Limit Assistant”.

You may select whether or not you want your BMW to automatically take over detected speed restrictions under “Speed limits”. Where available, map data is also utilized to anticipate potential speed limit adjustments.

For other adjustments, choose “Distance Control” from the same “Driving” menu. When activating “Situational Distance Control“, the distance to the vehicle in front is adjusted automatically – depending on the driving situation. Choose your preferred distance: Close, Medium, or Far.

Depending on your nation, you can turn on “Avoid overtaking on the right” to stop unintentional overtaking on highways in the slower lane. To disable Distance Control, choose “Switch to cruise control.” The car then continues to go at your predetermined pace without controlling your distance.

How to set up Amazon Alexa

The BMW Operating System 7 with Amazon Alexa Car Integration allows you to utilize Alexa in your BMW. Make sure you have connected “My BMW app” to your BMW car

using the following command to wake Alexa.

Choose “Amazon Alexa” from the “Profile” menu. By clicking “Connect,” you may link your Amazon account to your BMW ID. Enter your Amazon login information and click “Sign-in.”

You must choose your preferred Alexa language. In the My BMW App make sure to turn “Share Location with Amazon” on to get information like the weather

Map - Setting - Alexa - Key — Set up Amazon Alexa

Then go to “CAR”, “Settings”, “General settings”, “Personal assistant”, “Voice control”, and make sure that the boxes “Online speech processing” and “Third-party providers” are checked By selecting the “Activation word” check box, Alexa will be available to you at all times. Bluetooth connection between the mobile device and the vehicle.

By checking the box “Activation word”, Alexa is ready to respond to you anytime. Pair the mobile device with the vehicle via Bluetooth.

You can operate Alexa’s features and stream your music almost just as you would at home.

Now you just need to say “Alexa“, and make the requests you want.

How to create the BMW Digital Key

If your iPhone is compatible, you may add a car key to easily lock, unlock, and even start your BMW.

Your BMW needs a BMW ID with a linked car in order to generate the primary key. Before hitting the start/stop button when the device is in standby mode, finish the setup procedure. Both of your actual keys must be present inside the car.

To set up your primary key, make sure you have logged into the My BMW App.

In the vehicle tab select “Digital Key” and tap “Start Setting up your Digital Key”. Confirm and tap “Continue”.

Tap “Start Pairing” and follow the instructions.

Once paired, your BMW Digital Key will be added to your Apple Wallet. Tap “Continue” and place the iPhone in the smartphone tray. The activation process will start automatically.

An email with a link to set up the BMW Digital Key will be provided to you when you connect your BMW to the My BMW App.

To set up the primary key on your compatible BMW, tap the pairing link.

To activate the Digital Key, according to the instructions on your iPhone and on the Central Information Display.

And your digital key can also be shared with other drivers.

Digital keys are increasingly improved and equipped with many new features, but a regular key is still irreplaceable. And to keep your BMW keys protected from outside influences and always in the best condition.

You can see our hand-made BMW car key covers.