Instruments - Service Information BMW M5 E60/E61

Scheme 111

Background

1. Passenger compartment microfilter: Coupled to a multiple of the oil service.
2. Spark plug: Coupled to a multiple of the oil service.
3. Diesel particulate filter: Critical range covered by Check Control.
4. Exhaust emissions test: Cancellation in all regions except V6 China (can also be controlled manually via DIS Tester).

Date of introduction

1. Displays for interior microfilter, spark plugs and emissions test discontinued (revised encoding). INTRODUCTION DATE CHART Vehicle projects Deadline E87 03/07 E81 03/07 E90/91/92 03/07 E93 12/06 E70 10/06 E60/E61 03/07
2. Diesel particulate filter display discontinued (coupled to diesel engine applications) INTRODUCTION DATE CHART Vehicle projects Deadline E87/E81 N47 OL+UL 03/07 E90/E91 M57 TU2 UL 09/06 E90/E91/E92 M57 TU2 Top 09/06 E92 N47 03/07 E92 M57 TU2 UL 03/07 E92 M57 TU2 OL Standard+All-wheel drive 09/06 E93 M57 TU2 OL 03/07 E70 M57 TU2 12/06 E60/E61 M57 TU2 OL 03/07 E60/E61 M57 TU2 OL All-wheel drive 03/07 E60/E61 M57 TU2 UL 03/07 E60/E61 M57 TU2 Top 03/07

Scheme 112

Introduction

The instrument cluster has the typical BMW design.

2 large pointer instruments display speed and RPM. On the BMW 6-Series, the speedometer has a finer scale.

2 small pointer instruments (hanging needles) display the following

1. BMW 5-Series and X5: Fuel reserve and current fuel consumption
2. BMW 6-Series: Fuel reserve and engine oil temperature

New on the E70 and E6x from 03/2007

Test functions can no longer be started with terminal 15. Test functions must be called up with terminal R, coming from terminal 30: Terminal 15 > Terminal R > Terminal 30 > Terminal R.

The permanent indicator and warning lights are centrally located between the two pointer instruments.

There is no indicator lamp for spare fuel. Then the fuel reserve level has been reached, a Check-Control message will be displayed.

Between the two pointer instruments there is an LCD display.

2 moving-disc instruments are used in the instrument cluster. The moving-disc instruments show the speed setting for the cruise control system and the variable engine speed warning zone (currently only with M-Technology).

The scales of the instrument cluster are country-specific, vehicle-specific and engine-specific. Navigation-system messages are not shown in the instrument cluster.

Brief description of components

The instrument cluster receives input signals from the following components

1. Outside temperature sensor The outside temperature sensor supplies the value for the temperature outside the car to the instrument cluster. The outside temperature is shown on the liquid-crystal display. Instrument resolution is 0.5 °C (1 °F). The value for outside temperature is also made available to other control units via the K-CAN.
2. Fuel-level sensors, left and right The fuel tank contains two fuel-level sensors. Each fuel-level sensor sends a signal indicating the amount of fuel in the tank. A value is obtained by adding the two signals.

Below, the responsible control units are listed which have a permanent indicator lamp. These control units communicate with the instrument cluster control unit via the PT-CAN and K-CAN.

1. DSC: Dynamic Stability Control An active regulation sequence or a fault in the DSC will be indicated by the corresponding indicator and warning light (ABS, DSC or DTC). The brake pad wear sensors are also connected to the DSC control unit. The general brake warning light is actuated if the brake pads wear to the permissible limit. Front and rear brake pad wear is a CBS maintenance operation (sensor-based). Similarly, the Run Flat Indicator is integrated in the DSC. The RPA records the wheel speeds using the wheel-speed sensors. The RPA compares the speeds of the individual wheels and computes an average speed. In this way the RPA is able to detect a loss of tire pressure. The RPA fault status is displayed by the RPA indicator and warning light.
2. ACC: Active Cruise Control - E6x only There are an indicator and warning lights in the instrument cluster for Active Cruise Control (ACC). They indicate: Object detected or driver override, distance levels 1 to 4.
3. AL: active front steering A fault in the active front steering system is indicated by the corresponding indicator and warning light being actuated.
4. DME or DDE: digital engine electronics or digital diesel electronics The appropriate indicator and warning light is activated to indicate a fault in the DME or DDE. Engine oil is a CBS maintenance operation.
5. ACSM: Crash safety module The appropriate indicator and warning light is activated to indicate a fault in the passive safety system (airbag). The ACSM (= Advanced Crash Safety Module) is connected to the K-CAN. E6x before 09/2005 These vehicles have a safety and gateway module (SGM) that is connected to the byteflight .
6. LM: light module - E6x only When the vehicle lighting (e.g. turn signals, main-beam headlights) is actuated, the light module (LM) sends the information to the instrument cluster and the corresponding indicator and warning lights are actuated.
7. FRM: footwell module - E70 only When the vehicle lighting (e.g. turn signals, main-beam headlights) is actuated, the footwell module (FRM) sends the information to the instrument cluster and the corresponding indicator and warning lights are actuated.
8. EMF: electromechanical parking brake - E70 only The electromechanical parking brake is a parking brake. In the event of a failure or malfunction in the EMF, the warning and indicator lamp for the EMF will light up. When the Automatic Hold button is pressed, "AUTO H" appears under the parking brake indicator lamp.
9. TLC: track lane control - only E6x from 03/2007 TLC (also Time to Line Crossing) warns the driver before he leaves his lane. The display that track lane control is switched on or off appears on the instrument cluster and optionally on the head-up display.

Other control units communicate via the bus to send messages (check-control messages) to the instrument cluster. The instrument cluster emits these Check-Control messages via symbols in the LCD display.

Note. Available Check-Control messages in BMW diagnosis system. The service functions include a tabular list of Check-Control messages listed by their identification numbers. Path: Service functions > Vehicle information > Check-Control messages.

The following control units remain important for the function of the instrument cluster

1. Headset and Central Information Display For the instrument cluster, the headset (M-ASK, CHAMP, CCC) serves as the interface to the Central Information Display (CID). The CID displays detailed texts concerning Check-Control messages and information about CBS and other on-board computer functions. The CID also enables the driver to change the units of measurement (e.g. Celsius to Fahrenheit, and vice versa) for the instrument cluster. Moreover, the headset establishes a telephone connection when a CBS maintenance operation is due (= TeleService). This is achieved by sending a message to the telephone control unit via the MOST.
2. EGS: Electronic transmission control The EGS control unit supplies the signal for the gear engaged to the instrument cluster. The selected gear is shown in the selector-lever and shift indicator in the LCD display. E6x from 03/2007 and E70 The gear is selected with the gear selector switch (GWS). The GWS is a control unit in its own right on the PT-CAN.
3. Car access system The CAS control unit serves for redundant data storage. The following are stored in the CAS control unit (redundantly to the instrument cluster): Vehicle identification number Odometer status CBS data
4. Integrated automatic heating/air-conditioning system - only E6x up to 03/2007 The IHKA calculates the condition of the microfilter. The condition of the microfilter is CBS maintenance operation.

The instrument cluster internally controls the following instruments and indicators

1. Analogue instruments and moving-disc indicators The instrument cluster incorporates a number of instruments that operate with step motors, namely: Speedometer Revolution counter Fuel gauge Fuel consumption indicator (E60, E61, E70) Engine oil temperature (E63/E64) Moving-disc instrument for the speed setting of the cruise control system Moving-disc instrument for variable engine speed warning zone (currently only M-Technology)
2. Indicator and warning lights: The single-color indicator and warning lights that are required by law at the top, centered between the two large analogue instruments (exception: turn signal indicator lights at sides). The most important indicator and warning lights briefly light up during the pre-drive-check when terminal 15 is switched ON. The indicator warning lights and symbols are illuminated by LEDs which are soldered into place.
3. Liquid-crystal display The liquid-crystal display is centered at the bottom between the two large analogue instruments. The liquid-crystal display is divided into two zones. The top zone shows information such as the time and date and the outside temperature. In addition, Check-Control messages appear by means of a symbol in the top area. The bottom zone displays information concerning the on-board computer functions, for example, and the drive range currently selected for the automatic transmission. The shift point indicator (E60, E61) is also in he lower area. The LCD display is activated when terminal R is switched ON.
4. Acoustic generator Acoustic warnings are issued in support of the check-control messages. The instrument cluster controls these warnings by means of the K-CAN. The headset (M-ASK, CHAMP, CCC) outputs acoustic warnings via the loudspeakers. An additional loudspeaker in the instrument cluster issues the following acoustic warnings: Flash Warning flash

System functions

The control unit of the instrument cluster incorporates certain functions over and above the display and indication functions, namely

1. Lighting of the instrument cluster
2. Dimming of the instrument cluster
3. Undervoltage detection and overvoltage detection for the instrument cluster
4. Heating and contrast for the liquid-crystal display
5. On-board computer functions
6. Check-Control messages
7. Pre-drive check
8. Outside temperature compensation
9. Condition Based Service (CBS)
10. Vehicle identification check

Lighting of the instrument cluster

The instrument cluster has an integral power supply unit. The power supply is connected to terminal 30. The power supply provides the supply voltage for the instrument cluster.

This arrangement means that the lighting of the instrument cluster is independent of the onboard power supply. If the onboard power supply is disrupted (voltage dips), the brightness cannot fluctuate.

LEDs in BMW orange provide backlighting for the liquid-crystal display, the pointers of the analogue instruments and the scale rings.

The pointers and the scale rings are illuminated when the lights are switched ON (= function display).

The display itself is not backlit unless it contains a reading.

Dimming of the instrument cluster

The brightness of the liquid-crystal display and all indicator and warning lights is adapted to suit ambient lighting conditions. This function is implemented by a phototransistor in the instrument cluster.

The brightness signal is calculated in the instrument cluster on the basis of the following values

1. Signal from the phototransistor (ambient luminosity)
2. Dimmer signal (on the control panel for the lights)

The brightness signal calculated in this way is made available to the other control units via the K-CAN.

Undervoltage detection and overvoltage detection for the instrument cluster

If the on-board voltage drops below approximately 7.5 volts, no further read or write accesses to the data memory are permitted. The instrument cluster initiates data backup in advance of a pending reset triggered by undervoltage. Overvoltage in the onboard power supply is also detected.

If the on-board voltage is greater than 16 volts

1. Certain inputs and outputs are disabled in order to protect the hardware.
2. Indicator and warning lights are dimmed for the duration of the overvoltage or are deactivated in order to prevent overload.

Heating and contrast for the liquid-crystal display

A heater built into the display ensures good legibility even at low ambient temperatures. The heater is switched on if the temperature of the liquid-crystal display is below 10° Celsius. The switch-on signal is transmitted (by the CAS control unit to the instrument cluster via the K-CAN) when the driver's door is opened.

The contrast of the liquid-crystal display is automatically set as a function of the temperature of the liquid-crystal display and the operating time. A counter registers the standby times and operating times logged by the instrument cluster, so that due allowance can be made for ageing. Contrast voltage is automatically adjusted depending on increasing time in operation (ageing).

On-board computer functions

There are two ways in which on-board computer functions can be displayed

1. in the instrument cluster
2. in the Central Information Display (extended on-board computer functions)

The on-board computer functions for the instrument cluster are as follows

1. Outside temperature
2. Time
3. Date
4. Average consumption (resettable)
5. Range
6. Average speed (resettable)

The on-board computer function required can be displayed: When terminal R is ON by pressing the on-board computer button on the turn-signal/main-beam switch in a specific sequence. The last line is followed by an empty line, before the first line reappears on the screen (rolling list). When terminal R switches ON, the on-board computer function most recently selected by means of the on-board computer button reappears. If the on-board computer button is pressed and held down for longer than 2 seconds, the values of the resettable on-board computer functions are recalculated.

Check-control messages

The Check-Control system informs the driver if important functions, information or warnings are no longer available. Check-Control messages are displayed in the form of a symbol on the LCD display (red, yellow, orange).

The instrument cluster discharges the functions of priority control for the check-control messages. The readings for time and date and outside temperature are overwritten.

If a Check-Control message is present but not displayed, this will be indicated by warning triangle in the LCD display.

Supplementary notes and instructions are available for most Check-Control messages and are displayed in the Central Information Display (CID) (short form can be found in the status bar).

In addition to the visual display, the Check Control also alerts the driver with acoustic signals. Depending on the importance of the associated message, a single or double gong with varying volume and tone will sound.

Current Check-Control messages can be called up with the Check-Control button (press and hold for longer than 2 seconds) on the turn-signal/main-beam switch. The check-control messages can then be viewed in sequence (press for less than 2 seconds). When the Check-Control button is pressed, this is registered via the K-CAN.

If 8 seconds pass without a button being pressed, either the time and ambient temperature or a current Check-Control message with priority 1 will appear.

Pre-drive check

The pre-drive check serves as

1. A check of internal functions in the instrument cluster
2. Monitoring of the live signals from all control units that may emit Check-Control messages

During the pre-drive check, the most important indicator and warning lights are activated for 4 seconds when terminal 15 is switched ON. Exception: Indicator and warning lights for airbags actuated when terminal R is switched ON.

Once a pre-drive check completes successfully, all indicator and warning lights are switched off. If faults occur during the pre-drive check, the test of the systems concerned is interrupted. The indicator and warning lights for this system remain on. The check-control system issues the appropriate message.

Outside temperature compensation

The computation model in the instrument cluster compensates for effect that the residual heat from the engine compartment has on the outside temperature signal. An increase in temperature is then only displayed with a time lag.

Condition Based Service

Condition Based Service (CBS), as the name suggests, is a means of ensuring that the car is serviced as and when necessary. CBS has been in use in the field of service since the launch of the E65. CBS is a landmark in the increasingly close communication and networking between vehicles and Service.

The vehicle-specific scope of service required is registered automatically. In conjunction with TeleService, an automatic Service call can be placed, notifying the home dealership that Service is due.

The instrument cluster calculates when a service interval is due. When terminal 15 is switched ON, the "Next Service" indicator appears in the LCD display (remaining visible for 6 seconds). The countdown distance or the countdown time is also shown.

More information on CBS can be called up at the same time on the central information display (CID).

The service interval can be reset by means of the reset button in the instrument cluster (press and hold down for longer than 5 seconds). The target date for the vehicle inspection and emissions test can only be entered in the CID via the controller.

Vehicle identification check

The information stored redundantly in the instrument cluster and the CAS control unit (Car Access System) is

1. Vehicle identification number
2. Odometer status
3. CBS data

The vehicle identification number and odometer are used to prevent manipulation. Information about manipulation is given by a warning light.

CBS data are important in service (KeyReader and service reception module (SAM)). These data must not be lost.

Scheme 113

The head-up display is used to display information relevant to driving the vehicle (e.g. navigation instructions, driving speed) in an ergonomically favorable position on the windscreen. Information appears as a virtual image approximately at the front of the bonnet.

Note. Displays in the instrument cluster and in the central information display Information relevant to driving the vehicle still appears in the customary manner in the instrument cluster and in the central information display.

The information displayed on the head-up display is independent of the equipment level. You can select the information using the controller on the Central Information Display (CID).

The following information can be shown on the head-up display

1. Check-Control messages
2. Active Cruise Control (ACC) or cruise-control system (FGR)
3. Navigation instructions
4. Vehicle road speed

Benefits of the head-up display

1. Important information relevant to driving the vehicle can be received without the driver having to take his eyes off the road.
2. This makes driving more relaxing. The eyes do not have to refocus as much or as frequently (i.e. when the eyes move from a wide view of the road to a small display in the instrument cluster).

The head-up display is employed for the first time as special equipment (option 610) on the E60.

Launch date is 11/2003.

The HUD of the E60 is identical to that of the E61.

The windscreens on the E63 and E64 are tilted more. The following modifications related to the HUD are therefore required for the E63/E64

1. Modified mirror set
2. Modified integration into the instrument panel

The HUD in the E70 differs from the HUD in E60, E61, E63, E64 in the following respects

1. 2 mirrors instead of 4 mirrors
2. Image orientation of the virtual image can be height-adjusted
3. Head-up display can be adjusted without an adjustment tool (with BMW diagnosis system).

The SMG system comprises the following key components

1. HUD: Head-up display The head-up display can be compared to a projector. The image is formed by the projection display and is illuminated by the light source.
2. Display range of the head-up display The display range of the head-up display is optically divided into 2 sections. The upper section is used to display navigation instructions. the lower section is used to display speed-related information.
3. Windscreen A special windscreen is needed for the head-up display to appear optimally.
4. Button for switching head-up display on and off The button is located to the right of the rotary switch for side lights and dipped headlights.

The following components are networked for the function of the head-up display (in alphabetical order)

1. Active cruise control or cruise control The following signals are sent by optional extra 541 "Active Cruise Control" (ACC) or optional extra 540 "Cruise Control" or optional extra 544 "Cruise Control with Brake Function": Set speed (= selected driving speed) Distance (ACC only) Object detection (ACC only) Regulation display (ACC only) Transfer prompt (ACC only)
2. CAS: Car access system The CAS provides input signals relating to terminal status (e.g. terminal 15 ON). The head-up display is operational when terminal 15 is switched ON.
3. CHAMP or CCC or M-ASK: Multimedia platform or Car Communication Computer or multi-audio system controller To display the navigation directions in the head-up display, the following signals are sent by the CHAMP (multimedia platform: CHAMP; Central Head Unit and Multimedia Platform) or CCC or M-ASK: Next road Driving direction arrow Distance to road intersection/junction Bar gauge The signals are sent via the MOST (Media Oriented System Transport) data bus.
4. CID and CON: Central Information Display and controller The preset brightness of the head-up display can be individually set using the CID. The brightness adjustment (= difference between set value and basic setting) is stored in the head-up display through the Car and Key Memory. The CID can be used to select which information is displayed in the head-up display (e.g. Check-Control messages, navigation instructions). The controller is the control element for selecting setting in the CID. E70 The image orientation of the virtual image can be height-adjusted.
5. DME or DDE: Digital engine electronics or digital diesel electronics The head-up display receives signals from the DME or DDE regarding the cruise-control system or active cruise control. The signals are transmitted via the PT-CAN and K-CAN.
6. FRM: Footwell module E70 The footwell module controls and monitors the vehicle lights. Information is received and transmitted via the K-CAN data bus (body controller-area network). The footwell module provides the terminal 58g signal via the K-CAN. The footwell module also transmits the dimmer signal to the head-up display.
7. JBE: Junction box electronics E70 The junction box electronics is the data interface between the bus systems that are important for the head-up display: Body CAN (K-CAN) Powertrain CAN (PT-CAN) The diagnosis lead is connected to the JBE.
8. KGM: Body gateway module from 09/2005 E60, E61, E63, E64 The KGM supersedes the SGM. The KGM is the data interface between the bus systems that are of importance for the head-up display: Body CAN (K-CAN) Powertrain CAN (PT-CAN) The diagnosis wire is connected to the KGM.
9. KOMBI: Instrument cluster The instrument cluster transmits the following signals to the head-up display through the K-CAN: Vehicle road speed Check-Control messages
10. LM: Light module E60, E61, E63, E64 The light module controls and monitors all vehicle lights. Information is received and transmitted via the K-CAN data bus (body controller-area network). The light module provides the terminal 58g signal via the K-CAN. The light module also transmits the dimmer signal to the head-up display.
11. RLS: Rain-light sensor Vehicles with the "head-up display" optional extra (option 610) require a special rain/light sensor. Modifications compared to the previous rain/light sensor: Viewing angle On the previous rain/light sensor, the viewing angle has been directed more upwards (towards the sky). With the rain/light sensor for the head-up display, the viewing angle is directed more towards the virtual image (from the perspective of the rain/light sensor, downwards). The rain/light sensor measures the ambient light conditions in the background of the virtual image. Thus the display brightness is optimally adjusted to the ambient brightness of the virtual image. Optical element The optical element is adjusted to the new viewing angle. Evaluation electronics The evaluation electronics have also been modified (signal evaluation and software). As before, the signal is available via the K-CAN.
12. SGM: Safety and gateway module up to 09/2005 E60, E61, E63, E64 The SGM is replaced by the KGM as from 09/2006. The SGM is the data interface (gateway) between the bus systems that are important for the head-up display: Body CAN (K-CAN) Byteflight Powertrain CAN (PT-CAN) The diagnosis wire is connected to the SGM.
13. SZL: Steering column switch cluster The steering column switch cluster (SZL) sends the signals from the Active Cruise Control (ACC) or the Cruise Control (FGR) to the head-up display. The settings of the ACC or FGR are selected using the steering column switch.

The head-up display comprises the following functions

1. Switch-on response
2. Projection of virtual image in front of the vehicle
3. Automatic adaptation of display brightness
4. Prioritizing of displays

Switch-on response

The head-up display is partially operational when terminal R is switched ON. This means

1. The projection display is initialized but information is not yet displayed.
2. The head-up display is able to communicate with other bus-elements via the MOST and K-CAN data buses.

The head-up display is operational when terminal 15 is switched ON. This means

1. The light source is switched on when the button for switching the head-up display on and off is pressed.
2. The projection display cover panel is folded out of the beam by the stepper motor. E70 The E70 has no cover panel for the projection display. One mirror is swivelled away to protect the display against direct sunlight when parked. As from terminal 15 ON the mirror is swivelled from the park position into the position stored by the Car and Key Memory.
3. The automatic adaptation of the display brightness is activated.
4. E70 The image orientation of the virtual image can be height-adjusted.

Projection of virtual image in front of the vehicle

The head-up display projects a virtual image, i.e. an image that appears to hang in mid-air without a fixed image carrier (e.g. projection screen or similar).

The image is generated on a projection display in the head-up display and deflected by the windscreen in such a way that driver seemingly sees the image floating above the bonnet. (The effect of the virtual image is the same as when looking in a mirror: the observer looks not at the mirror but behind the mirror.)

The size of the virtual image is approx. 20 x 10 cm (width x height). The virtual image can only be seen from a defined area from the driver's side.

Automatic adaptation of display brightness

The automatic adaptation of display brightness prevents major sudden changes in the brightness of the head-up display when the vehicle moves between different ambient lighting conditions (e.g. from light to dark and from dark to light when driving through a tunnel).

The automatic adjustment of the display brightness depends on

1. the ambient lighting conditions
2. the brightness adjustment setting
3. the dimmer setting for instrument lighting (only when the lights are on).

The surrounding brightness (day, night, twilight, sunshine, etc.) is recorded by the rain/light sensor. The value of the brightness adjustment (difference between base setting and individually set display brightness) is stored in the headup display. When the lighting is switched on (terminal 58g, lights ON) the brightness of the head-up display is also influenced by the dimmer setting of the instrument lighting.

Prioritizing of displays

The information in the head-up display is classified according to priority (= importance for the driver). Displays with low priority are overwritten by displays with higher priority.

PRIORITY FUNCTION

Operation

The head-up display is controlled using the following control elements

1. Button for switching head-up display on and off
2. Dimmer for instrument lighting
3. Controller for selecting brightness of head-up display in Central Information Display (CID) E70 Controller and CID for adjusting the image orientation of the virtual image

Preconditions for activation

The conditions required to switch the head-up display on are

1. Terminal 15 switched on
2. Button for switching head-up display on and off switched on

National versions

Left-hand drive and right-hand drive vehicles each have different head-up displays. The constructions mirror each other nearly identically.

Subject to change.

Scheme 114

iDrive was introduced with the E65.

Due to the position of the screen and the controller as well as the operations logic, iDrive is the leading control system in vehicles.

iDrive was consistently developed for the E60 and the ranges which follow

Due to the increased number of functions in the vehicle, improvements were also made to the ergonomics. The menu structure contains 5 menus in contrast to the E65 which contains 8 menus.

iDrive is characterized by

1. clear differentiation and optimum layout of the driving area for driving and convenience
2. Calmer atmosphere inside the vehicle due to a reduced number of switches
3. straightforward, logical controls
4. ergonomic positioning and design of display and control elements
5. integrational approach: the front passenger has access to all convenience functions

iDrive is also employed on the new BMW 1-Series and 3-Series .

In conjunction with the Multi-audio system controller (M-ASK) or Car Communication Computer (CCC), there is a display for the iDrive.

On the BMW 1-Series the folding Central Information Display (CID) is located in the middle of the dashboard.

On the BMW 3-Series, the Central Information Display is fixed and integrated into the dashboard.

iDrive consists primarily of the following components

1. Central Information Display (CID) The CID is the central graphic display unit. A number of displays are available depending on the equipment fitted: CENTRAL INFORMATION DISPLAY CHART E60, E61, E63, E64, E90, E91, E92 CID color 6.5 inch, fully integrated (combined with option 606 "Business navigation system" with arrow display) in conjunction with M-ASK CID color 8.8 inch, fully integrated (combined with option 609 "Professional navigation system" with map view) in conjunction with CCC E87 CID color 6.5 inch, folding (with option 606 "Business navigation system" with arrow display in conjunction with M-ASK) (with option 609 "Professional navigation system" with map view in conjunction with CCC) no Assistance window and therefore no split-screen display The Central Information Display is connected via a LVDS data line (Low Voltage Differential Signalling) to the M-ASK or CCC.
2. Controller with menu button The controller is the central control element for the Central Information Display or iDrive. The controller is located in the center console behind the gear lever or, in the case of automatic transmission, the selector lever. The menu button is located behind the Controller (with CCC, two-part option: menu button and Push-to-talk button for voice recognition system). The controller is connected via the K-CAN to the M-ASK/CCC. The controller is operated in the same way as on the 7 Series by slide or turn and then press. The Controller always returns to its home position when released. The basic variant of the Controller, however, only has 4 sliding directions: forward, back, to the right and to the left. In the High version, the controller has 8 directions of movement for the following function: destination input using crosshairs.
3. Loudspeakers The loudspeakers output the audio signals from the M-ASK or the CCC, as applicable.

The control unit that manages the functions of iDrive depends on the vehicle equipment

1. M-ASK: Multi-audio system controller The M-ASK combines a number of functions in a single control unit, as follows: Audio system controller (ASK) Control unit for the Central Information Display Navigation system with DVD drive Aerial tuner
2. CCC: Car Communication Computer The CCC incorporates further functions at the top end of the range in the form of a control unit (e.g. voice recognition system).

The M-ASK or the CCC generates the LVDS data (Low Voltage Differential Signaling) for graphical presentation on the Central Information Display.

The further development of the iDrive for the 5 Series, 6 Series and 1 Series comprises

1. revised menus
2. hierarchical structure of the menus
3. Additional orientation guides

Revised menus

The start menu consists of 4 menus.

The 4 menus on the Central Information Display are situated on intersecting axes in the same way as the 4 points of the compass (as viewed in the clockwise direction) as follows

1. Communication Slide the Controller forward (= "north"): e.g. functions such as telephone, short text message or BMW Assist
2. Navigation Slide the Controller to the right (= "east"): e.g. functions such as route, on-board information or address book
3. Entertainment Slide the Controller back (= "south"): e.g. functions such as radio, CD or TV
4. Climate Slide the Controller to the left (= "west"): e.g. functions such as air distribution or heat distribution for seats

There is also an additional fifth menu for selecting the individual user presets.

1. Settings (i= Information) Press Controller in the start menu: e.g. functions such as "Settings for entertainment", "Settings for display" and "Settings for vehicle"

The start menu will always appear when the menu button behind the controller is pressed.

Exceptions to this are the submenus in menu 5: When the Controller is pressed, menu 5 "Settings" is initially called up. If the controller is pressed once more, the start menu is called up.

Hierarchical structure of the menus (operating logic)

The operating logic has a strictly hierarchical menu structure.

1. Displaying the menu path The current position in the menu structure can be seen by displaying the menu path (list of menu items selected to date in the individual menu lines, reading from top to bottom).
2. Navigating through the menus Slide the Controller to switch from one menu to another. Sliding the Controller forward means: Go one level higher in the menu hierarchy. Sliding the Controller to the rear means: Go one level lower in he menu hierarchy. In split-screen mode, sliding the Controller to the right selects the assistance window. Slide the Controller to the left to exit the assistance window (assistance window displays additional information).
3. Changing the settings If you want to change settings or view them in the submenus, turn the controller and press it down.

Additional orientation guides

The following features provide visual orientation in the menus

1. Orientation by special background colors Each menu has a background color of its own. Communication = blue Navigation = green Entertainment = orange Climate = red Settings = grey The associated submenus also have the same background color. This makes assignment of the submenus straightforward.
2. Orientation by position indicator A small, colored symbol for each of the 4 menus appears in the top menu line: A diamond. The 4 corners of the diamond correspond to the 4 directions of the menus. A small square indicates the corner corresponding to the currently selected menu.
3. Status line for information at a glance The status line contains the most important information on the various functions, such as settings of the air conditioning system or the radio station currently selected.

The start menu always appears when the menu button behind the controller is pressed.