Discover hidden features in your BMW

Discover more with BMW Hidden Features

Digital comfort functions, clever safety features or smart control solutions using the vehicle key: BMW Hidden Features show how intuitive and flexible modern vehicle technology can be. Discover now and use your BMW to its full potential.

BMW vehicles also offer a wealth of intelligent additional functions that can often be accessed swiftly via the iDrive menu, the vehicle key or voice command. Whether capturing a selfie from within the vehicle, activating a dedicated sleep mode when the vehicle is parked for an extended period, or linking two vehicle keys to a single BMW ID – many of these features are integrated as standard and require only a few simple steps to activate.

Discover which BMW Hidden Features are available in your vehicle – and how to access them with ease.

Note: The availability of individual functions depends on the model, year of manufacture and the BMW Operating System in use (version 7, 8 or later). Your BMW Service Partner will be pleased to offer personalised guidance.

BMW Hidden Features: Comfort & Convenience

The written step-by-step instructions are available below each video.

Reverse without worrying about scratching your car or having to move around in your seat hectically to keep an eye on all obstacles – with the Curb View Mirror. This function tilts the front passenger-side mirror downwards when you shift into reverse to give you better visibility of the curb and any obstacles around your vehicle. Simply press the left button on the mirror adjustment switch, and the right-hand side mirror will automatically tilt downwards so you can keep an eye on the curb easily.
Activating Curb View Mirror:
– Switch on ignition
– Push left button on mirror adjustment switch
– Shift into reverse
→ Right-hand side mirror tilts down automatically
Especially in summer, the key to relaxed driving is: remove built-up heat by ventilating briefly when entering the vehicle. All it takes is one click: Simply press and hold the unlock button on your vehicle key, and the windows as well as the sunroof will conveniently open fully automatically.
Opening windows and sunroof using the vehicle key
– Press and hold unlock button on the vehicle key
→ Windows and sunroof open automatically for ventilation
Lights, Camera, Action! Did you know that you can use your BMW to take a selfie right from inside the vehicle (and even including your friends on the other seats in the picture)? Even better: This can be done with a simple voice command. Just say “Hey BMW, take a selfie!,” and the picture will be taken after a short countdown. You can then view the snapshot in the photo album and share it with others conveniently.
Note: Requires the interior camera in the headliner.
Taking an interior selfie via voice command
– Say voice command: “Hey BMW, take a selfie!”
– Countdown starts automatically
→ Picture is saved and can be viewed in the photo album
Never worry about losing your personal settings again: BMW vehicles with Operating System 8 provide a special Valet Parking Mode to hand the vehicle over to a valet parking service or to a BMW Service Partner. This mode restricts access to vehicle functions, settings, and data. To activate the hidden feature, simply call up the system settings and click on “Valet Parking Mode.”
Activating Valet Parking Mode
– Open iDrive menu
– Select Settings > Valet Parking Mode
→ Access to personal data and settings is restricted

BMW Hidden Features: System & Control

The written step-by-step instructions are available below each video.

Sleep well, BMW! Did you know that you can set your BMW to a sleep mode for situations when you know that you are not going to use or require your car for a while, for example during a holiday trip? The Deep Sleep Mode does just that – and saves battery power, among other things. It can be accessed with a few clicks by calling up the system settings and selecting and activating Deep Sleep Mode.
Activating Deep Sleep Mode
– Open iDrive menu
– Select Settings > Deep Sleep Mode
→ The vehicle switches to a power-saving sleep mode
When Valet Parking Mode is activated, the boot is automatically locked. To prevent access from inside the vehicle, the load-through opening in the rear seat can be locked in place with a single movement. To do this, fold the rear seat forward and push the small lever at the corner of the right bench up or forward to lock the service hatch.
Activate Valet Parking Mode
– Fold rear seat forward
– Push the lock button upwards
→ Access to the boot is locked
How about being able to look around the corner? The GPS Based Panorama View function makes it possible to see crossing traffic early when approaching exits and junctions with bad visibility. It is even possible to mark particular, recurring spots along your route so that the system will actively provide assistance whenever you reach them. The function is based on two wide-angle cameras, one front-facing and one rear-facing. Panorama View can be activated via the Park Assist key.
Using GPS Based Panorama View
– Press Park Assist key
→ Wide-angle view is automatically activated at GPS-relevant junctions
The BMW Central Information Display makes sure you always have a perfect overview. Want to turn it off temporarily nevertheless? No problem – simply swipe from the top to the bottom of the display and confirm the prompt to turn it off.
Turning the BMW Central Information Display off manually
– Swipe from top to bottom on the display
– Select “Turn off display”
→ Display is deactivated
It is essential not to let bad weather cloud your view when driving. Among the things that help you keep your vision clear are the windscreen wipers. However, these must be replaced periodically to ensure optimum performance. A Hidden Feature makes it possible to get this done in mere seconds. Simply press the wash/wipe switch downwards for three to four seconds, and the wipers will automatically latch into the optimum position for replacement.
Moving BMW Wipers into maintenance position
– Press the wash/wipe switch downwards for 3–4 seconds
→ Wipers move into vertical position for easy replacement
Sometimes you may want to make a quick stop and get out of the car briefly to get something done while leaving your child or your pet in the car for a moment, or you may want to have your car cleaned fully automatically in the car wash. However, this could cause the motion sensor of your BMW to trigger a false alarm. Fortunately, there is an easy solution: You can deactivate the motion sensor temporarily. How? All you need to do is push the button for the door lock mode on your BMW Key twice.
Deactivating the motion sensor temporarily
– Lock car as usual
– Push lock button a second time within 10 seconds
→ Motion sensor is deactivated temporarily, preventing false alarms

Frequently asked questions regarding BMW Hidden Features

What are BMW Hidden Features?

BMW Hidden Features are discreetly integrated vehicle functions that can be easily activated – enhancing comfort, increasing safety or offering greater personalisation.

Are all features available in every BMW?

Not every feature is available across all models. Availability depends, among other factors, on the year of manufacture and the BMW Operating System in use.

How do I find out which Hidden Features my BMW supports?

Consult the operating instructions, explore the iDrive menu or speak with a BMW Service Partner to learn more about the functions available in your vehicle.

Author: BMW; Art: Lucas Lemuth; Photos: BMW