Car enthusiasts are attracted by state-of-the-art technology. Speaking of that, BMW is among the top brands known for its innovation. Moreover, the BMW founder, Karl Benz, patented the first-ever internal combustion car that has ruled the automotive industry for over a century. That said, the BMW steering wheel is another innovative feature by this German auto brand to provide a better driving experience to motorists.
But what features does the steering wheel by BMW allow you to control? Here’s a complete guide on BMW steering wheel controls and buttons.
How to Use BMW Steering Wheel Controls and Buttons
BMW’s history is filled with the introduction of innovative technology such as BMW’s iDrive system and other performance parts. However, as a driver, you will want to control the safety and infotainment features through a steering wheel rather than using a touch screen when cruising at 100 kilometres per hour. For that reason, BMW steering wheel technology includes controls and buttons making all the features driver accessible.
Some of the controls and placements of buttons on the steering wheel may vary depending on the BMW model you own. However, the features in the newer BMW car models remain the same regardless of their placements.
Let’s go through all the controls and buttons in the BMW steering wheel and how to use them.
Right Side: BMW Audio System Control
On the right side of the BMW steering wheel, you can find the audio control system. These buttons will make it easier for you to change the music, control the volume or access the voice command feature. The following buttons are present on the right side of the steering wheel to operate infotainment features:
- Volume control buttons: They allow the driver to adjust the volume of the BMW GPS navigation voice, music, and phone calls.
- Radio selection buttons: This button allows you to switch radio channels or change the songs.
- Phone call button: This control button helps answer phone calls coming via Bluetooth or call the last person you spoke to easily.
- Entertainment display button: It helps you display your playlist or radio channels on the BMW head-up display (if your car model has a head-up display) or it displays it on the digital instrument cluster.
- Voice command button: It engages the BMW Personal Assistant after a single press. You can also activate Siri or Google Assistant when pressing the button for a long time. Or you can simply say Hey Siri or Hey Google to activate the voice control feature.
- The rocker switch: This control allows you to go through and find the tracks displayed on the BMW head-up display.
Since newer BMW car models feature Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, you can use the steering wheel controls to simply change the songs through the head-up display. Moreover, you can use the same BMW radio selection buttons on the steering wheel to operate Spotify or Youtube music as well.
Left Side: BMW Cruise Control
The BMW steering wheel’s left-side control allows the driver to use the cruise control system on a long highway. Let’s go through the configuration of the left-side control buttons and roller control of the steering wheel:
- The speed gauge button: It is the button with a car and gauge symbol. This control button turns the cruise control on or off. It displays green light on the cruise control symbol on the instrument cluster
- The SET button: This control button allows motorists to set the constant speed when the desired limit is reached.
- The speed limit assistant button: Once the driver presses this control button, it won’t allow the driver to exceed the desired speed for a specific zone unless they press an extensive throttle unit.
- The rocker switch: This switch allows the driver to increase or decrease speed by 2 and 8 kilometres per hour. After increasing or decreasing the speed, press the SET button.
- The CANCEL button: It temporarily deactivates the dynamic cruise control system.
- The RESUME button: After the driver deactivates the cruise control, the Resume button helps return to cruising at the set speed.
Centre: BMW Heated Steering Wheel
The centre of the steering wheel is used for the horn. However, the BMW steering wheel features a button to activate heating on the steering wheel for cold weather conditions. In some BMW car models, the button is featured right beneath the horn whereas other BMWs feature it on the left side of the steering column.
BMW M Performance Steering Wheel
The M Performance parts by BMW are designed to provide an ultimate driving experience. The BMW M Performance steering wheel is equipped on the M3 and M4 models. It features additional controls alongside the standard ones. The design of the BMW M Performance steering wheel is quite extroverted as it features a flat bottom. Speaking of that, this BMW steering wheel provides a racing car feel.
Additional controls on the M Performance steering wheel by BMW provides a gauge display depending on the car driving mode. For instance, if you turn on the efficient dynamic driving mode, the gauge will display the fuel consumption, average speed, and water and oil temperature.
The gauge will display the gear shift indicator and G- Force metre when you switch to Sport or Sport+ BMW driving mode. Moreover, shifting to race mode will display the lap timer, section mode, and quarter-mile race. These BMW multifunction steering wheel buttons help enhance the safety and driver’s focus on the road.
Besides, the M1 and M2 control buttons for back road and aggressive track events, respectively. Furthermore, drivers can set the following parameters through the BMW M Performance steering wheel:
- Dynamic Stability Control (DSC)
- BMW xDrive (Dependent on model)
- Throttle mapping
- Chassis stiffness
- Steering weight
- Transmission shift time and aggression
- Head-up Display view
How to Adjust BMW Steering Wheel
Whether driving to a grocery store or on a highway, you can adjust the BMW steering wheel easily for a convenient ride. To adjust the steering wheel, press the little switch on the left of the steering column (older BMW models feature a lever).
After pressing the button, BMW owners can adjust the height and angle of the steering wheel for a comfortable driving experience.
How to Unlock the Steering Wheel Push to Start BMW
Modern car features include an anti-theft system that locks your steering wheel. You can unlock the BMW steering wheel by simply starting the car without applying brakes.
This wraps our complete guide to the BMW steering wheel and how it makes driving more comfortable and convenient. You can find used BMWs in the UAE with these steering wheel controls. Besides, you can explore a plethora of used cars in the UAE to find technologically advanced vehicle models that feature different types of steering wheels.
Stay tuned to the UAE’S leading auto blog to learn more about new car technology and features.
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