Learn how to set up Bluetooth audio and phone calls with your MMI V7 module. Choose the mode that works best for your setup.
Your BMW i3 has a built-in Bluetooth system for phone calls and audio. The MMI V7 adds its own Bluetooth channel with a built-in digital DSP pre-amplifier. Two settings control how audio and calls are routed between them. You can find these options in the MMI Setup menu on your car's display.
The MMI stays completely out of the audio path. Your phone connects directly to the BMW's Bluetooth system. This is the simplest setup and works on all i3 models.
Turn this option ON in the MMI V7 settings menu.
Make sure your phone is paired to the car's built-in Bluetooth system.
In the BMW media menu, select Bluetooth Audio as the audio source for CarPlay/Android Auto sound.
All audio goes through the BMW's factory Bluetooth, including CarPlay, Android Auto, maps navigation, music apps, and phone calls via the built-in hands-free system. No AUX needed.
USB cable reminder: Keep the camera/USB adapter cable connected under the rear seat. Without it, plugging your phone into the factory USB will force USB audio mode and override these settings.
CarPlay and Android Auto audio goes through the MMI's Bluetooth and its built-in DSP pre-amplifier, delivering enhanced audio quality to the BMW via AUX. Phone calls still use the BMW's factory hands-free. Your phone connects to both systems simultaneously.
Turn OFF "Use Car's BT Channel" and turn ON "Use Car's BT Phone".
Make sure your phone is paired to both the MMI (BT Audio) and the BMW (BT Phone).
In the BMW media menu, switch to AUX as the audio source for CarPlay/Android Auto sound.
Audio is processed by the MMI's built-in DSP pre-amplifier before being sent to the BMW via AUX. On some i3 models produced after 2017, AUX input may not be activated by default. It can be activated using BimmerCode, or contact us and we'll help you enable it.
USB cable reminder: Keep the camera/USB adapter cable connected under the rear seat. Without it, plugging your phone into the factory USB will force USB audio mode and override these settings.
Everything goes through the MMI's Bluetooth and DSP pre-amplifier. All audio, including phone calls, routes through the MMI and into the BMW via AUX. The phone only connects to the MMI.
You must unpair your phone from the BMW's Bluetooth in this mode. If both Bluetooth connections are active, they will conflict and cause audio issues. AUX may also need activation on post-2017 i3 models using BimmerCode or contact us for help.
USB cable reminder: Keep the camera/USB adapter cable connected under the rear seat. Without it, plugging your phone into the factory USB will force USB audio mode and override these settings.
Turn OFF both "Use Car's BT Channel" and "Use Car's BT Phone".
Remove your phone's pairing from the BMW's Bluetooth. This prevents conflicts between the two systems.
Make sure your phone is paired to the MMI V7 only, and not to the BMW's Bluetooth.
In the BMW media menu, switch to AUX. All sound (CarPlay, Android Auto, phone calls) comes through here.
| Mode A Car's BT Channel |
Mode B MMI Audio + Car Phone |
Mode C Full MMI Audio |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| CarPlay / AA audio via | BMW BT Audio | MMI DSP → AUX | MMI DSP → AUX |
| Phone calls via | BMW Hands-free | BMW Hands-free | MMI → AUX |
| Phone connects to | BMW only | BMW + MMI | MMI only |
| BMW audio source | Bluetooth Audio | AUX | AUX |
| AUX needed | No | Yes | Yes |
| Unpair from BMW BT | No | No | Required |
| Works on all i3 models | Yes | AUX may need activation | AUX may need activation |
| Best for | Most users | DSP / pre-amp setups | Simplest single connection |
Toggle the settings below to see how your audio will be routed. If something isn't working, match your current settings to find the issue.
If you're unsure which mode to choose or need help with AUX activation, reach out to us directly.
Contact Support