BMW Driver Personal Profile Explained
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Newer BMWs are equipped with a feature called Personal Profile or Driver Profile. This feature allows the car to recognize which driver is using the vehicle by detecting the key.
Vehicle settings and memory features are modified for that particular driver depending on the key used to start the vehicle. This is helpful if two or more drivers use the same car but prefer different settings for steering wheel position, seat position, lights, climate control, etc.
BMW Key Dependent Settings
Here is a list of items stored for each key fob that automatically changes when a specific key is used.
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- Unlocking and locking
- Lights
- Climate control
- Radio
- Instrument cluster
- Programmable memory buttons
- Volumes, tone
- Control Display
- Navigation
- Park Distance Control PDC
- Rearview camera
- Side View
- Heads-up Display
- Driving Dynamics Control
- Driver’s seat position
- Exterior mirror position
- Steering wheel position
- Cruise control
- Intelligent Safety
- Active Blind Spot Detection
All these settings can be exported via BMW Online. Go to Settings> Profiles > Import Profiles > BMW Online to export them.
A guest profile can also be used if a friend uses your vehicle temporarily.
How to active Guest Profile
To activate the Guest profile, go to:
- Settings > Profiles > Guest.
How to show current profile at startup
If you would rather select the desired profile at startup regardless of the key used, change the following setting.
- Settings > Profiles > Options > Display user list at startup
This will show a list of key profiles each time you start the car and allow you to select the desired profile. Watch the following video to learn more about BMW Profiles.
Check these troubleshooting and repair guides for more help on your BMW.
Hello,
Is there a way to always start with the Engine Auto Start disabled??
I have a 2012 e70 35d, with two keys, and keyless entry. I wanted to delete the previous user profiles, but there is no “profiles” option present in the settings menu in i drive… I know keys work because the seat changes upon unlock. Any ideas?