Instrument panel in Black Panel technology.

Like so many aspects of the new BMW 5-Series sedan, its instrument cluster combines BMW tradition with advanced, beautiful new executions. Here the entire cluster is in a high-resolution Black Panel display, in which four classic circular instruments are most prominent; other driving-relevant displays and readouts - including Navigation if present, vehicle-monitoring functions, upcoming service requirements and other information - also appear here in their various (and function-related) graphic forms. Climate-control settings and controls are located in a second Black Panel display in the center console stack.

4th-generation iDrive: Intuitive, powerful and fast.

With the new BMW 5-Series sedan, BMW's 4th generation iDrive control screen appears in two versions: with 7.0-in. dimensions and 800 x 480-pixel resolution in standard form, or with the optional Navigation system, in a dazzling 10.2-in., 1280 x 480-pixel version with a wider range of features and functions as in the new BMW 7-Series. Displays are transreflective so that light from the sun actually enhances the images on the screen.

The instrument cluster interacts in new ways with the iDrive control display and the available Head-up Display. According to selected function, users can call up phone numbers or radio stations via the steering-wheel controls. The cluster display also augments iDrive's optional Navigation display with road-realistic directional instructions, helping the driver to change lanes or negotiate a complicated intersection. If the optional Head-up Display is activated, the relevant directions appear there.

    See also:

    Storing a station
    1. "Radio". 2. "FM" or "AM". 3. Highlight the desired station. 4. Press the controller for an extended period. 5. Select the desired memory location. The stations ...

    Releasing manually
    Releasing manually Press the button with the brake depressed. The LED and indicator lamp go out. Indicator lamp in Canadian models. Take the remote control with you Take the remote cont ...

    The concept
    ▷ The voice activation system can be used to operate functions by means of spoken commands. The system prompts you to make your entries. ▷ Functions that can only be used when the v ...