BMW gesture control first arrived on the scene in 2015, allowing drivers to interact with the iDrive system without diverting their attention from the road. Since 2023, gesture control has gradually been phased out in favor of voice commands and a touchscreen interface. However, many BMW certified and pre-owned vehicles still include gesture control, which is great news for the many drivers who found it useful.
How Does Gesture Control Work?
Gesture control operates through a 3D camera positioned in the BMW roof lining. This interprets hand movements and carries out the corresponding action within the iDrive system. As it’s possible to make gestures without taking your eyes off the road, gesture control enhances driver safety.
What Controls Are Available?
The exact controls may vary by model, so it’s advisable to check the instructions before driving. All information relating to gesture control can be found within iDrive under the “Gesture” option. Some of the most popular gesture controls included are:
- Accept a call: extend and retract your finger
- Reject a call: wave your hand to the right
- Volume control: move your hand with your finger extended in a circular motion
- Move the camera: pinch and drag your finger and thumb
- Skip a track/change station: extend your thumb to the left or right
Although some controls appear to rely on finger movements, you’ll get the best results by moving your whole hand at the same time. It’s also important to ensure that your whole hand is visible to the camera located above.
Can Gesture Control be Personalized?
There are many other gestures that can be added through the settings menu. This allows you to choose preferred actions in response to gestures such as opening your fist or pointing with two fingers. Popular functions for these actions include starting navigation to your home address or muting the audio.
Troubleshooting Gesture Control
If you experience any difficulties using gesture control, it may be simply that your hand is not positioned correctly. The easiest way to find the right spot is by imagining two straight lines. The first line extends out from the base of the mirror and the other from the top of the air vent. The space in the center is the ideal spot to make your gestures.
If you have been smoking or vaping in your car, you might notice the gesture control isn’t as responsive as usual. A quick wipe of the camera lens should restore the gesture control to its usual precision. Wearing bulky gloves can sometimes also make it difficult for the camera to detect hand movements accurately.
As a family-run dealership, we are proud recipients of the “Center of Excellence” award from BMW. Our BMW-trained technicians and sales team are always happy to help with any inquiries. Contact us online or visit our Jacksonville BMW showroom to find out more about our new and pre-owned BMWs.
Connect with us
Recent Blog Entries
- BMW Driver Assistance Systems Explained for Daily Commuters
- How BMW xDrive Handles Wet and Coastal Florida Roads
- Why Jacksonville Drivers Explore BMW X3 and X5 Lease Options
- BMW xDrive Systems Explained for Jacksonville Drivers
- BMW Lease Options Explained for Jacksonville Drivers Considering X3 and X5 Models