BMW 3 Series Buttons Explained: G20 Controls & Settings

9 octobre 2026

Find a control in the photo, match its number to the legend immediately below it, then follow the short operating steps. Each control group has its own page so repeated numbers never share one legend.

Steering wheel overview • Cruise legend page 6 • Media legend page 7

Match the layout to your car

The guide focuses on the G20 3 Series sedan. Photos show different years and market configurations. Earlier G20 cars use physical climate controls and a larger selector; the U.S. 2023 update introduced the curved display, iDrive 8 and a toggle selector. [1, 2]

Use only the controls fitted to your car. Chinese screen text remains in some source photos; the English legends explain the visible functions. Optional and market-specific features are identified on the relevant page.

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 01

Find the control you need

The guide follows a practical order: set your driving position, learn access controls, then work through lighting, climate, driving and iDrive.

Topic	What you will learn	Page
Seats and memory	Adjust and save a driving position	3–4
Mirrors and windows	Mirror selection and window switches	5
Steering wheel	Cruise, media, phone and voice	6–7
Instrument cluster	Speed, range, gear and widgets	8
Key and door handle	Key functions and Comfort Access	9–10
Trunk	Opening and powered closing	11
Lighting and wipers	Lights, stalks and rain sensing	12–14
Climate	Front touchscreen and rear panel	15–16
Start and driving	Selector, modes and parking controls	17–19
iDrive	Shortcuts and personal settings	20
Fuel and overhead console	Fuel flap, roof and cabin lights	21–22
Questions and sources	Common confusions and official links	23

Before your first drive

While parked, set the seat and mirrors. Identify the gear indicator, parking brake, headlight setting and windshield defrost control. Use your VIN-specific manual for the exact equipment and menu paths. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 02

Adjust the driver seat

The seat-shaped switches show what they move. Adjust the seat before driving so you can press the brake fully without stretching.

Photo Seat Adjustment • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Seat base switch	Move forward/back for distance and up/down for height. Tilt adjustment depends on the seat fitted.
2	Backrest switch	Move forward/back to change the backrest angle.

Find a comfortable position

Set the seat distance first, then height and backrest angle. Keep your hips against the backrest and leave enough room to steer comfortably. After adjusting the seat, reset the mirrors.

The memory controls are a separate photo on the next page. They are not part of the two-switch legend above.

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 03

Save a memory position

When memory is fitted, SET and the numbered buttons save and recall your preferred seating position.

Photo Seat Memory • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
3	SET and 1 / 2	Marker 3 identifies the complete memory-button group. SET starts storage; 1 or 2 selects the stored position.

Store your position

1. Adjust the seat and exterior mirrors.
2. Press SET and check that its indicator lights.
3. Press 1 or 2 while the SET indicator is lit. [3]

Recall while parked

Use the saved button according to the vehicle state and instructions in your manual. A seat switch or another memory button can stop the movement. [3]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 04

Adjust mirrors and windows

Select a mirror before moving the adjustment pad. Window switches separate manual and one-touch movement at their resistance point.

Photo Mirrors And Windows • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Mirror adjustment pad	Use 3 to choose a mirror, then press the pad to move its glass.
2	Mirror folding	Fold/unfold electrically folding mirrors when fitted.
3	Left/right selector	Choose the exterior mirror to adjust.
4	Window switches	Press/pull to the resistance point for manual movement; past it for one-touch movement.
5	Rear window safety	Disables the rear window switches when activated. Rear door child locks are separate.

Check before leaving

Press or pull a window switch again to interrupt automatic movement. Confirm all windows are closed. Passenger-mirror tilt in Reverse depends on equipment and selector position; use your manual. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 05

Use cruise controls

This photo shows only the left steering-wheel bank. Following-distance control requires Active Cruise Control; LIM is market dependent.

Photo Steering Wheel Cruise • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	RESUME	Recall a stored cruise speed when conditions permit.
2	CANCEL	Interrupt cruise without erasing the stored speed.
3	Speed and distance	Use the rocker to change set speed. Distance buttons require Active Cruise Control.
4	SET	Store the current speed.
5	Cruise on/off	Activate or deactivate the fitted cruise system.
6	LIM	Speed-limiter control on this pictured market version.

Set a cruising speed

Switch the system on, drive at the desired speed and press SET. Use the rocker to adjust. Braking or CANCEL interrupts cruise. Check the cluster indication. [1, 2]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 06

Use media phone and voice controls

This photo shows only the right steering-wheel bank. Its markers start at 7 because the original full-wheel photo uses one sequence.

Photo Steering Wheel Media • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
7	Volume down	Reduce audio volume.
8	Volume up	Increase audio volume.
9	Scroll and select	Use the wheel to browse and confirm displayed choices; arrows change selections.
10	Phone	Operate supported call functions with a connected phone.
11	List/menu	Open or change the available list or display selection.
12	Voice control	Activate supported voice functions.

Use the displayed choice

Watch the relevant cluster or screen list when scrolling and selecting. Available functions depend on the selected source, phone connection and software. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 07

Read the instrument cluster

The pictured cluster is one configuration. Its central widget and layout can change with software, driving mode and equipment.

Photo Instrument Cluster • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Vehicle speed	Current speed and unit. This photo uses km/h.
2	Center widget	G-force display in this example; other widgets are available.
3	Engine speed	Tachometer scale marked × 1000 rpm.
4	Range information	Estimated driving range; fuel information depends on the layout.
5	Seat-belt reminder	Check the seat-belt status.
6	Display menu	An open configuration menu in this photo.
7	Gear position	P, R, N, D or a sport/manual indication.
8	Temperature gauge	Identify the gauge by its symbol and manual before interpreting it.

Choose a useful display

Select the driving information you use most, then check your preferred speed and distance units. Read the Check Control message whenever a warning appears. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 08

Identify the key buttons

Match the symbol on your key. The reference key uses a diamond button; a North American key may have a panic symbol instead.

Photo Vehicle Key • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
3	Unlock	Press to unlock the configured doors. Holding unlock can open windows on supported cars. [4]
4	Lock	The BMW roundel locks the vehicle. Remote comfort closing varies by market and equipment.
5	Trunk	Press and hold to release/open the lid. Powered closing is equipment dependent.
6	Diamond or panic	The pictured diamond is a configurable/market-specific function. A U.S. panic button operates the alarm.

Check supported remote functions

Do not assume holding LOCK closes every North American car’s windows. Use the functions listed in your VIN-specific manual. Door-handle controls have their own photo on the next page. [1, 4]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 09

Use the door handle

With Comfort Access fitted, a valid nearby key permits handle-based entry. The mechanical key remains a backup access method.

Photo Door Handle • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Handle grip area	Grasp the handle to unlock when Comfort Access and the required conditions are present.
2	Lock-cover area	The mechanical lock is accessed here using the integrated key and the model-specific cover instructions.

Lock with Comfort Access

Use the designated outer locking sensor on your actual handle. Avoid gripping the inside of the handle while using the lock sensor. Marker 2 in this photo identifies mechanical-lock access; it is not a numbered instruction to touch the lock sensor. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 10

Open and close the trunk

Opening and powered closing are separate features. The final two controls below appear only on appropriately equipped cars.

Photo Trunk Access • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Key trunk button	Press and hold to release/open the lid.
2	Exterior release	Press the release above the plate when access is authorized. Foot gestures require the hands-free option.
3	Driver-door switch	Release/open the trunk; hold behavior depends on equipment.
4	Powered close	Close the powered trunk lid when fitted.
5	Close and lock	Close the powered lid and lock the vehicle when the required key and door conditions are met.

Close your fitted version

With powered closing, check the movement area and press the required button. Without powered buttons, use the recessed grip to lower the lid and close it normally. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 11

Set the exterior lights

This page covers the lighting panel only. Rear fog and roadside parking controls can differ on North American cars.

Photo Lighting Panel • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	OFF	Turn headlights off; daytime-light behavior still depends on settings.
2	AUTO	Automatic headlight operation.
3	Low beams	Switch on low-beam headlights.
4	Rear fog light	Rear fog control on this market-specific panel.
5	Left parking light	Left roadside parking light.
6	Parking lights	Parking/position lights.
7	Right parking light	Right roadside parking light.
8	Instrument brightness	Adjust display/instrument illumination using the wheel.

Confirm the lighting status

Check the cluster indicator after changing lights. In poor visibility, confirm the required road lighting is actually on. Daytime running lights alone do not confirm full road lighting. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 12

Use turn signals and high beams

The left stalk controls turn signals, high beams and selected driving information. High Beam Assistant requires the fitted option.

Photo Turn Signal Stalk • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	BC button	Cycle the available driving-information display.
2	Upward movement	Operate the right turn signal.
3	High-beam movement	Pull toward you to flash; push away to switch on high beams when available.
4	High Beam Assistant	Activate/deactivate the fitted automatic high-beam assistance.
5	Downward movement	Operate the left turn signal.

Read the indicator

The blue high-beam indicator shows when high beams are on. Automatic assistance depends on its required conditions; operate the lights yourself when needed. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 13

Use AUTO wipers and the washer

The right stalk operates the windshield wipers. In AUTO, the wheel adjusts rain-sensor sensitivity.

Photo Wiper Stalk • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Stalk movement	Pull toward the steering wheel to wash and wipe the windshield.
2	Sensitivity wheel	Adjust rain-sensor sensitivity while AUTO is active. [5]
3	AUTO indicator area	Move up once from 0 to activate rain sensing; check the indicator. [5]

Stalk position markings

Marking	Position	Result
0	Rest position	Wipers off
1x	Briefly press down from 0	One windshield wipe
I	Move above AUTO	Normal continuous wiping
II	Move above I	Fast continuous wiping

Set up for rain

Activate AUTO and adjust sensitivity to suit the rain. Return to 0 before an automatic car wash. Pressing down from 0 gives a single windshield wipe on the G20 sedan, not rear-wiper operation. [5]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 14

Set front climate control

Open the climate menu to adjust temperature, airflow and seat heating. This is a touchscreen example; earlier G20 layouts use physical controls.

Photo Front Climate • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Menu navigation	Select climate functions/settings in the left menu.
2	Driver seat heating	Adjust heating when fitted.
3	A/C	Enable/disable the cooling function.
4	MAX A/C	Select maximum cooling.
5	SYNC	Synchronize supported passenger settings with the driver.
6	Passenger seat heating	Adjust heating when fitted.
7	Driver temperature	Adjust the driver’s selected temperature.
8	Airflow/fan	Adjust fan/airflow settings.
9	Air distribution	Change where the airflow is directed.
10	Passenger temperature	Adjust the passenger’s selected temperature.

An everyday setting

Select a comfortable temperature and AUTO. Use SYNC for matching settings. For a fogged windshield, use your car’s windshield-defrost function. Software can change the menu layout. [1, 2]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 15

Adjust the rear climate zone

The rear panel has its own marker sequence. Rear passengers can change settings when the front system permits rear operation.

Photo Rear Climate • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	AUTO	Automatic rear climate control.
2	Display	Rear temperature/operating setting.
3	Blue and red controls	Lower/raise the selected rear temperature.
4	OFF	Switch off the rear climate zone.
5	Air distribution	Change the rear airflow direction.

If the panel does not respond

Check whether rear operation is enabled and whether the front system is on. On relevant OS 7 vehicles, rear operation can be unavailable during front defrost or when front climate is off. Rear control locking varies by system. [6]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 16

Start the car and select a gear

The pictured toggle selector has a separate P button. START ENGINE STOP is also visible in the lower-left of this same photo.

Photo Start And Selector • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	R N D/S toggle	Select the marked transmission position. Confirm the selected gear in the cluster.
2	P button	With the vehicle stopped, select transmission Park. The parking brake is separate.

Start and choose Drive or Reverse

1. Keep a valid key inside, hold the brake and press START ENGINE STOP.
2. While stopped, move the toggle forward for R or backward for D as marked.
3. Check R or D in the cluster before releasing the brake.

A further toggle from D selects the transmission sport program on this layout. Neutral selection follows your selector instructions. A plug-in hybrid may be drive-ready without the gasoline engine running. [1]

Park and secure

Stop fully, keep the brake applied, select P and engage the separate parking brake. Earlier G20 cars use a larger lever with different motions. [1, 2]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 17

Identify driving assistance buttons

These console buttons control stability, cameras and parking assistance. Equipment and layout can vary.

Photo Driving Assistance • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	DSC/traction	Access stability/traction settings. Leave normal stability control active for routine driving.
2	Camera view	Open the fitted camera/parking view.
3	Parking assistance/PDC	Operate the fitted parking-assistance or distance-warning function.
4	Auto Start Stop OFF	Disable the automatic engine stop/start function on this layout.
5	START ENGINE STOP	Request start/drive readiness with the required key and brake conditions.

Use the buttons fitted to your car

A camera button does not establish that every camera package is installed. A separate Auto Start Stop OFF button is absent on some drivetrains and model years. Check the display response and manual. [1, 9]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 18

Use drive modes and parking controls

These controls have their own photo and numbers. AUTO H is a stop-holding aid; the parking brake is a separate switch.

Photo Modes And Parking Brake • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	SPORT	Change supported driving responses. Damper changes require adjustable suspension.
2	COMFORT	Everyday driving mode.
3	ECO PRO	Economy-focused driving settings.
4	AUTO H	Enable Automatic Hold. Confirm the holding indication after braking to a stop.
5	Parking brake	Pull up to apply; push down with the required vehicle state and brake pedal pressed to release.

Use Auto Hold in traffic

Enable AUTO H and brake to a complete stop. Check that the car is held before relaxing your foot. The hold releases on acceleration under the required conditions. Use P and the parking brake when leaving the vehicle. [7, 8]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 19

Navigate iDrive and set preferences

Use the controller to select menus and the labeled shortcuts to move between functions. Screen menus change across software versions.

Photo iDrive Controller • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	MEDIA	Audio sources
2	HOME	Main screen
3	MAP	Map view
4	NAV	Navigation functions
5	TEL	Phone functions
6	Controller	Rotate to browse; press to confirm; move as supported
7	OPTION	Context menu
8	BACK	Previous screen

Useful personal settings

Check your driver profile/BMW ID, speed and temperature units, phone pairing, climate and display preferences. On OS 8/8.5, review door unlocking under Apps menu > Vehicle apps > Doors and windows > Lock/unlock. [11]

Earlier systems often use CAR and Settings. Follow your in-car manual for the exact path. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 20

Open the fuel flap and refuel

Use the fuel grade on your vehicle’s label and in its manual. A generic 3 Series poster does not establish the correct grade or tank capacity.

Photo Fuel Filler • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	Fuel cap	On the pictured gasoline model, turn counterclockwise to remove; reinstall securely after refueling.
2	Cap holder	Place the removed cap in its holder while refueling.
3	Fuel-flap edge	On applicable models, unlock the vehicle and press the flap edge to open.

Read North American fuel labels

U.S. and Canadian pumps generally use AKI. The source poster uses RON, so its 95/98 numbers should not be copied directly to a North American pump. Follow the stated minimum and recommended grade for your car. [1, 10]

On a 330e, follow the dedicated tank-venting/refueling procedure. Tank capacity varies by drivetrain and market. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 21

Use the overhead console

The overhead console groups emergency assistance, roof controls and cabin lighting. Roof and service availability depend on your car.

Photo Overhead Console • Numbers refer only to this photo

No.	Control	Function and use
1	SOS	Emergency assistance button.
2	Roof/shade switch	Operate the fitted sunroof/shade using the directions and resistance points in your manual.
3	Left reading light	Switch the left reading light on/off.
4	Interior-light master	Operate the main interior lighting.
5	Right reading light	Switch the right reading light on/off.

Check roof movement

The roof switch separates tilt from forward/backward opening and closing on the relevant layout. Shade operation varies. Keep the moving area clear and follow your model’s instructions. [1]

Use SOS for an emergency. If a call starts unintentionally, explain that to the operator. Emergency-call service depends on the vehicle and service conditions. [1]

BMW 3 SERIES G20 / 22

Quick questions and official references

If a pictured control is absent, match your actual labels and equipment before following the instructions. The VIN-specific manual is the final reference.

Is P the parking brake

No. P selects transmission Park. The separate parking-brake switch applies the parking brake. AUTO H assists with holding after a stop.

Why does my car look different

The photos cover different market and equipment layouts. The U.S. 2023 update introduced the curved display and toggle selector; later software can change menus. [2]

Can the key close my windows

That depends on market, equipment and settings. Check the supported key or Comfort Access method in your manual. [1, 4]