Was wondering if it is possible to slightly change the way the Start-stop button works. In my F11, I would like it to be possible when the button is depressed (orange light comes on) to bypass the start-stop, to actually and actively switch the function on when for instance waiting for a traffic light, so the engine will turn off there and then. In the new 5 series this is possible so I was hoping this could be modified in my F11. Also, I’ve always found the ambient lighting in my car very faint, not bright enough, even when set to its brightest setting. Would love it to be brighter. Possible mods you think?
Yes, you can code Stop / Start to remember the previous setting. I've coded my F30 to do just that and never need to deactivate. But I can activate it manually, should I need to. Have a look for "coding a BMW F11" on the internet.
Re the ambient lighting With a black interior, the lighting is poor, I’m sure it’s design to work best with Ivory/light interiors A bit of googling pulls up light strip upgrades, not sure how best to integrate the wiring though I’m sure it would be simple enough once the door cards are off https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/254344532197 I’m looking at a similar project, illuminating the dash vents, though the kits are plug and play into the existing wiring so possibly a bit easier
Cheers Mieke. So when you want to activate, can you do that while stationary resulting in the engine switching off immediately?
Yes - just press the switch above the Stop / Start button and the orange LED goes out. I normally have Stop / Start turned off, but occasionally will use it, say temporary traffic lights or roadworks etc. When you restart the car, Stop / Start will be whatever setting it was on when you last turned the ignition off. A lot of people say that they don't see the point of coding it, but I disagree it's one less switch to press. There are numerous other things which can be coded to suit your needs. I have the audible PEEP warning when I lock unlock the car. Very useful. I wish that more controls remembered the last setting. My previous Golf GTi was great. Eg. the heated seats stayed on whatever of the 5 different settings. On the BMW you have to select them every time, and also press each heating switch 3 times to get the minimum setting. Why can't they design it so that the seat heating is on minimum with just one press? I can't imagine having to use the higher settings as 'minimum' is toasty.
with respect to the ambient lighting improvements i had the same issue with my F30 a little time spent on the interweb i found an up grade that doesn't require any wiring or mechanical abilities. i am assuming that on your car the light is coming from some LEDS installed under a trim strip in the door panel, if you look for 'AMBIENT MODZ' you will find the upgrade that i used, it is an opaque plastic insert that just presses up under the trim and diffuses the LED's into a more even line rather than the dull points of light. it is still not overly bright but i think it is an vast improvement as it effectively brings the light down from behind the trim so you get a nice glowing strip along the doors
Just shows how simple things can be and we (I) all go for the big unit change out That looks very effective!
That does indeed look nice. Does it work at low ambient light levels? I don't like having the dash and centre console lit up like a Christmas tree but I wouldn't mind some brighter glowing door strips.
I too don't like the dash lights being overly bright Unfortunately adjusting the brightness of the dash lights does alter the ambient lighting as well, but even at a low setting you will get a glow from these strips, FAR better than without. Prior to installing them the ambient lighting was so dim i didn't actually think that my car had this. Hope this helps
Was also wondering if my Bluetooth could be upgraded to include being able to play music from my phone through it. Anyone here done that?
I’m not 100% sure as to the F11, but on the E92 (2012) there needs to be the “Extended Bluetooth” option fitted. Mine has it and I can stream music etc via BT. I think this is possibly a software upgrade. I’d have thought the later 5 series had this as standard. Have you been through the options to see if this is a feature? Maybe worth looking at this forum thread: https://f10.5post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1249141
I’m pretty sure I don’t have ‘enhanced Bluetooth’ but do have Professional SatNav. Yes quite stingy BMW don’t have fully functional BT as standard. Some slightly contradicting opinions on what BT and EBT does in that forum it seems.
