The BMW iX comes with the Remote 3D View feature. This allows you to use the car’s in-built cameras to inspect the area immediately around it from your mobile device.
It might be challenging to work out how to use the Remote 3D View option. You must first permit data transfer from the iDrive system in the car. After that, you can use a My BMW-enabled smartphone to view the live feed.
This article walks you through activating and using Remote 3D View on the BMW iX. Consult your owner’s manual for more detailed information.
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What is BMW iX Remote 3D View?
Remote 3D View on the BMW iX is a way to survey the immediate area around your car. It uses some of the cameras already installed to act as sensors, such as those for the parking system.
Using your mobile device (smartphone), you can then view what’s going on near your iX.
You could use it to:
- Remember where you parked.
- Check for any suspicious behavior.
- Etc.
With any kind of surveillance, data protection is a tricky legal spot. Before using Remote 3D View, check your local and regional legislation to ensure that your actions are legal.
For legal reasons, you can only use the iX’s Remote 3D View three times every two hours. For the same reasons, you must inform everyone who uses your car about the activated feature.
What cameras does the BMW iX 3D View use?
The BMW iX Remote 3D View system uses the following cameras:
- Front camera
- Rear camera
- Wing mirror cameras
These could be impeded in certain situations. For example, the trunk might be open or the wing mirrors manually folded in.
Activating Remote 3D View on the BMW iX
Before you can activate the iX’s Remote 3D View, you must enable Data Transfer.
- Open the Menu.
- Select Vehicle apps.
- Go to the System settings.
- Choose Data privacy.
- Follow the instructions to set up and enable data usage.
Your smartphone or mobile device must also have the My BMW app installed. This should be fully set up and connected to your vehicle via your BMW profile.
Once these conditions are met, you can turn Remote 3D View on in the iDrive settings. Follow these instructions to do this.
- Open the Menu.
- Go to Vehicle apps.
- Choose iDrive system settings.
- Select Data privacy.
- Allow Remote 3D View.
The setting is now active. You can use your smartphone to watch over your car.
Deactivate Remote 3D View from the same menu whenever you need to.
How to use a BMW app to look at Remote 3D View
Now that the setting has been activated, you can look at the Remote 3D View of your iX from your smartphone.
- Open the My BMW app.
- Navigate to the Remote Services menu.
- Select the button in the top-left.
- Scroll to find Remote 3D View.
Once you’re watching the Remote 3D View, you can inspect what’s going on more closely. For example:
- Control what you’re viewing by using your fingers to scroll and pinch.
- Tapping the camera icon saves a screenshot if you see something worth noting.
BMW iX Remote 3D View system limitations
As mentioned earlier, the Remote 3D View feature will be impacted by an open trunk or closed door mirrors. It has several other system limitations:
- The laws in your part of the country/world might prohibit devices like this.
- Poor internet connection to either the iX or the mobile device (or both).
- Remote 3D View won’t work if your iX is moving faster than a crawl.
- Other systems are using the cameras.
Check out some more information from the BMW iX owner’s manual. There’s a screenshot below. As always, you must read this in its entirety to safely operate your car.
