Interior mirror with digital compass: Introduction

A digital compass in the interior mirror is offered as an optional extra (option 4NA) for the following BMW vehicles: 1 Series (only E82, E88), 3 Series, X3 and X5.

• Up to 09/2006 

A small LC display at top right in the interior mirror indicates the point of the compass in which the direction of travel is pointing: e.g. SW  for South West.

• from 09/2006 

The display is effected with transmitted light technology. An LC display (window) is no longer needed. The display can be deactivated.

The compass offers an additional benefit especially in the USA. In large cities the streets are frequently arranged according to the points of the compass. The points of the compass are also marked on signposts.

The compass also makes orientation in European cities easier.

• E88, E93 from 09/2008 

The digital compass must be calibrated once with the soft top or retractable hardtop closed, and once with the soft top or retractable hardtop open.

The position of the soft top or retractable hardtop has an effect on the magnetic field in the vehicle. A deflected magnetic field will lead to calibration errors.