Why doesn't the BMW center console turn off when the engine is off and the door is opened?
2 Answers
The center console screen will have an appropriate delay after the engine is turned off and will automatically turn off within 30 seconds. Functions of the center console screen: In the menu bar on the left side of the center console panel, RADIO is for the radio, MEDIA is the audio source switch, a button with a switch pattern is the multimedia switch, PHONE is for the mobile phone, and VOICE is for voice control. On the right side of the menu, NAV is for navigation, APP is for applications, the knob is for FM, and CAR is for vehicle settings. Purpose of the center console screen: The car's central control system is used to control devices such as the air conditioning and audio. It is the central control system of the car, through which the driver controls the car's doors and window lift switches.
The center console staying on after opening the car door is quite common. I think this is related to BMW's power management design. After the vehicle is turned off, the system doesn't cut power immediately but has a delayed shutdown function. It might be because the key is still in the car or pocket, and the system detects the owner nearby, so it remains active. The default delay ranges from 20 seconds to a few minutes, making it convenient for quick returns or completing operations. I've encountered similar situations a few times—checking if the key was taken or moved further away, and it turned off after a few minutes. If it happens frequently, it could be due to a weak key battery or a power module malfunction that needs checking. To save power and protect the battery, I recommend regularly adjusting the power settings in iDrive to shorten the delay—both safer and more cost-effective.
