USB connectivity issues

[jschottenfeld]

Sometimes when I plug in my iPhone (either 6S or X) to the armrest USB it switches rapidly from charging to not charging.
I had dealer replace USB port but it didn't help.
I also tried multiple cables. Still happens.
Any thoughts? '15 M3

[M3OW!]

Experienced this in my previous car constantly. Could never find a solution.

So far, have not had this problem in the M3...

[jschottenfeld]

Hmmmmm...

[Nomana]

I have this issue. I have to plug and unplug it many time.

[rmedeir1]

I ha e this problem in my '15 M4 and my '16 Jeep using the jk wrangler specialty alpine head unit. I have the 6S plus but my wife's works perfectly on a 6 and an 8. Go figure.

[Dranter]

If you take your cable out of the mid armrest and have it closed on it the issue develops.

The cable gets damaged internally and nothing helps except new cable.

I had bmw replace whole idrive unit for this until i found the issue.

I bought a reinforced after market cable and all has been good ever since.

[jschottenfeld]

Originally Posted by Dranter

If you take your cable out of the mid armrest and have it closed on it the issue develops.

The cable gets damaged internally and nothing helps except new cable.

I had bmw replace whole idrive unit for this until i found the issue.

I bought a reinforced after market cable and all has been good ever since.

Appreciate the answer but it just started happening again using a new high end usb cable from Monoprice.
Hmmmmmm...?

[Encanto]

Originally Posted by jschottenfeld

Sometimes when I plug in my iPhone (either 6S or X) to the armrest USB it switches rapidly from charging to not charging.
I had dealer replace USB port but it didn't help.
I also tried multiple cables. Still happens.
Any thoughts? '15 M3

What about trying a different iPhone?

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by jschottenfeld

Appreciate the answer but it just started happening again using a new high end usb cable from Monoprice.
Hmmmmmm...?

I have had a ton of monoprice usb to lightning cables go bad.

[damageprone]

Originally Posted by Dranter

If you take your cable out of the mid armrest and have it closed on it the issue develops.

The cable gets damaged internally and nothing helps except new cable.

I had bmw replace whole idrive unit for this until i found the issue.

I bought a reinforced after market cable and all has been good ever since.

This. I was certain it was a car issue since I used a brand new apple branded cable and I started having issues. Replaced with a new cable, no more issues (Iphone 6S). Close the armrest gently people!

[GrussGott]

Originally Posted by damageprone

This. I was certain it was a car issue since I used a brand new apple branded cable and I started having issues. Replaced with a new cable, no more issues (Iphone 6S). Close the armrest gently people!

This. Anker powerline+ is a high quality cable, everything else is questionable.

[Fefo_r]

I Have the same issue after updating to IOS 11.2 , I tried all Iphones, I have X, I tried the 7 of my Daughter and the problem persists. When I plugged an android phone to test than it works. Either the dealer don't know how to deal with. They claim that the problem with IOS software and not BMW. Today I Updated the software buy BMW Mobile Connect site, and the problem still on
Any one can Help


Regards

[al3xander]

Originally Posted by jschottenfeld

Sometimes when I plug in my iPhone (either 6S or X) to the armrest USB it switches rapidly from charging to not charging.
I had dealer replace USB port but it didn't help.
I also tried multiple cables. Still happens.
Any thoughts? '15 M3

recently released SIB on this situation from BMW


With any of the following options:

SA06FL – iPod and USB adapter

SA06ND – Bluetooth hands free system with USB audio interface

SA06NH – Hands-free Bluetooth and USB audio connection

SA06NP – Enhanced USB Bluetooth and USB devices

SA06NL – BMW Assist with enhanced Bluetooth and USB

SA06NS – Enhanced Bluetooth and USB/iPod adapter


SITUATION
Customers may be noticing any of the following behaviors of devices plugged into the USB audio interface:


Inadequate charging of smartphones/tablets or music players even though the charging symbol is displayed on the device.

The device may charge and discharge cyclically.

The device may switch-off.


CAUSE
The device connected over the USB audio interface and the head unit determine the charge current.

The maximum USB audio interface charge current output is 500mA.

If the USB device power demands exceed 500mA, charging may cease.

INFORMATION
The USB audio interface is not recommended for continuous operation of smartphones / tablets / music players.

The charging requirements of smartphones / tablets/ music players (for example iPhone, iPad, iPod, Android devices, Microsoft devices) vary greatly due to technical updates, the state of charge or active background apps.

The in-vehicle network is not guaranteed to provide current to meet these needs. It is limited to a maximum output of 500mA.

[f80er]

Anyone have a solution for only having the USB in the center console? I usually run an ANKER chord through the back of it but its getting beat up, not sure there is any other way to run a chord out of there without damaging it.

Would be nice if BMW put a channel for a chord to come out from there.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by f80er

Anyone have a solution for only having the USB in the center console? I usually run an ANKER chord through the back of it but its getting beat up, not sure there is any other way to run a chord out of there without damaging it.

Would be nice if BMW put a channel for a chord to come out from there.

Just thinking out loud here.

I *believe* that if you disconnect the phone cradle there is an extra USB connection under center armrest compartment. I would think you could purchase a BMW USB plug and retrofit it to the rear of the center console unit between the ac vents and lighter.

Or possibly purchase new trim piece without lighter cutout and install USB plug there.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/84109229294/

BMW does have a USB Hub if the USB cord from the phone cradle was needed or unavailable for use, but no one has been able to answer my questions about it in the coding section after 2 weeks.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1458938

[jimmydick]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Just thinking out loud here.

I *believe* that if you disconnect the phone cradle there is an extra USB connection under center armrest compartment. I would think you could purchase a BMW USB plug and retrofit it to the rear of the center console unit between the ac vents and lighter.

Or possibly purchase new trim piece without lighter cutout and install USB plug there.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/84109229294/

BMW does have a USB Hub if the USB cord from the phone cradle was needed or unavailable for use, but no one has been able to answer my questions about it in the coding section after 2 weeks.

http://f80.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho....php?t=1458938

Extra usb under armrest? Can anyone confirm this?

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by jimmydick

Extra usb under armrest? Can anyone confirm this?

How do you think phone cradle is connected?

Through the Android USB connection or Apple Lightning/USB Connector.

Now if you did not order phone cradle option (or car isn’t equipped with it) I do not *believe* the usb connection is wired there.

EDIT: This is a brand new BMW Phone Cradle (Anyone want to buy it, ). Notice the BMW USB Plug on the output cable.

Simply disconnect the USB Plug from the phone cradle and plug into BMW USB Socket mounted on center rear trim.

Should work, at least in theory. Just need to take time with a Dremmel for mounting USB Socket in rear trim where lighter usually is.

If anyone could answer my BMW Powered USB Hub question, might be able to mount 2 in the trim where the rear seat heater switches normally go.

Likewise, one could mount the USB Socket almost anywhere in center console if one wanted it in the front.

[jimmydick]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

How do you think phone cradle is connected?

Through the Android USB connection or Apple Lightning/USB Connector.

Now if you did not order phone cradle option (or car isn’t equipped with it) I do not *believe* the usb connection is wired there.

EDIT: This is a brand new BMW Phone Cradle (Anyone want to buy it, ). Notice the BMW USB Plug on the output cable.

Proprietary cable like you have pictured.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by jimmydick

Proprietary cable like you have pictured.

So? That’s not an issue.