[Senator]

Hey all, I wanted to check on here before escalating this issue to BMW NA.

I have an iPhone 4S with the latest iOS for my 2014 335i with Nav. I used to have no problems connecting my phone to the USB for USB audio. However, a couple months ago I noticed my phone sometimes not staying connected.

Now, it won't stay connected at all. If I connect my phone to the USB port it rapidly shows as connected, then disconnected.

The service consultant at BMW said that he's seen this problem a few, and said that it's due to newer versions of iOS trying to pull more power than the port allows, making the port repeatedly killing the connection. He said I would have to buy the BMW cable: http://www.shopbmwusa.com/PRODUCT/32...nterId=2672501

Also, I have used my phone in a 2015 320i and an X3, and I used the same USB cord with the same phone with NO issue.

In the meantime, I've used Bluetooth Streaming and the regular power port with an adapter. There may be an issue with that as well, because the fuse blew twice, but the rear one hasn't once.

I feel like there's something wrong electronically with my car, and that it's not being addressed. How should I proceed? I'm talking to the dealer tomorrow.

[Osmansky]

Apparently this is a common issue as you said, Happened to me even with iPhone 5, just change a cable to a new one and it will work ok. I believe due to the fact you stated that after a while the cable becomes incapable of pulling more power

[Harlequin]

Likely a faulty cable. I had this issue using a non-genuine cable. Swapped it out. Fixed.

[Senator]

Originally Posted by Osmansky

Apparently this is a common issue as you said, Happened to me even with iPhone 5, just change a cable to a new one and it will work ok. I believe due to the fact you stated that after a while the cable becomes incapable of pulling more power

I also had issues with my front power port fuse going out twice. I feel like there's something electronically wrong.

I actually used a new/different cable. This cable works fine with my X3 loaner, but not with my current car.

[Fronzdan]

Yeah this happens to me from time to time. I do believe your service guy in that this is related to current draw. It is known that the USB port doesn't put out much. I have a high quality "Apple Certified" non OEM cable which I have fished under the center console to my cup holder mount. Occasionally this goes bonkers exactly how you describe. Disconnecting/connecting the cable will sometimes fix it. Plus I suspect the charge level on your device may have something to do with it. Try changing cables as mentioned above.

I've even had this odd behavior outside the car. I have other non-apple cables that sometime give the message "This accessory may not be supported". Sometimes they work and charge fine. This never happens with a real Apple cable. I think they infuse them with the spirit of Steve Jobs or something. But actually they put an ID chip in the cables. This is what "Apple Certified" does. Maybe those chips also go flaky.

[PETERYanni]

Maybe because its a 4S ?

[Evil_ss]

Happens in my car with 6 plus and genuine cable. I now never use USB. Drives me crazy

[gx5_027]

Has anyone resolved this fu$&:!ng issue?

I have a new iPhone and new iPhone cable.

This is driving me nuts.

Advice/input appreciated.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by f32_027

Has anyone resolved this fu$&:!ng issue?

I have a new iPhone and new iPhone cable.

This is driving me nuts.

Advice/input appreciated.

Newer phones with bigger batteries, screens and faster processors need more power that the BMW USB ports can handle.

BMW SIB (Service Bulletin) for cars 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.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Newer phones with bigger batteries, screens and faster processors need more power that the BMW USB ports can handle.

BMW SIB (Service Bulletin) for cars 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.

Thanks.

My friend whose BMW is a couple years newer than mine (Same make/model), does not have this issue. Super frustrating for a luxury vehicle.
Should not have this issue and should be able to enjoy our vehicles without worrying about a fucking cable and it's precarious positioning.

Has anyone resolved the issue?

Is it something I can bring up through my warranty?

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by f32_027

Thanks.

My friend whose BMW is a couple years newer than mine (Same make/model), does not have this issue. Super frustrating for a luxury vehicle.
Should not have this issue and should be able to enjoy our vehicles without worrying about a fucking cable and it's precarious positioning.

Has anyone resolved the issue?

Is it something I can bring up through my warranty?

You are blaming the wrong party.

If you buy a newer air conditioner that needs higher voltage, is the original home builder responsible for coming out to your house to put in a bigger circuit box and circuit breakers?

Only real option if non-EVO car is to by a higher capacity adapter and either wire to your DC in car or plugs in to the cigarette lighters.

Newer cars with NBT-EVO can increase amperage via coding.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

You are blaming the wrong party.

If you buy a newer air conditioner that needs higher voltage, is the original home builder responsible for coming out to your house to put in a bigger circuit box and circuit breakers?

Only real option if non-EVO car is to by a higher capacity adapter and either wire to your DC in car or plugs in to the cigarette lighters.

Newer cars with NBT-EVO can increase amperage via coding.

Covered under warranty - known BMW issue.

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by f32_027

Covered under warranty - known BMW issue.

Lots of luck with that.

Go for it.

[gx5_027]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Lots of luck with that.

Go for it.

Will update the post so others with the same issue benefit as well. Thanks for the positive vibes.

[skierrob]

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Newer phones with bigger batteries, screens and faster processors need more power that the BMW USB ports can handle.

BMW SIB (Service Bulletin) for cars 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.

So the question is - do newer bmw vehicles provide more than 500mA of usb power or is this still an issue for 2018 vehicle owners also?

If fixed, when did they fix it and can my local dealer fix it for my 2014?

[IK6SPEED]

Originally Posted by skierrob

So the question is - do newer bmw vehicles provide more than 500mA of usb power or is this still an issue for 2018 vehicle owners also?

If fixed, when did they fix it and can my local dealer fix it for my 2014?

Only new NBT EVO units can output the higher amperage. Your 2014 NBT is amperage challenged.

You see the poster 2.5 months ago claiming it was warranty issue and claimed he would update disappeared.

Only thing you can do is buy a higher power charger that plugs into a 12v cigarette lighter (or direct wire it).

See how it was done by 1 person below.

[Raypep]

I've went to the dealer 2 times for this issue. They resolved nothing, they blamed the cable.

I tried multiple cables. No avail. I have an iPhone X.

[Raypep]

Originally Posted by skierrob

So the question is - do newer bmw vehicles provide more than 500mA of usb power or is this still an issue for 2018 vehicle owners also?

If fixed, when did they fix it and can my local dealer fix it for my 2014?

I had a 2018 X4 as a rental and it was 100% stable.

[vooonoo]

Originally Posted by Raypep

I had a 2018 X4 as a rental and it was 100% stable.

The 2018 should have the NBT EVO which has a higher output...

[Raypep]

Originally Posted by vooonoo

The 2018 should have the NBT EVO which has a higher output...

So I guess me looking to buy a 2015 X5 50i would most likely have the same issue. In which case a B&O system for my needs then wouldn't make sense (I'm not planning on burning CD's or flash drives lol)

[Sea-Tac]

Probably a wiring connection. Check all cables.

[vooonoo]

Originally Posted by Raypep

So I guess me looking to buy a 2015 X5 50i would most likely have the same issue. In which case a B&O system for my needs then wouldn't make sense (I'm not planning on burning CD's or flash drives lol)

I usually just play music through the Bluetooth so I don't really have this problem