install USB port glovebox

TePee · 01-26-2016, 08:50 AM

Thanks guys

Glad to read it works.
Enjoy palumbo77!

omorzo · 03-24-2016, 01:17 PM

Hello, i've brought the cable and the usb connector and today i've tried to install. But once i dismounted the radio i've found the surprise: there isn't the USB2 port! As you can see on this pic attached. What can i do now??

etinifni · 04-19-2016, 08:37 PM

If your F30 comes with the USB port already in the glovebox is there any way to use that with an iPod? The tag says it is only for updates and id like to put my iPod classic in there so I have a free usb port in the console for other things if need be.

Fronzdan · 04-20-2016, 05:33 PM

To use the glovebox port, you probably need to change where the other end is connected. As The 2014+ don't have the "upgrade port" I'm just speculating. I would guess the upgrade port goes to a special USB input. You said you have a snap-in cradle AND a standard USB port in your armrest. So I would think there should be two standard fully functional HSD ports on your headunit in addition to this upgrade port.

Seems like you have three options:

1) re-use the USB Jack in your glovebox and connect it to a fully functional USB port on your headunit. This might require running a new cable. You'd plug it into the USB port that the snap in used thus rendering the snap in useless...which arguably it already is ?

2) Do the snap in base removal mod (well documented in another thread) and mount your new USB Jack in the armrest. This can be done two ways:

a) Run a new fakra cable from your armrest to the headunit. Mount a new USB Jack in the armrest where you have more room now that the snap in base is gone.

b) Utilize the leftover cable that used to connect to the snap in base by building a fakra extension cable that connects to the leftover connector on one side and connects to a new USB Jack in the other. This is the route I took. The extension cable is not a readily available thing, I had a cable manufacturer build me one for around $50. This saves you from opening up your dash and getting at the back of the headunit.

Knowing how simple it is to get at the back of the headunit now, it's probably more straightforward to go with 2a). If you go with 1) you lose your ability to do an upgrade easily.

aus2610 · 04-02-2017, 11:04 AM

Just did this mod this afternoon having bought cable and socket a couple of weeks ago.

Glad I read about the 180° tip. I chose the USB end, as once the head unit is back in I can leave that hanging loose until fully tested.

Mine is a 118d Sport 2016. Couple of observations:

- I overthought the fit! I tried all sorts of methods for threading a pilot wire/cable through behind the dash. Much cursing and tea later, I removed the passenger air vent trim, fed the wire up through the glovebox hole and jammed my hand in until I could reach it. Then I fed it somewhere near the centre aperture and jammed my hand in from the centre, feeling around behind the glovebox, more cursing, until I could grab the end. Fit was simple then.

- Lots of cloth over the trim, guys. I used wifey's tea towels (ahem). Seems obvious but those push in clips are sharp. Shame to have a practically invisible mod and visible damage.

- Take a photo of the labels on the head unit, and of the connectors. Now I actually know what head unit I have without worrying about all these acronyms.

Also, I tested it loose before reassembly. Pretty obvious I know but yesterday I fitted a washing machine into a tight gap and forgot to turn the water valve on behind it

Just my observation. Hope they help/ amuse.

omorzo · 05-14-2017, 03:18 PM

No one know what can i do?

Quote:

Originally Posted by omorzo

Hello, i've brought the cable and the usb connector and today i've tried to install. But once i dismounted the radio i've found the surprise: there isn't the USB2 port! As you can see on this pic attached. What can i do now??

Encanto · 05-14-2017, 04:33 PM

There is nothing you can do without USB2 port.

Quote:

Originally Posted by omorzo

No one know what can i do?

omorzo · 05-15-2017, 08:06 AM

I must buy another NBT head unit? It is a plug and play thing to do?

Encanto · 05-15-2017, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by omorzo

I must buy another NBT head unit? It is a plug and play thing to do?

Ask your dealer for the OEM USB hub -you may be able to split USB1 into two USB ports.

omorzo · 05-15-2017, 11:46 AM

They don't know about this option, do you have a part number?

Encanto · 05-15-2017, 12:33 PM

Ask your dealer.

Quote:

Originally Posted by omorzo

They don't know about this option, do you have a part number?

GCinFLA · 05-16-2017, 02:07 AM

Is this what you are looking for?

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...b/84109200503/

omorzo · 05-16-2017, 07:15 AM

They say me that this item is not for F31 model. Is it true?

omorzo · 05-26-2017, 05:20 AM

Hello, i repeat: I must buy another NBT head unit for 2 usb ports? It is a plug and play thing to do?
I thing to do this for take also the camera option,
Thanks

Encanto · 05-26-2017, 07:19 AM

A solution was already given... http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...7&postcount=34

Get that hub and try it, then let us know. Contribute to the forum.

Quote:

Originally Posted by omorzo

Hello, i repeat: I must buy another NBT head unit for 2 usb ports? It is a plug and play thing to do?
I thing to do this for take also the camera option,
Thanks

omorzo · 05-26-2017, 02:36 PM

100 dollars for an item that i don't know if works...

Quote:

Originally Posted by Encanto

A solution was already given... http://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sho...7&postcount=34

Get that hub and try it, then let us know. Contribute to the forum.

Encanto · 05-26-2017, 02:46 PM

Do you even know what a hub does?

Quote:

Originally Posted by omorzo

100 dollars for an item that i don't know if works...

isloth · 05-29-2017, 09:37 PM

I had a chance to take apart my trim and the backside of my headunit entrynav (attaching pics), has a unused connector that's blue. Would I be able to use this connection with USB2 cable? Or USB1 cable?

In my glovebox, I have that square black cover I could take out and put a USB port.

1QuikWS6 · 05-31-2017, 05:47 AM

What does the writing on metal back of unit say directly above/below that blue port?

On my unit (not same as yours) the port was yellowish & said 'USB2' right above it...

Did this retrofit on my 435 when I had the dash apart for the Ambient Lighted LCI radio bezel retrofit - nice to have (2) USB available

isloth · 06-02-2017, 12:38 AM

1QuikWS6 lucky you, able to have two USB available.

I didn't check and forgot to see or snap a photo of backside full view.. I was trying to disconnect the all wiring to inspect further but gave up and put everything back together. At least, now I know the blue connector from my HU EntryNav is unused and maybe can tap into that at a future date to add an option/feature or what not.

Next time I ever revisit my dash or take it apart again is to install a bigger screen, to my knowledge is plug n play, and code.

nasos38 · 03-08-2019, 03:17 PM

hello i have this unit and i want to add usb . should i change the unit and which one to buy?

pixeltwisters · 07-17-2019, 01:47 AM

For anyone reading this thread, i can confirm those super cheap ebay "kits" work with the NBT Evo ID4 head unit on a F3x. I have a 2016 F33, and used the following kit: https://ebay.us/8V0nZR

Thanks to this forum and the tips from members i was able to install without too much issue. However i can also share some observations/notes:

1. The kit i bought has one 90 deg connector and one straight. I found out the hard way that the straight connector is too long to fit behind the usb port and will not snap in place. The only solution was to use the 90 deg on the back. The USB port had to be installed upside down so that the 90 deg connector fit behind and the able could run down.
2. i tested everything before pulling the cable and assembly. I did find that i had to rotate the connecter 180 deg for it to work. with the kit, you just snip the little snap connector and it still fits snug. i did this on the straight end, and thats whats in back of the NBT2. It "fits" but i'm sure the cord is pressing against the rear of the radio enclosure.
3. i had changed settings (incorrectly) in BimmerCode for enhanced BT, which caused some issues after it was installed. Once i set it correctly, the USB shows up like the armrest snap in connector. Make sure your HMI 3000>CDMM_USB_PORTS = usb1_sia
4. Right now i have a 64GB micro USB plugged in and its endless storage for music and videos. I also purchased the OEM cargo net, its a nice finish to this project.

At the end of the day its a great addition for $13.

01-26-2016, 08:50 AM	#23
TePee Second Lieutenant 67 Rep 263 Posts Drives: F34 LCI MY2019 Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: Home of BMW iTrader: (0)	Thanks guys Glad to read it works. Enjoy palumbo77! Last edited by TePee; 01-26-2016 at 12:36 PM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-24-2016, 01:17 PM	#24
omorzo Always on track! 1 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Touri ... [0.00]	Hello, i've brought the cable and the usb connector and today i've tried to install. But once i dismounted the radio i've found the surprise: there isn't the USB2 port! As you can see on this pic attached. What can i do now?? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-19-2016, 08:37 PM	#25
etinifni Captain 203 Rep 943 Posts Drives: 2012 328i Modern Line Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: NC iTrader: (4) Garage List 2012 BMW 328i Moder ... [0.00]	If your F30 comes with the USB port already in the glovebox is there any way to use that with an iPod? The tag says it is only for updates and id like to put my iPod classic in there so I have a free usb port in the console for other things if need be.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-20-2016, 05:33 PM	#26
Fronzdan Lieutenant Colonel 295 Rep 1,733 Posts Drives: '24 M240 xDrive Join Date: Mar 2014 Location: MA iTrader: (0)	To use the glovebox port, you probably need to change where the other end is connected. As The 2014+ don't have the "upgrade port" I'm just speculating. I would guess the upgrade port goes to a special USB input. You said you have a snap-in cradle AND a standard USB port in your armrest. So I would think there should be two standard fully functional HSD ports on your headunit in addition to this upgrade port. Seems like you have three options: 1) re-use the USB Jack in your glovebox and connect it to a fully functional USB port on your headunit. This might require running a new cable. You'd plug it into the USB port that the snap in used thus rendering the snap in useless...which arguably it already is ? 2) Do the snap in base removal mod (well documented in another thread) and mount your new USB Jack in the armrest. This can be done two ways: a) Run a new fakra cable from your armrest to the headunit. Mount a new USB Jack in the armrest where you have more room now that the snap in base is gone. b) Utilize the leftover cable that used to connect to the snap in base by building a fakra extension cable that connects to the leftover connector on one side and connects to a new USB Jack in the other. This is the route I took. The extension cable is not a readily available thing, I had a cable manufacturer build me one for around $50. This saves you from opening up your dash and getting at the back of the headunit. Knowing how simple it is to get at the back of the headunit now, it's probably more straightforward to go with 2a). If you go with 1) you lose your ability to do an upgrade easily.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-02-2017, 11:04 AM	#27
aus2610 New Member 0 Rep 5 Posts Drives: BMW 118d Sport Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Redditch, iTrader: (0)	One of those jobs that can be made harder than it is. Just did this mod this afternoon having bought cable and socket a couple of weeks ago. Glad I read about the 180° tip. I chose the USB end, as once the head unit is back in I can leave that hanging loose until fully tested. Mine is a 118d Sport 2016. Couple of observations: - I overthought the fit! I tried all sorts of methods for threading a pilot wire/cable through behind the dash. Much cursing and tea later, I removed the passenger air vent trim, fed the wire up through the glovebox hole and jammed my hand in until I could reach it. Then I fed it somewhere near the centre aperture and jammed my hand in from the centre, feeling around behind the glovebox, more cursing, until I could grab the end. Fit was simple then. - Lots of cloth over the trim, guys. I used wifey's tea towels (ahem). Seems obvious but those push in clips are sharp. Shame to have a practically invisible mod and visible damage. - Take a photo of the labels on the head unit, and of the connectors. Now I actually know what head unit I have without worrying about all these acronyms. Also, I tested it loose before reassembly. Pretty obvious I know but yesterday I fitted a washing machine into a tight gap and forgot to turn the water valve on behind it Just my observation. Hope they help/ amuse.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2017, 08:06 AM	#30
omorzo Always on track! 1 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Touri ... [0.00]	I must buy another NBT head unit? It is a plug and play thing to do?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-15-2017, 11:46 AM	#32
omorzo Always on track! 1 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Touri ... [0.00]	They don't know about this option, do you have a part number?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2017, 02:07 AM	#34
GCinFLA Banned 284 Rep 1,015 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Dec 2016 Location: FLA iTrader: (3)	Is this what you are looking for? https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...b/84109200503/
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-16-2017, 07:15 AM	#35
omorzo Always on track! 1 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Touri ... [0.00]	They say me that this item is not for F31 model. Is it true?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-26-2017, 05:20 AM	#36
omorzo Always on track! 1 Rep 90 Posts Drives: 328i Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Italy iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 328i Touri ... [0.00]	Hello, i repeat: I must buy another NBT head unit for 2 usb ports? It is a plug and play thing to do? I thing to do this for take also the camera option, Thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-29-2017, 09:37 PM	#40
isloth Private First Class 15 Rep 128 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: May 2017 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	I had a chance to take apart my trim and the backside of my headunit entrynav (attaching pics), has a unused connector that's blue. Would I be able to use this connection with USB2 cable? Or USB1 cable? In my glovebox, I have that square black cover I could take out and put a USB port. Attached Images Last edited by isloth; 05-30-2017 at 11:41 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-31-2017, 05:47 AM	#41
1QuikWS6 No 55mph 1619 Rep 8,476 Posts Drives: F32 435ix MSport Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Blitzburgh, PA iTrader: (113) Garage List 2022 BMW M440ix Vert [0.00] 2015 BMW 435ix MSport [0.00] 2000 Pontiac Trans Am [0.00]	What does the writing on metal back of unit say directly above/below that blue port? On my unit (not same as yours) the port was yellowish & said 'USB2' right above it... Did this retrofit on my 435 when I had the dash apart for the Ambient Lighted LCI radio bezel retrofit - nice to have (2) USB available __________________ F32 435ix//MGM//M Sport-Prem-Tech-Driver Assist-Lighting-Cold Weather-Dyn Handling Pkgs//M4 Black Lthr Int w/M4 Alum Blade Trim//HK w/Bavsound Stg3//763M//M4 Euro LCI Tails//M4 Mirrors w/CF Covers//AWCarbon CF F/R Spoilers-Side Splitters-Diffuser 6WB/ID6 HU+HUD/IND M4 Alcantara Armrest//PURE S2 Turbo//AA FMIC+DP//ER CP+TIC//3.5bar TMAP/TS DV//AWE Tuning Exh w/Blk Tips//Turner MS CF Intake//BM3 Cary Jordan Tune//MPerf Diff//PrecRW Ignition Kit
	Appreciate 0 Quote

06-02-2017, 12:38 AM	#42
isloth Private First Class 15 Rep 128 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: May 2017 Location: CA iTrader: (1)	1QuikWS6 lucky you, able to have two USB available. I didn't check and forgot to see or snap a photo of backside full view.. I was trying to disconnect the all wiring to inspect further but gave up and put everything back together. At least, now I know the blue connector from my HU EntryNav is unused and maybe can tap into that at a future date to add an option/feature or what not. Next time I ever revisit my dash or take it apart again is to install a bigger screen, to my knowledge is plug n play, and code.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-08-2019, 03:17 PM	#43
nasos38 Registered 2 Rep 3 Posts Drives: F30 316 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: athens iTrader: (0)	hello i have this unit and i want to add usb . should i change the unit and which one to buy? Attached Images
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-17-2019, 01:47 AM	#44
pixeltwisters Registered 0 Rep 3 Posts Drives: 16' 435i CV Join Date: Sep 2016 Location: San Diego iTrader: (0)	For anyone reading this thread, i can confirm those super cheap ebay "kits" work with the NBT Evo ID4 head unit on a F3x. I have a 2016 F33, and used the following kit: https://ebay.us/8V0nZR Thanks to this forum and the tips from members i was able to install without too much issue. However i can also share some observations/notes: 1. The kit i bought has one 90 deg connector and one straight. I found out the hard way that the straight connector is too long to fit behind the usb port and will not snap in place. The only solution was to use the 90 deg on the back. The USB port had to be installed upside down so that the 90 deg connector fit behind and the able could run down. 2. i tested everything before pulling the cable and assembly. I did find that i had to rotate the connecter 180 deg for it to work. with the kit, you just snip the little snap connector and it still fits snug. i did this on the straight end, and thats whats in back of the NBT2. It "fits" but i'm sure the cord is pressing against the rear of the radio enclosure. 3. i had changed settings (incorrectly) in BimmerCode for enhanced BT, which caused some issues after it was installed. Once i set it correctly, the USB shows up like the armrest snap in connector. Make sure your HMI 3000>CDMM_USB_PORTS = usb1_sia 4. Right now i have a 64GB micro USB plugged in and its endless storage for music and videos. I also purchased the OEM cargo net, its a nice finish to this project. At the end of the day its a great addition for $13. Last edited by pixeltwisters; 07-17-2019 at 02:53 AM..
	Appreciate 0 Quote