4 series wireless charging

Lukas Papwick · 01-30-2019, 07:28 PM

I've owned my 440i for a while now, but never had a phone capable of using the car's wireless charging function.

I'm coming round to phone upgrade time and stuck between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max. Both have wireless charging, but only the XR will fit in the car's charging dock...

How good is the 4 series Qi wireless charging? Is it reliable? Is it capable of fast charging (50% in 30 mins possible according to Apple)?

Any info on it would be massively appreciated.

Cheers!

JavN · 01-30-2019, 07:34 PM

I have no idea as I do not have wireless charging, but i'd love to see pics of the signal green.

Lukas Papwick · 01-30-2019, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javeeed

I have no idea as I do not have wireless charging, but i'd love to see pics of the signal green.

It's currently in getting a sunroof repair... it exploded whilst driving! I'll be sure to upload something when I (hopefully!) get it back next week. Cheers!

Poochie · 01-31-2019, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lukas Papwick

I've owned my 440i for a while now, but never had a phone capable of using the car's wireless charging function.

I'm coming round to phone upgrade time and stuck between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max. Both have wireless charging, but only the XR will fit in the car's charging dock...

How good is the 4 series Qi wireless charging? Is it reliable? Is it capable of fast charging (50% in 30 mins possible according to Apple)?

Any info on it would be massively appreciated.

Cheers!

It looks cool but it only charges at .5 amps, which is essentially just trickle-charging.

Newer BMWs with the "Wireless Charging" option get two high-powered 2.1A USB outlets included and with the iPhone XS rapid charging feature, you can fully charge your phone in less than an hour, dead to 100%, by using the USB as oppose to the wireless charging option.

The irony is the whole point of getting wireless charging is to use this specific feature but you could possible render a much quicker charge using one of the 2.1A USB instead, which is only included (prior to 2018 MY) when you select the 'wireless charging' option.

#Catch22

Maybe as the technology progress, wireless charging will become quicker (USB did) but at the moment, it's pretty slow to charge and is not worth its connivence when there is a more efficient option readily available.

QuikSilver_ · 01-31-2019, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poochie

It's looks cool but it only charges at .5 amps, which is essentially just trickle-charging.

Newer BMWs with the "Wireless Charging" option get two high-powered 2.1A USB outlets

Is it possible to retrofit one of the new high-powered USB ports mentioned above? Or would it draw too much current and mess with the battery or electronics?

Poochie · 01-31-2019, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gpjustinn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Poochie

It's looks cool but it only charges at .5 amps, which is essentially just trickle-charging.

Newer BMWs with the "Wireless Charging" option get two high-powered 2.1A USB outlets

Is it possible to retrofit one of the new high-powered USB ports mentioned above? Or would it draw too much current and mess with the battery or electronics?

I have a vehicle manufactured 10/2016 and after I couldn't find the parameters to change the USB power output in BimmerCode, I never really dug into it any further.

The stock USB is .5 amps. So 2.1A would be under the 5 amp fuse. I assume same gauge of wire also.

Most importantly, you would have to the find the proper parameters/software that allow the module to push out 2.1A power to the USB outlet and make the necessary changes.

Blubaron79 · 01-31-2019, 11:40 AM

In my 340 is works well, but it's a trickle pretty much.

Also, just get the XS, and not the Max. The screen on the XS is bigger than the 8 plus.

cfm56d7b · 01-31-2019, 12:12 PM

My car came with wireless charging but I never used. Keeping the phone inside the center console continued to be impractical.

Lukas Papwick · 01-31-2019, 01:12 PM

Thanks for all the replies.

I suspected it may not charge very quickly and pretty much defeat the purpose of the whole setup.

Blubaron79 what's the reasoning for going with the XS over the XS Max? I gather the Max is the same size as the 7/8plus, but has a much bigger screen due to little to no bezel... The XR appears to be the current gen's answer to the 5C I think.

Skyhigh · 01-31-2019, 01:18 PM

Answers, answers....
https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1536469

Blubaron79 · 01-31-2019, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lukas Papwick

Thanks for all the replies.

I suspected it may not charge very quickly and pretty much defeat the purpose of the whole setup.

Blubaron79 what's the reasoning for going with the XS over the XS Max? I gather the Max is the same size as the 7/8plus, but has a much bigger screen due to little to no bezel... The XR appears to be the current gen's answer to the 5C I think.

The XR is actually bigger than the XS. I just feel the X or XS is big enough as the screen is as big as the 8 and 7 Plus. The XS Max is the biggest screen they have ever done. It is bigger than the Plus.

Brett530 · 01-31-2019, 01:52 PM

On my 2017 340, the wireless charger is too slow. On a 20 minute drive it might get my S9 from 63% to 68%. The bigger issue is it is totally inconvenient to have the phone inside the center console. I'd rather have more storage space than the wireless charger.

Skyhigh · 01-31-2019, 02:29 PM

I agree with the slow (as discussed in the other thread) but I feel the speed varies... sometimes it is quite ok. Maybe dependent on ambient temperature.

I don't mind it being where it is though. That's why one has Bluetooth integration, apple car play, you name it. Don't physically need the device while in the car and it is well secured there. Space is fine too.

Lukas Papwick · 01-31-2019, 02:36 PM

One may have Bluetooth integration, Apple CarPlay and the likes, but one may also argue it's a lot easier to place and retrieve their cellular device from somewhere other than the centre console. Also, one may argue the space is in fact not fine - the wireless charging space isn't big enough for many of today's wireless charging enabled smartphones!

Send my regards to the 19th century.

Good day sir!

Skyhigh · 01-31-2019, 02:41 PM

You are thinking of tablets and mini-tablets with phone function (e.g. Plus, maxi, giga, etc.)?
No, you are right, it is just a phone charger.

P.s. Another already existing thread that may be of interest: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1486044

Lukas Papwick · 01-31-2019, 10:42 PM

You don't have to stick up for BMW at every opportunity. Everyone here loves the cars/brand, but you've got to be able to see some flaws. The size (and position) of the wireless charging dock is an oversight from BMW.

Not sure why you've got such a bee in your bonnet over larger phones and people that own them, but you carry on doing you x

Skyhigh · 02-01-2019, 12:42 AM

I am the least person to stick up to BMW

)
I have always been a fan of a competitor brand and never of BMW in general. And this is exactly why I am being critical, but also objective whenever BMW actually do something right. And they have really done so for the most part with the 4-Series.

The only thing really wrong with the charger is it's rather poor charging performance. I don't care what size phones people carry and why (can't help myself smile when I see tourists taking photos with tablets though), but to expect that any extravagant size should be covered by design made couple of years ago is an unrealistic expectation. One normally buys a phone to fit in the car, not a car to fit around a phone.

Lukas Papwick · 02-01-2019, 09:29 AM

One has already owned the car for a number of years, so one is not buying a car to fit a phone. But thank you very much.

Hardly an extravagant size. Very common and not that much bigger or more expensive than a phone that would fit.

Were you abused by the owner of a larger phone or tablet as a child or something...?! You’ve got a very odd fixation on them. Ta-ta!

Poochie · 02-01-2019, 09:50 AM

Anyone interested; there is a member here that sells a 3D printer-created extension bracket to accommodate any Plus size phone into the factory wireless charging adapter.

I already confirmed that it works with practically all larger phones currently in the market, successfully.

Check it out:

Wireless Charger mod - Fit larger phones https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1523034

Lukas Papwick · 02-18-2019, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Javeeed

I have no idea as I do not have wireless charging, but i'd love to see pics of the signal green.

Here you go

blschaefer1 · 02-18-2019, 09:33 PM

I have the wireless charging option, and the couple of times I used it the phone got VERY hot. Like dangerously hot. I use wireless charging at home and no issues.

iPhone X, BTW.

JavN · 02-19-2019, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lukas Papwick

Here you go

Oh my! she's beautiful

01-30-2019, 07:28 PM	#1
Lukas Papwick New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2016 F32 440i M-Sport+ MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	4 series wireless charging I've owned my 440i for a while now, but never had a phone capable of using the car's wireless charging function. I'm coming round to phone upgrade time and stuck between the iPhone XR and iPhone XS Max. Both have wireless charging, but only the XR will fit in the car's charging dock... How good is the 4 series Qi wireless charging? Is it reliable? Is it capable of fast charging (50% in 30 mins possible according to Apple)? Any info on it would be massively appreciated. Cheers! __________________ 2016 440i Coupe, Individual Signal Green, M Sport Plus Package, M Perf. Aerodynamic Pack, MPPSK
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01-30-2019, 07:34 PM	#2
JavN Enlisted Member 60 Rep 45 Posts Drives: 2023 M3 Comp/Xdrive Join Date: Jun 2017 Location: NYC/FL iTrader: (0)	I have no idea as I do not have wireless charging, but i'd love to see pics of the signal green.
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01-31-2019, 11:40 AM	#7
Blubaron79 Brigadier General 1432 Rep 4,723 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i xDrive Join Date: May 2009 Location: PA iTrader: (0)	In my 340 is works well, but it's a trickle pretty much. Also, just get the XS, and not the Max. The screen on the XS is bigger than the 8 plus. __________________ Current: 2021 M340i xDrive Previous: '18 340i xDrive; '15 335 xDrive; '14 435i xDrive; '09 335 E92 xDrive
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01-31-2019, 12:12 PM	#8
cfm56d7b Lieutenant General 5876 Rep 10,249 Posts Drives: 2017 440i Gran Coupe & 2015 X5 Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: Orange County, CA iTrader: (2)	My car came with wireless charging but I never used. Keeping the phone inside the center console continued to be impractical.
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01-31-2019, 01:12 PM	#9
Lukas Papwick New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2016 F32 440i M-Sport+ MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	Thanks for all the replies. I suspected it may not charge very quickly and pretty much defeat the purpose of the whole setup. Blubaron79 what's the reasoning for going with the XS over the XS Max? I gather the Max is the same size as the 7/8plus, but has a much bigger screen due to little to no bezel... The XR appears to be the current gen's answer to the 5C I think. __________________ 2016 440i Coupe, Individual Signal Green, M Sport Plus Package, M Perf. Aerodynamic Pack, MPPSK
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01-31-2019, 01:18 PM	#10
Skyhigh Brigadier General 1879 Rep 3,860 Posts Drives: BMW F36 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	Answers, answers.... https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1536469 __________________ "Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women."
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01-31-2019, 01:52 PM	#12
Brett530 Second Lieutenant 208 Rep 245 Posts Drives: '17 F30 340i Join Date: Apr 2016 Location: Utah iTrader: (0)	On my 2017 340, the wireless charger is too slow. On a 20 minute drive it might get my S9 from 63% to 68%. The bigger issue is it is totally inconvenient to have the phone inside the center console. I'd rather have more storage space than the wireless charger.
	Appreciate 1 Lukas Papwick15.00 Quote

01-31-2019, 02:29 PM	#13
Skyhigh Brigadier General 1879 Rep 3,860 Posts Drives: BMW F36 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	I agree with the slow (as discussed in the other thread) but I feel the speed varies... sometimes it is quite ok. Maybe dependent on ambient temperature. I don't mind it being where it is though. That's why one has Bluetooth integration, apple car play, you name it. Don't physically need the device while in the car and it is well secured there. Space is fine too. __________________ "Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women."
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01-31-2019, 02:36 PM	#14
Lukas Papwick New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2016 F32 440i M-Sport+ MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	One may have Bluetooth integration, Apple CarPlay and the likes, but one may also argue it's a lot easier to place and retrieve their cellular device from somewhere other than the centre console. Also, one may argue the space is in fact not fine - the wireless charging space isn't big enough for many of today's wireless charging enabled smartphones! Send my regards to the 19th century. Good day sir! __________________ 2016 440i Coupe, Individual Signal Green, M Sport Plus Package, M Perf. Aerodynamic Pack, MPPSK
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2019, 02:41 PM	#15
Skyhigh Brigadier General 1879 Rep 3,860 Posts Drives: BMW F36 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	You are thinking of tablets and mini-tablets with phone function (e.g. Plus, maxi, giga, etc.)? No, you are right, it is just a phone charger. P.s. Another already existing thread that may be of interest: https://f30.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1486044 __________________ "Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women." Last edited by Skyhigh; 01-31-2019 at 02:49 PM..
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01-31-2019, 10:42 PM	#16
Lukas Papwick New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2016 F32 440i M-Sport+ MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	You don't have to stick up for BMW at every opportunity. Everyone here loves the cars/brand, but you've got to be able to see some flaws. The size (and position) of the wireless charging dock is an oversight from BMW. Not sure why you've got such a bee in your bonnet over larger phones and people that own them, but you carry on doing you x __________________ 2016 440i Coupe, Individual Signal Green, M Sport Plus Package, M Perf. Aerodynamic Pack, MPPSK
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-01-2019, 12:42 AM	#17
Skyhigh Brigadier General 1879 Rep 3,860 Posts Drives: BMW F36 Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Europe iTrader: (0)	I am the least person to stick up to BMW ) I have always been a fan of a competitor brand and never of BMW in general. And this is exactly why I am being critical, but also objective whenever BMW actually do something right. And they have really done so for the most part with the 4-Series. The only thing really wrong with the charger is it's rather poor charging performance. I don't care what size phones people carry and why (can't help myself smile when I see tourists taking photos with tablets though), but to expect that any extravagant size should be covered by design made couple of years ago is an unrealistic expectation. One normally buys a phone to fit in the car, not a car to fit around a phone. __________________ "Large increases in cost with questionable increases in performance can be tolerated only in cars and women."
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02-01-2019, 09:29 AM	#18
Lukas Papwick New Member 15 Rep 17 Posts Drives: 2016 F32 440i M-Sport+ MPPSK Join Date: Sep 2017 Location: Nottingham iTrader: (0)	One has already owned the car for a number of years, so one is not buying a car to fit a phone. But thank you very much. Hardly an extravagant size. Very common and not that much bigger or more expensive than a phone that would fit. Were you abused by the owner of a larger phone or tablet as a child or something...?! You’ve got a very odd fixation on them. Ta-ta!
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02-01-2019, 09:50 AM	#19
Poochie Luxury at the redline :) 9103 Rep 7,563 Posts Drives: 2016 M2 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: NYC iTrader: (3)	Anyone interested; there is a member here that sells a 3D printer-created extension bracket to accommodate any Plus size phone into the factory wireless charging adapter. I already confirmed that it works with practically all larger phones currently in the market, successfully. Check it out: Wireless Charger mod - Fit larger phones https://f87.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1523034
	Appreciate 1 Lukas Papwick15.00 Quote

02-18-2019, 09:33 PM	#21
blschaefer1 First Lieutenant 205 Rep 393 Posts Drives: 2022 X3 xDrive 30i Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: Prescott, AZ iTrader: (1)	I have the wireless charging option, and the couple of times I used it the phone got VERY hot. Like dangerously hot. I use wireless charging at home and no issues. iPhone X, BTW.
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