[evdok]

Sat in a new F30 today & noticed the USB socket below the heater controls, does it perform the same as the armrest USB?
Is it an easy retrofit?
Will the trim fit 2014 models?

[Billfitz]

Even if the trim fits you're not going to find the necessary wiring in place. You should be able to parallel wire it to the existing armrest USB, but that could prove easier said than done.

[evdok]

I had the impresion it connects to the rear of the head unit

[Billfitz]

Knowing the way BMW does things the USB connection goes to wherever it goes bundled with other cables terminated in a proprietary connector. You'd need a service manual to be sure of how they have it laid out. This isn't your everyday DIY job, so it's not likely many have done it. If anyone has they'd probably post it on youtube.

[soundwave]

Thanks for the idea. I might like to have an audio input here for my upcoming dsp processor.

[No1gamer]

following

[KingpinRCR]

You do know that there isn't a lot of room behind that trim, do you? I installed the lci AC-trim with led and needed to add a y-cable to get power to the trim. That small piece of wiring just barely fitted behind that trim... i'm curious if there is enough room to put the connector behind it.

[evdok]

Ive done that mod too

[Sanelko]

Should be an easy retrofit. I'm assuming you just have the armrest usb atm?

If you have an NBT head unit, you should have two additional USB connections on the back of your head unit (assuming you have prof nav). One is curry colored (for the phone base plate option) and the other is light green (for a TCB, if you have one). Either of these should work and all you'd need is a cable and outlet unit.

Here is the one if you want to install the USB in the glovebox cutout, for example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-CIC-NBT-...4AAOSw~y9ZLX5A

Just look up the part # on real OEM.

[evdok]

Originally Posted by Sanelko

Should be an easy retrofit. I'm assuming you just have the armrest usb atm?

If you have an NBT head unit, you should have two additional USB connections on the back of your head unit (assuming you have prof nav). One is curry colored (for the phone base plate option) and the other is light green (for a TCB, if you have one). Either of these should work and all you'd need is a cable and outlet unit.

Here is the one if you want to install the USB in the glovebox cutout, for example:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/BMW-CIC-NBT-...4AAOSw~y9ZLX5A

Just look up the part # on real OEM.

Yep I have NBT PRO, surely the mod I want to do can't be that complicated, if the glovebox route is just a wire & USB plug then surely the front USB should be the same?

[1QuikWS6]

This is same as the xtra USB in the glovebox of my F32 (in addition to the one in armrest)

While it is true that there is a spot for a cable on nbt unit, it's not just a simple matter of plugging it in and it works.

This is BMW remember? You will also need to code the car and add the option for 2nd USB if your car was not originally equipped

Do a search on glovebox usb retrofit and you'll get the details. Same principle, you just want to mount it in a different location

[evdok]

I don't have the snap in adapter so I can connect to it, I've had a little search & i'm pretty sure no coding will be required.

[1QuikWS6]

On my car I had only the USB under armrest - did the glovebox USB retrofit, plugging cable into empty USB2 port on rear of HU - 2nd USB does NOT show up in iDrive menu - have to code for EBT (Enhanced Blue Tooth) option for 2nd port to be available.

I do not have the snap in adapter either

[evdok]

I have EBT coded so a simple plug & play should work...am I right?

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by evdok

I have EBT coded so a simple plug & play should work...am I right?

Yes - if you have changed 6NH to either 6NK (no BMW Assist) or 6NS (with BMW Assist) in FA, & VO coded for EBT you should be PnP

[kabrichx]

Originally Posted by evdok

Sat in a new F30 today & noticed the USB socket below the heater controls, does it perform the same as the armrest USB?
Is it an easy retrofit?
Will the trim fit 2014 models?

Which model F30 was this in?

After thinking about it, except for flash drive, I’m not sure that I would want to plug in a usb device there with a cord dangling all over that area.