[rlmesq]

I paid $500 for the optional QI wireless charger when I got my car... only to find that its spring loaded holder doesn't open wide enough for most phones.

This looks like a good solution for a lot less money.



https://www.aliexpress.com/item/QI-w...893325125.html

[XxThe_RemedyXx]

Originally Posted by rlmesq

I paid $500 for the optional QI wireless charger when I got my car... only to find that its spring loaded holder doesn't open wide enough for most phones.

This looks like a good solution for a lot less money.



https://www.aliexpress.com/item/QI-w...893325125.html

That's pretty cool. Does it use the USB port in the console for power? I see a cigarette adapter but not sure what it's for. Is it run through the center console to the front cup holder for power?

[_Tony_]

Originally Posted by rlmesq

I paid $500 for the optional QI wireless charger when I got my car... only to find that its spring loaded holder doesn't open wide enough for most phones.

This looks like a good solution for a lot less money.



https://www.aliexpress.com/item/QI-w...893325125.html

Thanks for sharing. I just bought one

[rlmesq]

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

That's pretty cool. Does it use the USB port in the console for power? I see a cigarette adapter but not sure what it's for. Is it run through the center console to the front cup holder for power?

I'm not sure. I think you could just cut off the lighter adapter and connect it to the power for the 12v socket on the rear of the console. That way all wires would stay inside the console.

[louielouie]

Originally Posted by XxThe_RemedyXx

That's pretty cool. Does it use the USB port in the console for power? I see a cigarette adapter but not sure what it's for. Is it run through the center console to the front cup holder for power?

USB power output is pretty poor on the BMWs. I'm unsure if it's all models but I've definitely had issues on my F32 and previous F22 with slow charging.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by rlmesq

I paid $500 for the optional QI wireless charger when I got my car... only to find that its spring loaded holder doesn't open wide enough for most phones.

This looks like a good solution for a lot less money.



https://www.aliexpress.com/item/QI-w...893325125.html

I use waze every single day, and I need to see the phone while I drive.

Originally Posted by louielouie

USB power output is pretty poor on the BMWs. I'm unsure if it's all models but I've definitely had issues on my F32 and previous F22 with slow charging.

My F30 340i, F80 M3 and both my i3's don't have a problem keeping my iPhone X fully charged through the center armrest charge while running waze on a 1 hr commute. The cigarette lighter does the job as well. One thing I like about the center armrest usb is that it doesn't have the issues that the bluetooth playback do. Its faster and there is no delay that I have experienced in ALL my bimmers.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by jmg

I use waze every single day, and I need to see the phone while I drive.

My F30 340i, F80 M3 and both my i3's don't have a problem keeping my iPhone X fully charged through the center armrest charge while running waze on a 1 hr commute. The cigarette lighter does the job as well. One thing I like about the center armrest usb is that it doesn't have the issues that the bluetooth playback do. Its faster and there is no delay that I have experienced in ALL my bimmers.

Apple car play now has Waze so if you retro fit that you won't need to use your phone display. As far as adding Qi wireless charging that should be easy to do by plugging a charger into the USB port in the center console. Should cost less than $50 bucks and you can make it fit and look nice with a smaller unit.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

Apple car play now has Waze so if you retro fit that you won't need to use your phone display. As far as adding Qi wireless charging that should be easy to do by plugging a charger into the USB port in the center console. Should cost less than $50 bucks and you can make it fit and look nice with a smaller unit.

I might be the minority, but I really don't like Apple Car Play. It takes too long to load and opens stuff I don't want open. I turned it off.

[bimmer456]

Originally Posted by jmg

I might be the minority, but I really don't like Apple Car Play. It takes too long to load and opens stuff I don't want open.

I used car play on a loaner vehicle and noticed it only ran on 2/3rds of the screen but newer versions of I drive fix this or you can code it. If you're installing it aftermarket that might be different ymmv. The nav audio directions kept interrupting my music which I can turn off with native navigation. It's an option but may not be for everyone.

[jmg]

Originally Posted by bimmer456

I used car play on a loaner vehicle and noticed it only ran on 2/3rds of the screen but newer versions of I drive fix this or you can code it. If you're installing it aftermarket that might be different ymmv. The nav audio directions kept interrupting my music which I can turn off with native navigation. It's an option but may not be for everyone.

I ran it on my 2018 i3 which has a significantly larger iDrive screen than the F30 and F80 screens. The real estate wasn't a big problem. I just didn't like how waze goes away if I browse radio stations and media.