USB Hub Installation

BMW_340 · 01-28-2020, 01:56 PM

Does anyone know where the USB Hub supposed to be installed for an OEM install location in an F30? There is a tab on it that looks like it has a hole in that is fed over a bolt/stud. Anyone have photos.

IK6SPEED · 01-28-2020, 11:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

Does anyone know where the USB Hub supposed to be installed for an OEM install location in an F30? There is a tab on it that looks like it has a hole in that is fed over a bolt/stud. Anyone have photos.

Inside (or under, depending on your prospective) of the center console iiirc.

BEM-S4 · 01-29-2020, 03:54 PM

Post a pic. There's a knock out plug in the glove box that a certain type of USB plug is meant to clip into, that might be what you're talking about.

Billfitz · 01-29-2020, 04:22 PM

Look up 'USB' in the index of your manual. It shows where they are if you have them, which would also be where they go if you don't.

IK6SPEED · 01-29-2020, 05:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Billfitz

Look up 'USB' in the index of your manual. It shows where they are if you have them, which would also be where they go if you don't.

How is it that someone that claims to be in the Audio business does not know the difference in a USB Plug and a USB Hub - and assumes something like this would be shown in the owner's manual?

BMW_340 · 01-30-2020, 10:26 AM

Agree its not in the manual. What you pictured is exactly what I am installing. I haven't found any installation instructions yet. I also need to discover if I have to power the unit because there appears to be fourth recessed connection in addition to the 1-USB input and 2-USB output connections.

I've performed a relatively thorough search of this forum and others, but no luck. Anybody have details or know where I can find them?

IK6SPEED · 01-30-2020, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

Agree its not in the manual. What you pictured is exactly what I am installing. I haven't found any installation instructions yet. I also need to discover if I have to power the unit because there appears to be fourth recessed connection in addition to the 1-USB input and 2-USB output connections.

I've performed a relatively thorough search of this forum and others, but no luck. Anybody have details or know where I can find them?

Yes there is a 3 pin voltage connector you must wire to work.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...b-hub/AoTx7TYb

BMW_340 · 01-31-2020, 06:34 PM

I appreciate the response. I found the same in the newtis.info site too, but I can't make heads or tails of the electrical schematics. What I'm attempting to discover is the actual location it supposed to be installed if you were to have the dealer perform the install. Once I locate that, I can determine if there is an existing unused power cord in that location that can power the unit. I also looked in the ETK, but it doesn't show the location either.

I noticed in prior posts that you were searching similar answers. Did you ever find the answers?

Encanto · 01-31-2020, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

I appreciate the response. I found the same in the newtis.info site too, but I can't make heads or tails of the electrical schematics. What I'm attempting to discover is the actual location it supposed to be installed if you were to have the dealer perform the install. Once I locate that, I can determine if there is an existing unused power cord in that location that can power the unit. I also looked in the ETK, but it doesn't show the location either.

I noticed in prior posts that you were searching similar answers. Did you ever find the answers?

There will be no OEM harness for the hub unless there is a hub in there already.

USB Hub 3-pin = 12V(1), Ground(3), Not used(2)

Location:

IK6SPEED · 01-31-2020, 09:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

I appreciate the response. I found the same in the newtis.info site too, but I can't make heads or tails of the electrical schematics. What I'm attempting to discover is the actual location it supposed to be installed if you were to have the dealer perform the install. Once I locate that, I can determine if there is an existing unused power cord in that location that can power the unit. I also looked in the ETK, but it doesn't show the location either.

I noticed in prior posts that you were searching similar answers. Did you ever find the answers?

Unless you have wireless charging option, as Encanto said, you will not find a wiring harness there.

iirc, #2 is the correct connector for power.

BMW_340 · 02-04-2020, 11:42 AM

So if I purchase the #2 adapter, I then have to wire it up and splice into an existing connection or tap a fuse.

If I purchase the wiring harness for the mobile phone snap in adapter, will that provide the power plug necessary to apply power to the hub?

Also, have either of you installed the hub and know the answer to either of the following questions.

1. Is there any perceivable latency switching between sources connected to the hub?

2. I power supplied to both inputs always or only when selected?

Thanks again for the comments and support!

IK6SPEED · 02-04-2020, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

So if I purchase the #2 adapter, I then have to wire it up and splice into an existing connection or tap a fuse.

Correct

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

If I purchase the wiring harness for the mobile phone snap in adapter, will that provide the power plug necessary to apply power to the hub?

Unknown but doubtful

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

Is there any perceivable latency switching between sources connected to the hub?

No more than any other source

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

Is power supplied to both inputs always or only when selected?

Both

BMW_340 · 02-25-2020, 01:02 PM

You know your stuff! Your a rockstar. Thanks for your help.

Adamantio · 09-23-2020, 11:21 PM

Hi, Does anyone know if i need to code to make the hub work?
If yes, could you tell me which strings to code with e-sys?
Thanks

BMW_340 · 09-25-2020, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by IK6SPEED

Unless you have wireless charging option, as Encanto said, you will not find a wiring harness there.

iirc, #2 is the correct connector for power.

There are three part numbers listed. I assume the first is just for the plug.
What are the second and third? Do I need the first one and either #2 or #3 so the cable comes with it?

TheShadow · 09-26-2020, 09:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sp330i

There are three part numbers listed. I assume the first is just for the plug.
What are the second and third? Do I need the first one and either #2 or #3 so the cable comes with it?

@ik6speed has been banned on Bimmerpost so unfortunately all that knowledge is gone forever on this forum

BMW_340 · 09-28-2020, 08:12 AM

That's too bad.

Zheez · 11-08-2022, 06:26 PM

I don't like to be the one that brings an old thread back from the dead, but this seems more appropriate than starting a new post.

Some good info here and I'm going to be putting the USB hub in my car when I get a chance. My question is around what connector is what. I'm assuming it's as follows:

Black - USB input from HU
White - USB1 in armrest compartment
Blue - USB2 in front panel underneath climate controls

Can anyone confirm?

Zheez · 11-15-2022, 10:21 AM

I just had a go at putting the hub in my car. I ran power from fuse box, added another HSD cable to go from USB1 on the Evo unit to the black port on the hub and then I connected my armrest USB to the white port and front panel USB to the blue port.

I plugged a USB stick into both ports, but only the blue one seems to work. I have coded USB_HUB_AVAIL to "hub_on_usb1" but it makes no difference. Does anyone have any ideas?

I suppose the next thing would be to shave the key off the blue connector to put it into the white socket on the hub to see if that works there or not. Could just be an HSD cable problem rather than a coding one.

Zheez · 11-15-2022, 12:28 PM

For anyone that cares, the hub is working. I've got my factory installed USB port connected to USB1 on my Evo unit and the hub connected to USB2.

As mentioned, my front trim panel USB port is connected to the blue connector on the hub and works perfectly. The factory installed USB port hooked up to either the blue or white connector does not, so for whatever reason that HSD cable doesn't work with the hub.

I have another USB port and cheap non-OEM HSD cable laying around so I decided to try that on the hub and I can confirm that both ports work with the hub on USB2.

My Evo unit has CDMM_USB_PORTS set to usb1_usb2_sia and USB_HUB_AVAIL still set to hub_on_usb1 but it's working fine with the hub actually connected to USB2 instead. I can play music from any of the 3 USB ports.

The front panel USB port seems to charge noticeably faster through the hub too (although this isn't a huge plus since I have a 12v USB C charger for when I need my phone charged in a hurry) but it does make for a nice clean looking charging solution for passengers etc. I will eventually buy another HSD cable so I can move the hub to USB1 as it should be and connect the additional port and factory port to the hub too, but I'll wait until I can find one at a decent price as it isn't worth buying a brand new one.

Was it worth the hassle? Absolutely not, but it killed a bit of time and wasn't expensive.

01-28-2020, 01:56 PM	#1
BMW_340 (formerly sp330i) 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	USB Hub Installation Does anyone know where the USB Hub supposed to be installed for an OEM install location in an F30? There is a tab on it that looks like it has a hole in that is fed over a bolt/stud. Anyone have photos.
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01-29-2020, 03:54 PM	#3
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	Post a pic. There's a knock out plug in the glove box that a certain type of USB plug is meant to clip into, that might be what you're talking about. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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01-29-2020, 04:22 PM	#4
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8243 Rep 16,079 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Look up 'USB' in the index of your manual. It shows where they are if you have them, which would also be where they go if you don't.
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01-30-2020, 10:26 AM	#6
BMW_340 (formerly sp330i) 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Thanks IK6SPEED! Agree its not in the manual. What you pictured is exactly what I am installing. I haven't found any installation instructions yet. I also need to discover if I have to power the unit because there appears to be fourth recessed connection in addition to the 1-USB input and 2-USB output connections. I've performed a relatively thorough search of this forum and others, but no luck. Anybody have details or know where I can find them?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-31-2020, 06:34 PM	#8
BMW_340 (formerly sp330i) 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	I appreciate the response. I found the same in the newtis.info site too, but I can't make heads or tails of the electrical schematics. What I'm attempting to discover is the actual location it supposed to be installed if you were to have the dealer perform the install. Once I locate that, I can determine if there is an existing unused power cord in that location that can power the unit. I also looked in the ETK, but it doesn't show the location either. I noticed in prior posts that you were searching similar answers. Did you ever find the answers?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-04-2020, 11:42 AM	#11
BMW_340 (formerly sp330i) 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	Awesome info guys - thanks So if I purchase the #2 adapter, I then have to wire it up and splice into an existing connection or tap a fuse. If I purchase the wiring harness for the mobile phone snap in adapter, will that provide the power plug necessary to apply power to the hub? Also, have either of you installed the hub and know the answer to either of the following questions. 1. Is there any perceivable latency switching between sources connected to the hub? 2. I power supplied to both inputs always or only when selected? Thanks again for the comments and support!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

02-25-2020, 01:02 PM	#13
BMW_340 (formerly sp330i) 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	You know your stuff! Your a rockstar. Thanks for your help.
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09-23-2020, 11:21 PM	#14
Adamantio Private First Class 16 Rep 120 Posts Drives: bmw 420d G.C Msport Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Italy iTrader: (0)	Hi, Does anyone know if i need to code to make the hub work? If yes, could you tell me which strings to code with e-sys? Thanks
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09-28-2020, 08:12 AM	#17
BMW_340 (formerly sp330i) 8 Rep 52 Posts Drives: BMW 340i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: Florida iTrader: (0)	That's too bad.
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11-08-2022, 06:26 PM	#18
Zheez Lieutenant 288 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 320D (2015) Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: UK (Hampshire) iTrader: (0)	I don't like to be the one that brings an old thread back from the dead, but this seems more appropriate than starting a new post. Some good info here and I'm going to be putting the USB hub in my car when I get a chance. My question is around what connector is what. I'm assuming it's as follows: Black - USB input from HU White - USB1 in armrest compartment Blue - USB2 in front panel underneath climate controls Can anyone confirm?
	Appreciate 1 ReMiii4021.50 Quote

11-15-2022, 10:21 AM	#19
Zheez Lieutenant 288 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 320D (2015) Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: UK (Hampshire) iTrader: (0)	I just had a go at putting the hub in my car. I ran power from fuse box, added another HSD cable to go from USB1 on the Evo unit to the black port on the hub and then I connected my armrest USB to the white port and front panel USB to the blue port. I plugged a USB stick into both ports, but only the blue one seems to work. I have coded USB_HUB_AVAIL to "hub_on_usb1" but it makes no difference. Does anyone have any ideas? I suppose the next thing would be to shave the key off the blue connector to put it into the white socket on the hub to see if that works there or not. Could just be an HSD cable problem rather than a coding one.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

11-15-2022, 12:28 PM	#20
Zheez Lieutenant 288 Rep 539 Posts Drives: 320D (2015) Join Date: Dec 2018 Location: UK (Hampshire) iTrader: (0)	For anyone that cares, the hub is working. I've got my factory installed USB port connected to USB1 on my Evo unit and the hub connected to USB2. As mentioned, my front trim panel USB port is connected to the blue connector on the hub and works perfectly. The factory installed USB port hooked up to either the blue or white connector does not, so for whatever reason that HSD cable doesn't work with the hub. I have another USB port and cheap non-OEM HSD cable laying around so I decided to try that on the hub and I can confirm that both ports work with the hub on USB2. My Evo unit has CDMM_USB_PORTS set to usb1_usb2_sia and USB_HUB_AVAIL still set to hub_on_usb1 but it's working fine with the hub actually connected to USB2 instead. I can play music from any of the 3 USB ports. The front panel USB port seems to charge noticeably faster through the hub too (although this isn't a huge plus since I have a 12v USB C charger for when I need my phone charged in a hurry) but it does make for a nice clean looking charging solution for passengers etc. I will eventually buy another HSD cable so I can move the hub to USB1 as it should be and connect the additional port and factory port to the hub too, but I'll wait until I can find one at a decent price as it isn't worth buying a brand new one. Was it worth the hassle? Absolutely not, but it killed a bit of time and wasn't expensive. Last edited by Zheez; 11-15-2022 at 12:33 PM..
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