Retrofit QI charger in centre console

jaf30 · 10-06-2021, 02:10 PM

Does anyone know of a QI wireless charger that could replace the next-to-useless phone dock in the centre console?

I'm after something that looks like it's meant to be there rather than a collection of cables that are closer to resembling a homemade bomb

Thanks

njdangelo · 10-06-2021, 02:21 PM

I installed this one and am happy with the results.
https://www.carqiwireless.com/produc...hoCh64QAvD_BwE

Amazinjoey · 10-06-2021, 02:23 PM

I just bought an old drinkholder cover from ebay (pre LCI) and coils and mounted inside it

looks genuine and charges with quickcharge. Only bad thing is that there is a connector that I have disconnect if I want to use drinks.

jaf30 · 10-06-2021, 02:25 PM

Thanks.

What was the install like? Did it involve much pulling about?

Ideally I'm looking to replace the snap in adapter in the arm rest section, but I'll definitely keep this solution in mind.

SuperLomi · 10-06-2021, 02:53 PM

There is a BMW offering, but it doesn't fit most modern, larger phones, without modification (a bit jankey, IMO).

I have contemplated getting this from Scosche and making a base plate to mount it in that fits in the console in place of the snap-in adapter. Power from the 12V plug.

My only hesitation is it being a PIA to put the phone in there/access it if needed, and possibly forgetting it there, since it's out of sight.

The normal front console qi charger is only for LCA consoles (without being super janky). Other option would be an actual phone mount I guess.

jnj2455 · 10-06-2021, 02:59 PM

As someone who just finished a 1200 mile trip with their factory centre console Qi charger, my iPhone 12 Pro overheated after 3 or so hours in the armrest with the cover down (whilst being tethered to Apple Carplay/Google Maps/ Spotify running).

I had to pull it out and held it in front of the air vents to cool it off. It was very very hot when I first pulled it out.

Plus Qi charging is slow in general and I ended up just plugging my phone in via the USB cable to avoid it overheating. Obviously mine was one end of the use spectrum with multiple apps running for an extended period so YMMV

jaf30 · 10-06-2021, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnj2455

As someone who just finished a 1200 mile trip with their factory centre console Qi charger, my iPhone 12 Pro overheated after 3 or so hours in the armrest with the cover down (whilst being tethered to Apple Carplay/Google Maps/ Spotify running).

I had to pull it out and held it in front of the air vents to cool it off. It was very very hot when I first pulled it out.

Plus Qi charging is slow in general and I ended up just plugging my phone in via the USB cable to avoid it overheating. Obviously mine was one end of the use spectrum with multiple apps running for an extended period so YMMV

That's a tad worrying - not sure if that's a charger issue or the phone isn't regulating the charge current properly.

I have a Pixel 5 and use a wireless charger on my bed side table - It's a tad warmer than usual but nothing that's had me worried.

Amazinjoey · 10-06-2021, 03:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaf30

Thanks.

What was the install like? Did it involve much pulling about?

Ideally I'm looking to replace the snap in adapter in the arm rest section, but I'll definitely keep this solution in mind.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274755742355
or
https://www.ebay.com/itm/203331137796

Basicly like this and then you just add an connector to it, you cut the buttom of the cup holder and place it there. You can also do it for the armrest thingy(that god know is for) which is alot easier but it might overheat due to being a locked compartment. So that's why I added it there.

As for cables, you just need to find a 12v source and get it down to 5v.

BimR · 10-06-2021, 04:27 PM

If you are using the phone for wireless Android auto and trying to charge wirelessly, you won't be super happy coz wireless charging will maintain the battery levels at best. As you know, charging is very slow. Short, city trips won't matter much so it's good to have. For longer drives, you might have overheating issues. I say "might" because Pixel phone may be different.

Amazinjoey · 10-06-2021, 04:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BimR

If you are using the phone for wireless Android auto and trying to charge wirelessly, you won't be super happy coz wireless charging will maintain the battery levels at best. As you know, charging is very slow. Short, city trips won't matter much so it's good to have. For longer drives, you might have overheating issues. I say "might" because Pixel phone may be different.

Depends on your QI charger, if it supports QC charge and your phone supports it, it will charge it. It will probably be around 50% slower due to heatsoaking...

eff32fl · 10-06-2021, 05:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaf30

Does anyone know of a QI wireless charger that could replace the next-to-useless phone dock in the centre console?

I'm after something that looks like it's meant to be there rather than a collection of cables that are closer to resembling a homemade bomb

Thanks

You could get a Rennline mount and attach a wireless charger cradle to it rather than using the magnetic mount. It's not a pad in the console but it works very well. You can run a USB cable through the dash and down to the passenger floor board and get power via the 12 volt plugin under the glove box and it maintains a very clean look and hides the cable. That's what I did at least and love it.

Wires · 10-06-2021, 07:33 PM

I pulled the trigger on this one:
https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3301...1df44c4dyPCpjH

It's 15W, so it would do fast charging. Just ordered it, so who knows if it works yet.

jaf30 · 10-09-2021, 10:33 AM

I have bit the bullet and bought a genuine BMW version on eBay. I'll let you know how the install goes when it arrives.

It is coming from Poland, so may take a while on the delivery.

Couldn't really argue with £54 including delivery and tax.

MicroSux · 10-09-2021, 12:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by njdangelo

I installed this one and am happy with the results.
https://www.carqiwireless.com/produc...hoCh64QAvD_BwE

I have also installed this exact unit. No issues. I have an iPhone Pro 13 Max with the magsafe clear case. I will warn you with any spirited driving it does move around with the clear case. If you have a silicone case I think it might stick better. Install is a breeze if you have a decent variety of small tools, like a PC toolkit.

WDE82 · 10-09-2021, 02:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaf30

That's a tad worrying - not sure if that's a charger issue or the phone isn't regulating the charge current properly.

I have a Pixel 5 and use a wireless charger on my bed side table - It's a tad warmer than usual but nothing that's had me worried.

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnj2455

As someone who just finished a 1200 mile trip with their factory centre console Qi charger, my iPhone 12 Pro overheated after 3 or so hours in the armrest with the cover down (whilst being tethered to Apple Carplay/Google Maps/ Spotify running).

I had to pull it out and held it in front of the air vents to cool it off. It was very very hot when I first pulled it out.

Plus Qi charging is slow in general and I ended up just plugging my phone in via the USB cable to avoid it overheating. Obviously mine was one end of the use spectrum with multiple apps running for an extended period so YMMV

Inductive charging (Qi is a loose specification branding, not a type of charging) will always make a phone warmer than plug-in charging. The combo of inductive charging, zero air circulation, and running CarPlay apps is a recipe for a hot phone. My XR gets really hot in there too. I'm removing the charger since it's next to useless. It barely fits my XR with a thin case.

I'll put this in the charger's place for a finished look.

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-genuine-...t/51169227902/

quakerroatmeal · 10-10-2021, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MicroSux

I have also installed this exact unit. No issues. I have an iPhone Pro 13 Max with the magsafe clear case. I will warn you with any spirited driving it does move around with the clear case. If you have a silicone case I think it might stick better. Install is a breeze if you have a decent variety of small tools, like a PC toolkit.

Can you still open the cup holder cover all the way with your phone on there?

MicroSux · 10-13-2021, 11:02 PM

Yes! Absolutely. The charging pad is slightly elevated and my iPhone 13 pro max with the apple clear case still charges.

jaf30 · 10-19-2021, 12:38 PM

So the OEM charger came today. Install was fairly straight-forward. The hardest (and maybe unnecessary) part was removing the rear passenger air duct to pass the cables through.

Finished result is great, although I'm glad my phone wasn't any bigger as it's nearing the limit of the cradle.

View post on imgur.com

WDE82 · 10-20-2021, 12:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jaf30

So the OEM charger came today. Install was fairly straight-forward. The hardest (and maybe unnecessary) part was removing the rear passenger air duct to pass the cables through.

Finished result is great, although I'm glad my phone wasn't any bigger as it's nearing the limit of the cradle.

View post on imgur.com

I'm really confused by your original post. I figured you already had the wireless charger…

I'm taking mine out tomorrow haha. It's just a phone heater as far as I'm concerned.

gameson · 10-20-2021, 01:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WDE82

I'm really confused by your original post. I figured you already had the wireless charger…

I'm taking mine out tomorrow haha. It's just a phone heater as far as I'm concerned.

i agree, no air circulation + qi charger generate more heat + car play = a perfect storm

this is one of the nice-to-have accessories when first thought, but after thinking about for a while, it's a must-avoid-at-all-cost.

my phone is worth more than the convenience of wireless charger

jaf30 · 10-20-2021, 11:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WDE82

I'm really confused by your original post. I figured you already had the wireless charger…

I'm taking mine out tomorrow haha. It's just a phone heater as far as I'm concerned.

No, my car came wit the old snap in adapter system so wanted to change it!

I thought the qi charger would be a bit better than a rubber tray that I wouldn't use

As mentioned previously, I've never really suffered these hot phone issues with qi. I appreciate it's less efficient than a cable but it's convenient and holds the phone in place nicely.

Wires · 10-20-2021, 11:38 AM

The aliexpress unit I posted above showed up today. Super easy install - they even supply the trim tool to pull the console apart. If you are doing one of these that replace that matt in front of the cupholders, install is really easy:
1) Pry off the i-drive trim.
2) Pry off the gear-selector boot trim.
3) Pry off the trim cover for the console buttons.
4) Remove the console button to reveal Torx screw.
5) Remove the two T-20 Torx screws (one under the console buttons, one on the opposite side of that console trim).
6) Pry off the center console/cupholder piece. It lifts right out.
7) Remove the OEM rubber matt, the wireless charger snaps right into the OEM holes.
8) Close the cupholder lid so that you can feed the cable out the back.
9) Plug the power into the cigarette lighter with the harness supplied.
10) Reverse the above.

It has a LED on the top to show power as well as charging, which is really nice.

If I was to have two REALLY SMALL complaints:
1) If you open/close the cupholder lid, you get a bit of resistance from the wire that ran out the back to power the charger.
2) Sunglasses don't recess anymore, so when you lay into the throttle, you have to pick them out of the passenger seat.

10-06-2021, 02:10 PM	#1
jaf30 New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: F30 330e Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Retrofit QI charger in centre console Does anyone know of a QI wireless charger that could replace the next-to-useless phone dock in the centre console? I'm after something that looks like it's meant to be there rather than a collection of cables that are closer to resembling a homemade bomb Thanks
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10-06-2021, 02:21 PM	#2
njdangelo Captain 436 Rep 844 Posts Drives: 2019 x5 50i Join Date: Sep 2019 Location: CT iTrader: (1)	I installed this one and am happy with the results. https://www.carqiwireless.com/produc...hoCh64QAvD_BwE __________________ 2019 x5 50i - current 2016 340i THP stage 2 - gone but not forgotten.
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10-06-2021, 02:23 PM	#3
Amazinjoey Private 28 Rep 69 Posts Drives: BMW 320Dx 2013 Join Date: Mar 2021 Location: Sweden iTrader: (0)	I just bought an old drinkholder cover from ebay (pre LCI) and coils and mounted inside it looks genuine and charges with quickcharge. Only bad thing is that there is a connector that I have disconnect if I want to use drinks.
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10-06-2021, 02:25 PM	#4
jaf30 New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: F30 330e Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Thanks. What was the install like? Did it involve much pulling about? Ideally I'm looking to replace the snap in adapter in the arm rest section, but I'll definitely keep this solution in mind.
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10-06-2021, 02:53 PM	#5
SuperLomi First Lieutenant 204 Rep 383 Posts Drives: 2013 335i M-Sport Join Date: Nov 2020 Location: KY iTrader: (0)	There is a BMW offering, but it doesn't fit most modern, larger phones, without modification (a bit jankey, IMO). I have contemplated getting this from Scosche and making a base plate to mount it in that fits in the console in place of the snap-in adapter. Power from the 12V plug. My only hesitation is it being a PIA to put the phone in there/access it if needed, and possibly forgetting it there, since it's out of sight. The normal front console qi charger is only for LCA consoles (without being super janky). Other option would be an actual phone mount I guess.
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10-06-2021, 02:59 PM	#6
jnj2455 First Lieutenant 368 Rep 327 Posts Drives: 440i 6MT/RWD/MPPSK/2VF Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: NJ/NYC iTrader: (0)	As someone who just finished a 1200 mile trip with their factory centre console Qi charger, my iPhone 12 Pro overheated after 3 or so hours in the armrest with the cover down (whilst being tethered to Apple Carplay/Google Maps/ Spotify running). I had to pull it out and held it in front of the air vents to cool it off. It was very very hot when I first pulled it out. Plus Qi charging is slow in general and I ended up just plugging my phone in via the USB cable to avoid it overheating. Obviously mine was one end of the use spectrum with multiple apps running for an extended period so YMMV
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10-06-2021, 04:27 PM	#9
BimR Lieutenant 245 Rep 500 Posts Drives: 2016 328 Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: New York iTrader: (0)	If you are using the phone for wireless Android auto and trying to charge wirelessly, you won't be super happy coz wireless charging will maintain the battery levels at best. As you know, charging is very slow. Short, city trips won't matter much so it's good to have. For longer drives, you might have overheating issues. I say "might" because Pixel phone may be different.
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10-06-2021, 07:33 PM	#12
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,877 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	I pulled the trigger on this one: https://www.aliexpress.com/item/3301...1df44c4dyPCpjH It's 15W, so it would do fast charging. Just ordered it, so who knows if it works yet.
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10-09-2021, 10:33 AM	#13
jaf30 New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: F30 330e Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	I have bit the bullet and bought a genuine BMW version on eBay. I'll let you know how the install goes when it arrives. It is coming from Poland, so may take a while on the delivery. Couldn't really argue with £54 including delivery and tax.
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10-13-2021, 11:02 PM	#17
MicroSux Private 45 Rep 81 Posts Drives: MB SLK55, BMW 340i MPPSK Join Date: Jan 2021 Location: Central MN iTrader: (0)	Yes! Absolutely. The charging pad is slightly elevated and my iPhone 13 pro max with the apple clear case still charges. __________________ 2022 X7 M50i 2020 X7 M50i (LEMON'd) 2017 BMW 340i MPPSK 2008 MB SLK55AMG
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10-19-2021, 12:38 PM	#18
jaf30 New Member 3 Rep 20 Posts Drives: F30 330e Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	Job done! So the OEM charger came today. Install was fairly straight-forward. The hardest (and maybe unnecessary) part was removing the rear passenger air duct to pass the cables through. Finished result is great, although I'm glad my phone wasn't any bigger as it's nearing the limit of the cradle. View post on imgur.com
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10-20-2021, 11:38 AM	#22
Wires Brigadier General 1646 Rep 4,877 Posts Drives: 2016 340i xDrive Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	The aliexpress unit I posted above showed up today. Super easy install - they even supply the trim tool to pull the console apart. If you are doing one of these that replace that matt in front of the cupholders, install is really easy: 1) Pry off the i-drive trim. 2) Pry off the gear-selector boot trim. 3) Pry off the trim cover for the console buttons. 4) Remove the console button to reveal Torx screw. 5) Remove the two T-20 Torx screws (one under the console buttons, one on the opposite side of that console trim). 6) Pry off the center console/cupholder piece. It lifts right out. 7) Remove the OEM rubber matt, the wireless charger snaps right into the OEM holes. 8) Close the cupholder lid so that you can feed the cable out the back. 9) Plug the power into the cigarette lighter with the harness supplied. 10) Reverse the above. It has a LED on the top to show power as well as charging, which is really nice. If I was to have two REALLY SMALL complaints: 1) If you open/close the cupholder lid, you get a bit of resistance from the wire that ran out the back to power the charger. 2) Sunglasses don't recess anymore, so when you lay into the throttle, you have to pick them out of the passenger seat.
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