Armrest USB Port

Dev_inlife · 10-07-2019, 09:48 AM

Hello all,

I have a MY13 528i and I'm having issues with the USB armrest. I searched both the 3/5 Series forums to no avail, so now I'm reaching out. In order for the vehicle to recognize the device connected. I have to jimmy/wiggle/play with the cable connected to the port until the device shows up on the screen. Some times it takes a few times to hold and I have disconnect and reconnect the cable and slowly close the arm rest flaps.

Ideas:
- I don't think its a cable issue - I used 5 apple branded cables (all new)
- Don't think its a phone or OS issue either. (iPhone 11 Pro Max iOS 13.1.2)
- I think it may be the contact leads in the female end of the USB in the armrest.

Thoughts?
What do you guys think?
Can that port be replaced?

*Yes I know I can use BT but I prefer/desire the quality of the USB along with album details associated

Any help is greatly appreciated.

OnlyGerman · 10-07-2019, 09:54 AM

How did it work before the upgrade to ios13? And have you tried other USB devices like a flash drive?

Dev_inlife · 10-07-2019, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XLife14

How did it work before the upgrade to ios13? And have you tried other USB devices like a flash drive?

The same, I've been having to play with the cable for sometime even before I upgraded my phone. I'm just trying to find a solution now. Yes I have used a flash drive to update iDrive and had no issues

cdmulders · 10-07-2019, 11:16 AM

Same issue. It's not the car. I replaced my Apple cable with a braided cable and I've had no problems since then. My initial troubleshooting pointed to a pinch point in the Apple-brand cable that causes a temporary disconnection if the cable was stressed near one of the joints, which would happen when I folded the cable into the armrest.

Dev_inlife · 10-07-2019, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cdmulders

Same issue. It's not the car. I replaced my Apple cable with a braided cable and I've had no problems since then. My initial troubleshooting pointed to a pinch point in the Apple-brand cable that causes a temporary disconnection if the cable was stressed near one of the joints, which would happen when I folded the cable into the armrest.

cdmulders Even if the cable(s) are new? I tried 5, had to play with the actual USB connector end in the arm rest and slightly finagle it to populate.

What I just recently discovered was the battery indicator on my iPhone is transitioning back and forth between the black and green icons on initial connection like it's thinking about connecting... That only makes me think it's more the input connectors not liking something

Thoughts????

cdmulders · 10-07-2019, 12:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dev_inlife

cdmulders Even if the cable(s) are new? I tried 5, had to play with the actual USB connector end in the arm rest and slightly finagle it to populate.
Thoughts????

Good point. I just replaced one brand new cable but it did solve my problem. You may be on to something if the USB connector in the armrest is at fault and my new cable does not cause the same stress on it as the old one.

wcr3d · 10-07-2019, 01:02 PM

Check for debris in the port.

OnlyGerman · 10-07-2019, 01:39 PM

Worst case - It is the USB port, but pretty sure it is cheap part and can be replaced.

Dev_inlife · 10-07-2019, 02:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wcr3d

Check for debris in the port.

Quote:

Originally Posted by XLife14

Worst case - It is the USB port, but pretty sure it is cheap part and can be replaced.

wcr3d I'll try to use some canned air when I get out of work

XLife14 any recommendations on where to find and buy the part if needed

Qsilver7 · 10-07-2019, 04:02 PM

Perhaps there's something in the info below that might be of help:

wcr3d · 10-07-2019, 04:31 PM

If you are going to replace, go to www.realoem.com
Enter your VIN, then search or browse for the part number.
With that you should find a number of places to purchase.
Then use the link above or go to www.newtis.info again,
use your VIN then search or browse, it will have instructions on how to replace.

ChampagneQrtzPapi · 05-12-2021, 01:33 AM

Don't mean to bring back an old thread from the dead, but I'm experiencing a similar problem. My iDrive system will at times not recognize that a phone is connected via USB port yet the phone shows that it is charging. If OP found resolution, I am curious as to what he found.

Also, any assistance is appreciated!

Jacob_f10 · 05-13-2021, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampagneQrtzPapi

Don't mean to bring back an old thread from the dead, but I'm experiencing a similar problem. My iDrive system will at times not recognize that a phone is connected via USB port yet the phone shows that it is charging. If OP found resolution, I am curious as to what he found.

Also, any assistance is appreciated!

Hey there man, I'm glad this thread actually came back. I'm having the same problem and I have done loads and loads of research trying to figure it out. My original Apple cable is not working at all… and it used to every once in a while.

Here's the fun part. BMW sells an actual cable that works with the port. The cable has to be able to transfer not only power, but data back to the iDrive system. So you need a relatively beefy one. I'm going to try this Amazon basics heavy duty braided cable tomorrow to see if it works. If not I'll grab something hefty from Best Buy. If neither of those work I will be going to the stealership and asking if they have the iPhone cable for the car. I'll come back here and post again at each step!

ChampagneQrtzPapi · 05-14-2021, 12:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

Hey there man, I'm glad this thread actually came back. I'm having the same problem and I have done loads and loads of research trying to figure it out. My original Apple cable is not working at all… and it used to every once in a while.

Here's the fun part. BMW sells an actual cable that works with the port. The cable has to be able to transfer not only power, but data back to the iDrive system. So you need a relatively beefy one. I'm going to try this Amazon basics heavy duty braided cable tomorrow to see if it works. If not I'll grab something hefty from Best Buy. If neither of those work I will be going to the stealership and asking if they have the iPhone cable for the car. I'll come back here and post again at each step!

So I was able to find the culprit to my issue and it was the cord itself. It's funny since all I've ever used with F10 (& my prev F22) are Apple brand cords. What's even funnier is the cord still works to charge my phone when paired with their power adapter.

Let me know what you find that works for you. I'm kinda tired of having to buy new cords every year.

Jacob_f10 · 05-15-2021, 12:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampagneQrtzPapi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

Hey there man, I'm glad this thread actually came back. I'm having the same problem and I have done loads and loads of research trying to figure it out. My original Apple cable is not working at all… and it used to every once in a while.

Here's the fun part. BMW sells an actual cable that works with the port. The cable has to be able to transfer not only power, but data back to the iDrive system. So you need a relatively beefy one. I'm going to try this Amazon basics heavy duty braided cable tomorrow to see if it works. If not I'll grab something hefty from Best Buy. If neither of those work I will be going to the stealership and asking if they have the iPhone cable for the car. I'll come back here and post again at each step!

So I was able to find the culprit to my issue and it was the cord itself. It's funny since all I've ever used with F10 (& my prev F22) are Apple brand cords. What's even funnier is the cord still works to charge my phone when paired with their power adapter.

Let me know what you find that works for you. I'm kinda tired of having to buy new cords every year.

I tried a few different apple and braided cables last night and none worked… I'll be going to Best Buy maybe today to find another decent cable and see if that works. I'm getting the constant battery flashing symbol on my phone and no connection smh.

ezaircon4jc · 05-15-2021, 02:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

I tried a few different apple and braided cables last night and none worked… I'll be going to Best Buy maybe today to find another decent cable and see if that works. I'm getting the constant battery flashing symbol on my phone and no connection smh.

Did you try opening the phone?

ChampagneQrtzPapi · 05-15-2021, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampagneQrtzPapi

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

Hey there man, I'm glad this thread actually came back. I'm having the same problem and I have done loads and loads of research trying to figure it out. My original Apple cable is not working at all… and it used to every once in a while.

Here's the fun part. BMW sells an actual cable that works with the port. The cable has to be able to transfer not only power, but data back to the iDrive system. So you need a relatively beefy one. I'm going to try this Amazon basics heavy duty braided cable tomorrow to see if it works. If not I'll grab something hefty from Best Buy. If neither of those work I will be going to the stealership and asking if they have the iPhone cable for the car. I'll come back here and post again at each step!

So I was able to find the culprit to my issue and it was the cord itself. It's funny since all I've ever used with F10 (& my prev F22) are Apple brand cords. What's even funnier is the cord still works to charge my phone when paired with their power adapter.

Let me know what you find that works for you. I'm kinda tired of having to buy new cords every year.

I tried a few different apple and braided cables last night and none worked… I'll be going to Best Buy maybe today to find another decent cable and see if that works. I'm getting the constant battery flashing symbol on my phone and no connection smh.

So the new cable I used finally failed on me last night. I reconnected and didn't seem to have an issue after that. The system seems to be very sensitive if the cable is moved anywhere near my lightning cable connection port.

ezaircon4jc · 05-15-2021, 10:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampagneQrtzPapi

So the new cable I used finally failed on me last night. I reconnected and didn't seem to have an issue after that. The system seems to be very sensitive if the cable is moved anywhere near my lightning cable connection port.

Maybe it's the phone's charging port.

Jacob_f10 · 05-16-2021, 02:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

I tried a few different apple and braided cables last night and none worked… I'll be going to Best Buy maybe today to find another decent cable and see if that works. I'm getting the constant battery flashing symbol on my phone and no connection smh.

Did you try opening the phone?

Yes haha

Jacob_f10 · 05-16-2021, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampagneQrtzPapi

So the new cable I used finally failed on me last night. I reconnected and didn't seem to have an issue after that. The system seems to be very sensitive if the cable is moved anywhere near my lightning cable connection port.

Maybe it's the phone's charging port.

Ended up trying another Apple cable and it worked flawlessly. Once. Not sure what the deal is

valdez · 05-17-2021, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jacob_f10

Ended up trying another Apple cable and it worked flawlessly. Once. Not sure what the deal is

Were the both cables original?

ChampagneQrtzPapi · 05-17-2021, 03:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ezaircon4jc

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChampagneQrtzPapi

So the new cable I used finally failed on me last night. I reconnected and didn't seem to have an issue after that. The system seems to be very sensitive if the cable is moved anywhere near my lightning cable connection port.

Maybe it's the phone's charging port.

Maybe; I might have to replace that and see.

10-07-2019, 09:48 AM	#1
Dev_inlife Private 14 Rep 55 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW 528i xDrive Join Date: Jan 2017 Location: Tampa, FL iTrader: (0)	Armrest USB Port Hello all, I have a MY13 528i and I'm having issues with the USB armrest. I searched both the 3/5 Series forums to no avail, so now I'm reaching out. In order for the vehicle to recognize the device connected. I have to jimmy/wiggle/play with the cable connected to the port until the device shows up on the screen. Some times it takes a few times to hold and I have disconnect and reconnect the cable and slowly close the arm rest flaps. Ideas: - I don't think its a cable issue - I used 5 apple branded cables (all new) - Don't think its a phone or OS issue either. (iPhone 11 Pro Max iOS 13.1.2) - I think it may be the contact leads in the female end of the USB in the armrest. Thoughts? What do you guys think? Can that port be replaced? *Yes I know I can use BT but I prefer/desire the quality of the USB along with album details associated Any help is greatly appreciated. __________________ CHALLENGE is the pathway to Progress and Engagement in our lives...
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

10-07-2019, 09:54 AM	#2
OnlyGerman Major 364 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: F15, F13, F10, E60 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Sunshine State iTrader: (0)	How did it work before the upgrade to ios13? And have you tried other USB devices like a flash drive?
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10-07-2019, 11:16 AM	#4
cdmulders Captain 331 Rep 697 Posts Drives: 2013 535xi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Nanoose Bay, BC iTrader: (0) Garage List 2013 BMW 535i xDrive [0.00] 2010 E89 Z4 sDrive35i [8.00]	Same issue. It's not the car. I replaced my Apple cable with a braided cable and I've had no problems since then. My initial troubleshooting pointed to a pinch point in the Apple-brand cable that causes a temporary disconnection if the cable was stressed near one of the joints, which would happen when I folded the cable into the armrest. __________________ 2013 535xi, Carbon Black, beige interior, M Sport package, HUD, DDC & ARS, ACS springs, Kelleners wheels 2010 Z4 35i, Crimson Red, beige interior, 6sp manual, Adapative Suspension 2000 528i, Cosmo Black, beige interior, Sport package (retired)
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10-07-2019, 01:02 PM	#7
wcr3d Captain 461 Rep 659 Posts Drives: 2013 535i XDrive M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0)	Check for debris in the port.
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10-07-2019, 01:39 PM	#8
OnlyGerman Major 364 Rep 1,262 Posts Drives: F15, F13, F10, E60 Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: Sunshine State iTrader: (0)	Worst case - It is the USB port, but pretty sure it is cheap part and can be replaced.
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10-07-2019, 04:02 PM	#10
Qsilver7 Major General 4515 Rep 7,567 Posts Drives: F06 650ix GC / F15 X5 50i Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Indiana, USA iTrader: (0)	Perhaps there's something in the info below that might be of help: https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...ction/AoUIsTF8 https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/f...eck/1VnY1sPAXi __________________ 2015 F06 650ix Gran Coupe`(Moonstone/Cohiba Brown)\| 2014 F15 X5 50i MSport (Space Gray/Mocha) Become a BMW CCA member! Click HERE to join and feel free to use my BMW CCA member #191509 as a referral.
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10-07-2019, 04:31 PM	#11
wcr3d Captain 461 Rep 659 Posts Drives: 2013 535i XDrive M Sport Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Indiana iTrader: (0)	If you are going to replace, go to www.realoem.com Enter your VIN, then search or browse for the part number. With that you should find a number of places to purchase. Then use the link above or go to www.newtis.info again, use your VIN then search or browse, it will have instructions on how to replace.
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05-12-2021, 01:33 AM	#12
ChampagneQrtzPapi Private First Class 49 Rep 194 Posts Drives: BMW 535i Join Date: Mar 2020 Location: SOCAL iTrader: (1)	Don't mean to bring back an old thread from the dead, but I'm experiencing a similar problem. My iDrive system will at times not recognize that a phone is connected via USB port yet the phone shows that it is charging. If OP found resolution, I am curious as to what he found. Also, any assistance is appreciated!
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