USB

nfot · 07-23-2009, 06:43 AM

Hi everybody,

my name is Nick and I am new here. New to BMW also.
I have ordered a 135i coupe with the "Professional" head unit.
I have also ordered the cd changer wiring installation.
I 've been doing some search on USB / SD add ons that plug directly to the cd changer wiring at the boot, but so far I get negative answers. Does anybody have a hint?

JimD · 07-23-2009, 07:15 AM

Why don't you want the USB port under the arm rest? There is a little pouch for an ipod on the underside of the arm-rest so it would seem to make a nice setup for those who like these things. I am not sure what you are referring to with the SD part. I use SD cards to store music in the form of MP3 files in my Garmin GPS. You can also take SD cards and snap them into a housing that turns them into a flash memory device like you would plug into the USB port of a computer. If you like storing music on SD cards, you should be able to interface with the USB port in the arm-rest by putting them into a housing or if you use a portable GPS, you can also use that as an intermediary device and come in through the aux port.

Jim

aksundog · 07-23-2009, 12:54 PM

I have the same 'Professional' audio system.

I put everything I have onto a 8gb USB thumb drive and then plugged it into the port under the armrest. It's awesome.

It's very likely that I'll never use the CD player.

nfot · 07-23-2009, 01:01 PM

Hmmm, I haven't ordered the BMW integrated USB port, under the armrest, because I thought it was too expensive. I was asked about $450-500 for the USB port. TOO MUCH IMHO.

jeremyc74 · 07-23-2009, 01:06 PM

Welcome. I thought all the Pro head units came with the USB port, but not all came with the iPod support? I may be wrong though, it's been over a year since I ordered my car.

nfot · 07-23-2009, 01:28 PM

I am in Europe, so specs are probably a bit different.

BForbes · 07-23-2009, 02:39 PM

Moving to electronics....

AntonV · 07-23-2009, 06:37 PM

geia sou nikkos.

pou pas stnv ellada?

Avtwvns

x5mad · 07-24-2009, 03:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfot

Hmmm, I haven't ordered the BMW integrated USB port, under the armrest, because I thought it was too expensive. I was asked about $450-500 for the USB port. TOO MUCH IMHO.

Too much? If you do an aftermarket or retro install you will find it will cost more. Plus the USB option is just so much neater.

JimD · 07-24-2009, 06:50 AM

I do not have the USB option either. I want GPS, Bluetooth and a larger source of music than a single CD player. My truck came with a 6 CD changer and that is a lot better but it is also an expensive option for the BMW (at least expensive to me, still adjusting to the BMW scale of pricing). My solution is a Garmin GPS. I've ordered a nuvi 760 which is similar to the BMW Portable Navigation Plus. I am still debating exactly how I will install it. I have the installation kit for the Plus but will probably just use the bracket, possibly some of the wiring. If you are willing to spend on the order of $800 you can have the full BMW system with installation. This gives you all the features I want, Bluetooth phone (you see the phone numbers from your phone on the GPS screen and are alerted to a call on the GPS screen, you can use the built in microphone but I will add a remote mic (for about $15)), MP3 (it takes up to 4 GB SD cards - 20 CDs or so even at maximum fidelity), and Navigation. With a Garmin branded system, I do not think it will be as fully integrated with the vehicle - without dealer reprogramming at least which is required for the BMW system. But I can still have wires that are almost not visible and have Bluetooth, GPS, and MP3. I have done everything but the bluetooth with my nuvi 350 and it worked great. You plug the headphone port into the auxiliary jack of the BMW which puts the navigation instructions and the music into the car speakers. BMW even gives you a volume adjust so you can have the same volume on the radio or CD player and the Navigation unit/MP3/phone.

By using the BMW bracket & wiring + a Garmin 760 GPS, I will spend about $300 to have this capability.

The simpliest/cheapest way to have more music available is just to buy a MP3 player and plug it into the Aux port. Without the USB option you will not see your pick list on the radio display but the sound should be good. You will also run down the batteries on the MP3 eventually.

Jim

nfot · 07-24-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AntonV

geia sou nikkos.

pou pas stnv ellada?

Avtwvns

@ AntonV:
geia soy Avtwvn. Eimai apo Volo. Exo er8ei polles fores HPA, alla pote NY. Thn epomenh fora omws NY, Vegas, California.
Esy apo poy eisai;

nfot · 07-24-2009, 05:36 PM

So, nobody has used - tried - tested
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.ph...&cat=16&page=1

or

http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/index.html

Technic · 07-26-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfot

So, nobody has used - tried - tested
http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.ph...&cat=16&page=1

or

http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/index.html

None of those adapters are compatible with the MOST network BMW's...

nfot · 07-27-2009, 10:59 AM

Why shouldn't they be compatible, since they emulate a BMW cd changer unit?
I am talking about vehicles WITHOUT Navi or iDrive.

Technic · 07-27-2009, 12:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfot

Why shouldn't they be compatible, since they emulate a BMW cd changer unit?
I am talking about vehicles WITHOUT Navi or iDrive.

The 1 Series CD Changer command/control/audio is thru the MOST network, regradless of iDrive. These adapters command and control is thru the old I Bus.

Just don't post incorrect information if you do not know how the CD Changer work to begin with.

nfot · 07-27-2009, 12:21 PM

Well, Mr. Technic, that's what this forum is all about. To learn and exchange knowledge.
And all I did, was to express my query - ignorance about this matter, looking for answers.

Technic · 07-27-2009, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nfot

Well, Mr. Technic, that's what this forum is all about. To learn and exchange knowledge.
And all I did, was to express my query - ignorance about this matter, looking for answers.

No reason to apologize, just to make sure that when you post a link you really read your own link beforehand. In both links there is a compatibility chart, and none of the BMW listed as compatible with those adapters use the MOST network.

The problem with forums is that too many people take as gospel any link posted without paying too much attention to it. So at the end you are going to have quite a few people buying adapters thinking that they will fit in their cars, just because they read it in the Internet.

07-23-2009, 06:43 AM	#1
nfot The Greek connection 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 M sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	USB - SD add on ? Hi everybody, my name is Nick and I am new here. New to BMW also. I have ordered a 135i coupe with the "Professional" head unit. I have also ordered the cd changer wiring installation. I 've been doing some search on USB / SD add ons that plug directly to the cd changer wiring at the boot, but so far I get negative answers. Does anybody have a hint?
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07-23-2009, 07:15 AM	#2
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	Why don't you want the USB port under the arm rest? There is a little pouch for an ipod on the underside of the arm-rest so it would seem to make a nice setup for those who like these things. I am not sure what you are referring to with the SD part. I use SD cards to store music in the form of MP3 files in my Garmin GPS. You can also take SD cards and snap them into a housing that turns them into a flash memory device like you would plug into the USB port of a computer. If you like storing music on SD cards, you should be able to interface with the USB port in the arm-rest by putting them into a housing or if you use a portable GPS, you can also use that as an intermediary device and come in through the aux port. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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07-23-2009, 12:54 PM	#3
aksundog Private First Class 13 Rep 107 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: May 2009 Location: Anchorage, AK iTrader: (1)	I have the same 'Professional' audio system. I put everything I have onto a 8gb USB thumb drive and then plugged it into the port under the armrest. It's awesome. It's very likely that I'll never use the CD player.
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07-23-2009, 01:01 PM	#4
nfot The Greek connection 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 M sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	Hmmm, I haven't ordered the BMW integrated USB port, under the armrest, because I thought it was too expensive. I was asked about $450-500 for the USB port. TOO MUCH IMHO.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

07-23-2009, 01:06 PM	#5
jeremyc74 Banned 76 Rep 5,970 Posts Drives: '08 135i Montego/Terra Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Evansville, IN iTrader: (0)	Welcome. I thought all the Pro head units came with the USB port, but not all came with the iPod support? I may be wrong though, it's been over a year since I ordered my car.
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07-23-2009, 01:28 PM	#6
nfot The Greek connection 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 M sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	I am in Europe, so specs are probably a bit different.
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07-23-2009, 02:39 PM	#7
BForbes Moderator 559 Rep 4,240 Posts Drives: BSM 135i/AW E90 M3 Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Orlando, FL iTrader: (0)	Moving to electronics.... __________________ - 04 Honda S2000(gone)
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07-23-2009, 06:37 PM	#8
AntonV Lieutenant 39 Rep 524 Posts Drives: Sedona/Savanna 135i Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Long Island, NY iTrader: (0)	geia sou nikkos. pou pas stnv ellada? Avtwvns
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07-24-2009, 06:50 AM	#10
JimD Brigadier General 368 Rep 3,547 Posts Drives: 128i convertible Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Lexington, SC iTrader: (0)	I do not have the USB option either. I want GPS, Bluetooth and a larger source of music than a single CD player. My truck came with a 6 CD changer and that is a lot better but it is also an expensive option for the BMW (at least expensive to me, still adjusting to the BMW scale of pricing). My solution is a Garmin GPS. I've ordered a nuvi 760 which is similar to the BMW Portable Navigation Plus. I am still debating exactly how I will install it. I have the installation kit for the Plus but will probably just use the bracket, possibly some of the wiring. If you are willing to spend on the order of $800 you can have the full BMW system with installation. This gives you all the features I want, Bluetooth phone (you see the phone numbers from your phone on the GPS screen and are alerted to a call on the GPS screen, you can use the built in microphone but I will add a remote mic (for about $15)), MP3 (it takes up to 4 GB SD cards - 20 CDs or so even at maximum fidelity), and Navigation. With a Garmin branded system, I do not think it will be as fully integrated with the vehicle - without dealer reprogramming at least which is required for the BMW system. But I can still have wires that are almost not visible and have Bluetooth, GPS, and MP3. I have done everything but the bluetooth with my nuvi 350 and it worked great. You plug the headphone port into the auxiliary jack of the BMW which puts the navigation instructions and the music into the car speakers. BMW even gives you a volume adjust so you can have the same volume on the radio or CD player and the Navigation unit/MP3/phone. By using the BMW bracket & wiring + a Garmin 760 GPS, I will spend about $300 to have this capability. The simpliest/cheapest way to have more music available is just to buy a MP3 player and plug it into the Aux port. Without the USB option you will not see your pick list on the radio display but the sound should be good. You will also run down the batteries on the MP3 eventually. Jim __________________ 128i Convertible, MT, Alpine White, Black Top, Taupe Leatherette, Walnut, Sport Ordered 5/22/09, Completed 6/4/09, At Port 6/9/09, On the Georgia Highway 6/13/09, Ship Arrived Charleston 6/24/09 at 10pm, PCD 7/21/09
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07-24-2009, 05:36 PM	#12
nfot The Greek connection 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 M sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	So, nobody has used - tried - tested http://www.xcarlink.co.uk/product.ph...&cat=16&page=1 or http://gromaudio.com/store/usb_adapters/index.html
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07-27-2009, 10:59 AM	#14
nfot The Greek connection 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 M sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	Why shouldn't they be compatible, since they emulate a BMW cd changer unit? I am talking about vehicles WITHOUT Navi or iDrive.
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07-27-2009, 12:21 PM	#16
nfot The Greek connection 1 Rep 21 Posts Drives: 135 M sport Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Greece iTrader: (0)	Well, Mr. Technic, that's what this forum is all about. To learn and exchange knowledge. And all I did, was to express my query - ignorance about this matter, looking for answers.
	Appreciate 0 Quote