FYI- This mod is “plug and play” if you have data in the armrest- all you’ll need to do is remove the forward trim piece in the armrest and swap out the usb-c modules.

if you don’t care about data, and don’t have it in the armrest, but do want to have an additional usb-c port in the armrest, you could do the same swap out using a second “back seat” double usb-c port.

someone will probably ask- the overall circuit that the armrest and back seat use is protected by a 10A fuse located in the forward passenger footwell fuse box- so even if you do plug in “too many,” a quick fuse replacement will get you back up and running.

fwiw- the double data port usb-c draws about 2.2 amps when charging an iPhone according to my tester

I have not tested the circuit with 4 iPhones charging simultaneously.

 

I use the wireless charging below the dash.

 

someone will probably ask- the overall circuit that the armrest and back seat use is protected by a 10A fuse located in the forward passenger footwell fuse box- so even if you do plug in “too many,” a quick fuse replacement will get you back up and running.

fwiw- the double data port usb-c draws about 2.2 amps when charging an iPhone according to my tester

I think you'll be pretty safe.

USB ports in the BMW are 'dumb' chargers so are never going to exceed that 2.2 amps @ 5V so only a maximum of 11W per port (I've only managed a max of 8W). That 10A fuse is on a 12V circuit so good for 120W.

 

FYI- This mod is “plug and play” if you have data in the armrest- all you’ll need to do is remove the forward trim piece in the armrest and swap out the usb-c modules.

if you don’t care about data, and don’t have it in the armrest, but do want to have an additional usb-c port in the armrest, you could do the same swap out using a second “back seat” double usb-c port.

I think you'll be pretty safe.

USB ports in the BMW are 'dumb' chargers so are never going to exceed that 2.2 amps @ 5V so only a maximum of 11W per port (I've only managed a max of 8W). That 10A fuse is on a 12V circuit so good for 120W.

using my tester- this u11 port has pushed ~12W to my iPhone 15. That all checks- but you never know what people could be doing to this wiring, hence my disclaimer 😂

 

Great mod! Adding this to my mod-list. Can you provide a picture of the meny where you choose USB? My i4 did not have, but have already bought Fakra-cable to start the retrofit.

 

Sure- here’s where you select the usb drive… also- added part number to the first post.

 

Sure- here’s where you select the usb drive… also- added part number to the first post.

Thanks! It will be great with ottocast or similar.

I'm pretty sure that all i4s have a data port and that menu option. It is just that the only one on most cars is the USB-A port by the cupholders.

Yes, I know, but haven't seen the menu as I don't have USB-A equipments.

 

Thanks! It will be great with ottocast or similar.



Yes, I know, but haven't seen the menu as I don't have USB-A equipments.

Just need a 1m HDS cable from the MGU to the dual port.

 

Never thought that it would only appear if you had a data source connected!

 

 

this is my mod- I’ve added the (since deleted) multimedia hub. I plugged the FAKRA from the HU into the hub, then sourced 2 additional FAKRAs- and ran them to the usb-A and double-usb-c. The hub is basically a “network router” to the HU- so it retains all the ports data and charging functionality. Notice on the idrive screen- I’ve got 2 usb sticks plugged in, and idrive allows me to select whichever one I want to play music from. I don’t have a second usb-C memory stick, or I’d show you what three looks like on idrive 😂

 

Looks great. What happens if you going into Spotify or other things with your iPhone (I see that you have the cable connected). Will it make the third option or is it the same icon as shown?

 

It makes more options on the menu.. the menu continues to grow based on what sources are available. It shrinks if a source is removed.

 

Thanks! Ill see if I can do the retrofit at thursday.

 

I did the retrofit today. Everything works fine!