Missing USB

[Blurredman]

I've had my E89 for a week and loving it, but have an unresolved mystery. I have the non-iDrive audio (no screen, just head unit). I found the USB socket in the centre console, but according to the head unit display there are 2 USB inputs. I read somewhere that there should be another USB socket in the glovebox, but can't see one there. Is there really only the one?

[B21]

The usb in the glovebox was for idrive updates..no idrive no usb in the glove box…AFAIK

[Blurredman]

Ah, thanks. I guess the 2nd USB button on the head unit is redundant then. Pity!

[Marcoose]

OP, I know a guy, that for a mere freshly cut bale of hay, will strip your whole dashboard, install an extra USB, and throw in a new digital odometer. Just say the word.

[AnubisZed]

I've had my E89 for a week and loving it, but have an unresolved mystery. I have the non-iDrive audio (no screen, just head unit). I found the USB socket in the centre console, but according to the head unit display there are 2 USB inputs. I read somewhere that there should be another USB socket in the glovebox, but can't see one there. Is there really only the one?

Hmmm interesting.
Firstly, a photo is required
Secondly I've an idea, do you have a snap-in phone cradle? If yes, then this could be what the second USB is for.

[Blurredman]

Hopefully I've uploaded the photo correctly...
I don't have anything plugged into the centre console USB port, I usually connect my iPhone and then it shows up on the first USB as 'iPod'. As you can see, USB2 is expecting something to be inserted but I have no idea where it things I should insert it to

[Blurredman]

Oh and yes, I do have a snap in phone socket that has nothing connected to it. As you say, maybe that is where it thinks USB2 is?

[AnubisZed]

Never seen a full deck before. I've seen it with the iDrive where it states a USB position when you have the phone cradle, hence my thought on that.
The problem these days is that phones have got so big it makes the snap-in adaptor useless. You can get some that have the flying lead to plug in your phone (iPhone and micro USB) but they are still limited in size. You can get one that does wireless charging but again size is an issue.

[Kevin]

I've blanked my phone cradle off with the official plastic blank. I have the USB port in the console (two IIRC?), so I connect the phone to that with a cable. I then have a reasonable hidden place to store my phone while it is charging (you gain the space that is taken up by the cradle insert). The phone then connects to the head unit by bluetooth IIRC. I use the second USB slot for a USB stick that has my music collection (either 128GB or 256GB). This seems to work well for me. But you do need the right combination of options - I find the BMW option list to be baffling!