USB Key port not picking up device

c416 · 04-10-2012, 09:18 AM

HI,
anyone experienced this or know what's going on?

The USB key reader located in the arm rest cabin has always been iffy. Sometimes it doesn't read the key when i remove and re-insert it after adding more songs. Most times it reads it, but after I've formatted the key with my mac, it won't pick up the usb key at all.
I've tried the following file format at no success
- FAT32
- EXFAT
- varied Mac file formats

Any help? maybe my USB port is wonky and needs to be replaced.

I'll try another USB key tonight.

summall · 04-10-2012, 10:40 AM

Pls try another USB key and see what happened. BTW, do you plug your USB directly into the slot or you use an extension cable? I never have any problems with mine (patriot xporter)

BRAISKI · 04-10-2012, 11:04 AM

You should use the USB that is in the glove compartment, I "think" that the port in the arm rest is for iPod or USB players.

c416 · 04-10-2012, 12:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

You should use the USB that is in the glove compartment, I "think" that the port in the arm rest is for iPod or USB players.

There's a USB port there? WOW, never knew. will check out

MrPig · 04-10-2012, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BRAISKI

You should use the USB that is in the glove compartment, I "think" that the port in the arm rest is for iPod or USB players.

This. My gf's mp3 player (that acts as a PnP USB key as well) acts funky when we use the arm rest USB port but it works flawlessly when we use the glove box port.

assclown · 04-10-2012, 02:01 PM

For non-I-Drive cars I don't believe there is a USB port in the glove box.. but I will double check.

Chris@codemybimmer · 04-10-2012, 04:56 PM

the second usb port is only for idrive

is your usb port charging? mine wont read my usb drive drives cause it doesnt have power coming out of it
when i plug my phone in it shows charging but after an hour drive the battery does not go up..

c416 · 04-10-2012, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1lyfe

the second usb port is only for idrive

is your usb port charging? mine wont read my usb drive drives cause it doesnt have power coming out of it
when i plug my phone in it shows charging but after an hour drive the battery does not go up..

i will have to give that a try!

Auto Pilot · 04-11-2012, 12:53 PM

I use the USB in the arm rest to play tunes on my memory stick. It's my understanding that If you use the USB connection in the glove box it works differently. It's in the manual. Something about how it does or doesn't display in the idrive

summall · 04-11-2012, 01:28 PM

For cars with iDrive, I believe the USB port inside the glove box is meant to be used to transfer files to iDrive only. The USB port inside the armrest is the one to use to play MP3s directly.

c416 · 04-11-2012, 02:37 PM

So my other USB key works, now when i get home, i'll check out what file format the it is so i can format the one not working to the same.

For those with Mac and PC machines and share USB keys b/t them, this would be of interest LOL

Chris@codemybimmer · 04-11-2012, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacewong

So my other USB key works, now when i get home, i'll check out what file format the it is so i can format the one not working to the same.

For those with Mac and PC machines and share USB keys b/t them, this would be of interest LOL

fat32 is universal file format between mac and pc

TOPEC · 04-11-2012, 11:51 PM

1. what kind of usb r u using? brand and model, cause SOME thin design usb dont have the metal on the outside, thus u can actually plug it in backwards.

2. to the person saying the phone wont charge, remember usb only outputs 5V, so itll take a long time to charge any device compared to the wall outlet.

c416 · 04-12-2012, 08:01 AM

I believe the key is kingston 8GIG. Im at work right now, so i can't be sure, but yes, you can physically push the key in both ways, but only one way will yield the LED light to flash, as to indicate power to the device.

So the key works now, but only after i've tried another key inwhich i have not done any fancy formatting to.
- The format is indeed the FAT32
After having the 2nd key work, i've immeidately plugged the problem key and only then did it work.

Weirrrd.

04-10-2012, 09:18 AM	#1
c416 Private First Class 18 Rep 176 Posts Drives: e92 328i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: markham iTrader: (0)	USB Key port not picking up device HI, anyone experienced this or know what's going on? The USB key reader located in the arm rest cabin has always been iffy. Sometimes it doesn't read the key when i remove and re-insert it after adding more songs. Most times it reads it, but after I've formatted the key with my mac, it won't pick up the usb key at all. I've tried the following file format at no success - FAT32 - EXFAT - varied Mac file formats Any help? maybe my USB port is wonky and needs to be replaced. I'll try another USB key tonight.
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

04-10-2012, 10:40 AM	#2
summall Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 228 Posts Drives: BMW E90 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	Pls try another USB key and see what happened. BTW, do you plug your USB directly into the slot or you use an extension cable? I never have any problems with mine (patriot xporter)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2012, 11:04 AM	#3
BRAISKI Colonel 135 Rep 2,517 Posts Drives: '11 335xi e92 M-Pak Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: GTA/KW, Canada iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW 335xi [7.00]	You should use the USB that is in the glove compartment, I "think" that the port in the arm rest is for iPod or USB players. __________________ My 2011 ED @ BMW Welt, one of the best days of my life! Full front PPF!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2012, 02:01 PM	#6
assclown The Main Act 22 Rep 126 Posts Drives: e92 335xi Join Date: Nov 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (2)	For non-I-Drive cars I don't believe there is a USB port in the glove box.. but I will double check.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-10-2012, 04:56 PM	#7
Chris@codemybimmer 171 Rep 1,397 Posts Drives: AW F30 328i Xdrive Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Toronto iTrader: (1)	the second usb port is only for idrive is your usb port charging? mine wont read my usb drive drives cause it doesnt have power coming out of it when i plug my phone in it shows charging but after an hour drive the battery does not go up..
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2012, 12:53 PM	#9
Auto Pilot First Lieutenant 10 Rep 303 Posts Drives: 2011 SG CR 335xi e92, M-Sport Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: GTA, Ontario iTrader: (0)	I use the USB in the arm rest to play tunes on my memory stick. It's my understanding that If you use the USB connection in the glove box it works differently. It's in the manual. Something about how it does or doesn't display in the idrive __________________ Black Grill, M3 Lip Spoiler (body colour), Black OEM M359 Wheels, Michelin Super Sport
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2012, 01:28 PM	#10
summall Second Lieutenant 10 Rep 228 Posts Drives: BMW E90 Join Date: Dec 2011 Location: Ontario iTrader: (0)	For cars with iDrive, I believe the USB port inside the glove box is meant to be used to transfer files to iDrive only. The USB port inside the armrest is the one to use to play MP3s directly.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2012, 02:37 PM	#11
c416 Private First Class 18 Rep 176 Posts Drives: e92 328i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: markham iTrader: (0)	So my other USB key works, now when i get home, i'll check out what file format the it is so i can format the one not working to the same. For those with Mac and PC machines and share USB keys b/t them, this would be of interest LOL
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-11-2012, 11:51 PM	#13
TOPEC <3 Flat Four 217 Rep 754 Posts Drives: 335is LM Blue Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Richmond B.C. iTrader: (0)	1. what kind of usb r u using? brand and model, cause SOME thin design usb dont have the metal on the outside, thus u can actually plug it in backwards. 2. to the person saying the phone wont charge, remember usb only outputs 5V, so itll take a long time to charge any device compared to the wall outlet. __________________ 2011 335is Le Mans Blue 2016 X5 xdrive 35i Alpine White
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-12-2012, 08:01 AM	#14
c416 Private First Class 18 Rep 176 Posts Drives: e92 328i Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: markham iTrader: (0)	I believe the key is kingston 8GIG. Im at work right now, so i can't be sure, but yes, you can physically push the key in both ways, but only one way will yield the LED light to flash, as to indicate power to the device. So the key works now, but only after i've tried another key inwhich i have not done any fancy formatting to. - The format is indeed the FAT32 After having the 2nd key work, i've immeidately plugged the problem key and only then did it work. Weirrrd.
	Appreciate 0 Quote