[aquaanox]

Originally Posted by Ron1n

FYI, just went to the dealership and tried out the part # labeled 440 812 (purportedly a new cable).

This cable still does not charge the 3GS, and there is a simple reason for this: while the part # on the packaging has changed, the part # on the cable itself has not. It is still 440 796.

Do not waste your time going to the dealership to try out this 'new' cable.

hmm.. yeah i have both the 3g with software 3.0 and 3gs with 3.1.2
this is a 2010 335.. 3g charges with 6fl Y cable, and 3gs does not.

[Brad427435]

I have a 2007 335i that came with the iPod adapter and Y cable (no iDrive). My first 3GS iPhone worked most of the time with the cable (it failed to charge now and them , at totally random times), but my second 3GS only worked once or twice then never charged the phone again..

If you go to eBay and search for "iPhone iPod Nano Touch Charging Converter 12v to 5v dc" you'll see what I bought that totally fixed my problem. Music, phone, and charging all work perfectly now.

I think this is the same adapter that shows up in a few different posts with different names. From the look of it the Monoprice cable would also work. I liked the adapter because it also gives me the option to use an ancient iPod charger to charge my iPhone if needed.

[DigitalDawn]

Is this product different from the CableJive? I tried that one (not the kit) and it didn't work.

[aquaanox]

Originally Posted by Brad427435

I have a 2007 335i that came with the iPod adapter and Y cable (no iDrive). My first 3GS iPhone worked most of the time with the cable (it failed to charge now and them , at totally random times), but my second 3GS only worked once or twice then never charged the phone again..

If you go to eBay and search for "iPhone iPod Nano Touch Charging Converter 12v to 5v dc" you'll see what I bought that totally fixed my problem. Music, phone, and charging all work perfectly now.

I think this is the same adapter that shows up in a few different posts with different names. From the look of it the Monoprice cable would also work. I liked the adapter because it also gives me the option to use an ancient iPod charger to charge my iPhone if needed.

looks like there are quite a few options when you search for 12v to 5v Iphone on ebay.. thanks for the tip. Anyone else tried this ?

[LarrySinNJ]

I can confirm that the Monoprice cable ( item# 6226) does not charge the USB charging iPods/iPhones.

[revlimit]

I second that, the monoprice cable doesn't charge the iphone.

[akwoo]

This sounds like it will do the trick
Cable
http://shop.ebay.com/370296051996
12v to 5v convertor with same shop
http://shop.ebay.com/320414193070

[Kloogy]

Originally Posted by akwoo

This sounds like it will do the trick
Cable
http://shop.ebay.com/370296051996
12v to 5v convertor with same shop
http://shop.ebay.com/320414193070

I bought that convertor and it works in my Mustang but not in the E92.

[eagle11401]

Originally Posted by Lrscpa

I can confirm that the Monoprice cable ( item# 6226) does not charge the USB charging iPods/iPhones.

This is a little misleading, it doesn't charge the phone with the BMW USB port as it does not have a converter built into the cable. It will charge the phone if you have it plugged into a proper 5v source/adapter. As a note, just because your car has a USB port doesn't mean it's the proper voltage to charge.

[revlimit]

The original Iphone cable will charge my iphone from the BMW USB port.

[eagle11401]

Originally Posted by revlimit

The original Iphone cable will charge my Iphone from the BMW USB port.

From my understanding the original Ipods charged using fire-wire (12v) so the cables were designed that way. At some point apple decided to change the Ipods to charge off of USB or fire-wire, then they just dropped fire-wire all together in favor of USB (5v I believe.). This is why the newer cables don't charge using a direct 12v source (since the newer Ipods charge using USB only) so you need a converter of some sort. Technically you could take apart the cable and move the pins around and get a new cable to work on an older ipod but the newer Ipods and 3G/3GS Iphones are not designed to charge off of 12v at all. Feel free to correct me if anyone knows otherwise, I'm running off of memory here.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by eagle11401

From my understanding the original Ipods charged using fire-wire (12v) so the cables were designed that way. At some point apple decided to change the Ipods to charge off of USB or fire-wire, then they just dropped fire-wire all together in favor of USB (5v I believe.). This is why the newer cables don't charge using a direct 12v source (since the newer Ipods charge using USB only) so you need a converter of some sort. Technically you could take apart the cable and move the pins around and get a new cable to work on an older ipod but the newer Ipods and 3G/3GS Iphones are not designed to charge off of 12v at all. Feel free to correct me if anyone knows otherwise, I'm running off of memory here.

You sir are correct.

[Vypurr]

Has BMW come out with a new replacement cable for the iPhone 3GS?

I'm getting ready to order the Y cable & converter off of ebay, but wanted to check one last time if anyone knows if there's a new cable out??

[BrianB496]

Originally Posted by mjkrooker

For the record, this is incorrect. I helped in the design of the CableJive charge converter.

The CableJive charge converter has complex circuitry that not only steps down the 12V power to USB 5V, it also has a voltage regulator to make sure that it will never put out more than 5V, even if the accessory is pumping 13V, 14V or more on the firewire pin. The circuitry also has a USB controller so when attaching a USB-only iPhone or iPod to a firewire-only device the iPhone or iPod will get properly connected.

http://www.cablejive.com/products/Charge-Converter.html

Doesn't always guarantee the charge converter will work, some automobiles output 12V power at a low enough amperage that when converting to USB it gets the 5V right on the nose doesn't have 500 mA.

We've had a lot of BMW Y-cable customers have success with a car kit we put together that lets you infuse some extra power into the iPod or iPhone:

http://www.cablejive.com/products/Car-Charge-Kit.html

I was wondering if using one of the low profile cig-lighter/USB plugs, with a USB>Mini USB cable into the "Dockstubz" product would help with charging problems. The mini USB charger included with the car kit above looks way too big to be able to plug into the center console cig lighter port and still have the armrest close.

Is anyone using this combo?

Thanks,
Brian

[JimVR4]

I've been searching for solutions to the 3GS charging issue. I found that my 3GS would charge whenever the interface would stay active which was intermittent. I believe this is because the 3GS is drawing around the limit of the power that the 6FL interface can provide (I have a 2009 328i with factory 6FL). I found that when extending the interface by 6 feet, I starting getting a "charging not supported" message on the iPhone lock screen all the time. It appears the interface is no longer intermittent though.

I have a CableJive car charge kit on order. I believe the dock extension is not sufficient for the older cars because while the extended provides a 12V/5V converter, the BMW Y cable does not provide a 12V source to the 30 pin dock connection. I know there is a circuit card embedded in the Y cable but I believe it does not include a 5V to 12V converter. So, I believe the micro USB is necessary as it allows a 12V source to be applied to the DockStubz which in turn generates a more powerful 5V output suitable for charging.

[1QuikWS6]

The new 3G & 4 iPhones require a higher charging rate than the older versions - therefore the old SA 6FL cable plugged into the ports will not adequately charge them as system was designed for the lower charging rates.

BMW has just released it's own new 'piggyback' cable that you use in addition to the 6FL cable to correctly charge the 3G & 4. It adds a seperate line that plugs into a power outlet in addition to the existing jacks that the 6FL cable uses...

But, as always, since the intials 'BMW' are in the part description - it ain't cheap


The new cable (#61122167663) can be found for cheapest ($85 on sale ) here @ Tischer:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462


They also have a new BMW USB Charger unit that plugs into power outlet and converts to USB (#65412166411) found at Tischer on sale for $19.05 which is more realistic pricing.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462


Here's Tischer main FS thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=624724

Someone needs to contact Evan @ Tischer and check to see why we couldn't use the cheaper USB Charger unit, in conjunction with the 6FL cable to do same thing as the expensive piggyback cable (this of course, would mean that the factory power outlets output high enough on their own without a step up).

Or possibly Grant @ DetailAddict knows a way of coding the existing 6FL circuit to output the correct higher rate?

Where are ya Grant?

[JimVR4]

Thanks, I thought I had seen that cable somewhere in my searches but could not find it again

I'm probably going to end up with a home grown final solution as I want the cabling completely hidden. I'm going to extract the 12V to 5V regulator from the cable jive charger and solder it in underneath the console floor where you can access the connections.

I've already re-routed the USB/Aux connections underneath the console floor and a 30 pin dock cable extender up to the dash where I have a Brodit Pro-Clip mounted to hold the iPhone in a powered cradle. Everything is perfect except the charging aspect.

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

The new 3G & 4 iPhones require a higher charging rate than the older versions - therefore the old SA 6FL cable plugged into the ports will not adequately charge them as system was designed for the lower charging rates.

BMW has just released it's own new 'piggyback' cable that you use in addition to the 6FL cable to correctly charge the 3G & 4. It adds a seperate line that plugs into a power outlet in addition to the existing jacks that the 6FL cable uses...

But, as always, since the intials 'BMW' are in the part description - it ain't cheap


The new cable (#61122167663) can be found for cheapest ($85 on sale ) here @ Tischer:

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462


They also have a new BMW USB Charger unit that plugs into power outlet and converts to USB (#65412166411) found at Tischer on sale for $19.05 which is more realistic pricing.

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...catalogid=4462


Here's Tischer main FS thread:

http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=624724

Someone needs to contact Evan @ Tischer and check to see why we couldn't use the cheaper USB Charger unit, in conjunction with the 6FL cable to do same thing as the expensive piggyback cable (this of course, would mean that the factory power outlets output high enough on their own without a step up).

Or possibly Grant @ DetailAddict knows a way of coding the existing 6FL circuit to output the correct higher rate?

Where are ya Grant?

More on this subject. Text of SIB 62 26 09

*******>********>*******>********>*******>******** >
SI B 65 26 09
Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRS September 2009
Technical Service

SUBJECT
iPhone Doesn't Charge When Connected To The USB Audio Interface
MODEL
All models with factory-equipped USB Audio Interface (option 6FL)
SITUATION
The iPhone 3G and 3GS do not charge when connected to the USB audio interface via the Y-cable. The following two messages can be displayed on the iPhone 3GS screen:

* "THIS ACCESSORY IS NOT MADE TO WORK WITH iPHONE" (When a iPhone 3GS is connected via the Y-cable to the USB audio interface).
* "CHARGING IS NOT SUPPORTED WITH THIS ACCESSORY" (If a iPhone 3GS is connected via an aftermarket USB cable to the USB audio interface, but only to the USB connector).

CAUSE
The iPhone 3G and 3GS are not compatible for charging through the USB audio interface.
INFORMATION
Do not replace parts.Inform the customer that Apple introduced a new charging protocol with the iPhone 3G and 3GS. As a result, the devices will not charge through the USB audio interface.
WARRANTY INFORMATION
For information only

This was posted on 5/20/10 here:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=441534&page=2

You would think the SIB would be updated or superceded now that there is a new cable offered that supports the charging. At least the SA should be able to point you to an option to purchase the new cable

[1QuikWS6]

Originally Posted by JimVR4

More on this subject. Text of SIB 62 26 09



This was posted on 5/20/10 here:
http://www.bimmerfest.com/forums/sho...=441534&page=2

You would think the SIB would be updated or superceded now that there is a new cable offered that supports the charging. At least the SA should be able to point you to an option to purchase the new cable

I find that quite often the SA doesn't know jack shit about SIB's - I come in with a problem, tell him there is an SIB, he states 'never heard of it' looks it up and 'well I'll be darned, there is one'

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by JimVR4

Thanks, I thought I had seen that cable somewhere in my searches but could not find it again

I'm probably going to end up with a home grown final solution as I want the cabling completely hidden. I'm going to extract the 12V to 5V regulator from the cable jive charger and solder it in underneath the console floor where you can access the connections.

I've already re-routed the USB/Aux connections underneath the console floor and a 30 pin dock cable extender up to the dash where I have a Brodit Pro-Clip mounted to hold the iPhone in a powered cradle. Everything is perfect except the charging aspect.

I do have my setup working fully now with charging. I had to add the Cable Jive Charging kit which includes the Dockstubz connector and the micro USB charger. I did cut the charger housing in half and directly soldered the 12V and Gnd connections underneath the armrest. All the cabling is completely hidden except the part that connects to the dock.