Tech Question about glovebox USB

Ok so I completely forgot to check this out when I was in Europe with my car and it has been driving me crazy. Hopefully someone here can answer the following question...

Is the USB port in the glovebox a powered port. I had been told by someone at BMW that some people had been able to get smaller external hard drives to work with USB power, so I think it is. My goal is to use my mobile hotspot in the car powered via the USB port. Being 4G it dies very quickly and if it can stay powered for all day road trips that would be INCREDIBLE. It will be a hell of a lot cheaper than the BMW version they will push out next year for the same exact technology.

Anyone wanna try and see what they can charge and/or power with that port?

I'm assuming by glovebox you mean center console. The one in there is powered, but it doesn't seem to provide as much current as most USB ports do. For example I have a portable 2.5" hard drive that works with other USB ports, but this one didn't give it enough power. I'd think it would work fine with your portable hot spot though, and certainly any flash memory stick.

If you think about it, all USB ports basically have to be powered, since almost all USB devices expect it.

Originally Posted by E36toF30

I'm assuming by glovebox you mean center console. The one in there is powered, but it doesn't seem to provide as much current as most USB ports do. For example I have a portable 2.5" hard drive that works with other USB ports, but this one didn't give it enough power. I'd think it would work fine with your portable hot spot though, and certainly any flash memory stick.

If you think about it, all USB ports basically have to be powered, since almost all USB devices expect it.

There are two USB ports, one in the glove box and one in the center console. The one in the glove box is for importing/exporting user profiles and music from a flash drive or similar device.

The center console can be used for advanced Office functionality and streaming music.

Originally Posted by MonkeyCMonkeyDo

Ok so I completely forgot to check this out when I was in Europe with my car and it has been driving me crazy. Hopefully someone here can answer the following question...

Is the USB port in the glovebox a powered port. I had been told by someone at BMW that some people had been able to get smaller external hard drives to work with USB power, so I think it is. My goal is to use my mobile hotspot in the car powered via the USB port. Being 4G it dies very quickly and if it can stay powered for all day road trips that would be INCREDIBLE. It will be a hell of a lot cheaper than the BMW version they will push out next year for the same exact technology.

Anyone wanna try and see what they can charge and/or power with that port?

I had similar idea as you but not for a hotspot, rather my car's iPod Touch. I was going to use my iPhone as a hotspot since it supports LTE and doesn't require an additional data plan. What I discovered was that the USB port in the glovebox can't be used for streaming. (not related to your question) but I did not notice if it was charging the iPod. The warning label that plugged the port said to use it only for importing/exporting and I thought I remembered reading in the owners manual that it should not be used as a power port, if a power port is required use the center console.

Have considered a 12v Usb charger? You could plug it in the outlet that is below the glovebox (iirc).
Something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Powerj...sb+car+charger

The reason I am set on the USB port in the glovebox is because that is where the BMW branded hotspot is going to go and I know it has to be powered. Besides the point is to have it completely out of the way and using it with the 12v port means more cables hanging around, more items swishing back and forth in the console, etc.

Also the center console port is for the phone to stream music, charge my phone etc. But a 4G hotspot will allow my son or my wife to play on the iPad, check directions and mail them to the car, stream netflix and TV shows in the car, etc. I just want it out of the way.
http://www.bmwblog.com/2012/07/10/bm...t-to-the-road/

I totally get you. I was just pointing to a possible solution in case the glove box port is not suitable. If it is then the glove box would be the bedt spot.


in that case is there a power outlet in the trunk?maybe putting the hot spot there would keep it out of the way...

Originally Posted by MonkeyCMonkeyDo

The reason I am set on the USB port in the glovebox is because that is where the BMW branded hotspot is going to go and I know it has to be powered. Besides the point is to have it completely out of the way and using it with the 12v port means more cables hanging around, more items swishing back and forth in the console, etc.

Also the center console port is for the phone to stream music, charge my phone etc. But a 4G hotspot will allow my son or my wife to play on the iPad, check directions and mail them to the car, stream netflix and TV shows in the car, etc. I just want it out of the way.

If neither USB port can power your hotspot, fear not. It will cost very little money for any BMW performance shop to splice one off the main power lines up and into the glove box, the trunk, anywhere you want it.

Couple hundred bucks, that's it.

BJ

Originally Posted by thegandalf

I totally get you. I was just pointing to a possible solution in case the glove box port is not suitable. If it is then the glove box would be the bedt spot.


in that case is there a power outlet in the trunk?maybe putting the hot spot there would keep it out of the way...

There is a power outlet in the trunk on the left side.

I just tried mine.

My glove box USB port will charge an iPod nano, but it will not power a 2.5" USB HD.

You're just going to have to experiment with your device. It will all depend on how much current it is requesting from the USB port.

I just picked up my f30 today and I happen to have a 4g LTE hotspot that I was planning to leave in the car also. I'll try it out and get back to you Monkey.

Originally Posted by FrogmanF30

I just tried mine.

My glove box USB port will charge an iPod nano, but it will not power a 2.5" USB HD.

You're just going to have to experiment with your device. It will all depend on how much current it is requesting from the USB port.

That was my guess. Good to know.

Cbinc-
Fingers crossed.

all USB ports are "powered"... the question is how much electrical current (amperage) it can provide.

If the hotspot runs from its internal battery, and USB just charges the battery, it should work with a regular low amperage port.

Sounds like that could be the case..

The hotspot additionally comes with a built-in battery pack and antennae, allowing portable use for up to 30 minutes outside the vehicle without an external power supply. A standard USB power supply unit even enables fully autonomous use without the need for either vehicle or battery.

Originally Posted by MonkeyCMonkeyDo

That was my guess. Good to know.

Cbinc-
Fingers crossed.

Ok so I completely drained the battery in my samsung hotspot from Verizon and then plugged it into the glove compartments USB port and it did not power up at all. It usually instantaneous when I connect it to a desktop. Anyway, I let it sit in the glovebox (connected) for about 10 mins and when I came back the hotspot was powered on. So to answer your question; yes, the USB will power a hotspot device.

Now I'm trying my Android tablet, after that my iPad.

Originally Posted by Cbinc

Ok so I completely drained the battery in my samsung hotspot from Verizon and then plugged it into the glove compartments USB port and it did not power up at all. It usually instantaneous when I connect it to a desktop. Anyway, I let it sit in the glovebox (connected) for about 10 mins and when I came back the hotspot was powered on. So to answer your question; yes, the USB will power a hotspot device.

Now I'm trying my Android tablet, after that my iPad.

I am guessing the babiest of trickle charges when the two tablets are in sleep mode. It is however good news that it should maintain the hotspot charge.

Be aware that a fully drained device might not be able to "trigger" a charge, whereas something that is, say, 40% charged -will- be able to pull enough charge to either keep the device running, or maybe even charge it. I found this out the hard way when I let a device get down to 5% before I plugged it in to an external battery. It did not take a charge. Later, after fully charging from a wall charger, I ran it down to 40%, and plugged it in to my battery, and it took the charge as expected.

Checking in on this thread for a friend.

He just picked up his F30 last night and is wondering if anyone was able to get an iPhone 5 to work as a hotspot and have an iPod Touch docked in the USB port able to run BMW apps, Pandora, etc

He wants to get text message alerts by having his iPhone on Bluetooth but yet still be able to use Pandora, Facebook, etc. via the docked iPod. Anyone succeed with something similar?

BJ

I can charge an iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 from the glove box USB port, I have confirmed this.

Originally Posted by golovko

I can charge an iPhone 4s and iPhone 5 from the glove box USB port, I have confirmed this.

Cool.

Were you able to use an iPhone as a hotspot and have an iPod touch run data off of that to support BMW apps?

BJ

Originally Posted by boltjaM3s

Cool.

Were you able to use an iPhone as a hotspot and have an iPod touch run data off of that to support BMW apps?

BJ

I haven't tried this because I have an unlimited plan that I do not want to break to add hotspot (on AT&T). If they enabled hotspot on the iPad LTE then I would but AT&T is also blocking this.

From a technical point of view I see no reason why this would not work. The required apps run on the iPod Touch and having an internet connection is required. A hotspot would work no different then coming into range of your homes wifi. For the short time where your iPod has not auto discovered your hotspot when its in range it would be no different then using your iPhone for BMW apps and driving through a dead spot with no service.

I apologize if this may seem like a simple question, but I have been out of the country for a year, and I am not spun up on a lot of things that have changed. My 335i is supposed to be delivered in about two weeks and I am trying to understand a few things. I did not order BMW apps or Nav, but I am really only interested in being able to stream music from my cellphone using Pandora to the car. Is an iPhone 5 able to do this (I don't actually have a phone yet, so I would get an android phone if Apple can't)? Can I get a 4g hotspot, plug it into the glovebox, and run my tablet in the car as well? Thanks.

Originally Posted by golovko

I haven't tried this because I have an unlimited plan that I do not want to break to add hotspot (on AT&T). If they enabled hotspot on the iPad LTE then I would but AT&T is also blocking this.

From a technical point of view I see no reason why this would not work. The required apps run on the iPod Touch and having an internet connection is required. A hotspot would work no different then coming into range of your homes wifi. For the short time where your iPod has not auto discovered your hotspot when its in range it would be no different then using your iPhone for BMW apps and driving through a dead spot with no service.

My friend got this to work today. Has his iPhone 5 as a hotspot, connected his iPod Touch via USB, apps are all working, can get text alerts via Bluetooth.

Added bonus, his kids use the hotspot on their iPads in the back seat.

BJ

Originally Posted by bmmcgraw

I apologize if this may seem like a simple question, but I have been out of the country for a year, and I am not spun up on a lot of things that have changed. My 335i is supposed to be delivered in about two weeks and I am trying to understand a few things. I did not order BMW apps or Nav, but I am really only interested in being able to stream music from my cellphone using Pandora to the car. Is an iPhone 5 able to do this (I don't actually have a phone yet, so I would get an android phone if Apple can't)? Can I get a 4g hotspot, plug it into the glovebox, and run my tablet in the car as well? Thanks.

First off, welcome aboard.

There is an option called BMW Assist With Enhanced Bluetooth and USB. In order to stream via Bluetooth, you must have this option on the car. You will be able to USB connect your iPhone to the car via the "Y" cable and listen to Pandora that way.

BJ

Okay, thanks. That answers a few questions, I didn't know the iPhone 5 could become a 4g hotspot and Y cable it is then.