usb connector question

[mugennosora]

I am just wondering if anyone ever used a usb hub to connect their ipod and charge their phone at the same time?

[1Ronnie]

We did run through this a while back. While in theory it could work there are a couple of gotchas.

First the HU does not recognize hubs, so the iPod won't appear.

And second, as squeak says, you may exceed the maximum draw of the USB port. Now I have seriously exceeded the operating specs of the USB port in the past, the USB port died, I locked the car, left it until the car went to sleep, restarted it, and it returned ... but I'm not going to try that again !!

[Lester]

You can get a usb phone charger that plugs into the lighter/power socket. Check on eBay or at your local wireless phone retailer or Circuit City.

[M_Anthony]

Originally Posted by 1Ronnie

We did run through this a while back. While in theory it could work there are a couple of gotchas.

First the HU does not recognize hubs, so the iPod won't appear.

And second, as squeak says, you may exceed the maximum draw of the USB port. Now I have seriously exceeded the operating specs of the USB port in the past, the USB port died, I locked the car, left it until the car went to sleep, restarted it, and it returned ... but I'm not going to try that again !!

Sorry to bump an old thread, but on the 2011+ 1 series, the HU will recognize a hub. I have one in the car right now, it will charge my phone (Android, HTC Incredible) and play my iPod through the HU at the same time.

Max draw on the BMW USB port is, if I recall correctly, only 300 mA, which means if you're using a bus-powered USB hub, you shouldn't plug in more than 3 total devices, 100 mA per port. Either buy a 2 port hub or a 4 and leave one unplugged. Also, disable the status LED if possible, so it's not drawing power for that with the car turned off.