[sds0918]

I have a 2015 M235xi and was wondering if anyone has seen any good Qi charging alternatives or retrofits. I ask because the iPhone X coming l want to be able to wirelessly charge in my car.

[InTheSound]

Yes, would be nice to find an integrated solution that looks OEM!

[idc]

Not OEM looking, but excellent if you're using Waze, I am very happy with this, more so that an OEM integrated solution:

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I ran a USB wire through the dashboard, by the front vent, no wires visible at all, using a voltage regulator powered from the cigarette lighter, very straightforward install, works great with a Samsung Edge Plus 7. Very convenient to just enter the car, easily stick the phone on the magnetic charger and unlock with the fingerprint. I installed a macro app that automatically starts up Waze when connected to BT and charging. I started ignoring the in-car navi, since Waze works better.

[sds0918]

This certainly is a great alternative. I’d rather have some kind of mat that I can keep in the center console and possibly power it through the USB port in there. Maybe that is too wishful of thinking haha

[snaketh]

BMW DIY Guy on youtube does a vid of adding Qi charging to his 4.

I ordered the same pad and will be installing as soon as the item becomes available.

I can post here and let you guys know how I get on.

[sds0918]

oh boy, that's an awesome alternative.
definitely let us know how it goes. I might do the same.

[SteveAustin]

You think they could just make a snap in adapter for the older models that provides wireless charging. How hard would that be?? The idea of an actual phone dock is so dated and the damn things hog a log of space. I've also seen a write up that detailed removal of the dock in its entirety and put the OEM rubber mat down to provide some real storage. Maybe BMW will make a dock for wireless charging for the 2014-2016 models.

[The Ching]

Originally Posted by SteveAustin

You think they could just make a snap in adapter for the older models that provides wireless charging. How hard would that be?? The idea of an actual phone dock is so dated and the damn things hog a log of space. I've also seen a write up that detailed removal of the dock in its entirety and put the OEM rubber mat down to provide some real storage. Maybe BMW will make a dock for wireless charging for the 2014-2016 models.

Your wish has been granted for a bit over $200

[SteveAustin]

I think it requires SA6NW option code (which is the baseplate piece). I don't know for sure but I think it only works with 2016+ models. I could be wrong. I think it's going to require installation like this:

[snaketh]

I installed my Qi charging pad this afternoon in my 2er. The vid I posted earlier was very helpful. Few things I noticed:

1) The rear vent was a bitch to remove. Trim tools were essential. You want to start at the top, there's two large tabs near where the armwrest hinges.

2) You don't need to remove the inner vent tube like the guy does in the vid

3) Make sure the wire taps connect to the metal of the wire. I have to remove the taps and re-seat them.


Charger works a treat. Tested on my shitty Android phone. Just gotta be patient for that iPhone X

[sds0918]

Great advice.

I have a funny question... Is it not possible to just get a Qi charging pad and plug it in to the USB port in the center console? Would this not work as opposed to hardwiring it in?

[snaketh]

Originally Posted by sds0918

Great advice.

I have a funny question... Is it not possible to just get a Qi charging pad and plug it in to the USB port in the center console? Would this not work as opposed to hardwiring it in?

Yeh you could do that but the pad might not fit nice and snug and your phone could slide off easily. For $50 you get a pad that fits nicely under the rubber mat, without tying up that USB port. Install really isn't that bad. Remove 1 trim piece and tap the wires.

I just wish I had a 2017 or 2018 2er so I could do wireless charging and wireless carplay.

[BEM-S4]

Just ordered this on eBay, chose this one because with micro USB I can just plug it in vs tapping wiring. I already have a USB hub in armrest. Will keep you guys posted.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/3-Coils-Qi-W...72.m2749.l2649

[jmwilson125]

I tried wireless a while back but no good chargers available then

[bmtespar]

I’m curious if anyone has done any further work on installing a wireless charger in their f22/f33. I see on eBay there is a unit that uses the storage tray in front of the cup holders and I’m wondering if this is the same size as the one in our cars. I’ve reached out to the seller to try to get confirmation on size. I

I like the idea of wireless charging, I have it in my x3 and like being able to take my phone out and plop it down to charge. However I do not like the oem offered charging solution in the center console having to wrench you body around and open the console each time.

https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?m...2F202630381377

[bmtespar]

I found this one made for the f22/f23. I’ll be installing soon and will share an update.

[JohnnyCanuck]

bmtespar Looking forward to your update. One thing I'd love to know is how well it fits in that spot. Most of these Qi charging pads are too big so I'm hoping you've found one that fits nicely.

[bmtespar]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCanuck

bmtespar Looking forward to your update. One thing I'd love to know is how well it fits in that spot. Most of these Qi charging pads are too big so I'm hoping you've found one that fits nicely.

It's ordered and on the way. This is made to replace the rubber tray in the car. It's slightly taller but is a direct replacement. I believe it is the same as the one used in the 3 and 4 series.

[JohnnyCanuck]

Thanks ... wasn't sure the 3/4 used the same tray as the 2 and sometimes it's hard to figure out on some of the seller sites.

[bmtespar]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCanuck

Thanks ... wasn't sure the 3/4 used the same tray as the 2 and sometimes it's hard to figure out on some of the seller sites.

The company I ordered from asked me to measure the rubber tray (it pops right out). I had originally ordered specifically for the 2 series but they said it was the same size as the one in the 3 and 4 series. They refunded me the price difference as well. I'll know a lot more once I receive the item.

[Kamry]

Originally Posted by bmtespar

The company I ordered from asked me to measure the rubber tray (it pops right out). I had originally ordered specifically for the 2 series but they said it was the same size as the one in the 3 and 4 series. They refunded me the price difference as well. I'll know a lot more once I receive the item.

Originally Posted by bmtespar

The company I ordered from asked me to measure the rubber tray (it pops right out). I had originally ordered specifically for the 2 series but they said it was the same size as the one in the 3 and 4 series. They refunded me the price difference as well. I'll know a lot more once I receive the item.

Im curious if this Qi charger taps into the lighter or does it completely remove the lighter? kinda need that port it for my radar

[bmtespar]

Originally Posted by Kamry

Im curious if this Qi charger taps into the lighter or does it completely remove the lighter? kinda need that port it for my radar

If you look at the link I shared, the charger comes with a harness. That harness is a plug in y adapter for power so you don't lose power to the socket and charger will continue to charge 10 minutes after the vehicle had been powered down. What's really great is that it is all plug and play and features an inline fuse. Fingers crossed that it all works as described. I just went out and roughly measured my 4 series and I think the tray is the exact same size. I don't pop it out to expertly measure the thing but it seems the same.