Can you plug an iPhone into a BMW i3?

[Milam]

I leased a new BMW i3 this week.
Love the car.

Tried to plug my iPhone into the console USB plug.

It just showed charging then quit, then charging, etc.
Flashing on and off.

Should this work?

 

[jadnashuanh]

I don't know how much power is available from the USB port...it may be that the phone wants more power than is available. I have an iPad, but not an iPhone and I know that it won't initiate charging if I try to plug it into a USB port that doesn't have something over 2.1A available. Not sure about the iPhone. You should be able to connect with Bluetooth, but that won't keep your phone charged. Have you checked the owner's manual...it may list limitations on that port.

 

[Milam]

Thank you for the help.

I am going back to BMW tomorrow for my training.
I will ask them. if the iPhone should connect.
The iPhone works with Bluetooth.

I just traded in a Ford Focus Electric on the BMW.
The Ford Focus was pretty much perfect.
Just not enough range.
It would connect an iPhone through the USB ports.
Even did Apple Play.
The Focus was excellent.

Wish me luck.
My guess, a glitch.

 

[stumbledotcom]

Current iPhone models work with the i3's USB port. I believe it's output is equivalent to the Apple 5W power adapter. The various iPad models all come with a 10W or 12W unit. The original poster probably should troubleshoot with another USB device and/or cable.

 

[spinball]

Which iPhone model and are you using an Apple OEM lightning cable? Make sure you try that first.

I had no issues charging my 6S with Apple original Lightning cable on the USB port in the console.

 

[Milam]

I did some research.

BMW sells a Y Adapter. It plugs into both the USB port and the external music port.

I am wondering if this is the answer.

Will buy one from the dealer this afternoon and try it.

Thanks for the help.

 

[Milam]

I am using an Apple iPhone 7 with the latest iOS.
I have a one week old 2017 BMW i3.
Not sure of the software version.

Love the car by the way.
Will be our 4th BMW.
2nd BEV EV.
Traded in a Ford Electric Focus.
The Focus was perfect, except for lack of range.
The BMW has the larger battery pack with the Range Extender.
The Focus had Apple Car Play, worked great.
The BMW cannot charge or connect to an iPhone.
It flip flops

True story, the pedestrian warning system works.
It helped me with an unseen pedestrian.
It beeped and stopped the car.
Thank you Lord.

Also, the Adaptive Cruise Control works well.

 

[Milam]

Thank you for the help.

I wen to Apple and purchased one of their cables.

My iPhone now works properly with the 2017 BMW i3.

Works now.