USB/Audio Interface: Notes

The "USB/audio interface" supports the playback of audio files stored on mass storage devices with USB connections such as USB sticks, MP3 players etc.

USB is a serial bus system that allows fast and simple connection of terminal devices to computer systems.

The mass storage medium can be found under the "External devices" submenu in the "CD/Multimedia" menu of the iDrive.

Fig 1: Display - USB/Audio Interface

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

All USB mass storage devices that support the "USB Mass Storage Class" standard can be connected. This includes mass storage media for the playback of compressed audio files with a USB interface such as MP3 players, USB memory sticks, etc. The Apple iPod® is also supported as from the 4th generation version.

Due to the large number of devices on the market, no guarantee can be given that every available "USB Mass Storage Class" device will function through the USB interface. If a device of a different device class is connected, the message "Incompatible device" will appear.

When a USB mass storage device is connected, the contents of the device are read and the folder structure is processed for display on the CID. A plausibility check is performed as to whether the tracks can be played by the vehicle's sound system.

Only those tracks that can be played are displayed.

While the database of the content (details of the music tracks is constructed, the music files can only be selected by navigating through the folder structure. On completion of the database, music tracks can also be selected by genre, artist and album.

Media Transfer Protocol (MTP) is currently not supported. MP3 players that use MTP are therefore not supported. More information on the protocols used can be obtained from the operating instructions of the mass storage device.

WARNING: With certain mobile phones, Bluetooth is deactivated if they are connected to the vehicle through the USB interface.

NOTE: It is not recommended to use mobile phones via the USB interface in the center console (Option 6FL). The Smartphone Integration Option 6NF is better suited for this purpose and is described in the following pages.

The following compressed file formats are normally supported with fixed and variable bit rates:

MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3) with ID3 tags Version 2
Windows Media Audio (WMA) with WMA tags
Advanced Audio Coding (AAC)

The WAV file format is also supported. USB mass storage devices must be formatted using the FAT file system. If more than one partition (logical drive) has been set up on the device, only the first partition is supported.

The USB mass storage device cannot be accessed if the files are password-protected or are subject to Digital Rights Management (DRUM).