TIS Service Bulletin

SI B65 08 07
Audio, Navigation, Monitors, Alarms, SRS

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February 2019
Technical Service

USB Audio Interface
New information provided by this revision is preceded by this symbol

.

This Service Information bulletin replaces SI B65 08 07 dated June 2012
What’s New:
• Additional option codes 6NH, 6NS, ZEB added
• SIB revised, format changes
• USB A and USB C pictures added
• Charge rates of the USB connection can be found in SI B65 09 16, link added

MODEL
All vehicles with one of the following option codes:


Option 6FL (USB Audio Interface)



Option 6NL (Connection Bluetooth + USB devices incl.)



Option 6NH (Hands-free Bluetooth and USB audio connection)



Option 6NS (Enhanced USB and Bluetooth plus Smartphone Integration)



Option ZEB (Enhanced USB & Bluetooth)

INFORMATION
The USB Audio interface is only available as a factory-installed option and cannot be retrofitted.
The USB Audio Interface allows the connection of compatible MP3 players, such as an Apple iPod
(Generation4 or higher), to the vehicle and operates it through the vehicle’s audio controls.
In addition to MP3 players, audio files on USB sticks can also be played through the USB audio interface.
Only audio files can be played. Accessing other files such as videos is not possible.
The USB audio interface currently supports the following compressed formats:


MP3 (mp3)



AAC (aac, m4a, m4b)

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WAV/PCM (wav)



WMA (wma, asf)



Playlists in M3U format

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NOTE: WAV files are not supported in playlists.




WAV files are not supported in playlists.
As the USB option changed over the years, the supported files were expanded. The training
material and owner’s manuals should be used to determine which files your specific vehicles USB system
supports

It is possible to access all stored audio data directly through a playlist, as well as searching for genre, artist,
album or title. However, the sorting and displaying of audio files in the vehicle can only be carried out correctly if
all the data stored on the MP3 player (e.g., ID3 tags) contains only Roman characters. Playlists must contain
absolute path indications if the audio file is not located in the same directory as the playlist itself.
Storage of the device and first installation
Observe all operating and storage instructions for the device if the iPod, MP3 player or USB stick is stored in
the vehicle. It is recommended not to store iPods, MP3 players or USB sticks in the vehicle for any length of
time, since extreme environmental conditions (temperature, humidity) may cause damage to the device.
Upon initial connection of an iPod, MP3 player or USB stick containing large amounts of data, audio files can be
only accessed through the directory structure of the device. The search by genre, artist, album or title only
becomes available after the corresponding file information has been transferred to the vehicle. The performance
of an iPod, MP3 player or USB stick in the vehicle (such as duration of synchronization or operation speed)
depends on the storage capacity and technology of the device, as well as the number and the format of stored
audio files. For example, the synchronization of a USB stick with 8 GB of flash storage can take up to 10
minutes; longer synchronization times could be due to device specific characteristics. During this time, music
titles can be selected through indexes and file names.
Should the interaction of an iPod, MP3 player or USB stick with the USB Audio Interface not function correctly, it
may also be due to defective or unsupported encoding of audio files (e.g., bit rates bigger than 256 kbit/s).
For questions, please contact your local customer service directly or via email at: customer.service@bmw.com.
Compatible devices
Due to the variety of MP3 players and USB sticks and their technical differences, faultless operation with the
USB audio interface cannot be guaranteed for all devices.
For a list of compatible and/or recommended USB devices, please refer to the BMW USA website:
www.bmwusa.com
For more detailed information on how to operate the connected audio device (iPod, MP3 or USB device)
through the vehicle audio system, refer to the Owner’s Manual.
The message "Incompatible Device" indicates the usage of an incompatible type of device.
IMPORTANT: The playing of audio files from mobile phones equipped with a USB interface through the USB
audio interface is not recommended. The receiving or placing of phone calls cannot be guaranteed, because
some mobile phone models exclude Bluetooth functionality in conjunction with a USB connection.
NOTE: Charging the device through the cigar lighter should be avoided because of possible audio distortions
caused by the cigar lighter.
Apple iPod devices
Identifying iPod models: See https://www.apple.com

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iPod shuffle (with flash storage).
Can only be connected and used as “USB Mass Storage Class” devices along with a USB cable, if the
File Allocation Table (FAT) format is used.
IPOD Classic (rotary dial) / First Generation IPOD’s
Starting with the NBT EVO version ID5 the IPOD classic no longer communicates with our vehicles 100%
due to the increased baud rate of the head unit. Now when connecting via USB white Apple cable, vehicle
says 'loading' but never fully connects to IPOD. The IPod Classic is 10 years old and no longer supported
for our newer vehicles. Customers will have to use a newer IPhone 6 or newer style Apple device to work
with these advanced head units.

NOTE: When the iPod is connected to iTunes through a PC, iTunes is capable of automatically updating the
iPod software. This could adversely affect the interaction of the iPod with the USB audio interface.
Vehicles without option 6NL (Connection Bluetooth + USB devices incl.):

Apple iPod devices must be connected to the vehicle through the
adapter cable provided (Y cable from 30-pin-connector to USB and
AUX-In).
It enables quick access to the iPod’s audio files and also charges
the iPod while connected to the vehicle via the USB connector. In
addition, copy-protected music files can also be played.
IMPORTANT: If the provided adapter cable for the Apple iPod is
not used, iPod devices can only be used as a "storage drive" with
the FAT format; the operation of iPod devices under MacOS is also
not possible.
Refer to the Aftersales Business Development & Marketing BMW
Dealer Bulletin 65 04 07. See Attachment A.
Vehicles with option 6NL (Connection Bluetooth + USB devices incl.):
The Apple USB cable must be used (white USB cable which comes with the Apple device).
iPod devices can be disconnected from the vehicle at any time. Only the audio content of videos can be played.
We have found that inexpensive ‘aftermarket’ cables may not be of sufficient quality and can cause
intermittent connection/quality issues. When testing, we recommend using a genuine BMW or APPLE cable
MP3 devices
MP3 players can be connected to the vehicle through an aftermarket USB cable.
These devices will then also be charged through the USB connection.
IMPORTANT: Copy-protected music files are not supported for these devices.
Devices with "Media Transfer Protocol (MTB)" cannot be used with the USB audio interface.
This applies especially to devices with the "PlaysForSure” logo. To convert the device into “USB Mass Storage
Class“ mode, refer to the owner’s manual of the MP3 player.
The MP3 player needs to be formatted with the FAT file system. Only the files of the first partition will be
displayed.

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NOTE: During synchronization of an MP3 player with a PC, the software of the MP3 player could be
automatically updated.
This could adversely affect the compatibility of the MP3 player with the USB audio interface.
USB devices
USB sticks can be connected directly to the USB Audio Interface.
NOTE: On 1 Series, 3 Series and Z4 vehicles only, an adapter cable has to be used when connecting a USB
stick to the USB Audio Interface to prevent damage to the USB stick when closing the armrest. This adapter
cable is no longer provided by the factory in these vehicles from May 2009 on. On a customer request basis, it
can be ordered through parts (P/N 84 10 9 143 446
These devices will then also be charged through the USB connection.
Charge rates of the USB connection vary by head unit and model year of the vehicle.
Note: Reference SI B65 09 16 Head Unit Overview attachment for specific details on each head unit.

IMPORTANT: Copy-protected music files are not supported for these devices.
USB hard disks and USB hubs and/or card reader with several inputs cannot be used with the USB Audio
Interface.
IMPORTANT: The use of USB sticks with an integrated hard disk is not recommended, since tests have shown
that their audio quality may not be acceptable. USB sticks need to be formatted with the FAT format. Only the
files of the first partition will be displayed.
USB sticks need to be formatted with the FAT format. Only the files of the first partition will be displayed.
Due to the variety of USB sticks on the market and their technical differences, faultless operation in the vehicle
can only be ensured through testing the product in the vehicle.

Head units starting with MASK, CCC were only available with USB
2.0 / Type A

Head units starting with MGU in 2018 adds USB C (micro USB)
Some vehicles like G05 (X5) have both USB A and USB C
installed

TROUBLESHOOTING
Technical limitations of the USB audio interface
1. The connected USB device is not recognized and cannot be selected as an entertainment source. This is
with the USB device connected at vehicle start-up, or if the USB device is connected with the ignition on
(KL15):

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Not all USB devices are compatible with option 6FL or option 6NL. Please refer to the
latest list of compatible and/or recommended USB devices at www.bmwusa.com
For diagnosis of the USB audio interface connection, please refer to SI B65 07 08.

2. A track cannot be played and/or is skipping:


The file has an invalid format (not mp3, wma or aac), is corrupt, or protected by Digital Rights
Management (DRM).

3. Playlists, genres, artists, albums and tracks on USB devices are not displayed:


Only Roman text characters are supported. Other character sets (Greek, Japanese, etc.) cannot be
displayed.

4. Time period differs for playlists, genres, artists, albums and tracks on USB devices are displayed:


The time period for playlists, genres, artists, albums and tracks on USB devices to be displayed
depends upon the number of audio files on the final device. In the case of a device with 80GB
storage and 15,000 audio files, for example, this could take several hours.

5. The iPod can’t be fully operated through the vehicle audio system (affects only option 6FL):


For use of an Apple iPod, it is recommended to use the "Adapter cable for Apple iPod" (Y-cable). If
the Apple iPod is connected using the USB connector cable supplied with the iPod, the iPod is
activated as a USB MSC device. This is only possible if the iPod has been configured accordingly,
using iTunes, and formatted using an FAT file system (Windows systems only, not Mac). In
addition, no access to the playlists is possible in this operating mode and the DRM-protected audio
files cannot be played.

6. Distortions through the audio system when the device is connected to the cigar lighter for charging:


There are malfunctions and audio interference, if a device is connected to both the USB connector
and the 12V socket. Depending on the model, the USB devices may be supplied with power by the
USB connector itself. This means that no additional power connection is required, nor is one
recommended.

7. USB hard drive is not working correctly:


Trouble-free operation of USB hard drives cannot be guaranteed. The power supply of the USB is
not sufficient for most hard drives. Audio interference may also occur. The use of hard drives is
neither supported nor recommended.

8. iPod 3rd Generation is not working:


iPods of the 3rd generation are not supported.

9. With the CCC head unit, the browsing history is not stored. For example, if the list of artists is browsed
and an artist is selected, the cursor will appear at the beginning when returning to the artists list.


Normal operation.

10. There are malfunctions if a mobile phone is connected to the USB Audio Interface and paired with the
Bluetooth hands-free system:


Some mobile phones deactivate Bluetooth if connected to USB.

Concept related behaviors
1. Intermittent inability to select and/or activate categories such as playlists, genres, artists, albums, and
tracks after starting the vehicle with the USB device already connected. This occurs if very few audio files
(less than 70) are stored on the USB device:


Disconnect and/or reconnect the USB device, or store more audio files.

2. Message "Reading data" is permanently displayed:

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Make a new selection; disconnect and/or reconnect the device; change the entertainment source
and change back again; allow the vehicle to enter sleep mode.

3. Message "No supported audio files found" is displayed when a playlist is selected:


If playlists and audio files are stored in different folders, absolute paths must be used,
e.g., /dir1/dir2/track.mp3.

4. Interference is heard instead of an audio track after a vehicle start with a USB stick connected:


Select a new track manually, or skip forward or back.

Posted: Wednesday, February 6, 2019

ATTACHMENTS
View PDF attachment B650807_Attachment_A.
[ Copyright ©2019 BMW of North America, Inc. ]

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Dealer Operator /
General Manager

Sales - New Car

Sales - Used Car

Business
Manager (F&I)

Service

Date:
Bulletin #

3/14/2007
07-ALL-03

Source:
Name:
Title:
Phone #:

Product Planning & Strategy
Jacob Harb
Product Planning and Strategy Analyst
201.307.4407

Parts &
Accessories

Administration

Product Planning and Strategy
BMW Dealer Bulletin
iPod and USB Adapter Overview
In keeping with BMW’s commitment to technology leadership, BMW NA is proud to announce the availability of an
iPod and USB Adapter as a factory option (SA 6FL). This option will not remove the auxiliary input, it is a
supplement and there are no conflicts with the CD Changer. The photo below shows the interface:

Please note that the USB interface is located above the “AUX IN” interface.
Option 6FL will allow for full integration and functionality of an iPod through the vehicles audio system. Full
functionality means that a customer will be able to charge and navigate through their iPod using song title, artist and
playlists:

Please note that option 6FL is available on non iDrive equipped vehicles as well.

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Included in option 6FL is the cable that is required to fully integrate an Apple iPod:

This cable will be supplied on a dealer level similar to the way that X5 Rear Seat Entertainment Headphones are
included.
6FL is also compatible with the some non-Apple MP3 players and USB flash drives; allowing for access to music files
while charging the device.
Option 6FL will be available as of March 2007 production on the following models:
3 Series Sedan/Sports Wagon
3 Series Coupe
3 Series Convertible
5 Series Sedan/Sports Wagon
X5 (April Production)
M5
The ordering guides on CenterNet have been updated to include option 6FL, pricing will be announced shortly, and
bmwusa.com will also be updated to include this option.

© BMW of North America, LLC
This document is confidential and should not be shared with third parties for distribution.

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