BMW 7 Series: USB/Audio Interface

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. 126: Display - USB/Audio Interface

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).

iPod Connection

When music tracks are to be played back using the Apple iPod the iPod must be connected through an adaptor cable that simultaneously uses the auxiliary jack socket and the USB.

The y-cable (cable adapter for iPod; BMW part number 61 12 0 429 645) included with the vehicle.

With the adaptor cable, the USB connection is used to control the iPod and the jack socket for audio playback.

The reason for this method of connection is that music tracks obtained from iTunes (Apple music portal) are subject to DRUM and can only be played on the device to which they were downloaded. The copyright protection prevents digital transmission of the music track via USB.

If a video file is selected on the iPod, only the sound track is played. If other supported USB mass storage devices are used, video files are not displayed.

It is only possible to access the files on the mass storage device using the iDrive when the USB mass storage device is connected to the USB interface. If the mass storage device is connected using the Audio jack plug, the iDrive cannot be used to operate the device.

Fig. 127: Identifying AUX-In Connection (USB/Jack 3.5 mm) Of Option 6FL In Center Console

NOTE: USB hard drives must not be connected to the USB interface due to their high power draw. It is not permissible for hard disks to draw their power supply from the vehicle's electrical system and can cause faults.

"USB/audio interface" Components

"USB/audio interface" consists of the following components:

• Interface box High (ULF-SBX-High)
• USB hub
• Audio socket with USB interface
• Application software in the head unit

The USB interface is on the center console and is protected by a sliding cover.

Simultaneous use of the USB interface and the 12 V socket for charging the mass storage device is not recommended.

Depending on the USB lead used, the mass storage device may be able to be charged through the USB interface. However, the power consumption of the mass storage device must not exceed the maximum level of 500 mA permitted by the SBX High.

The (SBX High) interface box is capable of performing the following tasks:

• USB connection for USB/audio interface
• Bluetooth interface with hands-free mode and phone book
• Basic voice input and activation system through the telephone

Fig. 128: Identifying ULF-SBX High Connector Terminals

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. Bluetooth connection (Not in US)
2. 54-pin connector
3. MOST connection
4. USB connection

The ULF-SBX High interface box is always fitted if the "USB/audio interface" is fitted to the vehicle.

Although both the ULF-SBX-H and the TCU may be fitted in a vehicle at the same time, the TCU always provides the telephone functions. The telephone functions are not available in the ULF-SBX High and the module is only installed to provide the "USB audio interface" option.

The (TCU) and the (ULF-SBX-H) interface box control units are connected to the MOST bus.

The ULF-SBX-H decodes the digital audio signals collected through the USB interface.

The audio files are then broadcast through the MOST.

The analog LF (low frequency) signals from the audio socket are also broadcast on the MOST.

The audio signal is transmitted digitally on the MOST bus to the HiFi amplifier and the amplifier distributes this signal to all the vehicle's speakers.

The ULF-SBX High supports USB 1.1 with the following technical data:

• Maximum data rate: 12 Mbit/s
• Voltage: 5 V
• Current: 500 mA

The ULF-SBX High is located in the luggage compartment on the left-hand side.

Fig. 129: Identifying Interface Box (ULF-SBX-High)

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. Telematics control unit (TCU)
2. Interface box (ULF-SBX-High)

USB Hub

The USB hub allows multiple USB interfaces to be connected to the ULF-SBX High.

The USB hub incorporates an active USB signal amplifier and is equipped with two USB inputs and one USB output.

Fig. 130: Identifying USB Hub Input/Output

INDEX REFERENCE CHART

1. USB connection to AUX-in connection (blue connector)
2. USB connection for base plate of the Smartphone audio line (neutral color connector)
3. USB connection to (ULF-SBX-High) interface box (black connector)
4. Power supply for the USB hub (black connector)

NOTE: The USB hub is only used if the vehicle has the Smartphone Integration option.

The USB hub on the F01/F02 is installed behind the trim panel for the left-hand B-pillar. It is installed in the same place on both right-hand drive and left-hand drive vehicles.

Fig. 131: Identifying USB Hub At Left-Hand B-Pillar

Audio Jack

The audio jack is used for connecting an external audio source such as an MP3, cassette or CD player using a 3.5 mm jack plug.

The AUX-In connection without USB interface is standard equipment on the F01/F02. It is located below the Center armrest. A plug. 12 V power socket is located in the immediate vicinity of the audio socket.

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