Table of Contents

USB/Audio Interface

Subject Page

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
System Circuit Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6

Components . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8

Audio Jack . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12

Service Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13

Initial Print Date: 04/07 Revision Date:

USB/Audio Interface
Model: E9x, E70, and E6x (except 7 Series)

Production: From 3/2007, 4/2007 (E70)

After completion of this module you will be able to:

• Explain the operation of the USB Interface

• Identify the components used in the USB/Audio Interface

2
USB/Audio Interface
Introduction
Option SA 6FL, "USB/Audio interface", enables the sound systems in BMW vehicles to
play audio files stored on mass storage devices with a USB (Universal Serial Bus) inter-
face, e.g. USB memory sticks. A special iPod adapter cable is available for connecting an
Apple iPod.
USB is a serial bus system used for quick and easy connection of terminal devices to
computers.
The mass storage device can be accessed from the "Entertainment" menu on the
iDrive.
The CID supports alphanumeric characters of the Roman character set. Other character
sets cannot be correctly represented on the CID at present.
Operation is described in the owner's handbook for the vehicle.

USB/Audio Interface On iDrive

Index Explanation

1 Selection of external audio source

2 Selection of mass storage device

3 Selection after sorting

4 Menu structure of mass storage device

3
USB/Audio Interface
USB mass storage devices that support the "USB Mass Storage Class" standard can be
connected. That includes mass storage devices for playback of compressed audio files
with a USB interface such as MP3 players, USB memory sticks, etc. The system also
supports Apple iPods of the 4th generation or later, iPod nano and iPod mini if connected
using the iPod adapter cable (special accessory).
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"
appears.
When a USB mass storage device is connected, the contents of the device are read and
the folder structure processed for display on the CID. In addition, 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.
Processing of the data takes some time. 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 not supported at present. MP3 players that carry the
PlaysForSure logo use MTP and are therefore not supported. More information on the
protocols used can be obtained from the operating instructions of the mass storage
device concerned.

Note: Connecting mobile phones to the USB interface is not recommended.

With certain mobile phones, Bluetooth is deactivated if they are connect-
ed to the vehicle through the USB interface. There is no USB socket on
the Snap-in adapter.
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 (e.g. from the cigarette lighter
socket) and can cause faults.

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).

4
USB/Audio Interface
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 (DRM). DRM is a method of protecting copy-
right and marketing rights relating to intellectual property in digital form.
If music tracks acquired from Apple iTunes are to be played, the iPod must be connected
by means of an adapter cable that simultaneously uses the jack socket and the USB. The
adapter cable is available to order from BMW Parts Sales.
With the adapter 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 are subject to DRM 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 jack plug, the iDrive cannot be used to operate the device.

5
USB/Audio Interface
System Circuit Diagram

5
3
4 Kl. 30g

CDC
26 6
2
CID Kl. 30g

K-CAN
MOST
LVDS
MOST

FS 1

25 Kl. 58g 7
24 CCC / M-ASK / CHAMP Kl. 30g_f

USB_VCC 8
USB_DATA- 27
USB_DATA+
USB_GND
Kl. 30g

Kl. 30g

22 10

23 9

11
Aux_NF_R
Aux_NF_L

Aux_GND

21

USB_VCC 14 13 12
28 USB_DATA-
USB_DATA+
USB_GND

SBX High
Kl. 30g 2x
FM FM AM

MOST

TOP-HIFI Kl. 30g

15

20 HF+ZF+U S DIV
Rad_on

19 16

18 17
TE06-1229

6
USB/Audio Interface
 Index Explanation Index Explanation

1 Head unit 15 Aerial amplifier with diversity module

2 Central information display 16 Mid-range speaker, D-pillar right

3 Mid-range speaker, front center 17 Tweeter, D-pillar right

4 Tweeter, front center 18 Tweeter, D-pillar left

5 CD changer 19 Mid-range speaker, D-pillar left

6 Tweeter, front right door 20 Top-HiFi amplifier

7 Mid-range speaker, front right door 21 Mid-range speaker, rear left door

8 Controller 22 Tweeter, rear left door

9 Central bass speaker, right 23 Central bass speaker, left

10 Tweeter, rear right door 24 Audio socket with USB interface

11 Mid-range speaker, rear right door 25 Mid-range speaker, front left door

12 Rear spoiler aerial (AM) 26 Tweeter, front left door

13 Rear spoiler aerial (FM1) 27 USB hub

14 Rear window aerials (FM2, FM3) 28 High interface box

LVDS Low voltage differential signal MOST Media Oriented System Transport

Aux_NF Audio input for additional audio sources FS MOST direct access

Rad_On Control signal or power supply US Switching voltage

HF High frequency signal ZF Intermediate frequency signal

USB_VCC USB power supply USB_DATA + USB data positive

USB_GND USB earth USB_DATA - USB data negative

7
USB/Audio Interface
 Components
Option SA 6FL, "USB/Audio interface" consists of the following components:
• High interface box (SBX High)
• USB hub
• Audio socket with USB interface
• Application software on the head unit.
The USB interface is on the center console and is protected by a slider mechanism.
To prevent earth loops, simultaneous use of the USB interface and the 12 V socket for
charging the mass storage device is not recommended. Dependent 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.

Index Explanation

1 Audio socket (3.5 mm jack)

2 USB interface

Location of Audio Socket with USB Interface

8
USB/Audio Interface
The High interface box (SBX High) performs the following tasks:
• USB connection for USB/audio interface
• Bluetooth signal connection for customer's mobile phone (dealt with in "E70
Telephone Systems" Product Information)
• Voice input system (dealt with in "Voice input and activation systems E70"
Product Information)
The High interface box is always fitted if option SA 6FL, "USB/Audio interface", is fitted to
the vehicle. It decodes the digital audio signals that are supplied via the USB interface.
After decoding, the audio files are broadcast via the MOST. In addition, the analogue LF
signals from the audio socket are also broadcast on the MOST.
Software (drivers) cannot be uploaded to the SBX High via the USB interface.
The SBX High supports USB 1.1 with the following specifications:
• Maximum data rate: 12 Mbit/s
• Voltage: 5 V
• Current: 500 mA.
The SBX High is located in the luggage compartment on the left-hand side.

SBX High Connections

Index Explanation

1 Bluetooth signal Connector color code: transparent

2 USB connection Connector color code: black

9
USB/Audio Interface
SBX High Location

Index Explanation

1 Telematic Control Unit (TCU)

2 High interface box (SBX High)

10
USB/Audio Interface
The USB hub allows multiple USB interfaces to be connected to the SBX High. The USB
hub incorporates an active USB signal amplifier and is equipped with one USB input and
two USB outputs. The second output is not used at present.

Index Explanation

1 USB Interface - Blue

2 Not used at present - Transparent

3 SBX High - Black

4 Power Supply - Black

USB Hub

The USB hub is fitted underneath the center console. Its precise location depends on
which version of the climate control system is fitted.

Index Explanation

1 USB Hub

Location of USB hub on Vehicles without 4-zone Climate Control

11
USB/Audio Interface
Audio Jack
The audio socket is used for connecting an external audio source such as an MP3,
cassette or CD player using a 3.5 mm jack plug. The audio socket (Aux In) without USB
interface is standard equipment on the E70. It is located below the center armrest.
A 12 volt power socket is located in the immediate vicinity of the audio socket.

12
USB/Audio Interface
Service Information
Included with the option code 6FL (USB/Audio Interface) is a cable that is required to
fully integrate an Apple iPod to the vehicle.
This cable allows the data files and incompatible audio files to be masked in the CID.
Only compatible audio files will be displayed if this interface cable is used.

13
USB/Audio Interface