Wireless charging has become an essential feature of cars in the last few years as smartphone use has grown. For many owners, it’s easier to use a wireless charging pad than mess around with cables, and the wireless charger helps to secure your phone while driving.
BMW has added the option of a wireless charger to every model in their current range. On some vehicles, the wireless charger is an optional extra (with a cost), and on higher-spec cars, you get this feature as standard.
What is BMW Wireless Charging?
The wireless charging system on your BMW allows you to charge certain smartphones without a charging cable. With a charging pad, usually located in the center console, you can place your phone to charge while your BMW is turned on.
On some models, you’ll find the wireless charger in the armrest compartment. This is more common on older BMW models, so check both locations if you’re not sure.
Like any wireless charging system, the BMW model has advantages and disadvantages. With a specific charging pad, you always have a storage place for your phone, and the pad is grained to stop your device from slipping while driving.
As with most wireless chargers, the BMW system won’t charge your device as quickly as a cable – and the phone can get hot when left on the charging pad for a long duration. Also, certain phone cases will block the charging process, so check your case is compatible.
How to use the BMW Wireless Charging
To use the wireless charging system, you need to place your phone on the charging pad. If your phone allows wireless charging, there is a LED that will light up to indicate your phone has started to charge.
When you are ready to leave your car, pick the phone up – there is no setting to turn it off. The guide below shows you how the wireless charging system works in your BMW.
Which BMW models have Wireless Charging as standard?
On higher-spec BMW models, the wireless charging feature is standard. This is similar to how BMW manages its other features, with most options available at no extra cost on the below cars.
- X1 M35i
- X5 40i
- X5 50e
- X5 M60i
- X5 M
- X6 40i
- X6 M60i
- X6 M
- X7 40i
- X7 M60i
- M340i
- M3
- M440i
- M4
- i4 M50
- 530i
- i5 e40
- i5 M60
- 740i
- 760i
- i7 e50
- i7 x60
- i7 M70
- 840i
- M850i
- M8
- iX 50
- iX M60
- XM
Which BMW models have Wireless Charging as an optional extra?
Most of the BMW model range allows you to add wireless charging as an additional option. Models include the lower spec versions of BMW SUVs and most entry-level sedan and coupe models, such as the 2 and 3 Series range.
For most BMW models, the wireless charging feature costs between $200-$500 as a standalone option. You can only select wireless charging through the Convenience package on a few BMW models.
- X1 28i – $1,950 (part of the Convenience Package)
- X3 30i – $500
- X3 M40i – $500
- X3 M – $500
- X4 30i – $500
- X4 M40i – $500
- X4 M – $500
- 230i – $200
- M240i – $200
- 228i – $500
- M235i – $500
- M2 – $200
- 330i – $850 (part of the Convenience Package)
- 330e – $850 (part of the Convenience Package)
- 430i – $750 (part of the Convenience Package)
- Z4 30i – $500
- Z4 M40i – $500
- i4 e35 – $900 (part of the Convenience Package)
- i4 e40 – $900 (part of the Convenience Package)
FAQs
How quickly does your phone charge using the wireless charger?
Depending on your phone, it will take between 5 and 7 hours to fully charge using the BMW wireless charger.
Can you fit an aftermarket wireless charger to your BMW?
There are aftermarket chargers you can buy that are easy to install. These usually sit in your center console, and depending on the charger, they come with a range of different power outputs. It’s worth checking the maximum recommended power for your phone, though, to avoid damage.
Is the wired USB-C charger quicker?
If you need to charge your phone quickly, the USB-C connection in your BMW is quicker than a wireless charging option. Even standard USB-A connections will be quicker than wireless.
Can you still use Apple Carplay / Android Auto if your phone is charging?
Yes – you can still connect your phone to the BMW infotainment menu when it is charging. There should be no impact on Apple Carplay or Android Auto
Are there wireless chargers for rear passengers in a BMW?
On the current BMW range, there are only options for front wireless chargers.
Can you add a wireless charger to your BMW?
If you own a BMW without a wireless charging pad, is it possible to install this option? I’ve been asked this a few times by BMW owners, and the initial answer is no – but there are some options. Let me explain…
The official BMW wireless charging pad is built into your center console, and installing one is incredibly difficult and will be expensive. You need to take apart most of your console, and the wireless pad itself is expensive to buy online. So is there a better way?
Our favorite wireless chargers for your BMW
The other option, and our choice, is to get an aftermarket wireless charger for your BMW. There are loads of options out there, and most come with a phone holder, too. We’ve tried a few of these in the past on different vehicles, and although they aren’t as good as charging with a wire, the quality was still impressive.
- Includes a built-in fan to cool your phone while charging
- Can attach to your dashboard, windshield or vents
- Can be used in your car, and at home too
Is Wireless Charging worth buying?
If you’re constantly on the move and you need your phone charged at all times, the wireless charging system is the best way to make sure you’re never facing a low battery.
Placing your phone on the wireless charging pad can become a routine, so you’ll never forget to keep your phone charged. For between $200-$500 as an option, most owners will get plenty of use out of this feature, so it’s worth selecting.
Remember, though, it’s definitely worth checking to see if your phone is compatible with the BMW wireless charger. Most modern smartphones will be, but before spending, check with your local dealership or online to ensure your phone will work with the BMW wireless charger.
What other BMW features should you look at?
One of the best and worst parts of BMW’s sales philosophy is the range of optional extras. Wireless charging is definitely one of the lowest-cost options, and on the right BMW, you can spend thousands on upgrades. There are plenty of features worth looking at, but a few of my highlights are:
BMW Massage Seats (Everything You Need To Know!)
The BMW Executive Package Explained
BMW Head-Up Displays (Everything You Need To Know!)
BMW Shadowline Package Explained
If you’re looking at ordering a BMW, or you want to check what other options are best on a preowned model, check out the links below for more info:
