USB Memory Stick 09 Mini

davidcmal · #1 11-02-2009, 11:53 AM

I am having trouble with using a memory stick on my 09 Mini. I had been using an iPod Nano. It worked every time. When starting up the car sometimes it wouldn't remember it was on random, but that was it.

Rather than buying a bigger Nano I thought I would try out a USB memory stick instead. Once working it works great. The problem I am having is the memory stick is often not recognized when starting the car. I have to unplug it and plug it back it. That always gets it working, but is a pain. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this problem?

Thanks
David

**schatzy62** · #2 11-02-2009, 12:21 PM

David,

Please search the forums here there are many threads on that cover this subject.

Here are a few to get you started. Please note that a few of these threads willhave links to other threads i have not listed. SO please go an dead thru this stuff and you will learn a lot about the system and the way it works.

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...e-vehicle.html

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ion-sorry.html

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...ash-drive.html

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...-with-usb.html

http://www.northamericanmotoring.com...playlists.html

ran-o-matic · #3 11-02-2009, 02:10 PM

How big of a USB stick did you buy? The car will re-index the drive and large drives can take a while. I have no issues at 4GB.

davidcmal · #4 11-02-2009, 02:29 PM

It is 16GB(4GB music). I do not believe it is re-indexing. When I scroll through the inputs. It does not show the the USB available. When I remove and plut it back in you can see the USB almost immediately.

ran-o-matic · #5 11-04-2009, 10:08 AM

That is odd. I looked through the links schatzy62 posted, but none of them seem to match your problem. Maybe I missed something. Do you have another thumb drive to try (preferably something smaller)?

LiLReD1 · #6 11-04-2009, 11:08 AM

I've never been able to get a thumb drive to work. Never reads it. Does it have to be a certain format? Can there ONLY be music in the thumb drive?

davidcmal · #7 11-04-2009, 11:15 AM

I have a service appt in a few weeks. I am hoping maybe they have an updated firmware. I have not tried any other drives. I also don't know if the drive is formatted fat32.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ran-o-matic

That is odd. I looked through the links schatzy62 posted, but none of them seem to match your problem. Maybe I missed something. Do you have another thumb drive to try (preferably something smaller)?

Redbeard · #8 11-10-2009, 01:09 PM

I don't have my MCS yet but the Pioneer aftermarket unit in my current ride won't read a USB stick bigger than 8g because of the needed formatting for the larger storage space. I also try to make sure to have a USB 2.0 memory stick.

davidcmal · #9 11-10-2009, 01:25 PM

It is not a size problem. If it were the drive would never be read. It reads the drive every time. Just some of the times when I start the car I have to unplug and replug the USB drive in.

I would also think any 4+GB USB drive would automatically be USB 2.0. Unless it is one of the brand new USB 3.0 drives.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redbeard

I don't have my MCS yet but the Pioneer aftermarket unit in my current ride won't read a USB stick bigger than 8g because of the needed formatting for the larger storage space. I also try to make sure to have a USB 2.0 memory stick.

jbrowland · #10 01-11-2010, 09:00 PM

(another for the record post)

I just got my 2010 MCC and have been using a 4gig thumb drive with zero issues. Cheapo thumb drive bought at new egg online. Recognized every time, music controlled thru steering wheel, all tracks recognized, no issues.

Nothing but music on it.

Good luck!

Project Mangler · #11 01-13-2010, 07:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by davidcmal

I would also think any 4+GB USB drive would automatically be USB 2.0. Unless it is one of the brand new USB 3.0 drives.

I'm sure you're right, USB 1.0 went away long before 4GB drives were around. Some drives require software to be installed to work properly, that might somehow cause this issue. You might try a different brand. I just bought a Sandisk 4 gig drive, have had no problems using it in the Mini. Cost ten bucks on sale.

ChiliCoop · #12 01-23-2010, 09:58 PM

Well I can confirm there is a problem with large flash drives on the USB interface. I am using a 32 GB Corsair drive that was cleaned and set up with just a few gig of music. If you leave the input source set to USB and power off the car it will not recognize it when you next start it. You have to unplug and reinsert the flash drive. At least it plays where you left off. When this occurs it claims nothing is in the USB port.

The good news is there is a workaround. Just switch your input to radio, CD or aux before turning off the car and then switch back to USB when you next drive. That works fine.

This would certainly seem to be a bug that can be fixed in firmware. The workaround shows it is a logic error.

cmcveay · #13 02-13-2010, 07:40 AM

I think it was in the 2nd Gen Audio section where I read about issues with USB drives at about 16GB. There was an ongoing list of devices that seemed to be working without too much of a problem. Now the big question... Has anyone gone to MINI USA to find out what the maximum size is recommended?

I have an 8GB SanDisk device connected and it gives me zero problems. I even used the suggestion of changing the Genre of my music to allow me to sort it that way. iTunes will let you do that in a matter of minutes and now, I can get to any artist I want in just a few clicks of a button!