I don't have my F56 yet so I can't test it, but in the manual it says:
"Do not use the USB interface to recharge external devices."

Does anyone know why this is so? Standard USB 2.0 interface should provide 500 mA power, which should be enough to slowly charge or at least prevent it from draining. It also says to not connect hard drives or fans or lamps.

If I use a charge-only cable (data pins disabled), would that blow a fuse somewhere or damage the infotainment system?


I think my Mazda CX-5 had similar warning messages. I wonder why they can't just supply at least 1 A on that USB port.

 

I keep mine plugged in for MINI Connected, and it slowly charges at the same time. Since I HAVE to be connected via USB for Connected functionality, it seems really absent-minded on MINI's part to then tell me to not use the USB interface to charge.

EDIT: I also connected a WD Passport 500GB external drive, and used it to pull up videos and watch them on the nav screen. No issues have surfaced so far.

 

I don't use Mini Connected, but I DO use the USB port to connect my iPhone and play podcasts from my podcast app of preference (Overcast). I know it charges the phone, and I like that. I have never left anything in the charger with the car off. I am not certain but I read somewhere that things plugged in the port even when the car is off keep charging. Not certain about that... but I don't want to take a chance.

 

I have read this several times in the manual, and I really think Mini means don't charge other car batteries through the USB or the cigarette lighter port. It is ridiculous to think that you cannot charge your phone, especially since you have to plug it in to use Mini Connected. If they didn't want you to be able to charge the phone, then they could have just not provided power to the USB port. What do you guys think?

 

Charge it Dano. I've had my iPod connected to the USB port (with a Y connector, mine is a little different) Mini Connected the whole time I've had the car (7 months).