Ok I can confirm that the issue is related to the power draw available on the USB port. When you use the mini cable it draws enough for the interface to prevent charging. When you use an iPhone cable it charges, but slowly due to the 100ma provided by the interface.

Since the iPhone draws different amount of power depending upon the situation there may be cases where your in edge mode sitting idle and what the mini cable provides will eventually charge over a long period of time.

My solution, suplimemt the USB power provided with off the shelf stuff.

For about 15 bucks I got a USB car charger which provides 500ma (it also includes a spare house charger), I then used a USB extension cable made specifically for a USB wifi/3g modem which has 2 plugs. It's exact purpose is to allow the modem to pull power from 2 USB ports. I then plug one into the car USB and one into lighter USB charger and then plug the mini cable into the cable's jack for the modem. My iphone should be getting about 600ma or about the same as a house charger.


My iPhone charges all the time now and charges fast.

 

Corey986,

Thanks for posting that you solved this. Can you please specify the model you got for the USB charger and the extension cable? Bonus would be a link to them on Amazon, or wherever?

Thanks,
Chris

 

Where did you get that USB wifi/3g modem cable?

 

To anyone still looking for this, I found the cable at Amazon here:
http://www.amazon.com/USB-Power-Adapter-Y-Cable/dp/B000JIOHDE

There are several USB / lighter adapters to choose from. The one I chose is this:
http://www.amazon.com/Belkin-Dual-Charger-iPod-Black/dp/B001FB578I/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1246585663&sr =1-4

I hope this helps someone.

 

First off, thanks Corey986 for sharing your workaround. Much appreciated.

I really like this solution, but I'm reluctant because of the messy look of excess cable and adapters. According to eBay, the cable from Amazon is 3.28 feet.

This seems to be another option from eBay:

New USB Female to 2 USB A Male Power Y Cable Extension

This cable measures only 11 inches, so this could make things a little more tidy. I'm also eyeing this power adapter that sits flush against the cigarette lighter socket:

Belkin Micro Auto Charger

Just thought I'd add a few more options for those motorers who want to try and keep things neat.

 

Anyone know if this works for the 3gs as well?

 

+1 Anyone know if this works for the 3gs as well?

 

Would love to know the final outcome of Iphone 3gs charging in 09 Mini's. Don't want a cigarette plug adapter otherwise loose my radar detector. What to do? Anyone know if the new 3gs will work through bluetooth for music in the cars?

 

Bluetooth in most cars is only for phone use music is NOT handled by bluetooth in MINI or BMW's

 

Corey986, Thanks for solving this problem!

I ordered that cable from ebay and it charges the 3gs! Sadly, the iPhone still gives me the annoying airplane mode nag screen .

 

I bought my new clubman last month and trying to play music from iPhone 3G S, but it is not working. It keeps saying "this accessory is not made for iPhone". I don't know what's going on. Dose anybody know why?

Forgot to tell I use Y cable that come with the car.

 

1. Plug it in and ignore the "this accessory is not made for iPhone" message.
2. Press the audio button on the car's radio and it should give you the choice of Tuner, CD, and IPOD. (if ipod doesn't show up, something isn't plugged in)
3. Select IPOD and the car will go into the ipod menu (and start playing music).
4. Select the song you want to play.

 

Thank...I will try that.

 

If it brings up the airplane mode message, just select "No"

 

I just tried, but it still doesn't work. It doesn't even show iPod.

 

I just tried, but it's still not working. It didn't even show the iPod. I don't know if it is my iPhone problems or the car problems.

 

What options did it show you when you pressed the Audio button on the car's Radio?

 

It shows Tuner/CD/USB/AUX

When I plugged in iPhone, the USB showed empty.

 

Without the iPhone connected pressing the audio button should show

TUNER - CD - USB - AUX

When you plug in the iPhone it should change to

TUNER - CD - IPOD

If this does not happen what does the screen say, is it

TUNER - CD - USB (with AUX no longer displayed)

If that is the case then it is probably a setting in you iPhone. Sound like it is set up for MASS STORAGE and is thus being recognized as a hard drive not an iPhone/iPod.

it could also be a problem with the MINI "Y-Cable".

Also when testing it make sure it is fully charged so that a charging problem does no mess things up either.

 

What's the setting for iPhone?

I have tried so many things but none of them worked.

 

Not sure what you mean "What's the setting for iPhone?"

Do you mean the cars setting or some setting on the phone itself?

 

I mean something setting on the phone.

 

Plug the phone into your computer and start iTunes. Check to make sure the that the phone is not set for "MASS STORAGE" then try again.

 

I don't think my phone is set for mass storage, but I did check it form iTunes. It did not show it is mass storage. However, I tried my iPod last night. I realized it is not working either. It's same thing like the phone. Maybe the "Y" cable or radio has problems......

 

Try this then. Use the cable that came with your iPod and plug that into teh MINI USB port and the other end into you iPod (not iPhone)

You should then be able to select the USB ooption onthe radio and at least see and play something.

If this can be done then most likely the "Y-Cable" is bad.