[Freezy94027]

The $500 charge for Wireless Charging, is that required to get the Digital Key functionality? Can't understand why it costs this much for a charging pad if that's all it includes.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Regards, Pete

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by Freezy94027

The $500 charge for Wireless Charging, is that required to get the Digital Key functionality? Can't understand why it costs this much for a charging pad if that's all it includes.

Thanks for any insight you can provide.

Regards, Pete

No, you don’t need the pad to get the digital key. At one point during the supply chain issues you did, but that’s not the case now.

[Freezy94027]

Thanks! So what does the $500 really get you?

[RigaTony1982]

The charging pad. That’s it. I believe in some models it also includes the Wi-Fi hotspot capability, but I think that’s standard on the Z4.

[Freezy94027]

Thanks! Saved me $500.

Regards, Pete

[RadarZ]

I do have the Wifi hotspot without the wireless charger. My salesman advised against ordering this charger, like everyone else here

[RigaTony1982]

Originally Posted by RadarZ

I do have the Wifi hotspot without the wireless charger. My salesman advised against ordering this charger, like everyone else here

Thanks for confirming. I thought that was the case with the Z4. I looked back at the sticker on my previous car (2021 M340) and the Wi-Fi hotspot was included with the charger. I thought the Z4 was unique in that aspect.

[Westside Guy]

I have posted this many times before, in my opinion spending $500 for this wireless charging option that has had overheating issues in the past is a total waste of money and overkill unless someone really wants all of the bells and whistles.

You can buy a 3 foot coiled charging cable for your phone that stores neatly in the space where the wireless charger is located for about $15 on Amazon that will serve the purpose.

[jvilla107]

I passed on the wireless charging for both my G29 and G26. I had it on my Tesla but decided to pass based on all the comments.
Don’t miss it one bit.
And yes, both cars have the digital key

[Paragon-A]

I hated using the wireless charger when I had my iphone 12 pro max because it was always overheating the phone. When I upgraded to the 14 pro Max I still had this issue...however I got a bumper case that raises the edges of the phone very slightly go it no longer wobbles when laying flat on its back. Since then I can honestly say my phone no longer overheats when its on the wireless charger . Some more testing may be required because I have not used it for more than 30 continuously but I never had to use it that long before my phone got hot before .

[Kwajtrader]

I've had good success with this cooling fan I designed. I can run all day with the phone charging and running Waze without it overheating. I just upgraded the design to include two speeds. The higher speed is a little louder but should provide additional cooling for higher temp climates.

[Horseman]

When I trade up for an M40i, I will definitely avoiding this option. My wireless charger goes unused despite even having a fan that blows air on the phone. Doesn't charge quickly (at all) and it just gets it hot.

[Westside Guy]

Originally Posted by Horseman

When I trade up for an M40i, I will definitely avoiding this option. My wireless charger goes unused despite even having a fan that blows air on the phone. Doesn't charge quickly (at all) and it just gets it hot.

You will save that $500 for the wireless charger and put it towards the purchase price of the M40i.

[Horseman]

Originally Posted by Westside Guy

You will save that $500 for the wireless charger and put it towards the purchase price of the M40i.

Absofrickenlutely!

[stlcdr]

My Expedition has wireless charging, and don't use it. Like the Z4, it's awkward to get the phone in and out, also.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by Kwajtrader

I've had good success with this cooling fan I designed. I can run all day with the phone charging and running Waze without it overheating. I just upgraded the design to include two speeds. The higher speed is a little louder but should provide additional cooling for higher temp climates.

I can vouch for it. I use it with my iPhone 13 Pro and it does the job, not necessarily keeping the phone cool but cool enough to prevent overheating or shutting down. I'm a big fan of the wireless charger because I've always got Waze and music going via wireless CarPlay, the combination of which can deplete the battery quickly on longer trips. Before using the fan, I noticed that the phone would soon stop charging from the thermal issue. Now, I arrive at my destination with around the same charge as when I started, regardless of distance. If I want to top up the battery to full, I discontinue CarPlay and the battery will charge at a faster rate due to reduced thermals.

As for sliding the phone in and out, yes, it's a bit awkward at first but if used regularly, you get the hang of it and then it's really not an issue.

There was an earlier post showing a revised BMW wireless charger in another model with built in cooling fan so I know BMW is aware of the issue, just a shame it's taking them so long to solve the problem. Nonetheless, I'm one of the few who appreciates the convenience of a completely wireless CarPlay experience.

[getbfuller]

It's not worth the extra $500, plus the usb-c connection from the center console charges your phone much faster. Buy a quality cable and use the saved money for something else.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by getbfuller

It's not worth the extra $500, plus the usb-c connection from the center console charges your phone much faster. Buy a quality cable and use the saved money for something else.

It's a tough fit to get my phone connected in the center console and close the cover. Wife and I prefer the center console cover closed and I rarely need a fast charge. I much prefer the wireless option, each to their own.

[alvitdk]

I order the wireless option as wireless carplay is great but plugging in a charger when carplay is wireless is kind of counterproductive. I believe this is not BMW-related but rather Apple as my iPhone 11 pro+ gets unbelievably hot in my wife her Nissan Frontier, as well as in our Tesla (but to a lesser extend). Will see how it goes but spending an extra 500.- on an 82k car (incl. tax) does not worry me much.

[StanDiego]

Originally Posted by alvitdk

I order the wireless option as wireless carplay is great but plugging in a charger when carplay is wireless is kind of counterproductive. I believe this is not BMW-related but rather Apple as my iPhone 11 pro+ gets unbelievably hot in my wife her Nissan Frontier, as well as in our Tesla (but to a lesser extend). Will see how it goes but spending an extra 500.- on an 82k car (incl. tax) does not worry me much.

Hook up with Kwajtrader for his cooling fan. It really helps.

[jvilla107]

Hard pass for me on wireless charger. I felt the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze considering the number of negative comments and slake charge rate.

So far there has yet to be a day I regret not ordering it.

[RadarZ]

Trying not to highjack this thread : how are you guys charging relatively big phones without the induction pad ? I gave an Pixel 6 (6,7") that barely fits in the cradle. Plugging in a cable means the phone no longer fits either in the cradle, or even in the armrest. Do you leave it halfway in when plugged ?