Does the BMW e60 support USB drives?
3 Answers
BMW e60 supports USB drives. Location of the USB port in BMW e60: The USB port in BMW e60 is located in the center console (under the cover in front of the gear shift). You can push the cover forward to open it, and the USB port will be visible once opened. The USB port can be used to connect a USB drive for playing music or to charge mobile phones with a charger. Introduction to BMW e60: The BMW e60 is part of the BMW 5 Series, which is a mid-to-large-sized sedan produced by BMW. It is considered a high-end sedan in the domestic car market. The overall design features iconic BMW styling elements, with a sleek and elegant body, a sporty and dynamic appearance, and smooth lines. The front fascia resembles that of the new 7 Series, and the body is elongated. The exhaust pipes on the 535 model are dual-sided and dual-piped.
I drove a BMW E60 for several years. When I first bought it, I thought I could play music using a USB drive, but it never responded when I plugged one in. After consulting the 4S store, I learned that the factory system didn't support USB input. This car was produced in the early 2000s, and its audio system only recognized CDs or the AUX port. Adding functionality required installing an additional module, such as a Bluetooth adapter. Nowadays, I use an AUX cable to connect my phone for music, which works smoothly. Trying to make the USB work was a waste of effort and could even risk damaging the wiring. New car owners should note that the USB ports in cars are generally for charging only—don't assume they can play media. Before making any modifications, research forums or consult a professional technician to save yourself from unnecessary trouble with a small investment.
As someone who knows a bit about car electronics, I think it's quite reasonable that the E60 doesn't support USB playback. Cars from that era didn't have built-in USB host controllers, and the system could only handle CD and AUX signals. USB ports were commonly used for diagnostic tools or charging, not for reading music files. If you forcibly install additional hardware, you'd need third-party devices connected to the audio bus; otherwise, errors may occur. I recommend that owners first check the interface labels: if there's an AUX port, just connect your phone for convenience. For modifications, choose adapters from reputable brands to prevent unstable current. Understanding the principles can help avoid pitfalls—protecting the original car system is far more important than forcing additional features.
