Removing The iPhone Warmer
BMW does a good job of keeping up with the latest tech but sometimes that tech doesn’t last long. My 2017 BMW M2 was ordered with the Executive Package. At the time, wireless charging was relatively new and having a way to securely lock your phone in place inside the armrest while it charged seemed like a cool new feature. Shortly after 2017 phones grew in size and wireless charging got faster.
The wireless charger in the M2 has earned the nickname as the iPhone Warmer as it heated up the phone more than it would charge it. As phones have grown, the locking mechanism that holds a phone in place has become obsolete. Only the smallest of modern phones will fit. Since I typically get the biggest phone I can I decided to remove the charger and install the center console mat that would be in a car without wireless charging.
There are tons of how-to posts online. I found this thread on a F30 BimmerPost helpful as it has some good pictures and links to videos.
The steps for removing the wireless charger in my M2 were similar:
- I used two trim removal tools at the front of the wireless charger to pry it up. This took a lot more force than I anticipated so pry hard!
- I ended up separating the wireless charging cradle from the base, but this is no big deal, I just continued to pry until the entire tray popped out.
- This is wired to a couple of connectors that you have to access through the vents to the backseat at the base of the armrest.
- To remove the rear AC vents I used a trim removal tool and gently worked to snap that out. Prying about 1/4 of the way in from either side put the trim tool on the plastic tabs holding it in place.
- After putting the AC vents to one side I was able to easily access the two wires that needed to get disconnected. The one on the right is simple to remove as you just slide the grey lever to the left and pull the connector out.
- The smaller connection with the pink tabs gave me some fits as it isn’t obvious how to get these apart. I used a small flat head screw driver on the tab at the end of the connector to help release this connection.
- I tucked the loose connector with the pink tab back into the mounting bracket to keep it out of the way.
- From the center console you can pull the wires through to fully remove the wireless charger. You may have to push the AC vent tube to the left to make room for the connections to get through but I didn’t have to remove it as some suggest.
- Once the wires are past the vent they pretty much pull right out and all you have to do is snap the rear air vents back in place and drop the rubber mat in the center console and you are done.
Not sure why I did this other than it cleans up the inside of the center console so if I ever to decide to use it for something it will be ready…
