BMW E39: Wireless Charging DIY

[@aidanfranits1339]

This is the kind of mod I wish we saw more of in the car community!

[@2xwishbone895]

Modernizing the E39. Good idea, I love it! That's the place I leave my phone as well.

[@Pizdziakowiec]

Same

[@averagecarguy2042]

Same

[@DustyPearl-13]

The best well spoken person on earth, period!

[@huwprice881]

By American standards, certainly.

[@KhanHS]

Done it on my e39 too. Video on my channel. I used a 3 coil setup though to avoid any dead spots.

[@PhaedruS007]

Been browsing KZbin in my plans to buy an E39 M5 and obviously found this channel. Figured they were in the Midwest somewhere but NOPE right here in San Diego! I win the Internets today.

[@E39Source]

Hi Paul! We're the source for all things E39 (M5)! I wish you the best of luck with your hunt, and would love to help you in any way that I can with finding or serving a car. Feel free to reach out at any time: [e-mail]

[@PhaedruS007]

E39Source I was in San Marcos when I realized your shop was local and actually drove by yesterday on my way south.

[@E39Source]

@@PhaedruS007 Just around the corner! I was actually working on a few customer cars yesterday until about 7pm. It is rare for me to be there that late on a Saturday. Please keep me in mind for any E39-related questions or service :)

[@themadhatter444]

Phenomenal DIY video. Clear, concise, and comprehensive.

[@lloydaom]

Ive been looking into retrofitting wireless charging in the same place, I was going to run a USB from my stereo from the back and put a charging pad underneath but your method is much cleaner!

[@tass2001]

Your method would also trickle charge the phone. I bet the USB on the stereo only outputs 5v @ .5A :(

[@lloydaom]

@@tass2001 I think your right, I've recently upgraded my phone and the USB c that is currently connected to my stereo csnt charge my new phone and kind of kept my old phone on a very slow and steady charge

[@tass2001]

@@lloydaom - Yeah, that sounds like low current output USB :(. Highly recommend getting a charger that's capable of outputting at least a few watts (2-3A @ 5v)

[@Chand_G.]

Few years late...but thx for the video! Been watching your extremely helpful diys for a while now. Excited to add to my e39

[@chrisfahmy5939]

I just want to let you guys know, for a 2003 build e39 (at least mine) the correct pins were pin 2 for ground and pin 6 for power. Just got mine working.

[@E39Source]

Thanks!

[@TakesTalent]

What if there isnt any power at the existing connector regardless the key position

[@chrissorial2957]

Had this idea back when I had my 540 but never got around to doing it!

[@KhanHS]

I've done it too. It's worth it and doesnt take long at all.

[@WillV8]

Great video dude, thanks very much, just bought one of these so will definitely be doing this soon i think

[@MHD_85]

Hi Ryan I am very pleased with this video, how did you do this I have always liked this technology in modern cars, thank you very much

[@KhanHS]

I have a video on my channel on how to do it too. I went the route of power from the cigarette lighter.

[@petee6624]

Great job, as always Ryan

[@rohandavis4404]

Thanks what you have done is brilliant

[@willdebeljak7062]

would love to see a retro fit for the E60

[@E39Source]

Unfortunately, there is on equivalent tray to rest the phone in on the E60 interior.

[@willdebeljak7062]

@@E39Source the tray in the center console? 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@E39Source]

@@willdebeljak7062 I don't think the one -IN- the center console is large enough for modern phones.

[@NYCRevolution1]

Damn it!! You beat me to it! This was gonna be my one way of one upping Ryan’s car 😢

[@E39Source]

Hehehe

[@E39Source]

@John Smith That is a cool mod, but the F10 key is quite a large key! I actually still like the retro diamond key.

[@impulseballer]

I'm pretty sure I gave him this idea last year. Shout out would be cool lol

[@E39Source]

@@impulseballer Hey Mike! I had many people suggest this, but I do remember your recommendation! Thanks :D

[@impulseballer]

@@E39Source haha it's all good buddy. Glad to see it's done. I ended up getting a different mount option I'll PM u a pic

[@energy99er]

i had my phone always in that center tray. I had really bad wreck in my 540/6 and the phone suprisingly was still there in that tray so i could call 911

[@E39Source]

I hope you're okay after the accident! Good to know that the phone stays put though.

[@E39Source]

@@energy99er Woah, that's moving. Glad your injuries weren't worse. I wish you a speedy recovery!

[@Kryojenix]

I've just (!) found out there's an option for the centre armrest with a larger storage bin under a raising armrest (you know, like normal cars - but fully OEM to E39!!), so I was wondering if we could retrofit this wireless charger there instead (or in addition - perhaps for passengers or those with larger phones) and mod eject-box power cable into a wireless charger under that, maybe put some USB-C's into the base of the storage bin as well!

[@E39Source]

Indeed, the European style center console armrest incorporated a small storage cubby into the arm rest. It is important to note that this takes up the space formerly occupied by the eject box wiring, so that'll need to move down beneath the entire center console. My concern with wireless charging in this cubby is that the phone being charged needs to remain in constant static (non-moving) contact with the charging pad, and positioning is important. The phone may tend to slide around in that cubby, which could cause it to lose contact with the charging coil. You could of course build some sort of mold in there to hold the phone snugly. USB-C ports could be added as well with modification, and likely some custom power supply modifications/hardware.

[@arkangel2487]

Actually a great idea to scuff up the bottom of the tray to allow the glue to better adhere. For those in warmer climates, any concern with the glue getting soft again and coming off?

[@E39Source]

I think this glue would have to get REALLY warm to soften and let go.

[@rogermoore2365]

My phone is to big

[@car-bq]

​​@@E39Sourcevery late as I just got an e39, but with experience from a prior car in Florida the glue can definitely soften up and let go. At least in my case. Thinking of making a 3d printed bracket that the coil can slide into that way it's somewhat serviceable. I just don't know if there's enough space to do so

[@E39Source]

My glue is still holding strong 3 years later. a 3D printed piece would be very difficult to manufacture at this quality level, and each charging coil is a slightly different shape so I don't think a universal slot could be implemented. @@car-bq

[@car-bq]

@@E39Source makes sense, thank you! I live in an apartment so I'm parked outside all the time which may have contributed to my case. Maybe I should look into higher temperature glue

[@tomespir4813]

Long shot but is there any chance of some BMW part numbers for the wiring and plugs? Many thanks.

[@E39Source]

Read here: e39source.com/archives/5050

[@robertsiniecki4738]

For all e46 fanboys: The pin for the switched power source is no 6! It’s a white/purple wire! Ground is on pin no 2.

[@KhanHS]

The one I installed charges a mere 1% every 2 mins on average with mobile data on and location services etc (normal usage) would be interesting to see if the board you have charges faster. Although a difference in phones will also affect the outcome. Samsung s9+ here.

[@E39Source]

Wireless charging is slower than using a cable, period. This is probably how quick mine is. I think the whole idea of wireless charging in the car is more of a 'top-up' feature to keep the battery from draining during a drive/while using nav or streaming. I don't view this as a replacement to nightly charging.

[@KhanHS]

@@E39Source Exactly, might sound like im being negative but I'm actually not. I just drop my phone on the tray too. It's great to keep it topped up as you say :)

[@ruedaloca1403]

Great job!

[@TheSimboat]

Awesome

[@kaskass44]

Love the video! Followed the guide but I am getting interference when powered on to the FM radio. Any advice?

[@E39Source]

I have never experienced this issue, though I'm not sure I've tried to use FM radio in the past 10 years. You may want to try a different charging coil.

[@kaskass44]

@@E39Source thanks will give that a try!

[@knoellchekoenig]

I have a Huawei P30 Pro, charging wirelessly goes well of course - but a cable connection allows for much faster charging. If I really forget to charge the phone at night, on my commute to work, I want to charge it at max speed. I don't want the phone to charge every time I just want to store it: wirelessly charging it causes a lot of heat in and around the battery pack of the phone, causing faster degradation

[@E39Source]

Wireless charging is meant for 'top up' style charging while driving and using the phone for navigation/media. I have not noticed any excessive heat with this setup. It works beautifully for keeping the phone topped up on long drives.

[@robzillagarage]

Your channel is so good... I dont even have a bmw. I have a 06 300c srt8 but I'm a big time follower on your channel 🤷🏿‍♂️... I wonder what your thoughts would be on the world vs e39..

[@E39Source]

Thank you! World vs E39? What is that?

[@robzillagarage]

@@E39Source every other car vs the e39... ever car has its pros an cons and you cant compare an older car to newer one but I'm curious to what your prospective is on other vehicles say camaro ss , challenger srt,etc... at the end of the day you prefer e39 no doubt. I guess social media shows HP, and talks about " this is a drives car" but they say that with every car lol

[@E39Source]

@@robzillagarage That sounds like quite a review. I haven't driven a Camaro, Challenger, etc. Those cars have never been my style.

[@Tjallemeister]

Thats so cool

[@joebolton6768]

We need a push button start for our e39's

[@E39Source]

I actually vastly prefer the feeling of turning a mechanical key in an ignition switch. All new cars have a button, which I find boring.

[@teamClermont]

Curious what you’ve done for cup holders now that this charger is in. ? I put in new cup holders and use them daily. Ideas welcome.

[@E39Source]

I don't think I've ever used the cup holders for a drink, as I don't need a beverage while driving. On very long road trips, I'll keep a water bottle in the back seat on the floor.

[@E39Source]

This might be a good solution though: www.amazon.com/Trick-Bits-Coin-Storage-Holder/dp/B09PGTT9DV/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=e39+cup+holder&qid=1681608863&sr=8-2

[@MostafaMoharram]

adding a on/off switch to save battery? or maybe that 12V line is acc?

[@E39Source]

The 12v source I tapped is only hot with they key in position 1 or higher!

[@legendman391]

Good job man

[@Holzwache]

Good Job!

[@Holzwache]

Back to the future: I did this installation four years ago. Im currently upgrading this solution with a QI2 charger as the current device will not charge my iPhone (I change the phones but never the car)

[@E39Source]

I'm still running this same charger. I upgrade my iPhone each here and it has continued to work with each new model, including my current 16 Pro. I imagine newer chargers provide more wattage for faster charging, and this would be a good upgrade to do.

[@Holzwache]

@@E39Source true! It still works but as I could not find a case that allows the new iPhone to charge I decided to upgrade ((and trying a QI2 )

[@aretoorow]

THANK. YOU.

[@TheAceY2k]

I'd still want a cup holder over that. But at the same tiiimeee🤔

[@rafaelmolina2644]

Nice DYI, could you provide the part #s of the OEM connectors?

[@E39Source]

I have added those to the video description!

[@firstlookpro7282]

Nice!

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

Pity that wouldn’t work in the e46 nowhere to put it 🙁🥺

[@tass2001]

Have you considered the inside of the arm rest?

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

tass2001 that would make it inconvenient

[@tass2001]

@@kouroshtashvishi5031 true, but you gotta wrung what ya brung. I wish the OE Euro tray were large enough to lay the phone in :/

[@kouroshtashvishi5031]

tass2001 the cup holder part is just tight for my phone but in need to take the case off and mine does that the cup holders just the normal one but it’s really tight

[@Nbavirals2025]

Tapping into the cigarette positive and negative won’t drain the battery? Seeing that it seems like the cigarette lighter has constant power to it even when the cars off??

[@E39Source]

It would if you left a drain on it indefinitely, but the cameras monitor battery voltage and will shut down if it gets too low. Yes, the lighter is constantly powered.

[@Nbavirals2025]

@@E39Source thx brother! Love your channel btw! @e39sourceFTW!

[@jacobduncil4702]

This is a little off topic but I need some help the key switch in my 2003 540i will not turn. Like at all. I just got the cluster pixels screen fixed and plugged it all back into the car to see how well it works and the key switch won’t turn like it’s stuck.

[@E39Source]

Try moving the steering wheel to the left or right at the same time. May require some force.

[@jacobduncil4702]

@@E39Source turned the wheel to the left, heard a click and the key turned. It almost seems like a lock mechanism in it. Thank you!!!

[@robertsiniecki4738]

Ist there somebody who did this in a e46? Pin 1 is source and pin 2 is ground. I went through all the 18 pins but none of them seems to be switched source? Can someone confirm?

[@noahfloyd7129]

Hey Ryan have you or anyone you know used the Kuda phone console that sits on the right side of the center console? And if so any tips on getting the right color or if they can have a wireless pad installed? I don't speak German and haven't found an English website for them. Thanks in advance!

[@E39Source]

I have never heard of the Kuda thing. Sorry about that!

[@noahfloyd7129]

Hey man thanks for replying at least. Lots of youtubers don't anymore

[@thesnowbringercult7716]

Does anyone know if it will also work on pre facelift?

[@nelsonhernandez321]

How can I fit a m5 cluster properly on a 530i e39. How can I get the oil temp and the warm option to work?

[@E39Source]

That's a great question, I have never attempted anything like that. Adding M5 stuff to a 530i is a long, dangerous, and expensive road though. I always recommend that people just buy an M5 if they want M5 stuff.

[@nelsonhernandez321]

@@E39Source completely agree however an M5 being 15 k vs an 4k car I mean it is same chasis and everything but the motor. I am willing to give it a shot asides the fact that a 6 cyl is cheaper to maintain in my opinion.

[@E39Source]

@@nelsonhernandez321 The M54 is one of BMW's best engines. But they changed more than just the engine on the M5, it's a completely different car. It feels nothing like a 530i when driving. Somebody has probably done this before- figured out what wires need to added to allow the warmup lights and oil temp to work. It'd be a pain in the ass though. Does your current cluster have high or low OBC?

[@Codeman785]

Any update on this? I would like to do this mod as well@@nelsonhernandez321

[@MHD_85]

Hello again I found all the pieces but I did not know what is the name of the wire that is in yellow and black I do not know what is it does it have a specific name or a specific number?

[@tass2001]

As Ryan mentioned, I (Ted), made that harness adapter for him. I can post all the part numbers you'd need, but it's hard to terminate the wires without a special tool.

[@tass2001]

If you're not in a rush for one, I can make you one. Contact me at [e-mail]

[@Egglanding5423]

Maybe a forehead mounted camera would help?

[@RPDBY]

Can you hook it to the cigarette lighter?

[@E39Source]

In theory you could wire the wireless charger to the cigarette lighter, but that would defeat the purpose of being discreet/factory looking.

[@RPDBY]

@@E39Source I meant to hook it to the wires underneath that feed the lighter

[@E39Source]

@@RPDBY It'd work, though that circuit has significantly more amperage than what is required for the wireless charger. I well a plug and play adapter kit for the eject box harness here: www.e39source.com/products/

[@gamaldieudonne5936]

Does this work on the E38 as well, since they share similar technology with the E39? Dumb question, I know.

[@E39Source]

If you've got a tray that can hold a phone, you can do it!

[@gamaldieudonne5936]

Awesome!! Thanks for reaching back to me!

[@wayneahh]

My iphone 11 doesn't fit inside the tray. What case you have? Your case is probably thinner so it can stay inside the tray.

[@E39Source]

I use the Apple silicone case

[@computiNATEor]

The 11 is larger than the 11 Pro. Might also be due to that.

[@wayneahh]

@@computiNATEor Yeah iphone 11 has 6.1 inch LCD while 11 pro has a 5.8 inch OLED

[@chrisfahmy5939]

Which pin is the ground and which pin is the 12V?

[@tass2001]

Honestly, there are so many different eject box pinouts that you just need to do a visual check . Red wire with green stripe is 12v and solid brown is ground.

[@4syth]

My e39 doesn't have the phone in console option, does anyone know if the power source will still be located there?

[@E39Source]

Is it a USA car? My car didn't have the phone either, but I am pre-wired for it. Look for the pre-wiring black plastic badge in the trunk on the carpeting (left side).

[@4syth]

E39Source I’m from Australia, I’ll check anyway, thanks for the tip.

[@alinalinu1709]

This will charge even a Android phone ? Im really interested if thats the case.

[@E39Source]

Wireless charging is a standard, so it should indeed work on your Android phone!

[@alinalinu1709]

@@E39Source Ok. Thanks a lot !

[@arslanrozyyew629]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@christopherhess7860]

If you're in San Diego, how much for you to do this for me? I'm very lazy.

[@E39Source]

Please email me for an estimate at [e-mail]

[@Titanmaster-wt4je]

can anyone tell me whats a good price for a 2000 e39 m5?

[@E39Source]

There are countless factors that would dictate a good price. Mileage, condition, spec, included maintenance history, upgrades, etc etc. Figure $12,000-$15,000 for a solid example of a 2000.

[@Titanmaster-wt4je]

E39Source thanks man

[@Titanmaster-wt4je]

E39Source unfortunately it’s a bit over my budget so I’m going for an e60 550i

[@TheJimmy3960]

Cool but i dont think my phone fits there

[@ChroniclesofBarnia]

You've been building cars for over 10 years. How have you never used a hot glue gun before? LMAO

[@E39Source]

Well, BMW never used any OEM hot glue lol

[@skazariants]

What is the 18-pin connector initially intended for?

[@E39Source]

Back in the day, there we're different 'eject boxes' that could be installed in the center console tray to hold various phones. The 18-pin plug is how they would have connected to charge/read the phones.

[@skazariants]

@@E39Source Thank you! This very nice OEM- type setup, definitely gonna go for that.

[@c.b.8068]

15:52+..."izn't going to pullout..." Phrasing! -Sterling Archer😄😄😄😄✌🏾✌🏾✌🏾 see you soon!!!

[@E39Source]

I don't get it... Carlos?

[@c.b.8068]

@@E39Source you gotta start watching Archer man!!! Lol it's on Hulu, they took it off Netflix 😄😄😄

[@Andy242455]

HAHA AMG 🤣😂😁👍

[@KonWaiLuen]

Nice job! I opted for the far simpler solution of putting an aftermarket wireless tray at the same location as you can see at the 3:00 in this video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jqi6aXusdp2diKM My Samsung Note 9 does not fit the narrower part of the centre tray, so I additionally had to prop the tray up at an angle.

[@KonWaiLuen]

Just skip to the 3:00 mark

[@KonWaiLuen]

@John Smith 5.... 39.... Nice. I see what you did there.

[@msh1039]

I do not want this charge, I want this car.

[@menamenaa6848]

ineed this plssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss

[@GaribimHadiGulBiraz]

*You removed too many parts unnecessarily. it is enough if you just open the shifter bag and loosen the two screws at the bottom and then remove the climate control unit so you can push out this plastic part if you have also removed the cup holder, of course.*

[@ionepawpaw]

That voice... Huuuuhhhhh