iPhone 3G BMW mini cooper Car charging Problem. Both iPhone 3G Bluetooth and iPod functions work great on my BMW ‘08 Mini Cooper. I get a message on the iphone when I plug it in warning me that “this device isn’t compatible”, or something to that effect, but everything works (address book and media list uploads to the car, radio controls work fine, calls are fine with no echoes, etc.).

The only thing that seems semi-broken is the charging. Sometimes the iphone charges when it’s plugged in (shows the lightening bolt icon), and sometimes it doesn’t and just shows the indicator that AC power is plugged in (the “plug” icon). It doesn’t lose battery when it’s plugged in either way, so I’m not too concerned.

Sounds like this is a combination auto/device issue. They clearly altered the iphone plug interface in the 3G (since some devices that worked in the original iPhone work on the 3G, while others don’t). Some car interfaces seem to be compatible, others aren’t. Hopefully software on either end can resolve the issues.

Tags: iphone 3g charging issues, iphone car charing, iphone car compatible plug