[Bimmertron]

EDIT: turns out I’m an idiot sandwich and it was indeed for the wireless charger. I didn’t recall removing two plugs, but seems I did. It’s just hidden in the bottom corner of the charger which is why I didn’t notice after plugging one of the two connectors in. Thanks for the help regardless!

Hey everyone,

Had the incredibly tedious process of swapping out my interior trim this week, and upon reassembly, I noticed something odd that I hadn’t noticed when removing the center console. A mysterious black/purple connector.

It does not belong to the wireless charger, the USB/cigarette lighter, nor anything to do with the gear shifter area. Does anyone know what this is supposed to be for? Am I crazy or did I forget something?

Pic of connector:

View post on imgur.com

[dubbrand]

Probably just an option for something that your car doesn't have. Don't believe the wiring harness are made differently depending on what options your vehicle comes with

[Tenac]

Just like dubbrand said I would assume its just option you don't have.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by dubbrand

Probably just an option for something that your car doesn't have. Don't believe the wiring harness are made differently depending on what options your vehicle comes with

Wiring harness are custom for each car based on market and options ordered. For instance, if you don't order DA+ you don't get wiring for the cameras, sensors, etc...

OP, based on the photo your car is an early MY20 build? My guess would be October 2019 build date? If so, that's pre covid so the unknown connector wouldn't be for an option constraint due to component shortages. If you don't notice anything not working, and don't receive any diagnostic messages, then I guess don't worry about it. However, my guess is it might go to some button on the console or the ambient lighting running thru the console, etc ..

[Tenac]

Originally Posted by claykin

Wiring harness are custom for each car based on market and options ordered. For instance, if you don't order DA+ you don't get wiring for the cameras, sensors, etc...

OP, based on the photo your car is an early MY20 build? My guess would be October 2019 build date? If so, that's pre covid so the unknown connector wouldn't be for an option constraint due to component shortages. If you don't notice anything not working, and don't receive any diagnostic messages, then I guess don't worry about it. However, my guess is it might go to some button on the console or the ambient lighting running thru the console, etc ..

I would assume for some things, but for mine ordered without wireless charging bought the unit and harness was there.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by Tenac

I would assume for some things, but for mine ordered without wireless charging bought the unit and harness was there.

Likely because your build was during covid related chip shortages and in the US there was no configuration of the 8 series that did not offer the wireless charger (except the covid shortage scenario). Typically, if a market offered no wireless charger as standard and you didn't order the option, you wouldn't get the wiring to retrofit it later. With BMW it's been that way for about the past 15 years.

[__AD__]

There’s a light inside the wireless charging area. Could that be it?

[dubbrand]

Originally Posted by claykin

Wiring harness are custom for each car based on market and options ordered. For instance, if you don't order DA+ you don't get wiring for the cameras, sensors, etc...

Weird. Doesn't really make sense to custom build a harness based on a specific build. I was into Hondas and acuras when I was younger the harnesses were all the same. If you wanted to add the option the wiring was already there for you.

[claykin]

Originally Posted by dubbrand

Weird. Doesn't really make sense to custom build a harness based on a specific build. I was into Hondas and acuras when I was younger the harnesses were all the same. If you wanted to add the option the wiring was already there for you.

BMW was like what you described up until 2008 or so when they shifted to custom harnesses. Anything to save a dime for each car built.