[BMWBig6]

So I loaded up my Western Digital Passport Essential 250GB external hard drive (model WD2500ME) with music. But AMI fails to detect it after a few seconds of "initializing." Yes, the hard drive is formatted to FAT32. Could it be a power consumption problem? It's supposed to only require a single mini-USB cord for power (and works fine from my PC like this) but I wonder if my particular drive exceeds Audi's maximum power draw limit (unfortunately, I can't find any technical specs for power consumption on Western Digital's website or documentation). I tried using just the AMI cable, and daisy-chaining the AMI cable + USB cable that was supplied with the drive with no success. Car on, or off, doesn't seem to matter. I thought the WD Passport hard drives were supposed to be compatible with AMI?

BTW, I tried a USB flash/thumb drive (using the standard size USB cable), and it worked flawlessly. I just can't get my hard drive to detect.

Any suggestions?

 

[Deepmeister]

So I loaded up my Western Digital Passport Essential 250GB external hard drive (model WD2500ME) with music. But AMI fails to detect it after a few seconds of "initializing." Yes, the hard drive is formatted to FAT32. Could it be a power consumption problem? It's supposed to only require a single mini-USB cord for power (and works fine from my PC like this) but I wonder if my particular drive exceeds Audi's maximum power draw limit (unfortunately, I can't find any technical specs for power consumption on Western Digital's website or documentation). I tried using just the AMI cable, and daisy-chaining the AMI cable + USB cable that was supplied with the drive with no success. Car on, or off, doesn't seem to matter. I thought the WD Passport hard drives were supposed to be compatible with AMI?

BTW, I tried a USB flash/thumb drive (using the standard size USB cable), and it worked flawlessly. I just can't get my hard drive to detect.

Any suggestions?

If your drive works flawlessly on the PC, and a USB stick works flawlessly on the AMI, and the hard disk is correctly formatted to FAT32, the chances are that it is a power issue on the Hard Disk.

 

[BMWBig6]

Hmm, is it just my particular model Western Digital Passport then? Because it seems other people have had success with various flavors and sizes (Elite, Essential, 250GB, 320GB, etc.). What models are other folks using?

Could it be that the car has to be running to supply enough power (vs. in accessory mode only)?

 

[BMWBig6]

Another funny thing happened to me yesterday, my Corsair Corsair Flash Voyager USB2.0 16GB (which is listed as compatible in Audi's compatibility list) failed to initialize one time when I started the car last night. I find this surprising since it has no moving parts and requires almost no power. I unplugged the flash drive, and plugged it back in, and it was immediately detected again. Almost suggests a flaky AMI or power management strategy?

 

[Highrisedrifter]

Another funny thing happened to me yesterday, my Corsair Corsair Flash Voyager USB2.0 16GB (which is listed as compatible in Audi's compatibility list) failed to initialize one time when I started the car last night. I find this surprising since it has no moving parts and requires almost no power. I unplugged the flash drive, and plugged it back in, and it was immediately detected again. Almost suggests a flaky AMI or power management strategy?

I didn't know there was a compatibility list. I searched for one but couldn't find it. Could you provide the link please mate?

 

[BMWBig6]

Sure, here's the list (credit to A8 Tech who posted it for me on VWAudi forums):

Media players that work:

Manufacturer iPod Firmware Capacity
Apple iPod mini 1.4.1
Apple iPod 1G nano 1.3.1
Apple iPod 2G nano 1.1.3
Apple iPod 3G nano 1.1.2
Apple iPod 4G photo 1.2.1
Apple iPod 4G 3.1.1
Apple iPod 5G video 1.3
Apple iPod 6G classic 1.1.2
Apple iPod touch 1.1.4
Apple iPhone 1.1.4


Manufacturer Media players Firmware Capacity
ARCHOS 605 WiFi V2.1.04 30 GB
Cowon iAUDIO U3 4 GB V1.29 4 GB
Cowon iAUDIO F2 V1.11 2 GB
Cowon iAUDIO D2 4GB V2.53 4 GB
Cowon iAUDIO D2 DAB 8GB V4.51 8 GB
Cowon iAUDIO X5 V2.10 30 GB
Creative Creative Zen Stone Plus 2 GB
Creative Creative Zen Stone V1.03.01e 2 GB
Creative MuVo V100 2GB V 1.05.01e 2 GB
EasyLite Juke Box DJ20 20 GB
Insignia INSIGNIA 4GB NS-DV4G V1.105 4 GB
iRiver iRiver B20 4GB V1.00 4 GB
iRiver Clix Generation 1 (2GB & 4GB) V2.12 4 GB
iRiver Clix Generation 2 V1.16 4 GB
iRiver S10 1GB iRiver 1 GB
iRiver iRiver X20 8GB V1.04 8 GB
Maxfield MAX-IVY 4GB V004.301.025 4 GB
Philips SA 2120 2GB V1.0 2 GB
Samsung Samsung YP P2 4GB V EU 3.07 4 GB
Samsung Samsung YP-Z5F 1 GB
Samsung Samsung YP-Z5AB/ELS 4 GB
Samsung Samsung YP-T10-J V1.15 4 GB
SanDisk Sansa Express 2 GB
TEAC TEAC MP-600 4GB 4 GB
TEAC TEAC MP-540 V00.00.00001 2 GB
Transcend T.sonic 520 2GB V1.50 2 GB
Transcend T.sonic 840 4GB 4 GB
TrekStor i.Beat motion 1 GB


Manufacturer Mobile phones with media player function Firmware
Motorola SLVR L7 w. USB connector cable V R4513_G_08.B7.DCR_RB
Nokia N5500 w. data connector cable V4.60
Nokia N6230i w. data connector cable
Nokia N6233 w. data connector cable V 3.70
Nokia N6234 w. data connector cable
Nokia E50 w. data connector cable
Nokia E51 w. USB connector cable V 100.34.20
Nokia N73 w. data connector cable V2.0628.0.0.1
Nokia N80 w. data connector cable V4.0632.0.38


Tested media players/storage media for the vehicles Audi Q7, A6, A8,
A4 with navigation system and A5 with navigation system
Selected media player/storage media and their software versions are continually being tested for their compatibility with the
Audi music interface. Whether your media player/storage medium has been approved for use with the Audi music interface
can be found in the table below.
Which software version has been tested by Audi can be found in the table below. The software version of your media player
can be found in the instructions for use of your mobile terminal device.
Information on updating the software of your media player can be obtained from the equipment manufacturer. For some
media players, you can also download the software yourself from the internet.
Media player software version
Overview
The Audi music interface makes a connection possible between a suitable media player/storage medium and the vehicle.
Depending on the vehicle equipment, the system is controlled via the radio, the MMI or the multifunction steering wheel.
Range of functions of the Audi music interface
While the vehicle is being driven, the media player/storage medium remains safely stowed away in the glove compartment
and is connected to the Audi music interface by a cable. This cable transmits not only the track information and music to the
Audi music interface, but at the same time also recharges the media player/storage medium.
Note:
A special adapter cable is needed to connect mobile terminal devices. This can be obtained as an Audi Genuine Accessory from
your dealer.
Tested media players/storage media for the vehicles Audi Q7, A6, A8,
A4 with navigation system and A5 with navigation system
Media players
Manufacturer Mobile phones with media player function Firmware
Nokia N6280 w. data connector cable
Nokia N6151 w. data connector cable V03.56
SonyEricsson K610i w. data connector cable VR1CB001
SonyEricsson W810i w. data connector cable VR4DB005
SonyEricsson V630i w. data connector cable VR1CE001
SonyEricsson W660i w. data connector cable
SonyEricsson K800i w. data connector cable
SonyEricsson T650i w. data connector cable
SonyEricsson W850i w. data connector cable

LG KE850 Prada w. data connector cable
Storage media
Manufacturer Hard drives Capacity
CN Memory CNMEmory 40 GB 40 GB
Freecom FHD-2 Pro 80 GB
Freecom FHD-XS 20GB 20 GB
Fujitsu Siemens Storagebird 80 GB
Fujitsu HandyDrive 160GB 160 GB
iomega Micro Mini Hard Drive 8 GB
iomega iomega_LPHD160-C_160GB 160 GB
Joyfly Nexeo Ultra 1" USB-HD 2,2GB 2,2 GB
LaCie 301176 P2 160GB USB2.0 5400RPM 8MB 160 GB
LaCie LaCie Carte Orange Credit Card sized 8 GB USB key 8 GB
LaCie LaCie HDD 60GB 60 GB
Packard Bell Packard Bell Stor&Save 2500 120 GB
Plextor Portable HDD PX-PH12U 120 GB
Sony Micro Vault 2GB 1" HDD 2 GB
TrekStor DataStation Pocket x.u, DSPXU-CY-a 80 GB
TrekStor DataStation x.u Model No.: PHA02Uv2.0 40 GB
TrekStor Data Station pocket x.u. (TR21188 80GB 2,5") 80 GB
TrekStor DataStationPocket 160GB 160 GB
Western Digital WD Passport 120 GB
Western Digital WD Passport 2,5" 40GB 40 GB
40 GB


Manufacturer USB sticks Capacity

Buffalo Buffalo RUF-C1G/U2-4RT USB Flash Blue 1 GB
Buffalo USB 2.0 Flash Drive (Firestix DE) 8 GB
Buffalo USB High Speed Flash DriveRUF-C1G/U2-4 1 GB
CnMemory CnMemory Micro FlexX 4GB 4 GB
CnMemory USB StickCore 1 GB 1 GB
CnMemory CNMEMORY 85354 Core 2GB Pen Drive 2 GB
CnMemory USB Stick 4GB 4 GB
CnMemory USB Stick CNMEMORY 85353 Core 1GB 1 GB
CnMemory Blue Pearl 2 GB
CnMemory CnMemory Micro FlexX 2GB 2 GB
CnMemory SilverPearl MicroX 4 GB
Connect3D Connect3D Pocketdrive USB Stick 1GB 1 GB
Conrad 1Gb 992766 - 62 Display 1 GB
Corsair Corsair Flash Voyager USB2.0 16GB 16 GB
EMTEC EMTEC USB Stick 1GB U3 EKMMDIG5300U3 1 GB
Extrememory USB 2.0, U3 Smart Drive 4GB 4 GB
Freecom USB Flash Memory in Credit Card Fromat USB 2.0
Art. No.: 25504 1 GB
Freecom Freecom USB Stick Pro FM-10 Art.No.: 21143 2 GB
imation USB 2.0 Swivel Flash Drive 8 GB
Intenso Intenso High Quality IHQ USB Drive 4 GB 4 GB
Intenso Intenso High Quality IHQ USB Drive 2 GB 2 GB
Intuix 1024MB USB2.0 1 GB
Transcend USB Stick JetFlash V30 4GB 4 GB
Kingston DataTraveler 2GB DTI/2GB 2 GB
Kingston DataTraveler SECURE 1 GB
Kingston DataTraveler Elite Ultra-Secure USB Flash drive 4 GB
Lexar Lexar Jumpdrive Expression 1024 1 GB
Lexar Mercury 1 GB
LG LG USB-Stick Mirror 2 GB 2 GB
MEMOREX travel drive mini U3 2 GB
OCZ OCZ Mega-Kart 16GB 16 GB
PenDrive ADDON PenDrive PDM 20-1 1GB 1 GB
PNY PNY attache USB 4GB 4 GB
Power RAM PowerRAM SafeStick3.0 4 GB
Power RAM PowerRAM 3.0 8GB 8 GB
SanDisk Cruzer Micro 1.0GB U3 1 GB
SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB 2.0 2 GB
SanDisk Cruzer Micro 2.0GB BE06053MB SDC76-2048 2 GB
SanDisk SDCZ7-4096 4 GB


Tested media players/storage media for the vehicles Audi Q7, A6, A8,
A4 with navigation system and A5 with navigation system
Storage media
Manufacturer USB sticks Capacity
SanDisk Cruzer Micro USB Flash Drive 2 GB
Sony Sony Micro Vault Tiny 2GB 2 GB
Sony Sony Micro Vault Midi USM4GR 4GB 4 GB
Tevion MD81622 2 GB
Transcend JetFlash V30 2GB 2 GB
Transcend JetFlash V10 8 GB 8 GB
Transcend JetFlash 8192B USB-S 8 GB
Transcend JetFlash 110 USB 2.0 2 GB
Transcend JetFlash V20 (blue) 1 GB
Transcend JetFlash V30 (blue) 1 GB
Transcend JetFlash 2A High Speed 8GB 8 GB
Transcend JetFlash Ultra Speed 16GB 16 GB
Transcend Transcend JetFlash 160 4GB 4 GB
Transcend Transcend JetFlash T3 2GB 2 GB
TrekStor USB Stick SE 1GB 1 GB
TrekStor USB Stick SE 4GB 4 GB
TrekStor SE PH 2 GB
Ultron Flash Disc Series High Speed USB2.0 8 GB
Verbatim Verbatim U3 Smart Drive 1GB 1 GB
Verbatim Stor'n Go USB Pro USB 2.0 Drive Re-Order No. 47158 2 GB
Manufacturer Card readers
hama TravelDrive Mobile 1000&1
hama USB 2.0 CardReaderWriter 35 in 1
MSI MSI StarReader Card R/W
PIXOMedia Multi Slot Flash Card Reader / Writer Model: MSR-30
Typhoon 81035 Anubis 8 in 1 Card Reader
Ultron 18-IN-1 CARD READER HIGH SPEED USB 2.0
Manufacturer Memory cards (in conjunction with card reader) Capacity
hama SD 1GB 1 GB
Panasonic SDHC Class2 4GB 4 GB
Kingston micro SD Card 2048MB 2 GB
SanDisk SD-Karte (1 GB) 1 GB
SanDisk SD Memory Card 1 GB
SanDisk microSD Multi SD Kit 1 GB
takeMS 1GB High Speed Compact FlashCard 1 GB

 

[Highrisedrifter]

Superb. Thanks mate. Appreciated.

 

[BMWBig6]

Superb. Thanks mate. Appreciated.

You're very welcome!

 

[Thrak]

I have a WD My Passport Essential 320 gig that I've been using the past two months or so since I got my car. I've had one or two times where it didn't initialize, but I just turned off the car and turned it back on and it was fine. Other than that, it's been flawless. It's definitely formatted as FAT32.

 

[BMWBig6]

Hi Thrak, can you please tell me the model number printed on the label on the bottom of your Passport hard drive?

Since even my flash drive seems to not initialize on 1 out of every 5 startups (and I have to reseat the flash drive, as restarting the car doesn't seem to "wake" up the device), I wonder if something is wrong with my AMI.

 

[Highrisedrifter]

Just confirming that my Western Digital Passport 320gig Essential HDD works perfectly with my new car.

 

[BMWBig6]

I finally got mine to work. It just seems to take 45-60 seconds to wake up. Silly AMI doesn't show the "initializing" screen though. It just displays "Your device may not be connected properly" so I just ignore it.

How many seconds does yours take to wake up (and begin playing music)? Granted, it's about 50 degrees here (or colder in the mornings).

 

[TXcarguy]

Granted, it's about 50 degrees here (or colder in the mornings).

Where is here? Please update your profile to display your locatoin. Thanks.

 

[Highrisedrifter]

I finally got mine to work. It just seems to take 45-60 seconds to wake up. Silly AMI doesn't show the "initializing" screen though. It just displays "Your device may not be connected properly" so I just ignore it.

How many seconds does yours take to wake up (and begin playing music)? Granted, it's about 50 degrees here (or colder in the mornings).

Maybe five seconds tops to initialise.

 

[BMWBig6]

Maybe five seconds tops to initialise.

Only 5 seconds? How full is your hard drive? And what kind of file structure do you use? My Passport drive has about 126 GB of music on it but I wonder if it's the data organization that slows it down. Or if my AMI really is misbehaving.

According to Windows, my Passport hard drive has 20,612 files in 1,436 folders.

 

[Highrisedrifter]

Only 5 seconds? How full is your hard drive? And what kind of file structure do you use? My Passport drive has about 126 GB of music on it but I wonder if it's the data organization that slows it down. Or if my AMI really is misbehaving.

According to Windows, my Passport hard drive has 20,612 files in 1,436 folders.

I have 115gig of music on it split down into the following folder structure: Artist / Album / Song.

No issues with seek times whatsoever. Five seconds is about average.

 

[BMWBig6]

Hmm, thanks for the comparative data points. My seek time is fine (once the drive is spinning), just the initializing phase is disappointing. It seems to be inconsistent, sometimes the music starts 15 seconds after starting the car, other times almost a minute.

 

[Highrisedrifter]

Hmm, thanks for the comparative data points. My seek time is fine (once the drive is spinning), just the initializing phase is disappointing. It seems to be inconsistent, sometimes the music starts 15 seconds after starting the car, other times almost a minute.

Initialising takes five seconds maximum on mine. I timed it a few times yesterday to check. It has never taken longer than that so far (so far).

 

[scb05]

I agree - the AMI interface is flaky - anyone else out there confirm that although the Loading... screen goes away and a song plays, when you jump around, there are directories that wont play nor will Playlists be found? Seems that after driving for 1/2 hour, all is there....

First-Letter/Artist/Album/01-Title.mp3
9500 songs on an SSD.
3G MMI
SW Version: only shows "###################" (strange too!)

I've posted in the HDD Success forum several updates, but the AMI does seem flaky and inconsistent.

 

[Arvin]

I just got a mini-usb AMI cable and a WD Passport Studio. I just tried it and it didn't work.

Saving off my music locally and will reformat it to FAT32. I think it's formatted for a MAC file system. Anyways, I will let you all know how it goes.

Note: It's got 500 GB of capacity.

Update 1: It was MAC formatted. Reformatted to FAT32 (using a MAC) and am saving back all 13.5 GB of music.

Update 2: It just did not work. Going to try again formatting from within a Windows OS (Parallels) and with fewer files. The Hard Drive spins up, so I don't think it's a power consumption issue.

Update 3: I got the drive to be recognized. The Passport Studio is from the factory designed and built for a MAC. So reformatting with a MAC is just not good enough. The drive has to be mountable on a Windows PC. You can download the PC version of the formater tool direct from Western Digital. Use it and that will do the trick.

Good luck to all that encounter this issue.