Power from cigarette/aux power socket

[Anonymous]

Hi, I just noticed today that you only get power from the cigarette or aux power socket when the engine is running.

Just wanted to check this is 'Works as expected' as the last few non BMW cars we had, we were able to get power with the keys in and turned to position I.

 

[Anonymous]

I RTFM'd when I got home today and it states that I should get cigarette/aux power with the ignition on, as below. I assume this means with the electronic key pushed in and the car's ready to start.

When I had my iPhone connected today it would only show that it was charging when the engine was running :?

I'll double check over the weekend with a voltmeter, but it looks like another trip to the dealers

 

[Dexter_Morgan]

With the key remote in place press and hold the start button without the brake down for a few seconds. This will switch everything on for about 20 mins without starting the engine including the power outlets. At least that is how it works on my auto.

 

[TitanTim]

Yes its a bit of a pain, my Z3s lighter socket is live all the time which means I can use the CTEK battery charger through the socket, can't do this on the Z4 as the socket is dead without turning the ignition on, whats worse is the positive and negative terminals under the engine bay are as far apart as they can get which means connecting the charger is a pain also

Tim.

 

[Anonymous]

Thanks Dexter.