USB install: cigarette lighter relocation

[Dog Biscuit]

Been trawling the forum since having the Z over the past few days for a simple USB power option and decided to attempt a relocation of the lighter socket so that I can put a double USB connector from Maplins in there.

I removed the lighter socket and placed it within the panel under the heater controls - are there any safety concerns with its location within the panel or for the LED that is now hidden behind?

EDIT: photos added

https://www.dropbox.com/s/sq52lq68bg3tum3/20131007_170641.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/59albv0wxaw8i0c/20131007_170653.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/lhjwkw7nns52gz5/20131007_172149.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/estp33y0lwo9jaf/20131007_172623.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/84ig286665spimi/20131007_172644.jpg

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ovrdt2uo3jp7muv/20131007_172822.jpg

Am thinking of picking up a USB elbow cable so that the connectors run a little closer to the panel away from the lid below. Also considering what to block the previous lighter socket with to create another small tray area.

 

[edd_jedi]

Top marks for effort, but I'm afraid I'm struggling to see the point of this mod. Surely having the lighter/USB under the flap where it belongs is more stealth!?

 

[NeilP]

Can't see any safety concerns, though I would have personally hardwired the usb charger myself

 

[AlexB]

Same place where i put my usb/aux, what you going to do with the original lighter area?

 

[Z4MO]

Sorry if I've missed the point but would a product that plugs into the lighter do ? As in a twin USB adapter/converter that plugs into existing cigar lighter ?

Have a look at the product via the link below and I'm pretty sure I've seen a twin version by BMW available from dealer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-Universal-Dual-Port-USB-Car-Socket-Lighter-To-Phone-Charger-Converter-UK-/370912838141

It fits almost flush into the lighter socket

Regards

Mo

 

[andysat]

Sorry if I've missed the point but would a product that plugs into the lighter do ? As in a twin USB adapter/converter that plugs into existing cigar lighter ?

Have a look at the product via the link below and I'm pretty sure I've seen a twin version by BMW available from dealer.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12V-24V-Universal-Dual-Port-USB-Car-Socket-Lighter-To-Phone-Charger-Converter-UK-/370912838141

It fits almost flush into the lighter socket

Regards

Mo

Its what I have got!

 

[danmiddle2]

As has been said, I really can't see why... why not just mount something like this and leave the lighter socket alone?

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/370656808956?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Or better yet, hardwire the USB charger (as suggested)?

 

[Dog Biscuit]

Fair questions. I didn't make the reason clear as I should have - the ashtray open with an adapter sticking open is (IMHO) butt -ugly. :-D

All the adapters mentioned are variations of what I already have and hard-wiring is not something in my comfort zone.

For me at least, I now have a more discrete USB where I can draw any cables behind and under.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4

 

[danmiddle2]

Fair enough.

Hardwiring it in the Z4 is trivial, though. You'll find BMW kindly fitted a spare live and switched live fuse in the fuse box. All you need to do is plug in something like this and you have a neat wired solution providing power.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2-Add-A-Circuit-Fuse-Tap-Piggy-Back-Standard-Blade-Fuse-Holder-ATO-ATC-12v-24v-/170709632237?pt=UK_Cars_Parts_Vehicles_Terminals_Cabling_ET&hash=item27bf1644ed

Then you connect that power to something like this http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/SN9F-Car-Charger-DC-Converter-Module-12V-To-5V-3A-15W-with-Micro-USB-Cable-/400584570642?pt=UK_BOI_Electrical_Test_Measurement_Equipment_ET&hash=item5d44b37712

and presto, all of your untidy cable OCD (which I share) is gone!

 

[Dog Biscuit]

Same place where i put my usb/aux, what you going to do with the original lighter area?

I've been thinking of trying to create a completely new cubby area. Could be used for sunglasses, coins, etc. Worst case in any of this if I change my mind is to pick up replacement parts from a breaker.

 

[Tommy_hf]

I added a lighter in the passenger footwell, including a cap, by just using one of those fuse box taps and stuck the GPS in it. A flushmount USB plug sleeps in the original lighter. If you were going USB route, why not make it a real one so that you can even plug in USB sticks with music or something like that.

 

[aquazi]

i added a ignition only cig socket under my drivers footwell.. and let my normal one untouched.

I added a piggyback blade fuse adapter to my CD changer for the power (and used the earth from the cig socket.)

There is no problems with what you have done... beedub has done the same as he has a couple of gauges in his normal tray bit.

But you may struggle getting longer cig adaptors in there now.

 

[marypoppins]

By the way Marco, Which model did you eventually get??

 

[Dog Biscuit]

Hi Paul, thanks again for all of your help, it was much appreciated! Ended up with a 53 3.0 sterling with all the options you can think of :-D

Sent from my GT-I9300 using Tapatalk 4

 

[marypoppins]

Good stuff, Are you goin to post some pics?

 

[Dog Biscuit]

Good stuff, Are you goin to post some pics?

Have put some Dropbox links in the first post, but don't see how to post directly here. On previous forums I've had a "gallery" to upload to, but have not found it so far?

 

[Pk199]

Hi all

I thought the BMW cigarette lighter is always powered. If you fit a semi-permanent USB charger then wouldn't this put a strain on the battery, especially if you're leaving the car for a while.

P..

 

[Dog Biscuit]

I thought the BMW cigarette lighter is always powered. If you fit a semi-permanent USB charger then wouldn't this put a strain on the battery, especially if you're leaving the car for a while.

I was thinking about this not 5 minutes ago - I've not noticed this on any previous car, but that does not mean anything. If someone can answer whether leaving it in or not does create a drain I'd be interested to know, not just for my set up, but for anyone else with devices connected to the lighter. I might try and dig out an old connector with an LED if I can find one.

 

[Pk199]

I'm planning to fit a brodit mount that's hard wired - my BMW indy said best not to route it to the cigarette lighter as that's always powered, and suggested using a power supply straight from the fuse box or from the radio. A few weeks ago I had a USB charger that I left plugged in for about 10 hours, then came back and did an hours work on the car (but probably forgot to turn the auto lights off whilst doing so, so I huge drain on the battery then as well). Either way, battery too flat to start the car afterwards.

P.