Continuous power (lighter plugs)

I'm not a smoker so i'd like to just equip all the lighter plugs with low profile plugs (for usb chargers) so that I, and my passengers, always have charging options.

However...it looks to me like the one i've started using so far (in the cup holder) always stays on. That concerns me related to battery drain.

Can someone confirm if all the lighter plugs are continuous power? I'd like to just leave certain things plugged in and not have to unplug each day. Is there a workaround? I read on one forum that the passenger footwell one is NOT continuous; can anyone confirm that?

Hmmm.... I would like to know as well. I have had 2 installed for about 2 weeks and no issues with battery drain yet. My guess would be if you do not drive it everyday you may want to unplug them. But no issues here

They should turn on when you open the door or when the car is on. After the car is off, they take 10 to 15 min to turn back off. You may want to get in the car, shut the door and wait for 15 min. When you check the outlet, it should now be off. I believe this is the same for all the outlets YMMV.

Originally Posted by jpmf10

They should turn on when you open the door or when the car is on. After the car is off, they take 10 to 15 min to turn back off. You may want to get in the car, shut the door and wait for 15 min. When you check the outlet, it should now be off. I believe this is the same for all the outlets YMMV.

It would be great if this is how it works. I understand the need for maybe on outlet to be continuous power for something like trickle charging, but it's super dumb for them all to be like that. If anyone knows definitively let us know.

Originally Posted by Anonimac

It would be great if this is how it works. I understand the need for maybe on outlet to be continuous power for something like trickle charging, but it's super dumb for them all to be like that. If anyone knows definitively let us know.

Attached from my 2011 535i manual. It states that power is available at the "sockets" when the engine is running or ignition it switched on. Other areas of the manual talk about ignition swithing off. After approximately 8 minutes, or when vehicle is locked, if you haven't already pressed the "STOP" button twice to totally shut down the car. I've used the front socket to power my tire inflator, but honestly have never tried it after initially opening the door without having started the car. Seems like a simple test you can try.

Originally Posted by Anonimac

It would be great if this is how it works. I understand the need for maybe on outlet to be continuous power for something like trickle charging, but it's super dumb for them all to be like that. If anyone knows definitively let us know.

I can confirm that they stay on for about ten minutes after the ignition is turned off.

I have devices which are always plugged in and I can sleep well. I believe the sockets are on for about ten minutes even after the doors are locked.

Where can I get those original BMW USB/lighter converter, and how much?

Not BMW but low profile. Scoche seems to make good stuff.

http://www.amazon.com/Scosche-USB12V.../dp/B002ZXB7KW

Just my 2 cents... i'm a mixed user (some android, some apple, some other) and there is nothing like this charger.

http://www.thinkgeek.com/product/eea9/?srp=3

Smart tech that detects the circuit requesting power and enables "fast charge" for each so that you're rapid charging in the AC profile (vs. USB) and support 3 amp spike to revive the biggest and newest tablets (e.g. latest iPad).