BMW USB Charger

[jclaib7]

Has anyone used the BMW USB charger in the 1 series? Does the cover still close?

I've also heard that the green light stays on ALL the time which is disconcerting.

[sochermit]

I have used the connection to plug in an iPod. It will continue to draw current as long as it is plugged in, so disconnect when you leave it in the car. The "cover" arm rest goes down all the way and is not in the way. Does that help?

[AmericanFear]

I used to use it only when I really needed a charge but I've had my Zune (microsoft) plugged into it for the last few days. It shuts off when I leave the car and turns back on when I unlock it and the device is tucked away in the pouch under the armrest, so I might just leave it plugged in for a while.

[631twentyeighteye]

I leave my old iphone 4s constantly plugged into the Yplug for audio. No problems if that's what you're wondering.

[jclaib7]

I was thinking more about mounting it permanently where the cigarette lighter/ash tray compartment is. But if it stays on constantly I may not bother with it.

[AmericanFear]

Originally Posted by jclaib7

I was thinking more about mounting it permanently where the cigarette lighter/ash tray compartment is. But if it stays on constantly I may not bother with it.

I think we're talking about the built in one...

[jclaib7]

Yeah, i'm talking about this one.

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-65-41-166-...YVJGZEN6AFST4N

[Harlequin]

Originally Posted by jclaib7

Yeah, i'm talking about this one.

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-65-41-166-...YVJGZEN6AFST4N

I've got that one in my car. It will fit in the socket under the armrest or in the ashtray.

The Ashtray lid will definitely close with it plugged in as it actually sits flusher than the lighter component that's already there.

It doesn't change the behaviour of the lighter socket at all so when you lock the car it shuts down. It will come back on at the same time you hear the fuel pump prime itself. (I know this because the fuel pump priming noise in my car is always accompanied by the beeps that indicate the iPhone is now charging.)

The green light does indeed stay on whenever the charger is active but not when it's off (car locked etc.) If that's a problem you could always use either a piece of electrical tape or a felt pen to cover it up.

[ejm3]

Originally Posted by AmericanFear

I used to use it only when I really needed a charge but I've had my Zune (microsoft) plugged into it for the last few days. It shuts off when I leave the car and turns back on when I unlock it and the device is tucked away in the pouch under the armrest, so I might just leave it plugged in for a while.

Wait, what? You have a Zune? And you admit it?