Cigarette Lighter Socket

newbimmer2019 · 03-20-2019, 08:51 PM

Hi! I just bought a cheap ambient light from amazon that plugs in the cigarette port. I just want to know since it doesn't turn off the same time as I turn off the car, will it drain the car's battery? (Although the lights do seem to turn off after 10 mins, I think).

This may have been asked before but I'm pretty new to this and have no knowledge about car electronics whatsoever. I've been reading a lot of posts here though and everyone have been so helpful with each other. I also just got this first BMW a month ago and I'm really happy about it. Thanks for all the help!

I'll post pics later!

vooonoo · 03-20-2019, 09:03 PM

think the cigarette turns off ten mins after you turn off the car

Elvisfan · 03-20-2019, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vooonoo

think the cigarette turns off ten mins after you turn off the car

I have a dash cam plugged into the lighter. I keep it plugged in. No battery problems.

ooshnoo · 03-20-2019, 09:30 PM

Take it apart and splice the wires into the footwell lighting. Looks better and problem solved.

newbimmer2019 · 03-20-2019, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ooshnoo

Take it apart and splice the wires into the footwell lighting. Looks better and problem solved.

I wish I could do that, but I really am not good with electronics and whatnot. 🙈 I even had someone install the Avin 10.25" screen which is just a plug and play replacement. Haha. It looked super easy on the videos but once I was doing it myself the first time I felt like crying. 😂

newbimmer2019 · 03-20-2019, 11:22 PM

Haha it looked really good. I think eventually I'll have it hard-wired.

natesi · 03-20-2019, 11:24 PM

Don't forget about the cigarette lighter socket under the glove-box (although I don't think Canadian market cars get this).

newbimmer2019 · 03-20-2019, 11:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by natesi

Don't forget about the cigarette lighter socket under the glove-box (although I don't think Canadian market cars get this).

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

jcordier · 03-21-2019, 04:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Hi! I just bought a cheap ambient light from amazon that plugs in the cigarette port. I just want to know since it doesn't turn off the same time as I turn off the car, will it drain the car's battery? (Although the lights do seem to turn off after 10 mins, I think).

This may have been asked before but I'm pretty new to this and have no knowledge about car electronics whatsoever. I've been reading a lot of posts here though and everyone have been so helpful with each other. I also just got this first BMW a month ago and I'm really happy about it. Thanks for all the help!

I'll post pics later!

Not sure if you know but there a cig lighter under the glove compartment to the left

floridaorange · 03-21-2019, 06:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

newbimmer2019 · 03-21-2019, 09:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcordier

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Hi! I just bought a cheap ambient light from amazon that plugs in the cigarette port. I just want to know since it doesn't turn off the same time as I turn off the car, will it drain the car's battery? (Although the lights do seem to turn off after 10 mins, I think).

This may have been asked before but I'm pretty new to this and have no knowledge about car electronics whatsoever. I've been reading a lot of posts here though and everyone have been so helpful with each other. I also just got this first BMW a month ago and I'm really happy about it. Thanks for all the help!

I'll post pics later!

Not sure if you know but there a cig lighter under the glove compartment to the left

Yup, I think I've seen some videos in youtube the first couple of days upon owning the car. It was a very sweet surprise.

newbimmer2019 · 03-21-2019, 09:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

I could easily tuck the cables in the sides. There are plastic trims in there around the center console. It's just that for the driver and passenger seats, some cables would still show on the back because you need to allow for some slack when adjusting them. I think it's an okay compromise. I'd have it hardwired in the future with someone doing it professionally, but for now, it looks great.

The lights do not seem that bright IRL, the iphone just blows it up. And again, the brightness is adjustable via the app.

leemj84 · 03-21-2019, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

I could easily tuck the cables in the sides. There are plastic trims in there around the center console. It's just that for the driver and passenger seats, some cables would still show on the back because you need to allow for some slack when adjusting them. I think it's an okay compromise. I'd have it hardwired in the future with someone doing it professionally, but for now, it looks great.

The lights do not seem that bright IRL, the iphone just blows it up. And again, the brightness is adjustable via the app.

Looks dope!

Mikesmith2939 · 03-21-2019, 12:57 PM

Have you got a link please?

floridaorange · 03-21-2019, 03:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

I could easily tuck the cables in the sides. There are plastic trims in there around the center console. It's just that for the driver and passenger seats, some cables would still show on the back because you need to allow for some slack when adjusting them. I think it's an okay compromise. I'd have it hardwired in the future with someone doing it professionally, but for now, it looks great.

The lights do not seem that bright IRL, the iphone just blows it up. And again, the brightness is adjustable via the app.

Thanks - I may go the pro route - I like the idea of the subtle blue interior since my exterior is blue

newbimmer2019 · 03-21-2019, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by leemj84

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

I could easily tuck the cables in the sides. There are plastic trims in there around the center console. It's just that for the driver and passenger seats, some cables would still show on the back because you need to allow for some slack when adjusting them. I think it's an okay compromise. I'd have it hardwired in the future with someone doing it professionally, but for now, it looks great.

The lights do not seem that bright IRL, the iphone just blows it up. And again, the brightness is adjustable via the app.

Looks dope!

Quote:

Originally Posted by leemj84

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

I could easily tuck the cables in the sides. There are plastic trims in there around the center console. It's just that for the driver and passenger seats, some cables would still show on the back because you need to allow for some slack when adjusting them. I think it's an okay compromise. I'd have it hardwired in the future with someone doing it professionally, but for now, it looks great.

The lights do not seem that bright IRL, the iphone just blows it up. And again, the brightness is adjustable via the app.

Looks dope!

Thank you! Yes, I really like it too. 😊 For $14 it's not that much. Can easily be removed or replaced if you want.

newbimmer2019 · 03-21-2019, 04:15 PM

Unifilar Car LED Strip Light, MINGER 4pcs 48 LED APP Controller Car Interior Lights, Waterproof Multicolor Music Under Dash Lighting Kits for iPhone Android Smart Phone, Car Charger Included, DC 12V https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798KMJFG..._B2.KCb493DVP9

Here's the link for those who want it. It comes with a built-in remote. Also, you can download an app to control the colors and how it lights up.

newbimmer2019 · 03-21-2019, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Quote:

Originally Posted by floridaorange

Quote:

Originally Posted by newbimmer2019

Haha actually that's where I plugged it. It's so convenient cause the cables don't really show which makes it look neater.

Any install tips for keeping wires hidden?

I could easily tuck the cables in the sides. There are plastic trims in there around the center console. It's just that for the driver and passenger seats, some cables would still show on the back because you need to allow for some slack when adjusting them. I think it's an okay compromise. I'd have it hardwired in the future with someone doing it professionally, but for now, it looks great.

The lights do not seem that bright IRL, the iphone just blows it up. And again, the brightness is adjustable via the app.

Thanks - I may go the pro route - I like the idea of the subtle blue interior since my exterior is blue

I know, I wanted the subtle look as well and the hidden cables but it's gonna cost a lot more. Maybe after a few more months, haha. $14 though is hard to pass up on. 🙈

03-20-2019, 08:51 PM	#1
newbimmer2019 Enlisted Member 21 Rep 34 Posts Drives: BMW 3 Series 320i 2015 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Cigarette Lighter Socket Hi! I just bought a cheap ambient light from amazon that plugs in the cigarette port. I just want to know since it doesn't turn off the same time as I turn off the car, will it drain the car's battery? (Although the lights do seem to turn off after 10 mins, I think). This may have been asked before but I'm pretty new to this and have no knowledge about car electronics whatsoever. I've been reading a lot of posts here though and everyone have been so helpful with each other. I also just got this first BMW a month ago and I'm really happy about it. Thanks for all the help! I'll post pics later!
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03-20-2019, 09:03 PM	#2
vooonoo ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 537 Rep 1,000 Posts Drives: f30 328 Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: nj iTrader: (0) Garage List 2014 f30 328i [0.00]	think the cigarette turns off ten mins after you turn off the car
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03-20-2019, 09:30 PM	#4
ooshnoo Lieutenant Colonel 878 Rep 1,687 Posts Drives: 2014 428i and 2018 X5 Join Date: Mar 2017 Location: Buford, GA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2018 BMW X5 [0.00] 2014 BMW 428i [10.00]	Take it apart and splice the wires into the footwell lighting. Looks better and problem solved. __________________ ___________________ 2014 F32 428i M-Sport 2018 F15 M-Sport
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03-20-2019, 11:22 PM	#6
newbimmer2019 Enlisted Member 21 Rep 34 Posts Drives: BMW 3 Series 320i 2015 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Haha it looked really good. I think eventually I'll have it hard-wired. Attached Images
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03-20-2019, 11:24 PM	#7
natesi Lieutenant 204 Rep 499 Posts Drives: F30 Join Date: Jun 2016 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	Don't forget about the cigarette lighter socket under the glove-box (although I don't think Canadian market cars get this).
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03-21-2019, 12:57 PM	#14
Mikesmith2939 Second Lieutenant 55 Rep 297 Posts Drives: 2013 320i xdrive Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: UK iTrader: (0)	Have you got a link please?
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03-21-2019, 04:15 PM	#17
newbimmer2019 Enlisted Member 21 Rep 34 Posts Drives: BMW 3 Series 320i 2015 Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (0)	Unifilar Car LED Strip Light, MINGER 4pcs 48 LED APP Controller Car Interior Lights, Waterproof Multicolor Music Under Dash Lighting Kits for iPhone Android Smart Phone, Car Charger Included, DC 12V https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0798KMJFG..._B2.KCb493DVP9 Here's the link for those who want it. It comes with a built-in remote. Also, you can download an app to control the colors and how it lights up.
	Appreciate 1 Mikesmith293955.00 Quote