[tolwyn]

Hi everyone,

I have two questions about internal power in my 2013 BMW 335ix, and I'm really hoping someone can help me with it -- the digital manual isn't much of a help I'm afraid.

1. If you're parked with the engine off - how do you turn on just the electronics (IE: radio) without turning on the entire engine and off again? (Basically accessory only power)

2. I was recently given a plug-in cooler for an upcoming road trip. I know BMW generally shuts off power to all its outlets, but is there one in the car that at least runs longer than when I shut off the car? (Glove box, centre console, front dash, and rear)

Many thanks!

[Tony M]

1. You just press the volume knob on the radio - works in my 428i.

2. My understanding is they all get turned off after 5-10 minutes. I think I'll get a permanently powered outlet installed in the boot (er sorry, I mean trunk in US speak) for my fridge. The only problem I envisage is this will bypass the battery conservation electronics and I'll have to be careful not to forget and leave it on too long.

[alienranch]

If you're in the car (with the keyfob), just push the start button with your foot NOT on the brake. This puts the car into ACC mode for the electronics.

[///MZ]

Originally Posted by alienranch

If you're in the car (with the keyfob), just push the start button with your foot NOT on the brake. This puts the car into ACC mode for the electronics.

In my case, it turns all of the warning lights on and says ignition is on. It also tells me to depress the brake to start the car. So your suggestion is not 100% correct.

[bmwauug]

Originally Posted by ///MZ

In my case, it turns all of the warning lights on and says ignition is on. It also tells me to depress the brake to start the car. So your suggestion is not 100% correct.

? That is how it works. What exaclty are you expecting?

[alienranch]

Originally Posted by ///MZ

In my case, it turns all of the warning lights on and says ignition is on. It also tells me to depress the brake to start the car. So your suggestion is not 100% correct.

Agree with another poster - what are you expecting it to do? You car will either supply power with the engine running, supply power without the engine running, or supply no power at all.

[Alan_NJ]

I think hes expecting the power to be available without all the lights and warnings, just like it is when you press once to just turn off the engine after its been running.

I never tried pressing the radio button with the car off though.
Would be cool if that works too.

[///MZ]

Originally Posted by bmwauug

? That is how it works. What exaclty are you expecting?

Accessory mode which doesn't require the ignition to be on.

[bmwauug]

Originally Posted by ///MZ

Accessory mode which doesn't require the ignition to be on.

I'll test mine today. I believe the radio does work by just pushing the power button.

[tolwyn]

Heh -- thanks for the replies, a few were a bit funny. Yeah, essentially, I'm expecting some kind of mode that BMW does much like GM's and others called Retained Accessory Power. If it doesn't exist, I'd be pretty surprised. All things considered, just pressing the start button without brake just starts everything up except for the engine itself along with all the warning lights.

Too bad about the outlets. Oh well.

[IndotagSwizz]

I don't understand this post, if the outlets stayed on for more than 10-15min after the car is off and you have something plugged in then it will end up draining your car battery anyways... That's why they eventually shut off

[msej449]

On my F31 there's a power outlet just above the front passenger's knees. Only found out about it on another forum. You need to virtually lie on the floor to see it. I think it runs for 10 minutes like the one on the rear console and F31 rear load area outlets. I also have an old car refrigerator that I connect to one of the latter two. It stays on when the engine goes off, but only for ten minutes, as has been said (but you'd not want it draining for any longer anyway). I keep a BMW rechargeable mini-torch in the footwell socket for emergencies.