Front cigarette lighter port not working...

1flossedm3 · 10-02-2015, 12:02 AM

I just got my 335xi, go to use the front port for my phone charger... doesn't work.

Plug it in the rear port.. works fine.

Dealer said it's testing fine at 4 volts, I checked the fuse and it's fine.

Any ideas?

Billfitz · 10-02-2015, 06:47 AM

If it reads 4 volts it's not fine. The lighter outlets should read between 12 and 14 volts.

RoundelM3 · 10-02-2015, 07:26 AM

Try plugging a different device into the front charger port - there are actually two; one is above the cupholders and another is on the passenger side nearest the center console on the bottom side of the glove compartment. The plug on some devices doesn't always connect at the tip without pushing it further down into the receptacle.

1flossedm3 · 10-02-2015, 09:12 AM

I will try that thank you. Dumb dealer!

1flossedm3 · 10-02-2015, 09:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roundel335

Try plugging a different device into the front charger port - there are actually two; one is above the cupholders and another is on the passenger side nearest the center console on the bottom side of the glove compartment. The plug on some devices doesn't always connect at the tip without pushing it further down into the receptacle.

Found that little hidden gem located underneath glove box. BEST SPOT EVER for a charger port.

Works fine. I'll have to go back to the dealer and tell them its still broken. Good news is I can at least charge my phone now .

ji99lypuff · 10-02-2015, 12:59 PM

Wheb you checked the fuse was it the one in the trunk or the engine bay?

1flossedm3 · 10-02-2015, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ji99lypuff

Wheb you checked the fuse was it the one in the trunk or the engine bay?

Engine bay #69

NightWriter · 10-02-2015, 05:44 PM

I thought I had the same issue, then I tried a different USB adapter that reached down deeper, and it worked fine.

CHCCubs · 10-02-2015, 06:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NightWriter

I thought I had the same issue, then I tried a different USB adapter that reached down deeper, and it worked fine.

Had a similar issue with plug on a portable air compressor. Certain plugs definitely don't seem to work well with 12V ashtray outlet.

Biorin · 10-03-2015, 08:39 PM

I have the same issue, but it used to work, and now it doesn't - same item, so it's not a depth thing. Hmm.

mayja6 · 10-04-2015, 10:21 AM

I have had the same issue as well. Two different phone chargers won't work in the front outlet. One will kind of work if I push down on it really hard but loses connection as soon as I let go. They both work perfectly in the rear outlet. I took it in to the dealer as well but they said it tested out fine, and my portable air compressor worked fine in the front outlet when I finally tried it. It looks like the front outlet just has a really sensitive/crappy connection to it that is very particular about what plugs work in it.

Jwitbo44 · 12-30-2015, 11:27 AM

I am having the same issue so this post has been helpful. I splurged (too much) on the Escort 360 and was bummed to see that it would not work in the front outlet but would in the back. I had never used the front outlet having bought the car in June. Had no idea about the magic outlet under the glove box.... that works! I am scheduled to take the car into the dealer for the front outlet.... if it is not a fuse and only a weird port that has tempermental connectivity... that still seems like an issue to me.

BBDDVV · 01-06-2016, 09:54 AM

I have the exact same symptoms in my F15, and after a trip to the dealer it seems like:
- the outlet next to the ashtray is of 'Size A' and doesn't work with any of my USB chargers.
- the outlet in the back is of 'Size B' and does work fine with my USB chargers.

From Wikipedia
...
12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle and plug, size A:
- Receptacle inside diameter: 20.93 - 21.01 mm (median 20.97 mm)
- Plug body diameter: 20.73 - 20.88 mm (median 20.805 mm)
- Most often used in American automobiles

12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle and plug, size B:
- Receptacle inside diameter: 21.41 - 21.51 mm (median 21.455 mm)
- Plug body diameter: 21.13 - 21.33 mm (median 21.18 mm)
- Most often used in European automobiles, and sometimes as a second socket in American automobiles expressly for DC power connections.
...

Turned out my adapters don't have a chamfer at the bottom part of the plug, preventing the size B USB charger plug to move down the last ±5mm (where the above diameter restriction is in the front outlet).

In my previous F11, my USB chargers did work in the front outlet, but only when pressed (very) firmly. No issues in the outlet in the back.
I guess the height of the inner diameter is slightly higher in the F15 than it was in the F11...

I hope this helps saving someone a trip to the dealer... :-)

Livetodrive · 02-09-2016, 02:47 PM

I had the same issue with my M-B. I bought a double outlet adapter at Best Buy. It fit into the car's cigarette lighter and let me connect my devices.

powerdbygarrett · 02-09-2016, 03:06 PM

Where is this second hidden 12v exactly?

BEM-S4 · 02-09-2016, 03:26 PM

Not just a BMW thing. Have had the same issues with the Allroad and the Macan.

StraightSix-d · 02-09-2016, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerdbygarrett

Where is this second hidden 12v exactly?

Name: 04-330d_SaddleBrown-front 12v.jpg
Views: 74074
Size: 380.6 KB

It's just under the glove box..sort of around where the yellow arrow is.. I had the same problem with occasionally functioning cigarette lighter 12v ports - all due to ill fitting chargers.

powerdbygarrett · 02-09-2016, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StraightSix-d

Attachment 1361930

It's just under the glove box..sort of around where the yellow arrow is.. I had the same problem with occasionally functioning cigarette lighter 12v ports - all due to ill fitting chargers.

Found it. Thanks!! Car is full of secretes lol

paul e · 02-10-2016, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by StraightSix-d

Attachment 1361930

It's just under the glove box..sort of around where the yellow arrow is.. I had the same problem with occasionally functioning cigarette lighter 12v ports - all due to ill fitting chargers.

Ahhh!!!

Thanks for this, I was looking inside, around but NEVER directly under. And it's a perfect spot as well.

Robario12 · 08-12-2018, 10:41 PM

Can anyone post some links of adapters that work fine?

IAmATeaf · 08-13-2018, 04:23 AM

I too had this and like others the dealer reported no issues with it. I did some digging around and for me it turned out that the centre console port being a cigarette lighter has some extra internal prongs which can stop a USB adapter from fully being pushed in. The other ports in th car are accessory ports so won’t have these prongs which is why the USB adapter works in them. I ended up scouring Ebay until I found an adapter with a slim tail end, ravpower as it happens which works.

Lagemba · 10-14-2018, 06:04 PM

Yeah the front port underneath the radio console doesn't work for me either. I use the USB port underneath the arm rest... Will try the port underneath the glove compartment also. Any suggestions on how to fix the front port? Thanks

10-02-2015, 12:02 AM	#1
1flossedm3 Second Lieutenant 45 Rep 214 Posts Drives: ... Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	Front cigarette lighter port not working... I just got my 335xi, go to use the front port for my phone charger... doesn't work. Plug it in the rear port.. works fine. Dealer said it's testing fine at 4 volts, I checked the fuse and it's fine. Any ideas?
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10-02-2015, 06:47 AM	#2
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8216 Rep 16,054 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	If it reads 4 volts it's not fine. The lighter outlets should read between 12 and 14 volts.
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10-02-2015, 07:26 AM	#3
RoundelM3 Major General 1833 Rep 6,986 Posts Drives: 15 F80 M3, 22 G01 X3 30i Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Wendell, NC iTrader: (2) Garage List 2022 BMW X3 [9.83] 2015 BMW M3 [6.50]	Try plugging a different device into the front charger port - there are actually two; one is above the cupholders and another is on the passenger side nearest the center console on the bottom side of the glove compartment. The plug on some devices doesn't always connect at the tip without pushing it further down into the receptacle. __________________ 2015 F80 ///M3 Sedan 7DCT Tanzanite, 2022 X3 sDrive30i 8AT Brooklyn Grey
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10-02-2015, 09:12 AM	#4
1flossedm3 Second Lieutenant 45 Rep 214 Posts Drives: ... Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: United States iTrader: (0)	I will try that thank you. Dumb dealer!
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10-02-2015, 05:44 PM	#8
NightWriter Colonel 4840 Rep 2,744 Posts Drives: G80 M3 Pure Join Date: Jun 2015 Location: Maryland iTrader: (0)	I thought I had the same issue, then I tried a different USB adapter that reached down deeper, and it worked fine.
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10-02-2015, 12:59 PM	#6
ji99lypuff Lieutenant 100 Rep 443 Posts Drives: 2014 bmw 328xi Join Date: Dec 2013 Location: NY iTrader: (2)	Wheb you checked the fuse was it the one in the trunk or the engine bay?
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10-03-2015, 08:39 PM	#10
Biorin Lieutenant 2785 Rep 421 Posts Drives: to get cheeseburgers Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Sweatervests & Range Rovers iTrader: (0)	I have the same issue, but it used to work, and now it doesn't - same item, so it's not a depth thing. Hmm.
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10-04-2015, 10:21 AM	#11
mayja6 Enlisted Member 0 Rep 33 Posts Drives: 2015 328i Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: AL iTrader: (1)	I have had the same issue as well. Two different phone chargers won't work in the front outlet. One will kind of work if I push down on it really hard but loses connection as soon as I let go. They both work perfectly in the rear outlet. I took it in to the dealer as well but they said it tested out fine, and my portable air compressor worked fine in the front outlet when I finally tried it. It looks like the front outlet just has a really sensitive/crappy connection to it that is very particular about what plugs work in it.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-30-2015, 11:27 AM	#12
Jwitbo44 Registered 0 Rep 2 Posts Drives: 15 335i xDrive MSport Min Grey Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: 66209 iTrader: (0)	I am having the same issue so this post has been helpful. I splurged (too much) on the Escort 360 and was bummed to see that it would not work in the front outlet but would in the back. I had never used the front outlet having bought the car in June. Had no idea about the magic outlet under the glove box.... that works! I am scheduled to take the car into the dealer for the front outlet.... if it is not a fuse and only a weird port that has tempermental connectivity... that still seems like an issue to me.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-06-2016, 09:54 AM	#13
BBDDVV Enlisted Member 11 Rep 40 Posts Drives: G31 530e Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Belgium iTrader: (0)	I have the exact same symptoms in my F15, and after a trip to the dealer it seems like: - the outlet next to the ashtray is of 'Size A' and doesn't work with any of my USB chargers. - the outlet in the back is of 'Size B' and does work fine with my USB chargers. From Wikipedia ... 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle and plug, size A: - Receptacle inside diameter: 20.93 - 21.01 mm (median 20.97 mm) - Plug body diameter: 20.73 - 20.88 mm (median 20.805 mm) - Most often used in American automobiles 12-volt cigarette lighter receptacle and plug, size B: - Receptacle inside diameter: 21.41 - 21.51 mm (median 21.455 mm) - Plug body diameter: 21.13 - 21.33 mm (median 21.18 mm) - Most often used in European automobiles, and sometimes as a second socket in American automobiles expressly for DC power connections. ... Turned out my adapters don't have a chamfer at the bottom part of the plug, preventing the size B USB charger plug to move down the last ±5mm (where the above diameter restriction is in the front outlet). In my previous F11, my USB chargers did work in the front outlet, but only when pressed (very) firmly. No issues in the outlet in the back. I guess the height of the inner diameter is slightly higher in the F15 than it was in the F11... I hope this helps saving someone a trip to the dealer... :-) Last edited by BBDDVV; 01-06-2016 at 10:43 AM..
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02-09-2016, 02:47 PM	#14
Livetodrive Second Lieutenant 109 Rep 292 Posts Drives: 2016 340i X Drive Join Date: Dec 2015 Location: Pa. iTrader: (0) Garage List 2016 BMW 340i XDrive [0.00]	I had the same issue with my M-B. I bought a double outlet adapter at Best Buy. It fit into the car's cigarette lighter and let me connect my devices.
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02-09-2016, 03:06 PM	#15
powerdbygarrett Private First Class 43 Rep 138 Posts Drives: 2020 F83 Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: philadelphia iTrader: (0)	Where is this second hidden 12v exactly? __________________ '15 335 Sportline xDrive Jb4 - ER: Downpipe, Charge Pipe, TTIC Pipes, Intercooler - BMS Intake
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02-09-2016, 03:26 PM	#16
BEM-S4 Major General 4516 Rep 8,942 Posts Drives: Dinan M235, Dinan Sport Wagon Join Date: Oct 2012 Location: Philadelphia iTrader: (5)	Not just a BMW thing. Have had the same issues with the Allroad and the Macan. __________________ 2022 Macan S 2016 F31 328i xDrive Sport Wagon 2006 E46 330ci ZHP Convertible
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08-12-2018, 10:41 PM	#20
Robario12 Private 8 Rep 78 Posts Drives: 18 430i GC/E92 M3/E46 M3 Join Date: May 2011 Location: Scottsdale iTrader: (1)	Can anyone post some links of adapters that work fine?
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08-13-2018, 04:23 AM	#21
IAmATeaf Captain 238 Rep 878 Posts Drives: 2015 F30 335i Join Date: Nov 2017 Location: UK iTrader: (0) Garage List 2015 BMW 335i [0.00]	I too had this and like others the dealer reported no issues with it. I did some digging around and for me it turned out that the centre console port being a cigarette lighter has some extra internal prongs which can stop a USB adapter from fully being pushed in. The other ports in th car are accessory ports so won’t have these prongs which is why the USB adapter works in them. I ended up scouring Ebay until I found an adapter with a slim tail end, ravpower as it happens which works.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-14-2018, 06:04 PM	#22
Lagemba Lieutenant Colonel 28 Rep 147 Posts Drives: F32 420d 2015 M Performance Join Date: Jul 2018 Location: London iTrader: (0)	Yeah the front port underneath the radio console doesn't work for me either. I use the USB port underneath the arm rest... Will try the port underneath the glove compartment also. Any suggestions on how to fix the front port? Thanks
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