Ash tray power centre project

[RichardR0404]

I am so tired of using the rear seat's 12v socket since non of the usb come from bmw will allow me to charge my Note 8 and S9... was about to cut open the unused space behind idrive controller, and discovered this, the ash tray.


there is a usb 12v socket conveniently located right next to it so... This is going to be interesting. I have 2 samsung adaptive fast charger double din usb 12v socket charger, a mini volt meter for a 12v battery and some extremely small switch, also have a plastic wood kinda veneer lying around. so ....also I am planning on installing a light bar and rigid blocks for my fog lights..




I want it to be like a plug n play accessories, just have a 12v plug that conveniently plug into the right hand size 12v socket, the light bar control probably will just be a cheap ebay $20 remote control + relay....... The only thing that's not reverseable is the ash tray it self.... I don't think that matter since my X5 will last long enough when it final broke it's probably time for salvage yard..

[Yanchii]

Originally Posted by RichardR0404

I am so tired of using the rear seat's 12v socket since non of the usb come from bmw will allow me to charge my Note 8 and S9... was about to cut open the unused space behind idrive controller, and discovered this, the ash tray.
Attachment 1800561

there is a usb 12v socket conveniently located right next to it so... This is going to be interesting. I have 2 samsung adaptive fast charger double din usb 12v socket charger, a mini volt meter for a 12v battery and some extremely small switch, also have a plastic wood kinda veneer lying around. so ....also I am planning on installing a light bar and rigid blocks for my fog lights..

Attachment 1800559
Attachment 1800560

I want it to be like a plug n play accessories, just have a 12v plug that conveniently plug into the right hand size 12v socket, the light bar control probably will just be a cheap ebay $20 remote control + relay....... The only thing that's not reverseable is the ash tray it self.... I don't think that matter since my X5 will last long enough when it final broke it's probably time for salvage yard..

I would really like to see the final product! This is pretty cool I think I want to do it to

[heatmizr]

Not sure I understand the problem you are solving for... You can use the rear 12v socket today, but you can't use the one that is located up front? What is different about it?

I just have this in my ashtray socket:
https://www.cdw.com/product/Griffin-...versal/2961249

I do understand adding a switch for the light bar.
But ok, creativity is great!! So are customizations like this.

[RichardR0404]

Originally Posted by heatmizr

Not sure I understand the problem you are solving for... You can use the rear 12v socket today, but you can't use the one that is located up front? What is different about it?

I just have this in my ashtray socket:
https://www.cdw.com/product/Griffin-...versal/2961249

I do understand adding a switch for the light bar.
But ok, creativity is great!! So are customizations like this.

Instead of having 3 different adaptors I just want a clean panel with additional socket for the front seat and USB sockets, also i want those to be able to hide away when I dont want to see them.

[m5james]

I'm confused...the factory USB ports in the glovebox and armrest are low voltage, definitely not enough for a fast charger, but mostly for playing MP3's from a USB stick or your phone. I use a bullet type USB charger in the power port forward of the shifter...backseat power port is for the kids to run their tablets.