Z4 2008 cigarette lighter problem?

[bimmer0308]

Had a Z4 3.0i 2003, all electronics worked in cigarette lighter. Also, have 335x1 3-series and all electronic work in in cigarette lighter.

Now own Z4 3.0i 2008 and very few of my electronics work in the cigarette lighter, especially my escort radar detector. It seems like the socket is just a bit to large and things don't fit tight in the cigarette socket. Tried an adaptor for over sized european cigarette lighter sockets & it is to big for the socket.
Does anyone else have this problem? Any suggestion to fix the problem?

Thanks,
Bimmer0308

[BimmerE39]

I've never heard of this problem...does the cigarette lighter itself actually work?

[bimmer0308]

Originally Posted by BimmerE39

I've never heard of this problem...does the cigarette lighter itself actually work?

Lighter works as does my C-Phone charger. All other electrical things are loose in the lighter socket. BMW dealer said to remove fuse and bend the small steel prongs inside of the socket inward slightly to make things fit snuggly. They said that is what they do when people complain. I don't think I should have to do that.
Thanks,
-Bill

[cincarl]

I am having the same issue with my 2007 Z4. I can not get the plug to make contact for my portable GPS.

[bimmer0308]

Taking car in this Friday. They said to bring things that don't work and they will see what they can do. Will keep you posted.

[witeshark]

I really think the plug and receptacle size specs tend the vary a bit, since the actual connections seem to work.

[rashid]

cigarette lighters normally supplies 12 volts DC to the connected devices but if the device is designed for 5V then it may not work. I am not sure if this is really the problem, but can be checked out.

[bimmer0308]

Originally Posted by rashid

cigarette lighters normally supplies 12 volts DC to the connected devices but if the device is designed for 5V then it may not work. I am not sure if this is really the problem, but can be checked out.

All of my devices are 12 volt and have worked in every car I have ever had. I think lighter socket size varies with BMW. Will find out on Friday when I take it in. Will keep you posted.
Thanks,
Bimmer0308

[bimmer0308]

Went to dealer on Friday. None of my plugs worked in cigarette socket. So they ordered a non-smoking socket for my car???? Will see if this works when it comes in. Cost covered under warranty.
They said, that they have only noticed this problem with later model Z4's. Like I have stated before-everything works in 2003-Z4 and 2008-335x1.
Will keep you all posted when non-smokers socket comes in and they install it???
Bimmer0308

[bimmer0308]

Went to dealer and they ordered and installed a non-smokers socket. Now I have no cigarette lighter and all of my plug in things work in this socket. They admit other socket didn't work with >90% of my plug in's. BMW worked with me and resolved this problem.
Bimmer0308

[darkhorse737]

All that said and done, I fail to see the logic why there is such a thing as a smoker's socket and a "non-smoker's socket".

another dealer antic?? hmpph!

[bimmer0308]

Originally Posted by darkhorse737

All that said and done, I fail to see the logic why there is such a thing as a smoker's socket and a "non-smoker's socket".

another dealer antic?? hmpph!

I don't know either?? All, I know is original socket didn't take my plug-in's.

New socket is called a- PLUG-IN SOCKET, POWER SOCKET or ADAPTER SOCKET-3 way they describe it.

Work order says- Replaced lighter socket with 12 volt Power Supply.
PART # 61309934
It works

[LRod]

I've also found that charging too many appliance through the lighter can also cause problems. Sometimes, they just didn't think that people would be treating those almost as electrical outlets.

----------------------------
My two favorite Z3 accessories:
Z3 Windscreen (windblocker)
Z3 Shift Knobs

[bimmer0308]

I hear what you are saying. But, owners manual say that lighter socket is made to be used as a 12V socket. And (IMO) it should be made to be used as specified. Also, to charge battery in Z4, you plug charger into lighter socket and it charges/trickle charges battery for long term winter storage.
Bimmer0308

[tfried]

I'm having the same issue with my 2008 z4, my XM plug IN does not work, checked the fuse and it's ok. Thanks for the info on P/N61309934 THX tfried