12V plug too deep

dward075 · 09-24-2021, 03:54 PM

Hey all. Does anyone have a solution/product that they are using as a workaround for the too-deep 12V socket? I just bought a new radar detector and the plug isn't deep enough to touch the bottom contact. This is apparently a known problem, but I searched this forum and couldn't find any threads.

Thanks, Derrick

DG-X5 · 09-24-2021, 04:34 PM

I used this for a while in my G05 until I finally hardwired mine using a mirror tap - this fella is able to draw power from the front 12v socket; no issues. Used to stick it between the passenger seat and center armrest and it would nestle nicely into that spot and not move around.

BESTEK 150W 2-Socket Cigarette Lighter Splitter Power Adapter DC Outlet Car Charger Splitter Dual 2.4A USB Car Cigarette Splitter with 26 Inches Cord for Cellphone GPS Dash Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJ8TVQ...UTF8&psc=1

nZtiZia · 09-24-2021, 10:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dward075

[…]This is apparently a known problem, but I searched this forum and couldn't find any threads.

really?

Cigarette lighter plug issue https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1557458

Alan l. · 09-24-2021, 11:48 PM

Hard wiring it to the mirror takes 10 mins to do and way cleaner without having any wires all over the place.

dward075 · 09-25-2021, 07:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

really?

Cigarette lighter plug issue https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1557458

Sorry about that. I searched for 12V instead of cigarette lighter.

dward075 · 09-25-2021, 07:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Hard wiring it to the mirror takes 10 mins to do and way cleaner without having any wires all over the place.

I thought about this too, but I was concerned about it because it's a lease. How invasive is the process?

DG-X5 · 09-25-2021, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dward075

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alan l.

Hard wiring it to the mirror takes 10 mins to do and way cleaner without having any wires all over the place.

I thought about this too, but I was concerned about it because it's a lease. How invasive is the process?

Process is quite simple once you get a hang of how to remove the plastic trim without being skittish about breaking clips.

And reversible in 5-10 mins without any traces.

Check out this thread: Uniden R7 Radar install with Mirror Tap https://g05.bimmerpost.com/forums/sh....php?t=1653954

Here's the hardware for an Escort Max:
Radar Mount RJ11 Mirror Wire Radar Detector Hardwire Power Cord for Escort Max Detectors (4005201M) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QSDH8DH...GSM1W5F19ZRAQG

nZtiZia · 09-25-2021, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dward075

Sorry about that. I searched for 12V instead of cigarette lighter.

i searched '12V adapter'. hope it sheds some light and provides a fix for ya

AwesomeM3 · 09-26-2021, 01:45 PM

See the attached SIB. BMW will fix it for free.

dward075 · 09-26-2021, 09:17 PM

I ended up using my Dremel and a sanding drum to trim down the plug. Once I did that, it fit fine and works great. While I like the idea of hardwiring it, I'm concerned about doing that on a leased vehicle and potentially compromising the warranty.

Thanks for all the advice!

TXSTYLE · 04-24-2024, 10:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

i searched '12V adapter'. hope it sheds some light and provides a fix for ya

I'm looking for those adapters in the last Pic of your post. Where please?

nZtiZia · 04-24-2024, 11:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

I'm looking for those adapters in the last Pic of your post. Where please?

USB to 12V adapters like this?
https://a.co/d/e7UArcz

TXSTYLE · 04-24-2024, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nZtiZia

USB to 12V adapters like this?
https://a.co/d/e7UArcz

No the extenders to place my radar detector plug in.

nZtiZia · 04-25-2024, 05:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXSTYLE

No the extenders to place my radar detector plug in.

sorry, can’t help you there, my friend, as I never had to use one. that screenshot I took was just to show the extent of the issue. it might just have to be trial and error on your part

Natebg · 04-25-2024, 08:39 AM

This worked for me:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJ8TVQ...ing=UTF8&psc=1

TXSTYLE · 04-25-2024, 10:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Natebg

This worked for me:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJ8TVQ...ing=UTF8&psc=1

Thanks!

Bimmersurfer · 04-25-2024, 04:51 PM

where i bought my radar detector they sell and extender tip for the cigarette lighter plug. the end of the plug in unscrews and a longer nib just fits in and you screw it back on. I tried to find it on Amazon but i could not. I bought mine at a store called Visions that does stereo installs and they had it in the back in stock. really easy swap and install.

09-24-2021, 03:54 PM	#1
dward075 New Member 14 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW X5 MC Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leawood, KS iTrader: (0)	12V plug too deep Hey all. Does anyone have a solution/product that they are using as a workaround for the too-deep 12V socket? I just bought a new radar detector and the plug isn't deep enough to touch the bottom contact. This is apparently a known problem, but I searched this forum and couldn't find any threads. Thanks, Derrick
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09-24-2021, 04:34 PM	#2
DG-X5 Second Lieutenant 168 Rep 212 Posts Drives: 2022 F95 X5MC Join Date: Jun 2021 Location: Deep South iTrader: (0)	I used this for a while in my G05 until I finally hardwired mine using a mirror tap - this fella is able to draw power from the front 12v socket; no issues. Used to stick it between the passenger seat and center armrest and it would nestle nicely into that spot and not move around. BESTEK 150W 2-Socket Cigarette Lighter Splitter Power Adapter DC Outlet Car Charger Splitter Dual 2.4A USB Car Cigarette Splitter with 26 Inches Cord for Cellphone GPS Dash Cam https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJ8TVQ...UTF8&psc=1
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09-24-2021, 11:48 PM	#4
Alan l. Major General 5483 Rep 8,824 Posts Drives: 2020 F95 X5M Competition Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: United States iTrader: (9)	Hard wiring it to the mirror takes 10 mins to do and way cleaner without having any wires all over the place. __________________
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09-26-2021, 09:17 PM	#10
dward075 New Member 14 Rep 19 Posts Drives: 2022 BMW X5 MC Join Date: Sep 2021 Location: Leawood, KS iTrader: (0)	I ended up using my Dremel and a sanding drum to trim down the plug. Once I did that, it fit fine and works great. While I like the idea of hardwiring it, I'm concerned about doing that on a leased vehicle and potentially compromising the warranty. Thanks for all the advice!
	Appreciate 2 Ibiza3614.00 TXSTYLE13921.50 Quote

04-25-2024, 08:39 AM	#15
Natebg Registered 7 Rep 3 Posts Drives: X5MC Join Date: Jan 2024 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	This worked for me: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003YJ8TVQ...ing=UTF8&psc=1
	Appreciate 3 nZtiZia4681.50 TTTTTTT91.50 TXSTYLE13921.50 Quote

04-25-2024, 04:51 PM	#17
Bimmersurfer Private 35 Rep 51 Posts Drives: X6MC Join Date: Sep 2020 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	where i bought my radar detector they sell and extender tip for the cigarette lighter plug. the end of the plug in unscrews and a longer nib just fits in and you screw it back on. I tried to find it on Amazon but i could not. I bought mine at a store called Visions that does stereo installs and they had it in the back in stock. really easy swap and install.
	Appreciate 1 TXSTYLE13921.50 Quote