12v Outlet thoughts
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 71
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2000 E320W 4Matic
12v Outlet thoughts
I'm getting frustrated with the 12v "cigar lighter" outlet in the console on my 2000 E320. Nothing seems to be able to stay in there and properly connected. I've seen posts here that say the size is different than standard US "cigarette lighter" outlets, but I'm not sure that's the whole story - it seems to also be somewhat shallower. All of my devices (USB adapters and other chargers) are able to make contact, but slip far enough out under the tension of the tip spring to lose contact on a regular basis.
So, I'm considering two options:
1) Replace the stock outlet with a standard US outlet. Has anyone tried this?
2) Add another outlet, and mostly ignore this one. I'm not sure where I'd do this, as I don't like to add obvious bits. I'd have to find someplace where I could install it where it would be both handy AND would look like it belonged there.
In either case, one thing I'd like to do is make it constant-on. In my last car (Saturn Ion), the front outlet was constant-on, so I could leave my GPS or phone plugged in to charge while I was out of the car. Yes, I know that is a drain on the battery, but I've never had an issue with it (when I park for a week at an airport, I always remember to unplug). Does anyone know where I could find a handy source for power that's not switched by the key? (By handy, I mean something near the glovebox or ashtray, for easier access and routing, or perhaps near the center console box.)
Any advice, thoughts, or warnings greatly appreciated.
So, I'm considering two options:
1) Replace the stock outlet with a standard US outlet. Has anyone tried this?
2) Add another outlet, and mostly ignore this one. I'm not sure where I'd do this, as I don't like to add obvious bits. I'd have to find someplace where I could install it where it would be both handy AND would look like it belonged there.
In either case, one thing I'd like to do is make it constant-on. In my last car (Saturn Ion), the front outlet was constant-on, so I could leave my GPS or phone plugged in to charge while I was out of the car. Yes, I know that is a drain on the battery, but I've never had an issue with it (when I park for a week at an airport, I always remember to unplug). Does anyone know where I could find a handy source for power that's not switched by the key? (By handy, I mean something near the glovebox or ashtray, for easier access and routing, or perhaps near the center console box.)
Any advice, thoughts, or warnings greatly appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2007
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From: SoCal
98 Brilliant Silver E320 Wagon
The radio connector has two 12v dc connections. One switched and one not. However, I'm not sure of the amperage they will support. Of course, the obvious choice would be at the battery and there is a cable race under the door sills.
Also, if you can find a insert which stays in place you can wire a receptacle to it but that doesn't change the always on requirement which in my opinion is a bad idea
Also, if you can find a insert which stays in place you can wire a receptacle to it but that doesn't change the always on requirement which in my opinion is a bad idea
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 71
Likes: 1
2000 E320W 4Matic
I wasn't aware of the cable race in the sills. I'll have to look for that, and it should make reading other sources easier.
I was looking at the SOS button today and wondering what to do with it. I assume it is useless in regards to the original purpose. Has anyone modded this for other uses? Or found something else to install in its place?
I was looking at the SOS button today and wondering what to do with it. I assume it is useless in regards to the original purpose. Has anyone modded this for other uses? Or found something else to install in its place?
