usb port with intermittent connection?
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Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 524
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From: Baltimore/DC area
2014 E350S4
usb port with intermittent connection?
Have any of you tried to charge your cell phone using the USB port in the center armrest console? If so, does it work well for you? I've tried several different cables with different phones, and each time it will start to charge, then stop, then start again, and so on. I'm wondering if this is because I have a defective port or if maybe about the design just doesn't allow for phone charging. 
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From: West Central Florida
2011 E550 P2 4M Sedan
I would also suspect the slow charging rate of the usb port which is probably less than 0.5a. Others have complained that it acts mostly as a trickle charger, not something to help you fast charge your phone.
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2020 X7 xDrive40i, 2016 X3 sDrive28i
The port only has an output of 0.3a and that's not nearly enough to charge a modern smartphone (which usually requires at least 1a, but many like to use up to 2a).
For example with my Galaxy S5 plugged in it will only maintain the battery under light use. It won't charge it or even maintain the current battery level under heavy use.
For example with my Galaxy S5 plugged in it will only maintain the battery under light use. It won't charge it or even maintain the current battery level under heavy use.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 524
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From: Baltimore/DC area
2014 E350S4
The only OEM cable I have is a dual cable with one end that looks like it might fit an iPhone and a second end that is an aux jack. I did not get an OEM cable for a mini USB or anything that would plug into my Samsung Note 3 or my wife's Samsung Galaxy S5.
It seems that any cable we use to plug into the USB port in the center armrest console will cause our phones to charge, then stop charging, then charge, then stop charging. It's not even a constant veeeeery sloooooow charge. I might be okay with that, but I'm not okay with the on-off charge.
From the responses, it sounds like my problem is a little different. I guess that means I should bring it in sometime before the warranty ends? Means I have another 3 years, I suppose...
It seems that any cable we use to plug into the USB port in the center armrest console will cause our phones to charge, then stop charging, then charge, then stop charging. It's not even a constant veeeeery sloooooow charge. I might be okay with that, but I'm not okay with the on-off charge.
From the responses, it sounds like my problem is a little different. I guess that means I should bring it in sometime before the warranty ends? Means I have another 3 years, I suppose...
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 524
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From: Baltimore/DC area
2014 E350S4
They both work fine. That's why I'm wondering if my USB port is defective. If it is, I'd like to get it fixed while still under warranty. Never know when I might need it for something...
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Joined: Jul 2010
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2014 W212 E350 4M
If you have tested that port with different cables and it starts and stops while the engine is on it would seem that either the port or the associated wiring is defective causing the intermittent.
As others have mentioned the output is low about 500ma or .5A. It will maintain my Samsung phone while driving on a trip in which I use it for a couple of calls. I usually use a different arrangement for charging.
I do miss the power part in the glove compartment of the earlier models for powering various devices.
As others have mentioned the output is low about 500ma or .5A. It will maintain my Samsung phone while driving on a trip in which I use it for a couple of calls. I usually use a different arrangement for charging.
I do miss the power part in the glove compartment of the earlier models for powering various devices.
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Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2019
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From: Dallas, TX
2016 Mercedes E250 Bluetec Designo
@Incendiary Did you ever resolve this issue? Happening on my 2016 E250… Believe it or not this is not the first time I’ve seen the issue exactly as you’ve described (a little different than most other USB-related posts on here), am but I have yet to find a solution.
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 524
Likes: 2
From: Baltimore/DC area
2014 E350S4
@Incendiary Did you ever resolve this issue? Happening on my 2016 E250… Believe it or not this is not the first time I’ve seen the issue exactly as you’ve described (a little different than most other USB-related posts on here), am but I have yet to find a solution.
