12v to 115v
05-25-2017, 03:25 PM
#1
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W212 E-class, W211 E-class, F10 5-Series
12v to 115v
Hey guys. Quick question: I was wondering if there was a way to retrofit the 115v adapter/outlet into the existing 12v outlet? Surely they are located in the same spot? 
Should be as simple as buying the parts, and swapping out the unit perhaps, or is it more involved. Different wiring, hardware, trim, interior pieces?
Anyone ever done this retrofit, or know if it's even possible?
Maybe open up the floor to discussion, if anyone else has considered this, or wished they had gotten the 115v option.
Should be as simple as buying the parts, and swapping out the unit perhaps, or is it more involved. Different wiring, hardware, trim, interior pieces?
Anyone ever done this retrofit, or know if it's even possible?
Maybe open up the floor to discussion, if anyone else has considered this, or wished they had gotten the 115v option.
05-25-2017, 05:18 PM
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2014 E350 4M Diamond Silver
Okay, I have to ask.
Why do you need it?
Laptop's or other chargers need 150W or more, If I'm correct(My MBP 85W charger says: Input: 100-240~1.5A (1,5A) 50-60 Hz).
Please enlighten me
Why do you need it?
Laptop's or other chargers need 150W or more, If I'm correct(My MBP 85W charger says: Input: 100-240~1.5A (1,5A) 50-60 Hz).
Please enlighten me
Last edited by raja777m; 05-25-2017 at 05:49 PM.
05-25-2017, 05:31 PM
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05-25-2017, 06:45 PM
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W212 E-class, W211 E-class, F10 5-Series
Hey guys. Quick question: I was wondering if there was a way to retrofit the 115v adapter/outlet into the existing 12v outlet? Surely they are located in the same spot?
Should be as simple as buying the parts, and swapping out the unit perhaps, or is it more involved. Different wiring, hardware, trim, interior pieces?
Anyone ever done this retrofit, or know if it's even possible?
Maybe open up the floor to discussion, if anyone else has considered this, or wished they had gotten the 115v option.
Should be as simple as buying the parts, and swapping out the unit perhaps, or is it more involved. Different wiring, hardware, trim, interior pieces?
Anyone ever done this retrofit, or know if it's even possible?
Maybe open up the floor to discussion, if anyone else has considered this, or wished they had gotten the 115v option.
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05-25-2017, 08:54 PM
#8
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This was on our "preferred" options list, but buying CPO the car we ended up with didn't have it. I have an aftermarket converter anyway that I just leave in the trunk. I'd think that might be a much cheaper option. It's way more than just a different plug in the sidewall.
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raja777m (05-25-2017)
05-26-2017, 10:17 AM
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12V is DC and 115V is AC, you will need a power inverter. The biggest issue with 115V outlets in cars is that it will draw 10 times the current from your car battery compare to the current draw from a wall outlet, since W=V*I. In other word, if your lap top is design to draw 1 amp from a 115V wall outlet, it will draw 10 amps from your car battery, which might blow your fuse or drain your car battery.
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raja777m (05-26-2017)
06-01-2017, 08:59 AM
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12V is DC and 115V is AC, you will need a power inverter. The biggest issue with 115V outlets in cars is that it will draw 10 times the current from your car battery compare to the current draw from a wall outlet, since W=V*I. In other word, if your lap top is design to draw 1 amp from a 115V wall outlet, it will draw 10 amps from your car battery, which might blow your fuse or drain your car battery.
06-01-2017, 07:18 PM
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1922 Ford Model T / no OBD
I READ THE MANUAL and the factory inverter is mounted in rear console.
Not the best place IMHO.
I deal with inverters on my RVs and boats for decades.
Just for the small laptop all you need is $10 plug-in inverter what has up to 120W.
They don't have fans, so don't draw unnecessary power, but on hot day they might occasionally overheat and switch off. Not a big deal on laptop with its own battery, but remember that for other thing.
If you need 150W +, than you better hardwire inverter to the battery, or fuse box with sized fuse. It will need good cooling and will produce fan noise.
Not the best place IMHO.
I deal with inverters on my RVs and boats for decades.
Just for the small laptop all you need is $10 plug-in inverter what has up to 120W.
They don't have fans, so don't draw unnecessary power, but on hot day they might occasionally overheat and switch off. Not a big deal on laptop with its own battery, but remember that for other thing.
If you need 150W +, than you better hardwire inverter to the battery, or fuse box with sized fuse. It will need good cooling and will produce fan noise.
Last edited by kajtek1; 06-01-2017 at 07:21 PM.
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tresean1 (06-01-2017)
06-02-2017, 07:14 AM
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I happened to be sitting in my back seat the other day (fixing one of my door pins that had fallen out) and noticed I also have the 115V outlet in the rear console... pretty cool. I guess I could've also posted this revelation in that "features you didn't know you had" thread lol
06-03-2017, 06:59 PM
#14
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I don't think the battery is upgraded if you have that option. The factory inverter is 150 watts, if plug in something that draws 150 watts with the car off, you will drain the battery real quick.
