Phone charging solution - any good options?
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 597
Likes: 24
From: Nashville
2017 S550 Iridium / Black Nappa, 2015 GL 550 Paladium Silver
Phone charging solution - any good options?
Relatively simple question but I haven't found the "right solution" for me yet. How do you charge your phones while driving?
I've read the various threads raising the issue but not many solutions. The console USB ports are an option but I have read that the two way console top chews through cables. The lighter plug seems like the best option but this requires the ashtray to remain open eliminating the option of using the cup holders to actually hold a cup. The fact that It angles up when open and folds flat when closed also complicates this methods with most integrated charging units.
I did find a low profile Griffin USB lighter plug that has two USB slots that I can plug into the top slot and still close the ashtray door with the cord hanging out one side.
https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Power...B+lighter+plug
This is my best option so far but wondering what others are doing.
I've read the various threads raising the issue but not many solutions. The console USB ports are an option but I have read that the two way console top chews through cables. The lighter plug seems like the best option but this requires the ashtray to remain open eliminating the option of using the cup holders to actually hold a cup. The fact that It angles up when open and folds flat when closed also complicates this methods with most integrated charging units.
I did find a low profile Griffin USB lighter plug that has two USB slots that I can plug into the top slot and still close the ashtray door with the cord hanging out one side.
https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-Power...B+lighter+plug
This is my best option so far but wondering what others are doing.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 368
Likes: 11
From: Iowa
2019 S450
I use a 120 volt fast charger for my S7. I just plug it into the 120 volt outlet on rear side of center console. Works great and will charge even as I am using my tune in app. to litsten to polka music.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,493
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2014 S550 AMG, 2017 XT5
I use this for my IPhone in the Center Console.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FY9JZFC...66JCGMR0&psc=1
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01FY9JZFC...66JCGMR0&psc=1
Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 160
Likes: 26
From: NC
2019 S560
BTW, what a great subject to post. I have been frustrated with this as well. I have a radar detector that I have to plug in the rear passenger area, because if I plug it into the front center, I can't use my cupholders. This was a design overlook I believe. Most of these german cars will have an accessory outlet in the foot wells on the passenger side, but our cars do not....mmm, maybe on the next one?
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2018 S 650, 2014 SL 550, 2017 911 TTS Cab, '13 F458 Spider
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Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 20
Likes: 5
VW 48
..."I have read that the two way console top chews through cables."
In the front top corners of the center console, on each side, there are indentions. If you run the cable through one of these indentions, the closed console's top will not press against the cable.
In the front top corners of the center console, on each side, there are indentions. If you run the cable through one of these indentions, the closed console's top will not press against the cable.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2002
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
I run mine this way...works great
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 558
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From: New York City
2021 e All Terrain, 2001 e55
This works great thanks
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
2015 S550, 2016 C63S AMG
So glad to see this thread. If there is one thing I HATE out of my 2015 S550 is the stupid location of the cigarette lighter. I have a radar detector and can't put it in without loosing ability to use the drink holders. Of course, the drink holders are CRAP as well because they don't hold even a mid-size coke cup, too wobbly on turns. I am not sure why the designers don't think of the usability of the vehicle more often!...I will try the indentation in center console...still a STUPID location for the cigarette lighter...I don't smoke and want to use it as a charging port...
Junior Member
Joined: Jan 2017
Posts: 16
Likes: 0
2015 S550, 2016 C63S AMG
Can someone please post the picture of center console with the 'Indentations'? I have Samsung Galaxy Note 5 and I can't get the console cover to close without chewing the wire after I connect the charger wire into the USB port. Thanks
