dc ports live or not live with ignition off?

[omodos]

Anyone know if this dc ports - lighter plug in BMW's and X5 are live "hot" even when the car ignition is off? I am sure I have read posts saying they are live, and advice not to leave gadgets plugged in like mp3tuners etc as devices will stay on and drain the battery.

I plan to use a solar charger to keep the batt topped up when car is not driven....any advice would be great...

[Reecard]

Originally Posted by omodos

Anyone know if this dc ports - lighter plug in BMW's and X5 are live "hot" even when the car ignition is off? I am sure I have read posts saying they are live, and advice not to leave gadgets plugged in like mp3tuners etc as devices will stay on and drain the battery.

I plan to use a solar charger to keep the batt topped up when car is not driven....any advice would be great...

I know for a fact the main lighter plug is "hot" even when the key is off. I have not checked the others.

Todder

[omodos]

thanks fella, I thought I auto answered my post as there was a lady on the site that mentioned her son kept on draining the car battery as he kept of forgetting his ipod plugged in....ok thanks

[Halston Pitman]

Originally Posted by Reecard

I know for a fact the main lighter plug is "hot" even when the key is off. I have not checked the others.

Todder

This is true and has left a friend stranded at the airport on a long trip. It will definitely be 'hot' all the time so don't leave stuff plugged in for a long time!

[70Sixter]

Not so in the E70. To my great regret. Wait until you need to plug a battery maintainer in to get enuf voltage to open the glove box after a battery meltdown.

See the thread on massive electrical meltdowns.

I could not open the rear hatch to get to the transmission unlock tool, glovebox to get to the owner's manual or even get the key out.

Turn your arc welder and radar detectors OFF. It is worth the bother just to be able to plug a battery maintainer in!!!!