Rear cigarette lighter removal

[sv1cec]

Folks, I would like to remove the rear cigarette lighter socket, from the X5. I do not have a lighter there, so it's only a hole, which I would like to use for a USB supply plug. Any ideas on how to remove the plastic panel the socket is in? It appears that the bottom can be pulled out relatively easy, but I can't figure out how to pull the upper edge off the console.

Any instructions will be really appreciated.

[kvc]

I use mine for a cigarette lighter USB plug (the thing you plug in). Can be unplugged if needed.

[Qsilver7]

I typed "remove bmw e53 rear vent" into a google search box(since the cig socket is incorporated into the rear vent) and got this simple instructions at the very top of the results list: http://www.xoutpost.com/bmw-sav-foru...air-vents.html

But ditto above...if you want a USB socket in that location...they sell "shorty" usb cig socket adapaters..I have one in the front cig socket in my e38 & e53 which allows the cover door to close over them (none of the images below are mine...but you can get the idea):

[Joshdub]

I have two dual USB plugs in mine, front and rear. They charge two high consumption phones just fine.

[sv1cec]

I already have a Belkin one, with two USB ports, in the socket under the glove box. One of them is permanently connected to my video recorder, the other is free, but it's hard to reach for charging a phone.

Just a little while ago, I removed the rear cigarettete lighter plug and replaced it with another twin-USB port.

Next question: if you were to mount the small volt meter shown in the first link above, where would be the best place to get power from? Obviously I do not want it to be constantly on. Ideas please!!

[sv1cec]

OK, there is a perfect spot for installing my voltmeter, on my overhead console, there is an empty cover, in the center (I do not have the garage opening switches there). Now, what remains to be seen is, where do I get power from?

The pano roof switch is a logical answer, it seems that it works whenever the key is turned to the on position. However, can someone tell me which is the live wire and which is the ground wire?

Many thanks for your attention.

P.S.: If someone knows from where I can download a full wiring diagram for the car, I would appreciate it.

[Joshdub]

Do you have the harness for the garage door open through? The car might be prewired for it. I think the windows might not be ignition switched due to the fact that they can be opened/close with the key from outside the vehicle.

[sv1cec]

I removed the plastic cover and didn't see any loose plugs, so I do not think I have the garage door wiring. The only wires I could see were the ones going to the pano roof switch and the lights, towards the front.

[Qsilver7]

The ground wires are always brown. And there is a BMW WDS site (wiring diagrams)...but some have difficulty depending on the software you have:

BMW WDS web site: WDS BMW Wiring Diagram System - Model Selection

[sv1cec]

Good to know that ground is always brown.

I've visited that site (I have all the required software), but unfortunately it doesn't show the various wires going to the pano switch. It just shows a picture and the color of the connector.