dc output sockets do they drain power even if ignition off?

[omodos]

Haven’t got an mp3 player on my 2004 x5 and thinking of pluggin in one those external ones that tunes into a free radio frequency to allow you playback of music at that frequency, I want to use the dc socket at the back of the armrest, but does anyone know if I leave it in with the ignition off does it still use power?I don’t want to cause battery drainage, and then again don’t want to have to plug it in and out everytime I get in the car….appreciate any replies

[JT///MC]

you should get the aux input installed and then use a tuneflex 2.0 ($10 off ebay refurb) and call it a day. Its very convienient and puts the Ipod at right height and location so you can control it (right below the volume button). Those FM transmitter ones sound like crap.

[Bimmer4125]

To answer the question - yes, the 12V outlets are always powered. However, I've always left my phone charger and Ipod converter plugged in overnight and never had a battery problem.

[fygar]

I'm not sure about the socket behind the armrest, but the cigarette lighter does stay active even when the car ignition is turned off. Can't imagine that the battery would drain for a few days, but it really depends on the amp draw of the MP3 player power supply.

I can leave my cell phone adapter plugged in the car all the time (without the cell phone), and it has never had a problem where it ran the battery down.

The other thing to consider is theft deterrence. Not sure you want to leave an MP3 player visible in the car. That's just inviting trouble.

[CharlieHustleX5]

Yes, the socket will still provide power even with the ignition turned off. The only way to prevent your FM modulator from draining power or always staying on is to find one that has a power switch or buy an Aux Input kit for your BMW.

And on a side note, a plug in FM modulator probably wont work too well in the rear socket. They're most efficient towards the front and closest to the stereo.

[TaMbALoLoNg]

Originally Posted by Bimmer4125

To answer the question - yes, the 12V outlets are always powered. However, I've always left my phone charger and Ipod converter plugged in overnight and never had a battery problem.

Me 2.

[omodos]

thanks fellas, the fm device looked good a friend of mine has it and it worked fine on his mitsubishi, got nothing to lose really, gonna try it on the armrest not very visible at the back cos of tinted glass, and see if it has an on off button to avoid the drain

[bgsquad]

FM modulation has a limited bandwidth, and makes you lose from your bitrate, hence the sound quality... i don't have the figures, but i sure can dig it out... but let's just say that the mp3 streaming is 128kbit/sec, this needs a radio bandwidth X to get the same fidelity on analog radio waves, while FM modulators have a narrower band... in brief, you lose quality... not to mention the interference, which makes things even worse...