Hardwired iPod/iPhone Charger Adapter

[anerbe]

Hello,

Just wanted to share - I bought a kensington iPhone charger that I have always debated between using the power outlet in the rear center console or the passenger footwell area. both had pro's and cons regarding looks of the wiring and having the adapter sticking out. decided to hardwire the cord, and run a USB adapter through the center console.

Parts used:
Kensington iPhone Car Charge Adapter
18 gauge wiring
2-18 gauge wire taps
On/Off switch (to avoid having charger on at all times)
Solder Kit

General notes:
-iPhone/iPod cable comes out of the center armrest storage bin with a on/off switch installed.
- Center bin comes out like others described here - just pull straight up. It could be hard to do the first time
- Pull out rear duct to gain access to wiring behind panel (could also be helpful for those who want to install accessory buttons in the rear panel)
- Cigarette lighter wiring: Red with black dots = center power of socket, orange = socket surrounding
- Opened kensington charger and solder wire to center and surround connections
- Used simple on/off switch from Radio Shack between charger and wire tap on center power.
- There's a ridge behind the ducting under the cig socket wiring that I mounted the adapter on with foam insulation.
- Power is constant - you can leave it on when the vehicle power is off to continue charging your phone, or turn it off in the event that you may need to worry about the power draw (i'm sure it's not much at all, but in the winter, i don't like taking that chance)

Result: Have Aux adapter installed in ashtray location, have power from center storage bin. Wires on each end hold my iPhone on top of the cup holder tray, where I want it, so I can easily control the iPod, Pandora internet radio and other programs such as Trapster and Google maps to supplement the MKIV nav.

Thought about other iPhone kits, such as the OEM one, but after having many BMW rentals with iPhone integration, it's such a hassle having the phone sit in the center console: Controlling iPod with OEM headunit takes forever (end up putting on shuffle), can't use Pandora radio, and i ALWAYS forget to grab my phone after walking 50 ft away from the vehicle. I had the OEM iPod integration in my M3, and I always put my iPod in my glovebox and put it on shuffle.

It's a real easy mod to hardwire power to your iPod/iPhone/any USB powered electronic. It also serves to keep my iPhone from moving around. I'll take pictures of the final product.