[Snkypete]

08 E90

I have power to the outlet in the ash tray, but not to the outlet in the armrest. Took the back cover off the arm rest and confirmed no power to the connector to rule out the outlet.

Every search I've done says they are on the same fuse (#8 for me) and I'm out of ideas short of tracing the wires out completely.

Anyone know where the wires lead to? Are they inline with the ash tray outlet? Any chance they are on separate fuses (I tested every 15/20a fuse on the panel to ensure power to both sides though).

TIA

[Lorde]

I have an 08 E90 M3. This just happened to me as well. Trying to trace down the problem. Any luck on your end?

[Snkypete]

No unfortunately I haven't had time to trace it any further. I may simply tap off of the front socket and be done with it. I haven't had much luck finding a wiring diagram showing the routing.

If you find anything, would appreciate any insight and I'll do the same.

[N5LS]

Mine went out too. Dealer had to open the whole console and found a broken power connector. Parts and Labor = $148.50.

2009 335i sport/premium package

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by Snkypete

No unfortunately I haven't had time to trace it any further. I may simply tap off of the front socket and be done with it. I haven't had much luck finding a wiring diagram showing the routing.

If you find anything, would appreciate any insight and I'll do the same.

WDS should have the complete wiring diagrams. I just completed a heated seat retrofit and it was VERY useful to identify all the wiring. Google for BMW WDS and you will also need Adobe SVG file viewer. The WDS files are in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format.

This is most likely a burned fuse though. Did you check the card on the back of the glove box panel identifying what each fuse is for? Maybe you missed the one you need.

[Snkypete]

Originally Posted by JimVR4

WDS should have the complete wiring diagrams. I just completed a heated seat retrofit and it was VERY useful to identify all the wiring. Google for BMW WDS and you will also need Adobe SVG file viewer. The WDS files are in Scalable Vector Graphics (SVG) format.

This is most likely a burned fuse though. Did you check the card on the back of the glove box panel identifying what each fuse is for? Maybe you missed the one you need.

Thanks, I'll check WDS.

Yes I checked the fuse, I also checked every fuse to be certain and according to the diagrams I was able to find the two outlets are on the same fuse and the front one is still functional.

[Snkypete]

Turns out I was already at WDS, that is where I got the information that it was all on one fuse and where I was stuck with limited wiring information.

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by Snkypete

Turns out I was already at WDS, that is where I got the information that it was all on one fuse and where I was stuck with limited wiring information.

In your first post you state that you're checking fuse #8 however the wiring diagram shows the fuse is at F30. The wiring to it goes through the junction box connector x11001 at pin 8.

THe other thing to be careful of is whether you have the correct diagram for your car. The on-line WDS was not current enough for my 2009 car so I had to find an updated WDS which I think came from a torrent.

Assuming you do have the correct wiring diagram I would check the outlet in the luggage compartment. If there is no power there then you need to trace out the wire from junction box x11001 pin 8 to x13660 since all of the other outlets go through that wire. Good luck!

[bb103]

In my experience in the past non bmw... majority of time its a fuse... I picked up a Fuse tester in walmart for $10.00 tested every fuse returned it as I didn't see a use for it in the future and got the fuses that i needed. (tested it in the parking lot and exchanged it... took all of 10-20min)

[Snkypete]

Originally Posted by JimVR4

In your first post you state that you're checking fuse #8 however the wiring diagram shows the fuse is at F30. The wiring to it goes through the junction box connector x11001 at pin 8.

THe other thing to be careful of is whether you have the correct diagram for your car. The on-line WDS was not current enough for my 2009 car so I had to find an updated WDS which I think came from a torrent.

Assuming you do have the correct wiring diagram I would check the outlet in the luggage compartment. If there is no power there then you need to trace out the wire from junction box x11001 pin 8 to x13660 since all of the other outlets go through that wire. Good luck!

Depending upon the vehicle, fuse #8 and fuse #30 are used (it took me some searches to find this out because #30 was empty for me). See bottom right of card for fuse #8 for power connection.


For laughs, I just tried a fuse in #8 even though my card lists it as the seat belts with no success - although I only had a 5a fuse so I should check to make sure my GPS didn't pop it. Also checked it with a voltmeter.

Yeah that is what I figured I would have to do since I have power at the front outlet but I was hoping not to take the center console completely apart.

No outlet in the trunk unfortunately either, but I have taken the back part of the console apart and checked at the connector and there isn't any power - I would assume based upon the schematic that it is a separate wire going to the fuse to this outlet so I can't even try to follow it from the front outlet.

Originally Posted by bb103

In my experience in the past non bmw... majority of time its a fuse... I picked up a Fuse tester in walmart for $10.00 tested every fuse returned it as I didn't see a use for it in the future and got the fuses that i needed. (tested it in the parking lot and exchanged it... took all of 10-20min)

I have a fuse tester, test light and voltmeter.

I tried all of the simple things before reaching out for help unfortunately...

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by Snkypete

Depending upon the vehicle, fuse #8 and fuse #30 are used (it took me some searches to find this out because #30 was empty for me). See bottom right of card for fuse #8 for power connection.


For laughs, I just tried a fuse in #8 even though my card lists it as the seat belts with no success - although I only had a 5a fuse so I should check to make sure my GPS didn't pop it. Also checked it with a voltmeter.

Yeah that is what I figured I would have to do since I have power at the front outlet but I was hoping not to take the center console completely apart.

No outlet in the trunk unfortunately either, but I have taken the back part of the console apart and checked at the connector and there isn't any power - I would assume based upon the schematic that it is a separate wire going to the fuse to this outlet so I can't even try to follow it from the front outlet.





I have a fuse tester, test light and voltmeter.

I tried all of the simple things before reaching out for help unfortunately...

I believe your fuse card is proof positive that F8 is the correct fuse. Therefore you do NOT have the correct wiring diagram yet. I just checked my card and while it's not identical to yours, I do have seatbelts on F30 and power connection on F8 just like your card. I can try to check WDS when I get home since I know it's current enough for my car.

Did the outlet ever work?

Obviously overloading the circuit would have just blown the fuse. Is it possible the wiring was never properly connected? I don't think you will find anything under the console. I've had mine apart and that wiring just comes from under the carpet and most likely joins up with the big harness that goes to the fuse box area. Most likely you will need to pull the cup holders and glove box and drop the fuse box to check the termination of the wiring. And you'll ned to be 100% sure you have the correct wiring diagram.

[Snkypete]

Thanks, build date is 01/08 and I checked both schematics on WDS for E90s (pre/post 2007) but I cannot read the pre-07 information. The wiring itself however appears to be the same.

I bought the car used, it didn't work when I purchased it. Dealer tried to state that it was merely a bad receptacle so I was going to change it myself, how I got to taking the console apart.

Approximately 6" before the outlet under the console is a two wire quick connect.

I would find it very odd (although not impossible) if it was a wiring issue on a car that was a lease and appears to have been previously owned by a non-enthusiast, but stranger things have happened. It seemed more logical to me that it would be a fuse in another location, why I checked them all and didn't find any with power on one side but not the other.

Appreciate the help...I put this on the back burner but it really does irritate me that I cannot figure it out.

[Martin528]

Just a thought if we are looking at an 08 and an 09 would this not be a warranty issue?

[Snkypete]

Car is out of warranty. Was brought to the dealer just before the warranty expired and claimed that the socket is "broken" and missing a piece - however it looks like all others I have seen. They also stated since it was "broken" it was not something covered under warranty.

[bmw325i]

Just remove the center console, follow the wire, and make sure it's not cut. If the socket is damaged you should replace that.

[JimVR4]

Originally Posted by Snkypete

Thanks, build date is 01/08 and I checked both schematics on WDS for E90s (pre/post 2007) but I cannot read the pre-07 information. The wiring itself however appears to be the same.

I bought the car used, it didn't work when I purchased it. Dealer tried to state that it was merely a bad receptacle so I was going to change it myself, how I got to taking the console apart.

Approximately 6" before the outlet under the console is a two wire quick connect.

I would find it very odd (although not impossible) if it was a wiring issue on a car that was a lease and appears to have been previously owned by a non-enthusiast, but stranger things have happened. It seemed more logical to me that it would be a fuse in another location, why I checked them all and didn't find any with power on one side but not the other.

Appreciate the help...I put this on the back burner but it really does irritate me that I cannot figure it out.

In the WDS records there is a pre 2007_03, 2007_03 to 2007_09, and post 2007_09. I'm attaching the 2007_09 but I don't think it adds much that you don't already know.

That two wire quick connect should be x18262 from the schematic. If there is no power there than you should trace back to x13660 and then back to the junction box at x11001 pin 8.

[krayzie]

Did you ever find out what was the issue?
I just bought a used 08 e92 as well and having the exact same problem... front socket works but armrest one doesn't

[Snkypete]

Originally Posted by krayzie

Did you ever find out what was the issue?
I just bought a used 08 e92 as well and having the exact same problem... front socket works but armrest one doesn't

Unfortunately no. Honestly I somewhat gave up on resolving it since other tasks took priority in my life.

[Alan.shene]

Originally Posted by Snkypete

08 E90

I have power to the outlet in the ash tray, but not to the outlet in the armrest. Took the back cover off the arm rest and confirmed no power to the connector to rule out the outlet.

Every search I've done says they are on the same fuse (#8 for me) and I'm out of ideas short of tracing the wires out completely.

Anyone know where the wires lead to? Are they inline with the ash tray outlet? Any chance they are on separate fuses (I tested every 15/20a fuse on the panel to ensure power to both sides though).

TIA

Did you fix it eventually or not ?

[kevinwoods52]

I have an 09 e90, i suspect the outlet is deeper than the cigarette socket (to stop you accidentally using the cigarette lighter in it and potentially setting fire to the car!!)
Anyway i tried with a USB plug in adapter with a couple of small washers on the centre prong and it seemed to work. Now i am not suggesting this as a long term fix as if the washers move you will likely blow the fuse. If anyone has any other suggestions feel free to comment

[Rhysj102]

I had similar issue

Fuse was blown for power to 12v (Fuse 8)

Replaced and only the ashtray 12v worked. Couldn't get anything on the armrest 12v

Than I saw the most recent post by kevinwoods52 which said about the armrest 12v being deeper so the push in lighter can't be used in there...

Then the penny dropped....

I had been trying to use a short/compact style usb charger.

There are two small protrusions inside the body of the 12v socket that prevented my usb charger from being inserted down all the way

So I modified the charger by cutting two small grooves either side of it that would clear the little protrusions and allow it to seat properly all the way down

It worked.

There was never an issue really.....it was just depth of the charger was too short