95 BMW 520i (e34) cigarette socket not working

V1llianous

Hi All,

I have a 1995 e34 520i and the cigarette socket hasn't worked since I bought it last year.

I spent most of the last year presuming that the after-market cd changer was powered of the socket as the control was near it. I removed the cigarette socket fuse and the cd player still worked so that assumption flew out the window. I have also replaced the fuse to eliminate a faulty fuse. I have the Haynes manual but doesn't appear to be enlightening and have also downloaded an e34 electrical troubleshooting manual but it is double dutch to me.

The socket is embedded into the console where the ashtray / coin tray in my case is located see pics and doesn't seem to be accessible.





I'm of on holidays next week and it would be useful to have this working before I go.

Has anyone got any ideas ?

Thanks in advance.

unkel

You've probably tried this already: did you have the key in the ignition in the "on" position when you checked the cigarette lighter?

V1llianous

I've tried it with the ignition set in all 4 possible positions, off, 1st stage, 2nd stage & engine running.

I've also checked the user's manual and it says that the cigarette lighter can be used at all times even with the keys out of the ignition and as a result do not leave children unattended in the car.

unkel

V1llianous wrote: »

I've also checked the user's manual and it says that the cigarette lighter can be used at all times even with the keys out of the ignition

I've had an E34 and now you mention it, I remember the cigarette lighter working when the key is not in the ignition. Not like my current E38 or 928!

The socket might be ok but they lighter itself dodgy. Did you try using the cigarette lighter from another car?

V1llianous

I haven't tried using a lighter but have tried using 2 different car chargers ( 1 x mobile phone & 1 x PSP ) which both have LEDs on them when in use and no joy.

I've just found this on ebay which says it fits e34s - http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250251502572 which I might get if it includes the socket - my only problem is I have no idea via user manual or haynes manual on how to replace the unit. :{

bigtimecharlie

Hi V1llianous, I went out to my e34 520i auto and sure enough, the cig lighter is dud. Not a problem for me but it's one of a few gremlins it wish to get sorted. Have you encountered problem's with poor radio reception that disappears when the rear demister is switched on? My rear electric windows don't work either (changed the switches in the center console) and the central locking won't function on the boot lock. Just thinking that there is an issue in the rear of the car like a grounding point of something.

DM-BM

bigtimecharlie wrote: »

Hi V1llianous, I went out to my e34 520i auto and sure enough, the cig lighter is dud. Not a problem for me but it's one of a few gremlins it wish to get sorted. Have you encountered problem's with poor radio reception that disappears when the rear demister is switched on? My rear electric windows don't work either (changed the switches in the center console) and the central locking won't function on the boot lock. Just thinking that there is an issue in the rear of the car like a grounding point of something.

Are you aware that the ariel for the radio is actually in your rear screen.

Sometimes strange electrical problems on a e34 can be down to the wiring loom attached to one of the boot hinges, it might be worth a look.

Stevie Dakota

bigtimecharlie wrote: »

My rear electric windows don't work either (changed the switches in the center console) and the central locking won't function on the boot lock. Just thinking that there is an issue in the rear of the car like a grounding point of something.

For the back windows try this, hold the switch down with the back door open, keep holding the switch down, now slam the door (reach back from drivers seat), this often wakes the motor up. It's a known E34 issue on older cars. New motors are €100 a side from BMW which is pretty cheap.

bigtimecharlie

DM-BM wrote: »

Are you aware that the ariel for the radio is actually in your rear screen.

Sometimes strange electrical problems on a e34 can be down to the wiring loom attached to one of the boot hinges, it might be worth a look.

Yep, know where the aerial is. Was looking at the loom on the boot hinge and could see nothing wrong with it.

bigtimecharlie

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

For the back windows try this, hold the switch down with the back door open, keep holding the switch down, now slam the door (reach back from drivers seat), this often wakes the motor up. It's a known E34 issue on older cars. New motors are €100 a side from BMW which is pretty cheap.

Will give that a try tomorrow.

bigtimecharlie

Stevie Dakota wrote: »

For the back windows try this, hold the switch down with the back door open, keep holding the switch down, now slam the door (reach back from drivers seat), this often wakes the motor up. It's a known E34 issue on older cars. New motors are €100 a side from BMW which is pretty cheap.

This little tip has worked a treat. The window is a bit slow but still, better than nothing. Will keep opening the windows just to keep the motors running.