Can the BMW cigarette lighter charger be left plugged in all the time?
2 Answers
It can be plugged into the cigarette lighter without harming the circuit. The car charger uses a series switching regulated power supply, and when not in use, its circuit automatically stops working. Therefore, it will not affect the circuit's operation. The static current of the circuit is only about 1-2mA, which will not have any impact on the circuit. How to use the cigarette lighter: Press the button, and after 10-60 seconds, the cigarette lighter device will pop up with a slight sound. Be sure to pick up the popped side and use the other side to light the cigarette. A light touch to the cigarette can ignite it. Using a lighter while driving poses safety hazards, so using the cigarette lighter is significant. Location of the cigarette lighter: The position of the cigarette lighter is not fixed and varies depending on the car model. Some cigarette lighters are buttons with a cigarette icon, some are near the USB port, and others are located near the rear air conditioning vents.
Having driven a BMW for so many years, I've gained quite some experience with cigarette lighter chargers. While it's technically possible to leave them plugged in all the time, I wouldn't recommend doing so. The main issue is that after turning off the vehicle, the charger still consumes a small amount of power. Even with a fully charged battery, leaving it plugged in for extended periods—like overnight or several days without driving—can easily drain the battery. Once, I forgot to unplug the charger during a three-day business trip, and when I returned, the car wouldn't start. I had to call for roadside assistance, which was both costly and frustrating. Although BMWs have advanced systems, their batteries are similar to those in regular cars, and poor maintenance can shorten their lifespan. Additionally, keeping the charger plugged in long-term may cause the socket to wear out or overheat, increasing the risk of malfunctions. I believe developing the habit of unplugging it when not in use is the most reliable approach, especially in winter when battery performance declines faster. Don’t cut corners on this—safety is more important than convenience. After all, no one wants to end up stranded on the road.