Where is the BMW cigarette lighter fuse located?
3 Answers
BMW cigarette lighter fuse is located at the rear right of the trunk, and it can be seen upon opening. The function of the cigarette lighter is to charge electronic devices. Taking the 2020 BMW X5 as an example, it belongs to the mid-size SUV category, with body dimensions of: length 4930mm, width 2004mm, height 1776mm, wheelbase 2975mm, and fuel tank capacity of 83L. The 2020 BMW X5 features a double-wishbone independent front suspension and a multi-link independent rear suspension. It is equipped with a 2.0T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 265PS, maximum power of 195kW, and maximum torque of 400Nm, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.
I've been repairing cars for several years. The BMW cigarette lighter fuse is usually located in a small box under the passenger's feet in the front of the car. You can see it by opening the fuse cover. There are a bunch of small fuses inside, and the one for the cigarette lighter is typically labeled "CIG" or "Cigarette Lighter"—don't get it wrong. The most common reason for it blowing is plugging in too many electrical devices, like high-power power banks or vacuum cleaners, which overload the current and cause it to break immediately. Before checking, make sure to turn off the engine and remove the key. If the thin wire in the middle of the fuse is broken when you pull it out, it's blown. When replacing it, make sure the new one matches the amperage, usually 15A or 20A. Keeping a spare in the car is convenient. The location may vary slightly depending on the BMW model—for example, in older 3 Series, it's behind the glove box, while in the 5 Series, it's in the center console. Remember, working with live electricity is dangerous—don't touch it with wet hands. If you're unsure, go to a professional shop. Regularly check the cigarette lighter circuit to avoid frequent blowouts.
I love tinkering with cars myself, and I've replaced a blown BMW cigarette lighter fuse before. The fuse box is located under the passenger side footwell—just lift the cover, and the diagram on it will indicate which fuse is for the cigarette lighter. A common cause is using a low-quality charger or overloading the socket. Last time, mine blew when I plugged in a car fridge. Before checking, turn off the engine and power, then use small pliers to pull out the fuse. If it's broken, buy a new one to replace it. Make sure to check the amperage rating when purchasing—most cars use 10A to 15A fuses. If you can't find it, search online for videos of your car model to learn the steps. When the fuse blows, the cigarette lighter stops working immediately, so don’t rush to replace other parts—start with the fuse first. After replacing it, test it to avoid unnecessary hassle. Safety tip: Keep a multimeter in the car for circuit testing, and beginners should avoid tampering with wiring randomly.
