Where is the cigarette lighter fuse located in a BMW 525?
3 Answers
The front cigarette lighter in the BMW 5 Series is located in the storage compartment in front of the gear lever, while the rear cigarette lighter is situated below the air conditioning vent. Simply press down on the handle of the cigarette lighter to initiate heating, and it will automatically pop out when ready. The exact location of the cigarette lighter fuse is clearly indicated on the fuse box cover. Here’s how to use the cigarette lighter: 1. The cigarette lighter is quite intuitive, featuring a circular button with a cigarette symbol (or voltage value). Press the button, and after 10-60 seconds, the device will pop up, accompanied by an audible click. 2. Lift the popped-up side and use the other end to light your cigarette by gently touching it to the heated element. 3. Using a lighter while driving poses safety risks, making the cigarette lighter an essential feature. 4. Different components are controlled by fuses of varying specifications. Automotive electrical systems have high current and voltage requirements, and haphazard replacement can lead to blown fuses or even severe consequences like vehicle fires. Therefore, it is not recommended for owners to attempt self-installation or replacement.
Last time I encountered this issue, it took me quite a while to figure out. The fuse for the BMW 525 is hidden behind the glove compartment on the passenger side. You need to remove the lower trim panel of the glove box and look for the fuse labeled F52, usually marked as '12V socket' or 'cigarette lighter.' Make sure to turn off the engine and disconnect the power before removing it. Use small tweezers to gently pull out the blue 15A fuse. If it's blown, you can see the melted copper wire inside. When replacing, always use the same 15A specification—never increase the rating. There's also a fuse box in the right rear of the trunk, but the cigarette lighter fuse is typically located in the glove compartment area. If you can't find it, take a photo of the fuse diagram for future reference—it'll save you time and money when replacing it yourself later.
Briefly speaking, the fuse box location of the BMW 525 is right below the glove compartment on the passenger side. After opening the glove box, feel downward and you'll find a rectangular black plastic cover. Pry it open with force to reveal a dense array of fuses. The one for the cigarette lighter is usually a blue 15-amp fuse, marked as position F52 on the diagram. It's important to keep a pair of needle-nose pliers in the car. Last time when my camping kettle blew a fuse, I replaced it on the spot in five minutes and restored power. It's advisable not to plug high-power devices into the cigarette lighter, especially things like electric stoves or air pumps, to avoid overloading the fuse.
