Can I charge my 2003 BMW 325i through the cigarette lighter socket ?

Question

It would be easier than hooking up the battery tender to the battery, but is cigarette lighter dead when ignition key is removed?

Answer 1

I don't think the wiring is heavy enough to handle the ampereage required to charge a battery, 10 amps or more on rapid charge.

Answer 2

I have an 05 325 and I jumped another car with it but I went thru the terminals in the engine compartment.

I have seen the cables for cigarette sockets before but I have never used them. But they must obviously work because they have been around so long.

I am not sure about the key situation though, but I do not think it would matter.  

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I decided to help you out and post it for you.  Good Luck.

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Answer 3

Easy test - try to use lighter with ignition off and key removed. If lighter operates then the answer is a limited "yes". Limited in that a trickle or maintenance charge can be applied that way, but if the battery is dead the amount of charging current required will blow the fuse.  A dead battery recovery charge must be applied directly to the battery terminals or Jump starting terminals if your car has them.