Looking to create an always-on USB port.

[loudog3114]

I am looking to create a USB port that is always on, even when the car is off. In my e36 I did this by tapping the memory 12v for the radio, but on the e90 everything is much less easily accessible. So, where is the best place to tap an always-on 12v wire to create a usb port with near or in the center console?

[bimmer_boyis]

I would advise against installing anything in the car that is going to be on constantly. The vehicle will never go to sleep and will end up killing the battery.

What are you using the USB for?

[mryakan]

I agree, any things always on us bad on these cars, the battery has a hard time keeping juiced up even with the car parked. Ask me how I know.

[PTFunk]

What are you using the USB for?

I'm also curious, because I was recently trying to think of a way to keep my (admittedly old-school) iPod charged overnight. As it is now somehow the iPod is kept on without being charged, and the battery always drains. Since it's my wife's daily driver I wouldn't be too worried about car battery drain, but perhaps it's better to be safe than sorry.

[Pyewacket69]

I agree, any things always on us bad on these cars, the battery has a hard time keeping juiced up even with the car parked. Ask me how I know.

I agree. There's a reason the electrics turn off when the car is parked.

[loudog3114]

I have an android phone in my car at all times that downloads podcasts, syncs music, etc while the car is off and my daily commute of 20-30 minutes isnt enough to maintain it so I have to take it out of the car and charge it every now and then. Its 5v and like .5 amps to maintain it so I am not really worried about draining the battery.

[mryakan]

I have an android phone in my car at all times that downloads podcasts, syncs music, etc while the car is off and my daily commute of 20-30 minutes isnt enough to maintain it so I have to take it out of the car and charge it every now and then. Its 5v and like .5 amps to maintain it so I am not really worried about draining the battery.

It is not the phone itself, it is the fact that doing some hacks to keep it charging while the car is off may prevent the car from putting some modules in sleep mode which will drain your battery in time.

[loudog3114]

hm, ok.