What phone chargers are people using?

[CiaranMcK]

I was looking for some inspiration for a good phone charging solution, and how to run the cable with minimal wires on show? 
 

The centre console doesn’t have enough height in the cigarette lighter to close the door over it when plugged in, and I really like the sleek look of the console with all closed up. 
 

The arm rest won’t close properly with a cable coming out of it, and would need a mega long cable to reach my phone at the front.

I have a 2008 is250 with ML, so no USB ports. 

Any inspiration appreciated! 
 

Thanks

[Alfalfa]

Soldered one like this to the lighter wires.

[CiaranMcK]

7 hours ago, Alfalfa said:

Soldered one like this to the lighter wires.

Nice idea!

 

where do you have it coming out?

[Mr Vlad]

Hi. It's simpler to use the socket in the armrest. You need the Shallow type charger with a 90 degree USB adapter. 

 

[Mr Vlad]

That's how I have my Bluetooth adapter plugged in to the aux socket powered by the 12v socket. All available on eBay. 

[McShmoopy]

I’m knee deep into the apple ecosystem so I’ve got one of those MagSafe chargers. This is my second one from Anker and the only reason I got this was the cable is integrated into the assembly and goes all the way to the back (it’s not even 15W so what a rip!) 

 

I’ll be figuring out a way discretely run the cable through the dashboard at some point (perhaps by lifting the centre speaker plastic grill) 

[Herbie]

On 5/29/2022 at 4:15 PM, CiaranMcK said:

I have a 2008 is250 with ML, so no USB ports. 

I don't know what the dash looks like in one of these but if you have a cigar lighter you could just replace it with one of these like I did in my RX300 (plenty of choice on eBay):

[Alfalfa]

18 hours ago, CiaranMcK said:

Nice idea!

 

where do you have it coming out?

Here.

[J Henderson]

13 hours ago, Herbie said:

I don't know what the dash looks like in one of these but if you have a cigar lighter you could just replace it with one of these like I did in my RX300 (plenty of choice on eBay):

Yep. I have one similar to that plugged into the 12v socket inside the armrest. With a really short (0.25m I think) USB cable to do the charging.

Plenty of room to close the console up with the phone and everything else inside. Actually that's the whole point as I have no desire to have the phone "out" and usable whilst driving.

I do have the dedicated USB port on my car, but use that for music instead.