[JackMK]

I recently bought a radar detector, Escort Max 360 MkII to be exact. I tried plugging it into my car and found it to not power on. I tried plugging it into another bmw and it powers right on. However, the outlet works if I plug my valvetronics system in, just not the detector

[Bc2005]

The power outlet in the console has a weird form factor that may not let some adapters fully seat and get power. The outlet in the trunk is a standard design and it works fine with everything I’ve tried. I assume there is some good reason, but I’ve never seen a good explanation.

[chutoy]

Equally had the same issue, so I ended up doing a fuse tap to the front cigarette lighter fuse

[JackMK]

Originally Posted by Bc2005

The power outlet in the console has a weird form factor that may not let some adapters fully seat and get power. The outlet in the trunk is a standard design and it works fine with everything I’ve tried. I assume there is some good reason, but I’ve never seen a good explanation.

Originally Posted by chutoy

Equally had the same issue, so I ended up doing a fuse tap to the front cigarette lighter fuse

I was looking at past posts and saw someone used a cig outlet splitter that worked. I ordered one and will try it out today. Hopefully it works so I can have both the detector and my valvetronics system plugged in at the same time

[JackMK]

Update: the adapter I ordered worked but it didn’t at the same time. I had to jam it in for it to power on but if it moved an inch it would turn off. Does anyone have any sort of adapter known to work?

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by JackMK

I recently bought a radar detector, Escort Max 360 MkII to be exact. I tried plugging it into my car and found it to not power on. I tried plugging it into another bmw and it powers right on. However, the outlet works if I plug my valvetronics system in, just not the detector

I have an Escort Max II. I used a utility knife and trimmed the main part of the plug. Not the small ring at the tip. I just shaved it down a small amount and it works perfectly. I figured worst case I break it, those cords ore not too expensive.

At some point I will hardwire it but I will use the Escort direct wire kit. I want to keep the mute button.

[1QuikWS6]

There is a TSB for this issue. BMW started using a socket that narrows at the bottom which does not allow certain style of plugs to fit the entire way into the socket & make contact

Had same issue with my Escort RD. I didn't want to use bulky adapters (there is an adapter that will go from the USB port in center console by the cupholders to convert to female socket) so I simply bought the new Socket P/N listed in TSB & replaced for clean look.

No issues with any plugs now - why BMW needs to change out parts that have worked since the beginning of time is beyond me...

BMW SIB 61 01 20 12V Power Socket Plug.pdf

[JackMK]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

There is a TSB for this issue. BMW started using a socket that narrows at the bottom which does not allow certain style of plugs to fit the entire way into the socket & make contact

Had same issue with my Escort RD. I didn't want to use bulky adapters (there is an adapter that will go from the USB port in center console by the cupholders to convert to female socket) so I simply bought the new Socket P/N listed in TSB & replaced for clean look.

No issues with any plugs now - why BMW needs to change out parts that have worked since the beginning of time is beyond me...

Attachment 3242710

I ordered the adapter from usb to 12v so I’ll try it out

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by 1QuikWS6

There is a TSB for this issue. BMW started using a socket that narrows at the bottom which does not allow certain style of plugs to fit the entire way into the socket & make contact

Had same issue with my Escort RD. I didn't want to use bulky adapters (there is an adapter that will go from the USB port in center console by the cupholders to convert to female socket) so I simply bought the new Socket P/N listed in TSB & replaced for clean look.

No issues with any plugs now - why BMW needs to change out parts that have worked since the beginning of time is beyond me...

Attachment 3242710

If you have ambient lighting and they change the 12V plug, you lose the ambient lighting for the plug. Not a huge deal but it would be nice if they had an updated plug that keeps the ambient lighting.

With that said, my 12V plug ambient lighting doesn't work. Gotta get the fixed.

[MurrayB]

I had this issue. There is a service bulletin, or whatever they call it, and they will replace the socket with the correct type at no charge. By the way, the socket on the rear of the console is the correct type.

Good Luck!

[BLK.G20]

Why not just hard wire it to the mirror? It looks the cleanest and you don't have any wires hanging around? It takes 2 minutes.

[JackMK]

Originally Posted by ryann

Why not just hard wire it to the mirror? It looks the cleanest and you don't have any wires hanging around? It takes 2 minutes.

So I’m able to transfer it to different cars. I solved the issue with an adapter. Rather have an extra wire hanging out than spending $1000+ on radar detectors for other cars

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by JackMK

So I’m able to transfer it to different cars. I solved the issue with an adapter. Rather have an extra wire hanging out than spending $1000+ on radar detectors for other cars

100% agreed, and I also like the mute button built into the Escort cord.

[jpowers36]

I have the Escort direct wire smartcord installed on both my cars with Blendmounts in each. I just unplug it and slide it out to swap them. And agreed, the mute button is great.

[Dan B]

Originally Posted by jpowers36

I have the Escort direct wire smartcord installed on both my cars with Blendmounts in each. I just unplug it and slide it out to swap them. And agreed, the mute button is great.

How was the install? My car is less than 1 month old and I have the "New car don't break it" thing going.

[jpowers36]

Originally Posted by Dan B

How was the install? My car is less than 1 month old and I have the "New car don't break it" thing going.

Easy peasy. Tapped into the fuse panel inside, ran wire through headliner, down the a pillar, which wasn’t hard. Honestly the most difficult thing was getting the Blendmount to sit properly where I wanted it. Mounted the mute button on driver side near cup holders.