Anyone install a console power socket? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jeremy5848 · #1 07-11-2009, 06:29 PM

One of the things that you lose when you replace your ashtray with a gauge panel is the lighter socket. This was not a big loss to me since as built by MB the socket is powered only while the key is "on." Knowing that I would lose even this limited utility, I installed an "external" pair of sockets bought at the local McParts. You can see it on the right side of the console in the first picture.

While working on my gauge panel, I realized that there's actually quite a bit of room at the front of the wood console panel -- the one where the shift quadrant and window switches live. My measurements show that the distance from the top of the wood to the transmission tunnel is 3 inches, more than enough for a power socket. All I have to do is to find a pair of sockets that are reasonably attractive (not cheap looking) and that have spring-loaded tops. Anyone ever do this? My search of the forum found primarily discussions of the factory sockets.

Note: I would ordinarily not do irreversible things like drill holes in wood panels but my panel was already "holed" by the PO so I have nothing to lose.

Jeremy

matthias08 · #2 07-11-2009, 07:07 PM

my 240D doesn't have wood there, nor do I have power window switches, but I had thought about doing an (1) outlet in the same panel, but on the angled part that leads to the carpeted tray.... essentially, hidden.

Simpler=Better · #3 07-11-2009, 08:18 PM

Mine is in the switch panel, up where the sunroof/defroster switches are.

ashedd · #4 07-11-2009, 08:46 PM

PLEASE don't take this the wrong way...

That console would look much nicer with a stereo from the 21st century

I too was thinking about adding power points.. I like your choice in location.

babymog · #5 07-11-2009, 09:13 PM

Seat heater switches there, ... power plug has to go in the storage box I'm afraid.

matthias08 · #6 07-11-2009, 10:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by babymog

Seat heater switches there, ... power plug has to go in the storage box I'm afraid.

my 124 has the seat heat switches there, so I was actually thinking about putting one in the arm rest, for my ipod/iphone or something...

as for my 123, putting one where the storage box would be... as I said above... back further seems less destructive to the appearance...

Jeremy5848 · #7 07-11-2009, 10:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ashedd

PLEASE don't take this the wrong way...

That console would look much nicer with a stereo from the 21st century

I too was thinking about adding power points.. I like your choice in location.

No insult -- that old JVC came with the car and I never got around to replacing it. Do you have any suggestions for something better? Something that wouldn't look like it came out of a Civic? Can one retrofit (if that is the right word) something from a later model Mercedes? I like the car to look like it might have come that way from the factory. One thing I would like is a connection for my MP3 player. Some manufacturers will retrofit (for a price).

Jeff, I forgot about the switches for heated seats. You have them? I'm jealous! but I suppose you need them more than I do. Always something to get in the way!

The 2009 C550 loaner the dealer gave me had a power point in the glove box. That was kinda nice but a stretch for the driver to reach. The ipod connection was in there too instead of in the console box, which would have been a lot handier.

Jeremy

pizzachef · #8 07-12-2009, 10:54 AM

My dad's Tacoma has power outlets with the spring loaded caps. Maybe check for some aftermarket or oem parts for cars that normally have them?

What's that temp gauge on the left measuring? Air or some liquid?

ashedd · #9 07-12-2009, 12:06 PM

All my MB's have Alpines. Certainly not a factory look.

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDA105/Alpine-CDA-105.html?tp=5684
This one can control an Ipod

http://www.crutchfield.com/p_500CDE102/Alpine-CDE-102.html?tp=5684
This one is pretty basic but has USB input. You can have an AUX input too, such as an Ipod.. it just can't control it.

pawoSD · #10 07-12-2009, 05:10 PM

Why not put the outlet in the tray, on the front "wall" of the tray....so its hidden but easily used? I'd not put it on the console/wood like that, its a magnet for dirt/spills, and having something plugged in would be annoying and obstruct the gauges you have there.

On my 300E I'm going to put a VDO volt gauge like yours on the left, and an outlet to the right of it. No need for boost/pyro on a N/A gasser.

Jeremy5848 · #11 07-12-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pawoSD

Why not put the outlet in the tray, on the front "wall" of the tray....so its hidden but easily used? I'd not put it on the console/wood like that, its a magnet for dirt/spills, and having something plugged in would be annoying and obstruct the gauges you have there.

Yeah, I checked that this morning. The console (window) switches and the framework used in the W124, or at least in the early versions like my '87, prevent anything from being installed there. Otherwise it's a great idea. Ideal for W123s that have manual windows.

It turns out that what 12V outlets are magnets for is dimes . . . a dime is exactly the right size to roll into the outlet and create a short circuit, that's why I want to use outlets with caps. You may be right, I don't want to block view of the gauges, I'll have to do some experiments before touching drill bit to Zebrano.

Pizza, the lefthand gauge measures Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT). The probe is in the exhaust pipe just before it goes into the turbo. After visiting the auto parts places in the morning, if I can't find an outlet with a spring-loaded cap, I'll check Pick and Pull for Tacoma and similar p-ups. Thanks for the info.

Ashedd, thanks for the Alpine links. I'll take a look at them.

Jeremy

pelon · #12 07-12-2009, 08:28 PM

in the walmart. its made for outside use and i'm going to put in on a John Deere tractor with no cab. i just don't want dust to get into it.
i was in walmart in Belen, nm and found one on the rack for $8 and change.
nice gauge setup.
roberto

husk · #13 07-12-2009, 09:25 PM

in my 95 I installed one in my console box....it will look hideous if it is placed in the zebrano, you should move it to the console box and be done with it.

Jeremy5848 · #14 07-12-2009, 10:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by husk

in my 95 I installed one in my console box....it will look hideous if it is placed in the zebrano, you should move it to the console box and be done with it.

The '87 W124 didn't have a console box . . . that was a Mercedes compensation for losing the glove box to the passenger air bag. But thanks for the suggestion, I'm not totally sold on the idea of drilling more holes in the Zebrano myself. It just seems to be a convenient place. If I can't make it look good, I won't do it. Tomorrow I'm going to Pick and Pull to buy a console top that I can play with. I'll get one that is badly cracked so it's no loss if I drill holes in it . . . maybe they'll even give me a good price.

JimmyL · #15 07-13-2009, 12:04 AM

Let's go next page....