R171 additional 12v socket

[Piff]

I want to add an additional 12v socket in the SLK. The reason for this is I want to be able to plug in a DAB device similar to this
https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B07798W9D6/?tag=amazon0e9db-21
The 12v socket in the SLK is deep in the passenger footwell

and anything plugged into it is bound to get kicked/broken
I'm thinking that I could possibly fit an additional 12v socket in the tray with the rubber mat just in front of the gear selector

Not having taken the centre console apart, does any one else know if there is enough depth below this tray to fit a 12v socket in this location?

 

[Piff]

bump

 

[richard]

Can I suggest you use this

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0047XUDCQ/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

Its "issue" is it is 1A only which should be enough for that but not enough to charge a TomTom
- But its tiny and looks good (will fit flush in a hole, or you can use the bracket)

Cheers

Richard

 

[garycat]

If there is clearance, I'd fit something like this to provide USB too

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00VFTGLZ8/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

It looks pretty easy to check

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You would have to make sure it doesnt foul the gear lever in that position.

 

[stephenmercedes]

Instinctively, I get the feeling that if you install it where you suggest, the actual device will obscure the operation of your climate control rotary knobs. Have you considered a location further back on the console, as from the video, looks like there's enough room for installation, though not sure if it would be impractical because of gear lever/ handbrake?

 

[garycat]

Or how about this, so you can put the DAB unit somewhere more convenient?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XD6LV62/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

 

[stephenmercedes]

Or how about this, so you can put the DAB unit somewhere more convenient?

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B06XD6LV62/?tag=amazon0e9db-21

£17?? Amazon must be the most expensive online seller there is, have no idea how they get away with it! I would urge an Ebay search for equally good yet cheaper alternatives. Though admittedly, this solution does not get away from the OP initial concern that the footwell will often get kicked!

12v socket extension | eBay

 

[Piff]

Thanks for all the above suggestions.
I'll have to have another look in daylight at the weekend.
The dash/centre console area is very "tight"
I might buy a dab unit for my L200 where I know I have space and then see how that sits in the SLK without obscuring other controls.
Stupid place for Mercedes to fit the original power socket in the passenger footwell. Obviously an afterthought.

 

[Piff]

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First instruction in the video is to disconnect the negative on the battery.
I know this is correct, but does it throw up any problems when reconnecting such as Comand needing a code to restart?

 

[garycat]

£17?? Amazon must be the most expensive online seller there is, have no idea how they get away with it! I would urge an Ebay search for equally good yet cheaper alternatives. Though admittedly, this solution does not get away from the OP initial concern that the footwell will often get kicked!

12v socket extension | eBay

On the Amazon product, the cable comes out of the side of the connector so should be less intrusive than one where it comes out of the end.

 

[Piff]

Ok, so I have bought a Nextbase DAB unit. As this is effectively SWMBO's car she will be getting the DAB unit for Christmas so I can't get it out of the box yet.
I've made a cardboard box to the same dimensions & I think It will sit in the rubber matted tray in my second picture of post 1 in front of the gear selector.
I'm hoping to remove the rubber mat and drill holes for cables in the tray underneath or thread the cables under the tray of the compartment below the AC controls.
I've removed the panel that the 12v socket is in today. This panel also runs under the glove box so will be useful for routing the aux cable and the DAB aerial.
The ugreen unit in post 6 is a possibility for power.
Or I was hoping to either cut the plug off the DAB unit and solder (or splice) into the wires on the back of the existing 12v socket, or connect one of these (or similar) to the back of the 12v socket & leave the new socket behind the compartment below the AC controls.
Now, looking at the new socket and no doubt the Nextbase DAB they will have 2 wires Red + and Black - . The back of the existing 12v socket has 3 wires. I didn't have time to get a tester out before SWMBO came home so I'm hoping someone can identify the wires for me please.
Yellow/Black
Blue/White
Brown

 

[Codger49]

Looking at WIS for a 171.454, the cigar lighter with illumination has the following 3 wires:
1.5 mm Black/Yellow - heater element
1.5 mm Brown - heater element and illumination to ground (centre console)
0.5 Grey/Blue - illumination

 

[Piff]

Looking at WIS for a 171.454, the cigar lighter with illumination has the following 3 wires:
1.5 mm Black/Yellow - heater element
1.5 mm Brown - heater element and illumination to ground (centre console)
0.5 Grey/Blue - illumination

So from that I conclude:-
Black/yellow to red+
Brown to Black-
Or have i missed something?

 

[Codger49]

That's what I would use.

If the extension lead has its own fuse, that would protect you from any short circuit.

 

[Piff]

Install done today.
Removed trim around gear selector & panel below. Removed drawer below heater controls. Thanks for the video in post 4
Removed panel below glovebox containing 12v socket.
Routed DAB aerial cable from left of windscreen (pushed behind trim) round glovebox, via void behind drawer, past gear selector & handbrake into armrest storage box.
Routed aux cable through top of glovebox & behind drawer, past gear selector & handbrake into armrest.
Fitted additional 12v socket behind existing one and routed power supply cable from the new 12v socket, via void behind drawer, past gear selector & handbrake into armrest.
Nextbase DAB unit sits in armrest storage box, out of sight. Only visible evidence is the DAB aerial on the windscreen.

 

[stephenmercedes]

Photo of finished install?

 

[Piff]

So well concealed There is nothing to see

I'll try to remember to take some pictures at the weekend - that's probably the next time I'll see the car in daylight.

 

[Piff]

The DAB unit in the arm rest. Hole drilled in front bottom corner for cable routing.
Removed trim around gear selector, drawer in front of gear selector and panel with roof & mirror switches to route cables

The aerial on the windscreen. Cable tucked between glass & A pillar trim. May have to look at this again and maybe try to get an external aerial as SWMBO is reporting occasional "pops" & signal drop out in the afternoon! Same route as in the morning & it is apparently OK in the morning

Removed this panel in the passenger footwell. (blurred picture - sorry). Fold back carpet, 3 screws & 1 clip. Allows access to 12v socket where I added an additional socket behind to plug the DAB into. Also allows routing of aerial cable around back of glove box & routing of Aux cable into top of glove box.