[ChasVS]

Originally Posted by morfinx

I didn't even know there is an emergency flashlight socket! Where is that?

Well, unless they stopped installing them, the light socket is inside of the glovebox on the left side. I understand they don't include the flaslight that plugs in there, but I think they still have the socket installed. It's a two prong socket that needs an adapter cord to be used. I could be wrong on 08 and later models, but my 07 has it.

[WWONG]

Originally Posted by ChasVS

Well, unless they stopped installing them, the light socket is inside of the glovebox on the left side. I understand they don't include the flaslight that plugs in there, but I think they still have the socket installed. It's a two prong socket that needs an adapter cord to be used. I could be wrong on 08 and later models, but my 07 has it.

Socket completely gone. Welcome to Cost Cutting. Enjoy your stay.

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by WWONG

Socket completely gone. Welcome to Cost Cutting. Enjoy your stay.

Well, at least we still have the power outlet under the glove box

[Shorting]

when i had a loaner car with this i was really disappointed that the plug wasnt there because i had to plug my radar detector P. X50 and it was no longer in reach

[comebackid]

I hate having the hole. Yes, it's great to dump my cell phone in it, but I also put my spare change there too. So now that it's visible, I run the risk of some bum breaking my window for $6 in change.

[azbmw]

Are all US 3 series now coming standard with that open tray? Is there no option when ordering to have the smoker package (I think that's the euro name for the ashtray & lighter) installed instead of the open tray?

The deletions of sockets are disappointing. On a long trip my passenger & I used all three power sockets. Ashtray lighter->radar detector, center console power->cell charge, glovebox flashlight power adapter->laptop.

I don't mind the ashtray area. I have a pico tray instead of the ashtray.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by comebackid

I hate having the hole. Yes, it's great to dump my cell phone in it, but I also put my spare change there too. So now that it's visible, I run the risk of some bum breaking my window for $6 in change.

I'm with you on not wanting my change to be visible so I use the tilt out bin on the door's change section. It keeps it out of sight, but is within easy reach.

On the other hand, I like the bin more than I liked having a covered ashtray (which I thought I'd miss). I didn't use the ashtray on my old car, so I converted it to the Pico tray. I never used it with that set up either.

[Deltari09]

I'm WTF?-ing at the thread right now. I can't find the socket under the glove compartment, but I have an E92.

[Verbiage]

Damn. Older E90's ftw lol.

[wrickem]

Originally Posted by Deltari09

I'm WTF?-ing at the thread right now. I can't find the socket under the glove compartment, but I have an E92.

It should be there, I've got an '11 E92 also and it is right where the picture shows it on mine.

[Michael Schott]

Originally Posted by Deltari09

I'm WTF?-ing at the thread right now. I can't find the socket under the glove compartment, but I have an E92.

Unless it's different on the e92 and I doubt this, it's to the left of the glovebox and underneath, close to the console on the passenger side.

[B-737]

I agree the open cubby on the 2011's is such a cheap out. With just 20 min of work you can install the cover and really finish the look the way it should have been.
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showth...t=7049&page=13

[AWD Addict]

2 page thread for what's certainly detailed in the manual?

[a4moda]

Addict,

Do not hate. Some of us can't read. Don't discriminate, appreciate.

-Redneck

[Bobble]

Just for clarification since every one is mixing and matching comments and model years.
Mid 2008 MY no more flashlight or socket in the glove box, no socket under glove box but you have thre ashtray;
2010 MY on socket under the glove box, no flashlight or socket, no ash tray standard on NA vehicles.
Pretty sure that's accurate on what comes where as far as sockets. If an E90you can DIY replace the rear ashtray for two sockets. The angry robot look, search the DIY section for it.

[Marconi]

Does anyone know the exact part number for the passenger footwell power outlet so I can retrofit it?

[ceb]

This is a funny thread. A few years ago there were complaints about not having a sunglass holder and DIY's on retrofits.

Then, there were complaints about coins getting stuck and keeping the lid from opening.

Virtually all manufacturers have stopped including ash trays and BMW followed suit.

Now everybody is complaining about "cost cutting." IMO, the real reason lies somewhere in between. There are the increased warranty costs because of stuck lids, the customer requests for sunglass trays, the move away from ashtrays and the cost savings; the $10 or 20 per car add up real quick with thousands of cars sold in the US (remember that the US market was the only one that got that option standard. The RoW always paid extra for the ashtray)

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by ceb

This is a funny thread. A few years ago there were complaints about not having a sunglass holder and DIY's on retrofits.

Then, there were complaints about coins getting stuck and keeping the lid from opening.

Virtually all manufacturers have stopped including ash trays and BMW followed suit.

Now everybody is complaining about "cost cutting." IMO, the real reason lies somewhere in between. There are the increased warranty costs because of stuck lids, the customer requests for sunglass trays, the move away from ashtrays and the cost savings; the $10 or 20 per car add up real quick with thousands of cars sold in the US (remember that the US market was the only one that got that option standard. The RoW always paid extra for the ashtray)

I just wish Hi-Fi Audio wasn't removed from standard equipment because of cost cutting

[ceb]

Originally Posted by morfinx

I just wish Hi-Fi Audio wasn't removed from standard equipment because of cost cutting

It was added back on in 2011

[InsanePineapple]

Originally Posted by ceb

It was added back on in 2011

I know. I'm just specially screwed

[mr_milo]

Originally Posted by AWD Addict

2 page thread for what's certainly detailed in the manual?

I was just reading the 2011 3 series coupe & convertible online owner's manual with idrive and it still shows the ashtray and lighter. I knew that was gone and was about to start a thread and ask about it. But then I decided I better first and found this thread.

I am about to buy a car charger for my new phone and thought for a second I'd have to get one of those dual chargers since it seemed there was only one outlet in the car I'm expecting. Thanks to the information here I have a lot more flexibility.

Thanks to all for the great information.

[der_kommissar]

Originally Posted by ceb

It was added back on in 2011

Not quite- still missing 2 speakers from Pre 2010 models (8 vs. 10).