Tried a search, but didn't find a specific answer. Have an 08 MCS with premium stereo. Using a Sandisk 20GB USB flash drive, which lights up when powered. I noted that even when the stereo is turned off, the USB flash is powered. It's a pain to put it in and out, so I'm wondering if there is any reason why I should not just leave it plugged into the car. Shouldn't draw enough power to be a drain on the battery, but does anyone else see any risk or downside to leaving it powered all the time?
Thanks for your thoughts.
Fig

 

Thieves whose eye is caught by a lit device in your car might believe it to be a radar detector, GPS, Palm, etc...I'd pull it or put a piece of tape over it to hide the light!

 

i take out any plug in whenever i park... u nevber know who out there

 

I don't know about the USB, but when the ignition is off, the MINI seems to shut down almost everything electrical after 20 minutes. You can hide away the flash drive if you use a short USB extension cable.

 

There is power to the ULF Module at all times and since the USB port is part of the ULF module it will have power at all times.

As for leaving the USB Sick i the port, i doubt it will draw enough to draint the battery but as others have stated its ripe for the thieves.

 

Best bet... unplug it and toss it in to the secret compartment or take it with you.

 

I leave my USB stick plugged in all the time. It only lights up when accessed and you can always cover up the light with tape. I have this extension cable:

http://www.angledcables.com/usb-20-e...le--4-inc.html

The right angle connector routes the cable straight back along the top of the compartment. If the USB stick is black or covered in black electrical tape it is just about invisible in this position. Another advantage is that it is much easier to plug the USB stick into the extender than directly into the car.

 

hmm, thats weird that it stays on the whole time, when I lock my car, the USB turns off, when I unlock the car, the USB lights up. I guess some USB's are just wired different.

 

Me too. Try shutting the door and locking the car - still stays lit?

 

I have found that it depends on what it driving the led. Some USB sticks the led come on whenever there is power applied and others the led only come on if it has connection to a USB Hub Chip which actually turns off when the car is turned off. But the poser to the USB device is not turned off because of the way it is wired in the ULF module. This was probably done intentionally to be able to keep iPods charged even when the car was turned off.