On American cars..the utlity access is on whether or not the car is on or not..how is it on the MINI?
WHen i kept my cell phone on in my Chrysler Sebring Conv it was always charged, but in the
Infiniti I am borrowing my cell phone runs out of charge because the lighter turns off with the car...
Anyone with experience?

 

i noticed when car is off so is the charger for the phone

 

I've noticed on both outlets that they both turn off with the car. I've had the laptop on the back outlet for my daughter to watch DVD's and when the car turns off so does the outlet. I know the front one does too.

 

I am not sure if the MINI has a reserve power timeout feature, that keeps all accessories, power windows, sunroof, etc working after the engine has been turned off and the key removed from the ignition. The reserve power feature would time out after 10 minutes or until either door is opened, interrupting the power and shutting off the car completely.

My 2001 Chevrolet Impala has this cool feature and was wondering if the MINI has this as well. Honestly I haven't tried.

Otherwise, most foreign cars (Japanese and European) shutoff power to the accesories as soon as you remove the key from the ignition. In American cars, power continue to be available at the lighter receptacle power points.

I think the MINI has 2 power points. 1 in front (Console lighter) and one in the Boot.

 

I had the same thing happen to me. I just assumed the phone would charge with the car off. It does on my BMW. The radio works when the car is off, I will the charger would too.

 

Good.. I"m glad to hear that the power points turn off... There's just something about having some voltage (esp voltage that's intended to power a device that's intended to start a smoldering fire) on when i'm not around always bothered me... for the same reason i would never have a coffee pot start before i'm awake...

Rocketboy_X

 

unfortunately one of the inconveniences of the mini....no power charger for the phone if the mini is off....my wife has a volvo and it's the same, no charge if it is off.....but our American SUV charges the phone all the time which is really convenient. Not sure why all companies don't do it since cell phones are now a way of life..

Guess you just have to drive your mini on longer drives to get it charged...not such a painful thing...lol!