Hi all. I own a 2012 MCS and the only thing I hate is the charging speed of my IPhone. Regardless of whether I use the existing USB port or the 12V cigarette lighter, my phone charge doesn't actually increase much. It essentially charges at the same rate of battery discharge (WiFi off and Bluetooth off).

Is there anything I can do? Better cable?

thanks.

 

You probably just have a cheap adapter. You can get a higher wattage USB adapter to plug into your lighter socket.

If you have a recent iPhone the fastest option should be an adapter that supports USB-PD via a USB-C cable. Amazon carries a bunch.

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT208137

 

Thanks, I'll try a better adapter but the one I'm using is pretty fast in my BMW.

 

Unlikely. The 12 V socket isn't any limiting factor as it can easily handle 200 W. It must be either your
adapter or your iPhone, which is perhaps too hot just because it's (late) summer.

That's what I'm using. It's six times the power of the factory USB socket (3 A instead of just 500 mA):



part number 65412458284

They come in a number of varieties:

 

My opinion FWIW

Unless you are blowing the lighter fuse... the car and/or socket is NOT your limiting factor.

The factory USB Port.... Woefully inadequate

I agree... on the adapter... but puzzling that you say that in your BMW... that same charger gives you adequate charge-rates. (I'm assuming you are using the same charger and swapping from car to car... and not just the "same model" charger, 2 separate chargers, used in both cars)

IMO.... if your aftermarket charger cost less than $10 ... it's probably not very good. (same for the cable)

When using navigation... and some other apps at same time on my iPhone... I've noticed that I often can't keep up with the battery drain....common it seems if using a magnetic "Qi" charger as they don't really 'fast charge' .....

A good PD charger with a good iPhone approved or genuine cable will allow the PD system to charge your phone super fast.... even with navigation running !

The cable... for the newer iPhones... is as important as the charger... The one that comes with the phone...if not USB-C on one end... will not support fast charging or PD (Power Delivery Charging)

Some good choices .

www.amazon.com/dp/B07GC6GZ8B

www.amazon.com/dp/B07Z1NPFWC


www.amazon.com/dp/B07H24PJGP

 

Thanks. I have ordered a better adapter and usb c to lightning cable. Will report back.

Now, when swapping the adapter I use in an F80 and an X3, the USBA charge is much slower in the Mini. But will try with the new adapter

 

Try driving faster - above 100 I noticed I really don't care if the phone charges or not!