Hello, all.

The cigarette lighter in my 77 240D won't hold a cell phone charger. It just pops out. If you hold the charger in place, power flows fine and it charges the phone normally. Does this just mean the socket is worn out? Can they normally hold on to a small charger? A replacement is not terribly expensive, but I don't want to change it out if it won't do any good.

Thanks!

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85 300D

MB used a "cigar lighter" in my w123 which is a little bit larger than a modern 12v socket. I think i have had good luck with https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M6QODH2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_q0S2xbSDY4762. But I can check tonight to be sure which one I use.

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'85 300D - federal spec, built in late 84. 85 300D Complete AC System Rebuild

Having owned several older 80's cars over the years, I've noticed that those USB chargers are kind of a hit or miss in cigarette lighters. The 12v plugs in newer cars are not meant for cigarette lighters (they will burn out if you try to use one) and seem to be of a somewhat smaller size and that is what those chargers are meant for. I have the same issue even in my Mazda which came with a cigarette lighter (now long lost). I have a 2 port charger made by Fusebox that works well in the Benz and the Mazda. I bought it at Wallgreens I think. I have several others that can only be used in my wife's Camry as they will fall out of the cigarette lighters in the Benz and Mazda with the lightest bump.

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"The MB W123 is so bulletproof, you can drive them forever. Which is a good thing as it takes that long to get anywhere."
Betsie: 1984 W123 300D (hobby, 280k miles)
Myrla: 2001 Mazda Protege 2.0 ES 5spd (daily driver, 130k miles)
The Turd: 2007 Toyota Camry (wife's car, 118k miles)

Euro lighter sockets are larger, many higher quality devices used to come with "European lighter adapters", which are plastic sleeves to make the smaller US-style plugs fit the larger Euro sockets.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Thanks, Demothen!

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85 300D

I know you didn't ask, but just change it out to something that you can use. It is really easy. I wired a usb outlet. It sits bundled up inside of the ashtray when not in use.

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1985 300d Turbo Diesel

Really good point, I changed one in my boat to a USB / audio jack combo, I believe that they make a dual-USB socket that mounts in the same hole.
On my TD I replaced the entire ashtray/lighter assembly with a Zebrano wood panel (from early 201) to give me space for gauges and an outlet, looked and worked great.

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Gone to the dark side

- Jeff

Agree - You have many options and wiring in a USB was simple and I didn't have to reinvent the wheel.

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15 VW Passat TDI
00 E420
98 E300 DT
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97 S500
97 E300D
86 Holden Jackaroo Turbo D
86 300SDL
(o\|/o)

I stand corrected: I use https://www.amazon.com/Griffin-PowerJolt-Universal-Micro-Charger/dp/B0042B9U8Q which seems to fit fairly well. If you decide to replace your factory outlet keep in mind that its a press fit into the ashtray and the new one needs to be real shallow.

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'85 300D - federal spec, built in late 84. 85 300D Complete AC System Rebuild