BMW style accessory plug, Why?

[oldnslow]

Why is the BMW style plug better than the normal 'American' style outlet. Or is it? I need to either buy BMW style male ends for my stuff or put different outlets on the bike.

[43362]

I do not know if they are better but the North American style power outlet is more versatile as you can plug in a gps or a cell phone charger or other items. And it costs less. If you feel like it you could install both. On my scooter there is a north American style outlet in the glove box but it is not accessible to use while riding unless you are charging a phone. I am installing an additional outlet on the dash somewhere soon that can be used all the time.

[PGlaves]

The "BMW" style plug has been in use in Europe since at least the 1950s. It isn't just a BMW thing.

I happen to prefer it. The connections are more secure. A European plug wiggling loose is much less common than the same thing with the US style cigarette lighter plug. The old fashioned lighter sockets were far better than the cheap substitutes we no find too.

On many applications I also prefer the SAE two-pole trailer connectors. I have more than one of these on each bike - use them for GPS and other connections. I use them for my heated jacket too, and all of my several battery chargers have two pole plugs.

[t6pilot]

I believe their called DIN plugs very common in other parts of the world, as Paul says they are a more secure plug

[osbornk]

I believe their called DIN plugs very common in other parts of the world, as Paul says they are a more secure plug

John Deere has used them for years.

[Darryl Cainey]

$7.95 John Deere
$9.95 Powerlet


http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-prod...bution/PWRDIST

[HANOVERIAN]

If you feel like it you could install both. On my scooter there is a north American style outlet in the glove box but it is not accessible to use while riding unless you are charging a phone. I am installing an additional outlet on the dash somewhere soon that can be used all the time.

I did the same thing with my VStrom. It has both styles in the fairing and an addtional Powerlet outlet on the side below the seat where I can easily plug in my heated gear.

I actually have never used the cigarette lighter outlet...

[lkchris]

I need to either buy BMW style male ends for my stuff or put different outlets on the bike.

Or buy an adapter.

http://www.powerlet.com/shop-by-prod...-cables/PWRCBL

[easy]

Why is the BMW style plug better than the normal 'American' style outlet. Or is it? I need to either buy BMW style male ends for my stuff or put different outlets on the bike.

Es ist mir egal, or as they say in France Vive la diff?®rence.

The difference does not start there, it begins there. The use of metric measurements is another difference, something the rest of the civilized world does (including the American scientific community - and interestingly enough the gangland dudes that use 9 mms.)

The plug is widely used in Europe.

E.

[acejones]

I have never had a "BMW" plug fail. I can't say the same for the cigarette lighter type plugs. I have also never had an SAE connector fail.

[JWMcDonald]

The BMW DIN socket does fail (corrosion and lack of contact).

[moot]

The Powerlet (BMW style) plug is designed and manufactured to specific standards and tolerances published by the International Standards Organization (ISO). As I understand it, there is no controlling standard for the US cigar lighter power outlet and while they are all close to one another, there are actually variations in design and size. Due to the ISO uniformity and design, Powerlet plugs stay tighter, make better connections, have less tendency to vibrate loose and are more water resistant. And that is the answer to "Why".

[32232]

The Powerlet (BMW style) plug is designed and manufactured to specific standards and tolerances published by the International Standards Organization (ISO). As I understand it, there is no controlling standard for the US cigar lighter power outlet and while they are all close to one another, there are actually variations in design and size. Due to the ISO uniformity and design, Powerlet plugs stay tighter, make better connections, have less tendency to vibrate loose and are more water resistant. And that is the answer to "Why".

In addition, the Powerlet style plug has become a motorcycle industry standard due to the weather and vibration resistance. Triumph, Ducati, and Victory use them among others.

[acejones]

The BMW DIN socket does fail (corrosion and lack of contact).

I'm sure it can. I just said I've never had one fail.

[kantuckid]

The BMW DIN socket does fail (corrosion and lack of contact).

So true. They turn green as brass(SAE's corrode too so nothings perfect here) is given to do. Best to grease the female socket . Also the powerlet is simply smaller so fits in/on the bikes better.