Power adaptor options when lighter socket fit is an issue?

[H. Keith Henry]

On my first cross country trip with my 280 SL, I discovered that my iPhone charging cable does not fit snugly enough into the car's lighter plug socket to make a good connection. That created problems at several points on the trip after the iPhone battery died a few hours into the driving day.

I am advised by a Mercedes mechanic that trying to adjust the socket is a tricky and inadvisable approach. He recommends installing a socket -- perhaps a USB socket anchored in the center tray -- as a more desirable solution.

Questions: Do you agree and, if so, what is the most desirable upgrade -- a USB socket or something even newer?

[rbouch8828]

I had my Original Becker radio innards updated with new solid-state electronics and their USB option. I attached an extension cable to their USB cable and ran it under the carpet and into the center console right at the front, where I connect it to my iPhone.

http://garytayman.com/stereo.htm

[ejboyd5]

Put some electrical tape on the charger's plug opposite the spring to thicken the plug's diameter and you'll be good to go.

[H. Keith Henry]

Thank you! I have since seen the Dec 2020-2022 thread on the same topic that I did not see after my first search on the site. But I still welcome additional thoughts on the topic.