Could a cigarette lighter do this?

[bull996]

Just gone to my M3 that hasnt moved for 2 weeks and the battery is stone dead. Its a new battery and usually left for 2 months is fine.

Only difference is that 2 weeks ago I found the cigarette lighter under the seat (up till then the socket was empty) and although the fillament and surround looks all bent a knackered and it dosent work, I put it in as it looks better than nothing in it.

Could that be flattening the battery?

[The Riddler]

As for the OP, Lighter won't be draining the battery unless the element is pushed in, completing the circuit, if they socket is damaged it *may* be creating a circuit and taking a small, but constant drain?

Makes sense in my head, you tried not leaving the element in to see if that helps?

[UnluckyTimmeh]

If it's causing it to short without working I.e. not getting hot, I can't see why not.

All it needs is to make a constant small drain and it will kill off the battery over time.

[Matt172]

just tidied up a bit, carry on chaps

[Astra Dan]

Do BMW ones stay on without ignition?