There's a BMW accessory that plugs into the flashlight socket and turns it into a 12v car outlet w/protected extension cord. It's meant to be run out of the glovebox and have the glovebox close.
I'm quite fond of mine. Wish the P.O. had known about that before he cut part of the ashtray trim off so that he could plug his radar detector in and have the ashtray closed. Still can't believe he did such a thing to such a nice car...
Cosmos Black/Black 1995 540iA M-Sport
BMW Individual Exclusive Edition, 1 of 65 total, 9/25/95 Build