|
|
|
04-14-2009, 07:24 AM | #1 |
Private
3
Rep 56
Posts
Drives: 2014 LSB 335i xDrive M Perf.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Greater Toronto Area
|
Block Heater?
Hi,
This is a question to my Canadian friends that live in the colder parts of Canada (i.e. Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, etc.). Do you have a block heater in your 1 series? Is one required for the winter if the temperature goes to -40C? I asked my dealer in Ontario and they said that a block heater is not offered from BMW and he said that it was not needed even in cold winters. He said that as long as the battery was in good condition, our cars don't need a block heater. Is this true? Can an aftermarket one be installed? Thanks, PJ |
04-14-2009, 08:16 AM | #2 |
Brigadier General
295
Rep 3,350
Posts |
There is no block heater available. You can get an oil pan heater, which is all you should need. A trickle charger would also help. Another easy one is to place a 100w trouble light in the engine compartment. The old style - with an incandescent bulb (plugged in, of course).
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-14-2009, 08:30 AM | #4 |
Private
3
Rep 56
Posts
Drives: 2014 LSB 335i xDrive M Perf.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Greater Toronto Area
|
Thanks.
My story is that I may have to relocate to Saskatoon for couple of years and I will bring my 135. Kinda worried about the winter there since it does get quite cold. |
Appreciate
0
|
04-14-2009, 08:55 AM | #5 |
Dr. J
26
Rep 175
Posts |
I'm in Calgary and I don't have one. The car started fine for me all winter. Although, I park the car in a garage over night..but during the day its outside. Hope that helps.
__________________
MG M3 6MT
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-14-2009, 11:14 AM | #6 |
Private
3
Rep 56
Posts
Drives: 2014 LSB 335i xDrive M Perf.
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Greater Toronto Area
|
Thanks for your feedback. This gives me some confidence that it's not such a big deal as I make it out to be.
|
Appreciate
0
|
04-15-2009, 07:22 AM | #7 |
Let's save military ranks for those who earn it!
45
Rep 1,161
Posts
Drives: ...on the Ragged Edge
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Edmonton, AB, Canada
|
Do a search...there was a decent thread going this winter about block heaters. A stick-oil type oil-pan heater is all you can do, and is quite simple. Warm oil in a cold engine is always good.
__________________
Richard
2013 BMW M3 Individual -- Fire Orange (sold) 2013 BMW X1 xDrive35i M-Sport -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2011 BMW 1-series M Coupe (#205/220) -- Valencia Orange (sold) 2009 BMW 135i M-Sport Coupe -- Space Grey (sold) |
Appreciate
0
|
12-18-2014, 07:19 PM | #8 |
Private First Class
27
Rep 122
Posts |
Reviving a dead thread. Has anybody else tried this? I'm interested in an oil heater not so that my car will start easier in the cold, but so that I can get my engine up to operating temperature faster so that I can drive it a bit harder sooner in my daily commute without harming my engine/turbo.
Is this a plausible idea? |
Appreciate
0
|
12-21-2014, 09:13 PM | #9 |
Lieutenant
65
Rep 475
Posts |
Last year in Toronto when it was -30+ for about a week straight, I needed a boost every day to get my car started. The battery was going on 5 years old, so it was on it's way out.
Aside from that, once I get some extra juice with the boost it started and ran like a charm. I don't think it will be a problem for you, goto an indy shop that speciailizes in BMW's and see what they've done for other customers. You may even want to call some shops out west and see what they say. |
Appreciate
0
|
12-22-2014, 11:19 AM | #10 |
Colonel
848
Rep 2,276
Posts |
Kats hot pad heater
Kats make many different engine heaters. They make hot pad heaters designed to be stuck on bottom of oil pan. Cannot remember what our oil pans look like (ie: finned or flat) but this would work well if they can be used since they directly warm the oil vice the coolant.
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-22-2014, 12:38 PM | #11 |
New Member
3
Rep 20
Posts |
If you get a cold Saskatchewan winter, it can get cold enough that oil becomes nearly solid. Picture that running through your turbo...
If you can't get a block heater, definitely get the oil heater. Better yet, get a winter beater and garage your good car for the winter! |
Appreciate
0
|
12-23-2014, 11:31 PM | #13 | |
Private
8
Rep 82
Posts |
Quote:
I'm in Saskatoon. Bought my 1er last winter and it never hesitated once, although it never quite got to -40. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2014, 10:05 AM | #14 |
Captain
52
Rep 874
Posts |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2014, 10:24 AM | #15 |
Retired and loving it!
13
Rep 154
Posts |
Synthetic oils = no problem with cold weather.
Be more concerned about your battery. 5 years is about as long as I would go. If I was in Northern On. or out west in the extreme cold, I'd change my battery every 4 years probably.
__________________
2012 135i (MO OIFIG) 2013 Subaru Legacy 1971 Z28 |
Appreciate
0
|
12-28-2014, 02:18 PM | #16 | |
Private
8
Rep 82
Posts |
Quote:
Limiting the rev's to 3000 rpm and under is a good idea until the oil warms up to operating temperature. Key is to not drive too hard until warmed up - oil heater or not. Parking the 1er for the winter is no fun and not necessary but to each his/her own. |
|
Appreciate
0
|
12-31-2014, 07:35 PM | #17 | |
New Member
3
Rep 20
Posts |
Quote:
Skip to about 1:10: |
|
Appreciate
0
|
01-01-2015, 02:49 AM | #18 | |
Private
8
Rep 82
Posts |
Quote:
Again, please don't get me wrong. I do agree your oil will get thicker as the temperature drops. I also agree warming your oil is beneficial. What I disagree with is that your engine will be ruined by starting it occasionally in extremely cold conditions. EDIT: And I feel for you... That job must have sucked! |
|
Appreciate
0
|
Post Reply |
Bookmarks |
|
|