10-13-2020, 07:03 PM | #1 |
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2014 435i winter heating
My 2016 435i is my first BMW. How is this car in winter for starting up. I asked the dealership about block heaters and he said "BMW doesn't believe in block heaters". Told me my DEFA heater is discontinued and they don't sell the cord. My work is outdoor parking only and where I live it can get to -40C... and my car would be parked for 12 hours... should I go get a block heater installed. I am having no luck finding a third party seller for the DEFA cord. I've reached out to the company and no luck.
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10-13-2020, 07:49 PM | #2 | |
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10-13-2020, 09:13 PM | #3 |
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Block heaters are used mainly for when your driving is short trips where the car won't get fully warmed up. The connectors are on EBay.https://www.ebay.com/i/124362110620?...DefaultOrganic
They're not sold outside Europe, so the wall plug is European. It's a simple matter to literally cut the cord and install a North American plug. However, you need to examine the heater to see what voltage it requires. It should be on the label. |
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10-13-2020, 09:50 PM | #4 | ||
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10-13-2020, 10:08 PM | #5 |
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Im sure its better for the engine's longevity to use a block heater. But if your concern is just starting, I've only gotten as low as ~-20C, but it was problem free. Just dont turn the heated seats, steering wheel, and rear defrost on every morning unless your commute is long; it will slowly drain.
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10-14-2020, 04:35 PM | #6 |
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I have similar weather with unheated detached garage and park outside for work. Always amazed on how quickly heat generates, especially with the heated seats and steering wheel. Really impressive IMO. I would say no to the block heater.
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10-14-2020, 04:59 PM | #7 |
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Block heaters were once commonplace in Minneapolis. I remember when motels there had electric outlets in their parking lots to plug them in. This was back in the days of mineral oil, which even in a 10w-20 rating was so thick in below zero temperatures that engines struggled to turn over. They were rendered unnecessary when synthetic oils took over the market.
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10-14-2020, 06:24 PM | #8 |
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that's really relieving to hear! what oil do you run? 0w20?
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10-14-2020, 07:47 PM | #10 |
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