[sspade]

Anyone have one installed?

Very interested in this upgrade but not sure where to start. Specifically looking at the Webasto Thermo Top Evo.

There doesn't seem to be too many domestic installers, unless I havent looked hard enough. No doubt... if I called half a dozen places, I'm sure to find someone to take my money and figure out the F30 specific install afterwards... but trying to avoid that at all costs. Rather install myself or find someone with BMW specific experience.

Appreciate any and all comments!

[paul e]

I’m just wondering why you need an additional heater in Florida.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by paul e

I'm just wondering why you need an additional heater in Florida.

Fair question!

I take this car skiing often and will be moving back out west after my current work contract is up. Not really a fan of idling the engine unnecessarily and think this would be a worthwhile investment for me.

[M Smurf]

FWIW...can't answer specifically but Im always impressed every winter how fast heat starts pouring out shortly after startup

[sspade]

Originally Posted by M Smurf

FWIW...can't answer specifically but Im always impressed every winter how fast heat starts pouring out shortly after startup

I dont disagree but what Im saying is you cant really sit in your car for a couple of hours to rest, eat/drink, or even take a nap without idling if its cold out. That's where a parking heater comes into play.

MSRP is $1,295 USD including install which doesn't seem too bad considering the quality and reputation of Webasto.

Edit: Actual cost of kit is ~$600

[M Smurf]

Originally Posted by sspade

I dont disagree but what Im saying is you cant really sit in your car for a couple of hours to rest, eat/drink, or even take a nap without idling if its cold out. That's where a parking heater comes into play.

MSRP is $1,295 USD including install which doesn't seem too bad considering the quality and reputation of Webasto.

ahh, got it! Misunderstood. That WOULD be useful

[sspade]

Here's a pretty good simulation for anyone else interested. Ill end up calling Webasto directly eventually.

[Wires]

Seems expensive for this. You still need to burn gasoline to generate the heat with this unit, and these engines do warm up quick. I'd start the car, idle for a couple minutes (5?), and then you'd have residual heat that you can leave the fan running to keep the cabin "decent".

The real question is "how much wear and fuel savings do you think you are saving on your car to justify $1300?"

We used to have a "percolator" type heater on our diesel tractors for the winter. You had to plug it into 110V outlet, but it would act like a coffee maker heating water and pushing it through the block and heater cores. But that was a $50-80 item.

[dmaxdmax]

For over $1000 for this, I'd consider buying a Canada Goose down jacket...use your own residual heat.

Very interesting device, though...never heard of it!

[Th3Walrus]

Do you tie into the fuel lines at the front, or run a new line from the back? Has it been extensively crash tested, or is it going to cause your car to burst into flames after a crash? What fail-safe features does it have?

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Th3Walrus

Do you tie into the fuel lines at the front, or run a new line from the back? Has it been extensively crash tested, or is it going to cause your car to burst into flames after a crash? What fail-safe features does it have?

Good questions, not positive of all the answers but...

Webasto is far from a fly by night company and has been providing heating and cooling solutions across the globe for the better part of a century. German engineered and TUV approved. I put a lot of weight in that although maybe I shouldn't...

On the fuel line note: I was already thinking that if I go ahead with this install, I'd be looking at a small aux tank within the engine compartment rather than run a separate line all way the back. There may be a tap situation going on with this kit though, into existing fuel lines.

[sspade]

Originally Posted by dmaxdmax

For over $1000 for this, I'd consider buying a Canada Goose down jacket...use your own residual heat.

Very interesting device, though...never heard of it!

The actual heater itself is only around $600. The price quoted above is just the standard MSRP advertised by Webasto, clearly with a lot of meat left for the shop to install.

I may end up looking at DIY. One thing I have going for me is the generous amount of space within the four cylinder F30 engine compartment. Probably wouldn't be too challenging but I could be wrong. More investigation ahead.

https://heaters4you.com/webasto/8-we...top-evo-4.html

[sspade]

Originally Posted by Wires

Seems expensive for this. You still need to burn gasoline to generate the heat with this unit, and these engines do warm up quick. I'd start the car, idle for a couple minutes (5?), and then you'd have residual heat that you can leave the fan running to keep the cabin "decent".

The real question is "how much wear and fuel savings do you think you are saving on your car to justify $1300?"

We used to have a "percolator" type heater on our diesel tractors for the winter. You had to plug it into 110V outlet, but it would act like a coffee maker heating water and pushing it through the block and heater cores. But that was a $50-80 item.

Only $600 guys, sorry... above I was quoting the "installed" MSRP price advertised by Webasto.

I'm basically doing what you're saying now and its fine but since I plan to keep the car a while, and use the shit out of it... I do feel I would get some use out of this. It will only take a few naps on road trips to make it worth it to me.

Im not against a simpler, cheaper option at all. Trying to avoid the Chinese diesel heater option even though I know they work great and are really popular these days.