Auxiliary heating?

wholefoods · 11-06-2011, 07:39 PM

Has anyone installed auxiliary heating on their X3's? This was not listed as an option when I ordered mine (got every single option except HUD) - would aux heating need to be installed as an accessory after delivery?

I live in Toronto and so winters can be pretty cold - hate the idea of cold starts as I intend to keep the car for several years.
Thank you for your input!

BIMMER UK 76 · 11-07-2011, 12:41 AM

The aux heating is a dealer fit rather than factory option. A colleague has it on his X5 and swears by it.

epiphone3 · 11-07-2011, 08:02 AM

when I get a new BMW, I will push the dealer to get this option. For some reason, the Canadian accessories brochures do not list this item but it is on the international one. I am sure they can get it if you push them too. Its tempting for me to try and get this for my current E90!

thefreeze · 11-07-2011, 08:59 AM

It will be installed (by the dealer) on my X3 which will be delivered next Monday. I will let you know what my experiences are!

Rodion · 11-07-2011, 09:16 AM

In here Eberspächer/Webasto costs around 3000€ all included.

It warms up the cabin and the engine before cold starts.

wholefoods · 11-08-2011, 09:57 PM

Thank you for the advice!
Funny I called a local dealership and asked their service rep about the aux heating and his response was "I don't know what you are talking about"
Weird BMW doesn't educate their workforce on all available options...
I get it in warmer climate areas this may be a novel thing to ask for but in Canada - c'mon BMW!

tuco44 · 11-08-2011, 10:59 PM

I've never heard of "auxiliary heating" in this neck of the woods...?? Is it an electrical thing you plug into your garage electrical outlet? Is it like a block heater and in-car warmer thing?

epiphone3 · 11-09-2011, 08:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuco44

I've never heard of "auxiliary heating" in this neck of the woods...?? Is it an electrical thing you plug into your garage electrical outlet? Is it like a block heater and in-car warmer thing?

I believe its a pre-heating coolant circuit that can be activated via a timer, a remote, or a cell phone.

It is a BMW Accessory in the international catalogue but doesn't show up in the Canadian brochure. It should. I believe its powered by the battery. Go to www.bmw.com (international) and look up the accessories brochure. Find the auxiliary heating and print it and take it to your dealer. I am sure they can order it if they know what you are talking about and that it is for sure a BMW accessory.

Lotus7 · 11-09-2011, 07:50 PM

The European heaters being discussed here are not "plug-in" coolant heaters and certainty don't run off the battery (except for timing and start-up). They are timer controlled fuel burning mini furnaces that heat both the vehicle interior and the engine. The energy source is petrol, or more often, diesel fuel, so they can supply large amounts of heat in very cold climates.

Webasto makes units that are "model specific" that are usually dealer installed. Another manufacturer is Eberspächer. They are alternately called "auxillary heaters" or "parking heaters" In the US larger units made by Espar and Badger are often installed on diesel trucks, but are virtually unheard of for passenger cars.

wholefoods · 11-09-2011, 11:04 PM

This is description of auxiliary heating from the international website

vulle · 11-10-2011, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lotus7

The European heaters being discussed here are not "plug-in" coolant heaters and certainty don't run off the battery (except for timing and start-up). They are timer controlled fuel burning mini furnaces that heat both the vehicle interior and the engine. The energy source is petrol, or more often, diesel fuel, so they can supply large amounts of heat in very cold climates.

Webasto makes units that are "model specific" that are usually dealer installed. Another manufacturer is Eberspächer. They are alternately called "auxillary heaters" or "parking heaters" In the US larger units made by Espar and Badger are often installed on diesel trucks, but are virtually unheard of for passenger cars.

I had a Webasto heater in my previous E91 and was very happy with it, so I am thinking of getting one to my new F25.

Surprised to hear that these are not offered in North America, here in cold Finland they are quite popular.

Hornet_Rider · 11-11-2011, 07:14 AM

I called my dealer yesterday regarding an engine block heater, and they told me that they don`t have any, but they have battery warmers, which I had in my previous car and it works fairly well. It is just a little blanket that goes around the battery, that you plug in when you need it.

Pics to follow the install this weekend, 40$ for the part itself, 20$ at the dealer for the install but I decided to do it myself.

Hopefully that will be sufficient for the cold weather of north-eastern Quebec.

Falconx3 · 11-13-2011, 12:42 PM

It's really a crying shame the Europeans/BMW haven't discovered remote start as an option for cold weather markets. GM and Chrysler have them beat.

Bustofa · 11-13-2011, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falconx3

It's really a crying shame the Europeans/BMW haven't discovered remote start as an option for cold weather markets. GM and Chrysler have them beat.

You may think so, but what of the advice, that all of my recent cars from various manufacturers have come with, to drive off as soon as possible after starting the engine? That would seem to imply that running the engine to warm the car while stationary is perhaps not best for the engine?

Nahoa · 11-13-2011, 05:10 PM

Remote start doesn't address the heating issue. The heater warms the engine so it will start and do so without thrashing itself.

Bustofa · 11-13-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nahoa

Remote start doesn't address the heating issue. The heater warms the engine so it will start and do so without thrashing itself.

It would seem then that 'remote start' is mis-named. But isn't this what auxiliary heating is meant to do ie warm the engine?

Nahoa · 11-13-2011, 06:42 PM

Yes, but without actually starting the engine.

Falconx3 · 11-14-2011, 07:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thefreeze

It will be installed (by the dealer) on my X3 which will be delivered next Monday. I will let you know what my experiences are!

What country are you in?

epiphone3 · 11-14-2011, 08:05 AM

If this part is listed on the international catalogue, I can't imagine that our dealers can't get it here.

I would think that Tischer would be able to get it?

epiphone3 · 11-14-2011, 10:02 AM

Check out this link on realoem.com. THis is the system:

http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...96&hg=64&fg=95

thefreeze · 11-14-2011, 01:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Falconx3

What country are you in?

I live in the Netherlands.

thefreeze · 11-15-2011, 01:29 PM

I have picked up the car and have some first impressions about the auxiliary heating / parking heater.

It is great! When I get in the car in the morning the windows are defrosted and the car is hot like an oven :-)

The system I have is from http://eberspacher.com/, not sure if they also have distributors outside Europe.
I paid EUR 1500 (US $2000) for the system, including installation.

Not so happy with the timer they installed because it's fixed in the car so you cannot take it inside the house. That means that you have to program it the evening before. Or, when you also want a warm car when you drive home, when you arrive at work.

It works like this: you program the time you want to depart and also the time it needs to heat the car. So if you want to leave at 07:30 and set it on 30 mins it will start at 7:00 (duh!).
If you want to leave between 07:15 and 07:30 and need 30 mins to heat the car you set it to departure time of 07:30 and heating time 45 mins.

But they also have timers/remote controls that you can take inside the house/office.

It sounds like a jet engine/turbine. Not too loud but you can clearly hear it; it won't wake up the neighbors though.

According to the dealer I'm the first X3 with the system in Holland

11-06-2011, 07:39 PM	#1
wholefoods New Member 8 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Auxiliary heating? Has anyone installed auxiliary heating on their X3's? This was not listed as an option when I ordered mine (got every single option except HUD) - would aux heating need to be installed as an accessory after delivery? I live in Toronto and so winters can be pretty cold - hate the idea of cold starts as I intend to keep the car for several years. Thank you for your input!
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11-07-2011, 12:41 AM	#2
BIMMER UK 76 Major 50 Rep 1,089 Posts Drives: BMW F25 X3 20d SE Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: United Kingdom iTrader: (0)	The aux heating is a dealer fit rather than factory option. A colleague has it on his X5 and swears by it. __________________ BMW F25 X3 xDRIVE 20d SE Black Sapphire \| Oyster Leather \| Fineline Sienna Wood \| 307 V Spokes \| Auto \| Prof Multimedia Package \| xLine Package \| Xenons \| Business Radio \| Sports Steering Wheel \| Sports Seats \| Panoramic Sunroof \| Sun Protection Glass \| Sun Blinds \| Folding Ext. Mirrors + Titanium Grille \| Chrome Exhaust Trim \| Mudflaps
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11-07-2011, 08:02 AM	#3
epiphone3 Lieutenant Colonel 111 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	when I get a new BMW, I will push the dealer to get this option. For some reason, the Canadian accessories brochures do not list this item but it is on the international one. I am sure they can get it if you push them too. Its tempting for me to try and get this for my current E90!
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11-07-2011, 08:59 AM	#4
thefreeze Hans 16 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 2.0D Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Holland iTrader: (0)	It will be installed (by the dealer) on my X3 which will be delivered next Monday. I will let you know what my experiences are! __________________ X3 20D auto High Executive. Moonroof, privacy glass, sport seats, professional audio & sat nav, 19" 309 wheels summer, 18" 307 winter, X-Line, Xenon, parking heater. Mineral Silver / Oyster leather interior, wave trim. V70 2.5T (private)
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11-07-2011, 09:16 AM	#5
Rodion First Lieutenant 27 Rep 350 Posts Drives: X3 (F25) Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Helsinki, Finland iTrader: (0)	In here Eberspächer/Webasto costs around 3000€ all included. It warms up the cabin and the engine before cold starts.
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11-08-2011, 09:57 PM	#6
wholefoods New Member 8 Rep 25 Posts Drives: 2013 335i xDrive Join Date: Oct 2011 Location: Toronto iTrader: (0)	Thank you for the advice! Funny I called a local dealership and asked their service rep about the aux heating and his response was "I don't know what you are talking about" Weird BMW doesn't educate their workforce on all available options... I get it in warmer climate areas this may be a novel thing to ask for but in Canada - c'mon BMW!
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11-08-2011, 10:59 PM	#7
tuco44 Colonel 644 Rep 2,294 Posts Drives: 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Western Canada iTrader: (0)	I've never heard of "auxiliary heating" in this neck of the woods...?? Is it an electrical thing you plug into your garage electrical outlet? Is it like a block heater and in-car warmer thing? __________________ 2018 340i xDrive M Perf Edtn Sunset Orange Previous BMWs - 19 others since 1971.
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11-09-2011, 07:50 PM	#9
Lotus7 Major 66 Rep 1,041 Posts Drives: xxxx Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: xxxx iTrader: (0)	The European heaters being discussed here are not "plug-in" coolant heaters and certainty don't run off the battery (except for timing and start-up). They are timer controlled fuel burning mini furnaces that heat both the vehicle interior and the engine. The energy source is petrol, or more often, diesel fuel, so they can supply large amounts of heat in very cold climates. Webasto makes units that are "model specific" that are usually dealer installed. Another manufacturer is Eberspächer. They are alternately called "auxillary heaters" or "parking heaters" In the US larger units made by Espar and Badger are often installed on diesel trucks, but are virtually unheard of for passenger cars. Last edited by Lotus7; 11-09-2011 at 08:42 PM..
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11-11-2011, 07:14 AM	#12
Hornet_Rider Private 3 Rep 50 Posts Drives: X3 35i 2011 M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2011 Location: Moose Jaw, SK iTrader: (0)	I called my dealer yesterday regarding an engine block heater, and they told me that they don`t have any, but they have battery warmers, which I had in my previous car and it works fairly well. It is just a little blanket that goes around the battery, that you plug in when you need it. Pics to follow the install this weekend, 40$ for the part itself, 20$ at the dealer for the install but I decided to do it myself. Hopefully that will be sufficient for the cold weather of north-eastern Quebec.
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11-13-2011, 12:42 PM	#13
Falconx3 Enlisted Member 4 Rep 30 Posts Drives: 2012 X3 28i Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Canada iTrader: (0)	Aux heater It's really a crying shame the Europeans/BMW haven't discovered remote start as an option for cold weather markets. GM and Chrysler have them beat.
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11-13-2011, 05:10 PM	#15
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Remote start doesn't address the heating issue. The heater warms the engine so it will start and do so without thrashing itself. __________________
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11-13-2011, 06:42 PM	#17
Nahoa Lieutenant Colonel 45 Rep 1,876 Posts Drives: F25 35i Mineral Silver/Black Join Date: May 2008 Location: Virginia iTrader: (0)	Yes, but without actually starting the engine. __________________
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11-14-2011, 08:05 AM	#19
epiphone3 Lieutenant Colonel 111 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	If this part is listed on the international catalogue, I can't imagine that our dealers can't get it here. I would think that Tischer would be able to get it?
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11-14-2011, 10:02 AM	#20
epiphone3 Lieutenant Colonel 111 Rep 1,772 Posts Drives: 2013 BMW X3 35i Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	Check out this link on realoem.com. THis is the system: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...96&hg=64&fg=95
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11-15-2011, 01:29 PM	#22
thefreeze Hans 16 Rep 116 Posts Drives: 2011 X3 2.0D Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Holland iTrader: (0)	I have picked up the car and have some first impressions about the auxiliary heating / parking heater. It is great! When I get in the car in the morning the windows are defrosted and the car is hot like an oven :-) The system I have is from http://eberspacher.com/, not sure if they also have distributors outside Europe. I paid EUR 1500 (US $2000) for the system, including installation. Not so happy with the timer they installed because it's fixed in the car so you cannot take it inside the house. That means that you have to program it the evening before. Or, when you also want a warm car when you drive home, when you arrive at work. It works like this: you program the time you want to depart and also the time it needs to heat the car. So if you want to leave at 07:30 and set it on 30 mins it will start at 7:00 (duh!). If you want to leave between 07:15 and 07:30 and need 30 mins to heat the car you set it to departure time of 07:30 and heating time 45 mins. But they also have timers/remote controls that you can take inside the house/office. It sounds like a jet engine/turbine. Not too loud but you can clearly hear it; it won't wake up the neighbors though. According to the dealer I'm the first X3 with the system in Holland __________________ X3 20D auto High Executive. Moonroof, privacy glass, sport seats, professional audio & sat nav, 19" 309 wheels summer, 18" 307 winter, X-Line, Xenon, parking heater. Mineral Silver / Oyster leather interior, wave trim. V70 2.5T (private)
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