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Old 11-30-2008, 04:13 AM
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JCL JCL is offline
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My background is as a mechanic and mechanical engineer, lots of years spent working in the engine business, with many of those years spent in the Canadian north (-40 C was common, -52 C was the worst driving conditions I was in).

Here are a few of our previous discussions on this point:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ason-why.html?

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...-starter.html?

I am not sure which post of mine was being referenced, but the these threads likely address the same themes.

Essentially, if you want to warm the vehicle you can use an electric interior heater, and an electric battery blanket will make sure that the engine cranks. Using an idling engine as a heat source causes damage to the engine. Without sufficient load on the engine it doesn't warm up, and you consequently run it for an extended period of time at less than operating temperature, which accelerates wear.

When it starts in very cold temperatures, give it a few seconds to settle down to idle, and then drive it gently right away. No heavy throttle. The load you are putting on it will warm it up much more quickly than idling will.

Jeff
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