winter warm up

[BMWLOVER]

Originally Posted by TheKingSim0n

So you guys are saying in cold weather its best to start up the X and drive it off the second its past blue on the temp gauge? as oppose to letting it idle warm up for a good 2-3 mins? Even if its an older X? such as an 00/01/02?

Even if it is an older x5 it's better to warm it driving rather then just sitting and idling. Most important thing is let the rpms fall down then drive very calm until the temp gauge is in the center

[BMWLOVER]

Originally Posted by JCL

BMWLOVER: Your procedure is exactly right for the X5. My only comment is that this is exactly the same recommendation for your previous vehicles. The difference is that the BMW is less tolerant of the abuse that your Explorer and Impala put up with.

Learned the procedure from JCL Last winter there was a thread about the same topic and you were the one to let us all know back then.

[phil47]

Originally Posted by _AC_

I just moved to Calgary and my 4.8is is currently on a truck on it's way here from Socal so this topic is relevant to my interests. Thanks to the posters for the answers to my warm up questions. I wasn't sure if I needed a block (or coolant) heater, but this thread seems to say "no."

The other thing I am worried about is the cosmetic and corrosion abuse on the vehicles that I see on the roads here. How do you keep your X5s nice? Do you recommend a clear bra to minimize damage from the stones, sand, etc on the road? If so, can anyone recommend an installer in Calgary? One more - do you recommend any kind of undercoating to inhibit rust?

Welcome to Calgary!

Would highly recommend have the 3M clear film added to the front end of your X. Typical package covers front of hood, painted portion of front bumpers and the sideview mirrors. I also installed headlight and foglight protection. Dealer installed the clear film and I installed the headlight/foglight protection (ordered from here: WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - LampGard ? - 2006 BMW X5 - Headlamp Headlight Protection, LampGard by WeatherTech ). I have also had the clear film installed on other vehicles at a very good local 3M dealer, here:

3M Trimline Of Calgary - Auto Graphics and Paint Protection Film

As for rust protection...useless in Calgary in my opinion. Never used it and never needed it.

[BMWLOVER]

Originally Posted by _AC_

The other thing I am worried about is the cosmetic and corrosion abuse on the vehicles that I see on the roads here. How do you keep your X5s nice? Do you recommend a clear bra to minimize damage from the stones, sand, etc on the road? If so, can anyone recommend an installer in Calgary? One more - do you recommend any kind of undercoating to inhibit rust?

I've driven the x5 for two winters and can tell you that a clear bra will help a lot from those little rock chips and all the debris which will hit the front. As for rust I just wash the x5 as much as I can to get all the salt and dirt off.

[sarb]

Originally Posted by _AC_

I just moved to Calgary and my 4.8is is currently on a truck on it's way here from Socal so this topic is relevant to my interests. Thanks to the posters for the answers to my warm up questions. I wasn't sure if I needed a block (or coolant) heater, but this thread seems to say "no."

The other thing I am worried about is the cosmetic and corrosion abuse on the vehicles that I see on the roads here. How do you keep your X5s nice? Do you recommend a clear bra to minimize damage from the stones, sand, etc on the road? If so, can anyone recommend an installer in Calgary? One more - do you recommend any kind of undercoating to inhibit rust?

Welcome to Calgary my Friend

I drive on the deerfoot every day 3 to 4 times a day about 30 to 50 kms so yes i have clear bra on my 01 X but not on my 04 4.8is cus i dont drive that in winter time at all.

[fiber46is]

One thing to remember is to have oil separator and hoses made for winter.
I didn't remember to change those and the valve cover gasket and oil separator hose blew.
So ended up paying a bit more than if had changed the parts in time.

What comes to rusting, it's actually better if the car sits in freezing weather under roof, than if you drive it to warm garage after every short trip.
If you drive it to garage always, first it gets frozen outside and then warms up in the garage, and depending on how long it stays in garage it may get dry or just warms up to get wet before you take it out again and then it's basically all the time wet - good basis for rusting.

[Seabass]

The 4.4 doesn't have an oil separator like the 3.0 and 4.6.

[_AC_]

Originally Posted by phil47

Welcome to Calgary!

Would highly recommend have the 3M clear film added to the front end of your X. Typical package covers front of hood, painted portion of front bumpers and the sideview mirrors. I also installed headlight and foglight protection. Dealer installed the clear film and I installed the headlight/foglight protection (ordered from here: WeatherTech Automotive Accessories - LampGard ? - 2006 BMW X5 - Headlamp Headlight Protection, LampGard by WeatherTech ). I have also had the clear film installed on other vehicles at a very good local 3M dealer, here:

3M Trimline Of Calgary - Auto Graphics and Paint Protection Film

As for rust protection...useless in Calgary in my opinion. Never used it and never needed it.

Thanks for the info, I'll definitely look into the clear bra once my cars are delivered next week.

[TheGodfather]

Some severely cold and snowy weather just hit Calgary the past few days and the -20 to -30 degree temps will continue for a week.

This is the first winter the X is not being babied in a garage.

I am a little nervous after reading about this CCV moisture stuff.

I now have access to a garage (first night tonight), the X has not shown any issues after being outside for the past 4 days in -20 degree temps.

When I first start up in the morning its sounds pretty rough when I turn it on, and the exhaust is really loud and shaky sounding, this goes away after some time of driving.

Anyways, any suggestions? Am I probably safe from the CCV issues so long as I garage it this week?

[albertax5]

i just put a stick on oil pan heater and a battery blanket in.it was -32 in grande prairie for a couple nights and everything seemed good on start up,normal belt noise and stuff for a few seconds but thats normal in any vehicle at these temps.