Presuming that's not coolant.....that's alot of moisture in your oil.


What's your driving frequency/style ?

It's good to induce some heat into the car now and then to burn off any moisture.

Would it help to install an engine heater (not sure about the proper name), basically a fan heater that sits inside the engine bay keeping the engine and lubes lukewarm. It's very common here in Scandinavia, especially the cupe heaters (same fan but inside the car).

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

I think it would help. I thought about a pan heater, but then went with the CCV hose heater kit for the convenience.

Called up a mechanic friend and asked him about this. The best thing to install in the x5 is the block heater (example: Defa Warm Up), basically is connects to the coolant hose and bottom of engine block....keeping the coolant warm. It also comes with a battery charger and cupe heater with the optional remote/app control. In Norway temperatures are at -20C now and with this system installed you'd have no issues.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Block Heaters were def. discussed back when the majority of E53 was in their 1st gen production..Those parts of not available in NA, nor do I believe it was a easy import

That's my only problem here too. I saw that Europe had several good options for block heaters, or the secondary remote start heaters. But the US doesn't get any of those and there are parts of the US that get very cold. Having access to those would be very nice, but I guess BMW's answer for us is to have a heated garage.

That's a shame really. I'm having this kit installed asap, just waiting now for the final price.

I'm getting worried as my car is also showing worrying signs during freezing weathers.

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

Found you can buy the Defa heater in eBay Canada. And the Laval (Montreal) BMW dealer installs them. Maybe worth a road trip.

Go for it, it's a good investment if you're not thinking of selling the car....and live in a cold place.

Keep in mind that this system need a constant power source and not intermittent. In Norway you can plug the car in most car parks/garages but not all provide constant power....this still burn the heaters. Fyi

Sent from my SM-G900F using Tapatalk

David, you put the heating kit on. Given that it's been nearly 14 years and 65K, should I sweat (get it, "sweat"?) it?

I'm certainly not adverse to the extra $355, but would you call that a "fix" or a "partial alleviation"? Is the pan heater a better solution, given that he'll be down there anyway? If so, do you have a link to one?

Thanks for all of your help, everyone!