Auxilary heating
 

Hi,
Can anyone please, I would like the Webasto heater fitted in my car to preheat the vehicle, but according to my dealer this can only be fitted as an option at the factory and there is not retro kit available. Any ideas please?

You really have to do some searches. We have discussed lots of Aux heating in the past. From what I remember, the (E53) diesel engines come with the aux heater anyway. I think all is needed is the remote retro kit. I'm guessing this should be similar with the E70.

The BMW heater is made by Webasto. If BMW doesn't sell a kit for post-sale installation, then go to Webasto.

Here is the UK link, complete with a listing of local dealers.

http://www.webasto.co.uk/am/en/am_automobile_3177.html

I've just been informed that the E70 do not have the heater fitted unless auxillary heating was specced at the factory (£1500). Anyone have any thoughts or in the know please?

Just received some more info, Webasto have made a retrofit kit and its available in some european countries, but not the UK. I have spoken to BMW UK and they will not be bringing this kit in. I have spoken to Webasto UK and they are going to speak with their German cousins. Does anyone know of this kit, how easy it is to fit and is there any coding issues?

Any help greatly received.

I have found details of the retrofit kit (attached) but still have no joy with the coding (why BMW can't be plug & play!!)

Is there anyway this can be coded without BMW?

Thoughts ideas, anyone?

Something like that just sounds like you're asking for a beating when it comes to dead batteries and premature replacement by running the heater. I found this using a quick Google search Two Guys Garage Forum - Engine heaters or Engine And Block Heaters. My grandparents used to live in the mountains off logging roads, and they just used (crude, but it works) a plug in style lower radiator heater that was a metal tube w/ a heating element that was spiced into the lower radiator hose between the bottom connection of the radiator and the waterpump. My grandpa basically would just come home, plug and extension cord into his household power and he'd still have a nice warm vehicle in the morning.

It basically requires a dealer to do the coding, but you may be able to get an independent who has the correct tooling. As it won't be a simple retrofit, I would tend to rely on the dealer. The instructions are fairly specific regarding upgrades to the latest software version prior to starting the job.

The Webasto heater is an expensive option, but it is an elegant solution. With the timer and remote control, you shouldn't have any trouble with the battery (at least not any more trouble than you may have anyway). If you want to do something a little simpler, and have access to mains power where you park, a stick-on silicone pad heater on the oil pan works well, at least to pre-warm the oil and thus shorten the warm-up cycle.

Hi Big Ste . I can help u. m.07888699144

I tested an X35d last winter. The dealer had the vehicle on the lot over the weekend with the overnight lows at -25C. the vehicle started and was producing heat as quickly as any gas (petrol) engine.

Based on my testing, I don't think you will have a problem with fast heat. Now if you want the vehicle warm when you get to it, that is a different story.

Hope this helps.