[Billyboy]

Hi,

Just picked up my M5 a week ago (Wohoo, instant love !) and was surprised to discover that there is no engine or cabin pre-heating on proper M cars (Yes, I'm a total noob with those)! Where I live, wintertime can be pretty cold, -10F to -20F is not uncommon. Steering wheel and seat heaters helps a lot, but its no match for a cabin heater.

I've learned all my life that engine pre-heaters will help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear on engines on very cold starts. My dealership tells me that none of the 5-series have an engine heater these days, its all cabin heating. I'm left with some questions.

Should I avoid -10F starts on my M5, or any 5-series?
What is BMWs recommendation for cold starts (I cant find anything in the owners manual)?
How does the engine warm up work, and is it good for avoiding damage at such low temperatures?

[550Reasons]

They probably expect you to leave it inside a somewhat temperature control garage.

[gpdriver17]

Originally Posted by 550Reasons

They probably expect you to leave it inside a somewhat temperature control garage.

That works if you only ever drive it from your garage to your garage.

[Aronis]

If you are keeping it for 3 to 4 years, don't worry.

If you are planning on keeping it for 20 years, move?

Mike

[Billyboy]

Originally Posted by Aronis

If you are keeping it for 3 to 4 years, don't worry.

If you are planning on keeping it for 20 years, move?

Mike

Not the answer I wanted, haha! Proably true, sadly

[Aronis]

Originally Posted by Billyboy

Not the answer I wanted, haha! Proably true, sadly

No question that cold weather (really cold weather) takes a toll on mechanical systems. There used to be heaters you can put in to your radiator in place of the radiator cap that can be plugged in, years ago, but then more formal engine heating elements were developed.

I have not heard of the engine warmer you are talking about. Sounds interesting.

Mike

[marcvtec]

Originally Posted by Billyboy

Hi,

Just picked up my M5 a week ago (Wohoo, instant love !) and was surprised to discover that there is no engine or cabin pre-heating on proper M cars (Yes, I'm a total noob with those)! Where I live, wintertime can be pretty cold, -10F to -20F is not uncommon. Steering wheel and seat heaters helps a lot, but its no match for a cabin heater.

I've learned all my life that engine pre-heaters will help you avoid unnecessary wear and tear on engines on very cold starts. My dealership tells me that none of the 5-series have an engine heater these days, its all cabin heating. I'm left with some questions.

Should I avoid -10F starts on my M5, or any 5-series?
What is BMWs recommendation for cold starts (I cant find anything in the owners manual)?
How does the engine warm up work, and is it good for avoiding damage at such low temperatures?

So your saying you would plug in a block heater, to keep it warm.
What happens when you go to the movies for 2 hours hours, with any car ? in minus - 30 degree Celsius, like i do ? (Canada winters).