2014 435i winter heating

Lycoris · 10-13-2020, 07:03 PM

My 2016 435i is my first BMW. How is this car in winter for starting up. I asked the dealership about block heaters and he said "BMW doesn't believe in block heaters". Told me my DEFA heater is discontinued and they don't sell the cord. My work is outdoor parking only and where I live it can get to -40C... and my car would be parked for 12 hours... should I go get a block heater installed. I am having no luck finding a third party seller for the DEFA cord. I've reached out to the company and no luck.

Elvisfan · 10-13-2020, 07:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoris

My 2016 435i is my first BMW. How is this car in winter for starting up. I asked the dealership about block heaters and he said "BMW doesn't believe in block heaters". Told me my DEFA heater is discontinued and they don't sell the cord. My work is outdoor parking only and where I live it can get to -40C... and my car would be parked for 12 hours... should I go get a block heater installed. I am having no luck finding a third party seller for the DEFA cord. I've reached out to the company and no luck.

It should be no different than any other car you have owned. If you normally have an engine block heater than get an engine block heater. What would make you think this car was any different?

Billfitz · 10-13-2020, 09:13 PM

Block heaters are used mainly for when your driving is short trips where the car won't get fully warmed up. The connectors are on EBay.https://www.ebay.com/i/124362110620?...DefaultOrganic

They're not sold outside Europe, so the wall plug is European. It's a simple matter to literally cut the cord and install a North American plug. However, you need to examine the heater to see what voltage it requires. It should be on the label.

Lycoris · 10-13-2020, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Elvisfan

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoris

My 2016 435i is my first BMW. How is this car in winter for starting up. I asked the dealership about block heaters and he said "BMW doesn't believe in block heaters". Told me my DEFA heater is discontinued and they don't sell the cord. My work is outdoor parking only and where I live it can get to -40C... and my car would be parked for 12 hours... should I go get a block heater installed. I am having no luck finding a third party seller for the DEFA cord. I've reached out to the company and no luck.

It should be no different than any other car you have owned. If you normally have an engine block heater than get an engine block heater. What would make you think this car was any different?

I'm asking because that's exactly it. BMW told me it'll be fine but winter is brutal here so I wanted to get other people's perspective

tardboi · 10-13-2020, 10:08 PM

Im sure its better for the engine's longevity to use a block heater. But if your concern is just starting, I've only gotten as low as ~-20C, but it was problem free. Just dont turn the heated seats, steering wheel, and rear defrost on every morning unless your commute is long; it will slowly drain.

M Smurf · 10-14-2020, 04:35 PM

I have similar weather with unheated detached garage and park outside for work. Always amazed on how quickly heat generates, especially with the heated seats and steering wheel. Really impressive IMO. I would say no to the block heater.

Billfitz · 10-14-2020, 04:59 PM

Block heaters were once commonplace in Minneapolis. I remember when motels there had electric outlets in their parking lots to plug them in. This was back in the days of mineral oil, which even in a 10w-20 rating was so thick in below zero temperatures that engines struggled to turn over. They were rendered unnecessary when synthetic oils took over the market.

Lycoris · 10-14-2020, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Smurf

I have similar weather with unheated detached garage and park outside for work. Always amazed on how quickly heat generates, especially with the heated seats and steering wheel. Really impressive IMO. I would say no to the block heater.

that's really relieving to hear! what oil do you run? 0w20?

M Smurf · 10-14-2020, 07:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoris

that's really relieving to hear! what oil do you run? 0w20?

5w30 but I can't imagine it matters much

Lycoris · 10-14-2020, 07:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Smurf

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lycoris

that's really relieving to hear! what oil do you run? 0w20?

5w30 but I can't imagine it matters much

good to know

thanks for the input!

Billfitz · 10-14-2020, 09:22 PM

In Calgary I'd run 0w-20 in winter, 5w-30 in summer. In Edmonton I'd just hibernate from December until March.

10-13-2020, 07:03 PM	#1
Lycoris Enlisted Member 9 Rep 41 Posts Drives: BMW 435i xDrive M Sport Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Calgary iTrader: (0)	2014 435i winter heating My 2016 435i is my first BMW. How is this car in winter for starting up. I asked the dealership about block heaters and he said "BMW doesn't believe in block heaters". Told me my DEFA heater is discontinued and they don't sell the cord. My work is outdoor parking only and where I live it can get to -40C... and my car would be parked for 12 hours... should I go get a block heater installed. I am having no luck finding a third party seller for the DEFA cord. I've reached out to the company and no luck.
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10-13-2020, 09:13 PM	#3
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8245 Rep 16,086 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Block heaters are used mainly for when your driving is short trips where the car won't get fully warmed up. The connectors are on EBay.https://www.ebay.com/i/124362110620?...DefaultOrganic They're not sold outside Europe, so the wall plug is European. It's a simple matter to literally cut the cord and install a North American plug. However, you need to examine the heater to see what voltage it requires. It should be on the label.
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10-13-2020, 10:08 PM	#5
tardboi First Lieutenant 83 Rep 367 Posts Drives: 335i xDrive MSport Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: Wisconsin iTrader: (1)	Im sure its better for the engine's longevity to use a block heater. But if your concern is just starting, I've only gotten as low as ~-20C, but it was problem free. Just dont turn the heated seats, steering wheel, and rear defrost on every morning unless your commute is long; it will slowly drain.
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10-14-2020, 04:35 PM	#6
M Smurf Lieutenant 157 Rep 425 Posts Drives: 2013 328i M Sport Join Date: Aug 2016 Location: Minneapolis, MN iTrader: (1)	I have similar weather with unheated detached garage and park outside for work. Always amazed on how quickly heat generates, especially with the heated seats and steering wheel. Really impressive IMO. I would say no to the block heater.
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10-14-2020, 04:59 PM	#7
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8245 Rep 16,086 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	Block heaters were once commonplace in Minneapolis. I remember when motels there had electric outlets in their parking lots to plug them in. This was back in the days of mineral oil, which even in a 10w-20 rating was so thick in below zero temperatures that engines struggled to turn over. They were rendered unnecessary when synthetic oils took over the market.
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10-14-2020, 09:22 PM	#11
Billfitz Lieutenant General 8245 Rep 16,086 Posts Drives: '15 328iX GT Join Date: Jan 2015 Location: New Hampshire iTrader: (0)	In Calgary I'd run 0w-20 in winter, 5w-30 in summer. In Edmonton I'd just hibernate from December until March.
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