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      09-19-2018, 10:33 PM   #1
Sargentmyself
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How well have you all made out in the winter with no block heater?

I recently bought an 08 335xi and the idea of not having a block heater kind of concerns me, especially working 11hr night shifts in Edmonton over the winter.

Should I consider getting an oil pan heater on Amazon or something to install before it starts getting too cold or is it unnecessary?
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      09-20-2018, 06:20 PM   #2
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If you've got somewhere to plug it in then I'd run a coolant heater instead of an oilpan heater. Zerostart most likely makes a unit you can squeeze in somewhere. Does a much better job as well.
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      09-20-2018, 09:28 PM   #3
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Also in Edmonton. Never had a problem. The battery in the trunk helps shelter it a bit. Let us know if you find a block heater.
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      09-21-2018, 07:13 AM   #4
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Had 3 used bimmers in 15 years and they have always started in the Ontario winter, no matter how cold or how long it was left outside.


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      09-21-2018, 10:55 PM   #5
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I've driven every BMW I've owned in the winter.
None of them had issues starting EVER. Even my 135i which I thought had a faulty HPFP.
My M3 oil analysis came back with flying colors (no additional metal wear). I've been using Ceratec in the engine.
-35 degrees, started the engine, idle for 3-4 mins before driving and you'll be fine. Initially I thought I might need a block heater, no need.
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      10-13-2018, 07:11 PM   #6
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Good to know, I just finished installing an on-board battery charger, just to be sure.
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      10-14-2018, 08:30 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GORDON.M3 View Post
I've driven every BMW I've owned in the winter.
None of them had issues starting EVER. Even my 135i which I thought had a faulty HPFP.
My M3 oil analysis came back with flying colors (no additional metal wear). I've been using Ceratec in the engine.
-35 degrees, started the engine, idle for 3-4 mins before driving and you'll be fine. Initially I thought I might need a block heater, no need.
Good point. I have also been running 0-40 syntec only in the winter since the stock 10-60 is too thick for cold starts when left outside.
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      10-18-2018, 09:50 AM   #8
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I have a 328i that survived 12 Ottawa winters parked outside with no block heater or trickle chrager. Below -20 it takes a few seconds to fire up but otherwise it's all good. In that time I've replaced one battery and one starter. 0W40 oil.
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      10-24-2018, 01:15 AM   #9
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Had a 2006 330i. Was at a friends house in Edmonton, -30, car wouldn’t start. Call bmw roadside assistance. They are just ama but called from a different number. They ask if the car is plugged in. I say “no”. They say their policy is they won’t boost cars that aren’t plugged in. Had to wait till the next day when it warmed up, mid day. -20, car starts fine.

My advice. Make sure your battery is new-newish, fully charged. Kept topped up on trickle charger whenever possible. Most likely you will be fine. But on those stupid cold -35/-40 days. If your car isn’t in a garage, your battery is gonna freeze and you are gonna be SOL.
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      10-24-2018, 06:09 AM   #10
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If the starter is weak or on it's way out, it could have a hard time. I didn't realize the starter on mine was kinda slow until we got the wifes car and it cranked a lot quicker. It was just barely turning over and getting started at -10 at one point. New battery had no effect. New starter, and it's turning over like the others.
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      10-24-2018, 06:22 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Sargentmyself View Post
I recently bought an 08 335xi and the idea of not having a block heater kind of concerns me, especially working 11hr night shifts in Edmonton over the winter.

Should I consider getting an oil pan heater on Amazon or something to install before it starts getting too cold or is it unnecessary?
If you're running 0W-X oil I don't see any point in a oil pan heater.

Only problem you will face IMO is the car will be cold for your comfort.

I would just let the car run between 30s to 1 minute depending on how cold it is.
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      10-24-2018, 06:23 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GORDON.M3 View Post
I've driven every BMW I've owned in the winter.
None of them had issues starting EVER. Even my 135i which I thought had a faulty HPFP.
My M3 oil analysis came back with flying colors (no additional metal wear). I've been using Ceratec in the engine.
-35 degrees, started the engine, idle for 3-4 mins before driving and you'll be fine. Initially I thought I might need a block heater, no need.
And you run 10w-60 all year or another oil?

When I was shopping for the M3 I was cringing a bit thinking of using it in the winter with that oil.
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      10-29-2018, 11:05 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
And you run 10w-60 all year or another oil?

When I was shopping for the M3 I was cringing a bit thinking of using it in the winter with that oil.
Yup 10w60 all year round.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1504102
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      10-29-2018, 11:40 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GORDON.M3 View Post
Ah yes I remember reading your post while I was still shopping for M3s.
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      10-29-2018, 11:42 AM   #15
GORDON.M3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Ah yes I remember reading your post while I was still shopping for M3s.
you should have bought the M3...
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      10-29-2018, 11:50 AM   #16
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GORDON.M3 View Post
you should have bought the M3...
Haha I can't say I'm not happy with my 335is. Altough I did never test drove the M3. And the 335is works more as a DD than the M3 I think.

I would like to get a M4 next though in maybe 5 years. Even though they are not NA V8s, just for that M factor.
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      10-30-2018, 08:09 PM   #17
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post
Haha I can't say I'm not happy with my 335is. Altough I did never test drove the M3. And the 335is works more as a DD than the M3 I think.

I would like to get a M4 next though in maybe 5 years. Even though they are not NA V8s, just for that M factor.
The NA v8 is an engine not to miss out on, even though it has its fair share of problems, its one of the best cars I've ever driven.
There is something special about that motor paired with the e9x chassis. You can see by how many people get the M4 and just go back to the E92 with the Competition Package. It's not the same...

335is is great but ///M cars truly have a soul that non-M cars can never replicate.
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      11-02-2018, 01:24 PM   #18
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[QUOTE=GORDON.M3;23923285]
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal View Post

335is is great but ///M cars truly have a soul that non-M cars can never replicate.
While I don't disagree with this, it needs to be said replication shouldn't be the end game. I enjoy my M3 as well as my 335ix equally. They each have a soul and character of their own that can't be replicated through each other.

I do notice my 0-40 does take a long time for the temp gauge to move in the mornings now. I'm almost at work 8kms before the temp gauge starts to move form 70C

Cold starting will be interesting this winter 😁
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      11-11-2018, 07:58 PM   #19
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I've had mine for 8 years in Ottawa winter with no problem and just recently got a new battery last year. Having said that, how long do the starters typically last? I'm wondering when and if my starter will start to give issue.
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      11-14-2018, 09:38 AM   #20
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GORDON.M3 View Post
The NA v8 is an engine not to miss out on, even though it has its fair share of problems, its one of the best cars I've ever driven.
There is something special about that motor paired with the e9x chassis. You can see by how many people get the M4 and just go back to the E92 with the Competition Package. It's not the same...

335is is great but ///M cars truly have a soul that non-M cars can never replicate.
We'll see once I get the M. The M2 is also an interesting car.
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      11-14-2018, 09:39 AM   #21
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[QUOTE=ViperZ;23936577]
Quote:
Originally Posted by GORDON.M3 View Post

While I don't disagree with this, it needs to be said replication shouldn't be the end game. I enjoy my M3 as well as my 335ix equally. They each have a soul and character of their own that can't be replicated through each other.

I do notice my 0-40 does take a long time for the temp gauge to move in the mornings now. I'm almost at work 8kms before the temp gauge starts to move form 70C

Cold starting will be interesting this winter 😁
Hey I was wondering this to. I run 0w-40 Castrol Edge LL01 all year and was wondering in winter it takes long time to hit 100c.

I'm not sure if I should run 0W-30. 30 sounds thin though for a performance car?
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