a2j

Did anyone try Freeze plug type block heater? Does anyone know where this plug located and how hard would it be to install this heater? I wouldn't mind draining coolant to install this. Its about time to change it anyway.

a2j

Or should I just get Webasto product and be done with it?

rwnichol

I just heard back from my MB dealer on a block heater inquiry for my 550ML and there is no provision for same. He suggested a magnetic or epoxied on external heater to the oil pan.
BMW is the same. My son who parks his BMW (07 3.0si) outside has to physically remove his battery (new) each night when the temps hit -30C .

I would really like a technical explanation as to why these manufactures cannot have provision for, or install block heaters. It would make life a whole lot easier with instant starting (or starting period) and quicker heat.

It seems the manufacturers are hiding and the dealers are ducking with a patch job..

a2j

Well, I really like the idea of plug/cord independent heaters by Webasto or Espar. I'm just not feeling comfortable to do the install by myself. Vehicle does start in -20F after work, but its just not the same as starting it and driving when its 40F+ outside.

alx

your oil pan is aluminum and magnet will not stick to it.

on why block heaters are not offered as oem - they are not needed (even for the diesel engine) if you have a healthy battery and you dont live on the north pole.

a2j

you are right, to start the vehicle, block heater is not needed. Just like heated seats are not needed to drive the vehicle when its cold outside.

alx

haha.. so true.

however, the heating kicks in normally inside 60 seconds courtesy of the aux electric heater the x164 and x166 are equipped with (among other models)

rwnichol

Well in the northern US plains and much of Canada, a block heater is necessary insurance for those who have to park outside all night.
If I can't have a heated steering wheel and heated seats I might as well buy a Chevy next time.

N_Jay

If I routinely parked outside in near zero or sub zero weather, I would definitely install an engine heater.
Not sure if I would use one that epoxies to the oil pan, or a lower radiator hose heater. Probably just the hose heater.
Since the battery is inside the car, I would probably skip the battery heater, and just add on a battery tender running off the same electrical feed.


As for me, that last week has been unusual, with both unusually cold temps, and the GL parked outside due to a load of crap from my M-I-L's house in the garage.

a2j

I'm leaving more towards electric cord independent heater. For the times when I'm not home and vehicle is not in the garage.

N_Jay

I am not sure what you meant by that?

a2j

After giving some thought about different kinds of heaters, these are the once that I would be installing in my suv. I don't think I would care for an electric outlet plugin heater.

I'm looking at this kind of a heater.
http://www.espar.com/products/fuel-o...ble-units.html
http://www.webasto.com/int/markets-p.../luxury-class/

N_Jay

I guess if I lived in a REALLY cold place, I might consider going that route.


Of course that does not protect the battery.

mar775

Glue-on Wolverine pads heat the oil first and hottest, which makes your engine happy. Superior to heating the jacket water and leaving oil cold in the pan, IMO.
No electricity? Wabasto or Espar engine jacket water heaters work great. Getting some of that heat into the driver's footwell is the trick.

Summit Benz

Where I live I've been having trouble with very cold morning starts too. An average morning temp is -10 to -5f

I would have loved to spend the money on a Wabasto but found the Wolverine stick on heater and it has been working beautifully for the last month. Worth a look into. I'm a happy coustomer.

CHolmes

clearly you don't live somewhere cold.

Sallad

I'm curious about these as well, I think in Canada 2009 and up a block heater came standard. My wifes does not have one.

It's only an issue starting if the temps at night get below -20C (-4F) or lower. But that's usually only for a week or so where I live, so she said she doesn't care about it. (She doesn't drive everyday)

I'd still like to hear what others have done.

eric_in_sd

Depending on the price of gasoline and electricity, you will probably find it is cheaper to warm up your vehicle with electricity. Here in Idaho we pay $0.08 per kWh. Not only is it better for the motor to warm up with electricity, it is cheaper, that is, if you let the motor idle to warm up.

gb25

I bought the fitting that has the port for the block heater and the zerostart heater for my 08 gl320. I think I spent around $200 total. It wasn't too bad to replace. I haven't had the need to use it yet, but probably will next week.

For anyone interested:

fitting: MB 6422000256
heater: Zerostart 3100105

DennisG01

For those that don't have a diesel, there's a noticeable difference in the "startability" between diesel and gasoline when the weather gets cold. The increased compression ratio of the diesel is harder to spin over with less juice available due to the cold weather... and the cold combustion chamber, even with a few glow cycles (which does help somewhat), adds to the problem. Diesels are definitely harder to start in cold weather than gassers.

Over the years, I've found the stick-on/glue-on heating pads that go on the oil pan to be more effective than a block heater. Block heaters are good - pan heaters are better And... you could always run both of them and tie the cords together so you still only need one extension cord.

lkchris

Here is the Mercedes solution for diesels. Search your gas model to see those part numbers

https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/e...22/63l/50/280/

Sallad

Where does that thread into?

gb25

I think Canadian fittings already have the threaded port. The US version doesn't. So you have to replace the fitting too.