block heater
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Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
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2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
block heater
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.
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2013
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2010 ML550
block heater
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..
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..
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
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2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
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.
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Joined: Dec 2004
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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..
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..
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.
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Joined: Jun 2012
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2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
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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)
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2010 ML550
block heater
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.
If I can't have a heated steering wheel and heated seats I might as well buy a Chevy next time.
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Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
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.
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.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 409
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2008 GL320CDI (310k), 2017 GLS450 (170k), 2024 Sprinter 2500 (40k)
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/
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/
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 12,516
Likes: 628
From: Charlotte NC area
2019 WS222 S450 4-Matic / 2007 W211 E350 4Matic (Sold) / 2008 X164 GL320 CDI
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/
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/
I guess if I lived in a REALLY cold place, I might consider going that route.
Of course that does not protect the battery.
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Joined: Nov 2013
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toyota van, some rusted out pick-ups, an r320 cdi...
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.
No electricity? Wabasto or Espar engine jacket water heaters work great. Getting some of that heat into the driver's footwell is the trick.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2013
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Gl320cdi
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.
No electricity? Wabasto or Espar engine jacket water heaters work great. Getting some of that heat into the driver's footwell is the trick.
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.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 410
Likes: 122
From: Kelowna, BC
08 GL320 CDI
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.
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.
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Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,757
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
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.
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2016
Posts: 33
Likes: 17
2008 gl320
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
For anyone interested:
fitting: MB 6422000256
heater: Zerostart 3100105
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 1,932
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
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.
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,189
Likes: 242
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
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/
https://nemigaparts.com/cat_spares/e...22/63l/50/280/
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2018
Posts: 410
Likes: 122
From: Kelowna, BC
08 GL320 CDI
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
For anyone interested:
fitting: MB 6422000256
heater: Zerostart 3100105
