[Rossland]

The Eberspacher is just a gasoline powered block heater. Electric ones are much safer. About a year ago there were posts about how to install a block heater, and as I recall the only kind that will fit is the pad that attaches to the underside of the oil pan. A block heater not only makes it easier to start the engine, but the cars heater produces heat immediately.

Besides, my owners manual says "Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the engine remains stationary. Instead, begin to drive immediately at a moderate engine speed"

Therefore, no remote starters!!

[ik999]

Originally Posted by halB

There are different thoughts about that. If you use the right cold weather oil (BMW's synthetic is very good for winter already) you should need no more than 30 seconds to get things going. See Jim Kenzie's article on this:

http://thestar.blogs.com/kenzie/2008...ven-get-m.html

Oil shouldn't take more than 30-45 seconds to recirculate, but it does take some time for the interior to warm up. Also, if you have to park outdoors, letting the car idle for a while helps melt off the ice and snow.

Originally Posted by iPodAddict

^ with comfort access you can start the car with the key in hand and exit the vehicle and lock the car... but that requires going into a SUPER COLD car with SUPER COLD leather seats

even if you don't have comfort access, you can still remove the key and lock the car while the engine is running by exploiting a safety feature. But yes, I agree with you, it doesn't come close to a remote starter.




if we look at this issue holistically, we can see each factor:
Time
Convenience
Comfort
Fuel Consumption
Engine and Car Wear
Pollution and Environmental Concerns

considering the importance of each factor, this would be the ideal solution:

-replace your oil with winter oil
-install a block heater with a timer (if you have the facility available)
-start the car as you are heading out with a remote starter
-allow the car idle for at least 45 seconds and for a maximum of 5 minutes
-drive conservatively until the driving components of the car have also warmed up.
-bingo

the remote starter is very helpful even if you have a block heater because many times the car is parked away from home (example: mall parking lot).

[darklord]

So is comfort access proximity based? Meaning, if I were to start my car with comfort access and leave with the key fob in my pocket (letting the car warm up) back to my house...if someone were to come and try to steal the car, how far wold they get before it disabled..or would it??

[halB]

It will go until the engine is shut off for the first time, then it won't restart.