North of 55 latitude, block heater Q.

[1994-325i]

Hi,

I am new to BMWs, purchasing a 1994-325i from my brother in-law in New Mexico, and importing the car into north western Canada. Winter is coming and I want to put a engine heater of some kind on this M50 block, in an E36 car. Any comments? ....or are you all from the more southern climes?

Cheers
1994-325i@dbalcaen.com

[3050rpm]

To my knowledge, and I've checked, there appears to be no BMW engine block heater for the M50 engine, which is odd because I had one installed for my E21, and the block does have freeze plugs in it, last time I checked when changing the coolant. Even the dealer was unaware of there being one. That being said, you now remind me of a tip a fellow who lived in Alaska passed on to me, lemme see if I can scare that up and get back with another posting.

[3050rpm]

Okay, a coupla tips... See if you can find a phone no. for a Birchwood Motors, I think in Winnepeg. I've been told they're a BMW dealership with a good parts inventory. Next, when BMW sold the 524tD here, they had a block heater for it, part no. possibly being 12 81 2 24 1 002. How adaptable this is to the M50 I don't know. Last, try an Internet(s) search using "block heater""BMW" and you may come up with something.

[c1apton]

You "might" find a frost plug heater for it (they are engine specific - certain frost plug & the angle it has to be installed) or you might want to try to find a lower hose heater - which would be an easier solution. With lower hose heaters all you need to know is the inside diameter of your lower hose. They're easy to install and work really well. You might try a Canadian Tire store & the brand is "Zero start" (avoid the other blankets & battery warmers - they're far from efficient)
Tip: install it as close as you can to the block and get one that is thermostatically controlled and you'll have no worries.

[1994-325i]

Found their address:

Birchwood BMW
45-3965 Portage Ave, Winnipeg, MB R3K 2H6
Phone: (204) 452-7799
Fax: (204) 831-4228
E-mail: bmw.gm@birchwood.mb.ca

And I have sent in the request. Thanks.
1994-325i

[1994-325i]

Thanks for the tips, I will use a lower rad hose as a last resort, had one in another vehicle once that failed while driving, emptying the coolant on my while on the highway. Hopefully I will find something meant for the M50 engine, somewhere.

Cheers
1994-325i

[B_w.]

where abouts are you? i have driven my car through 2 winters now and have never had a problem.i ripped out the block heater during my turbo install.