[sor118]

I believe all modern cars have an oil filter bypass in case the filter gets clogged. All of mine (prior to the BMWs) have had one, even my 1955 MG TF1500. Very early VWs didn't have one, though. So I assume BMW has the same thing.

And, I am sorry if I sounded like the heavy oil was your only problem, just that I thought it was TOO thick for your current environment ...

I totally agree with you here jclyman. It probably does have a bypass but I still think the oil is way too thick for the temperature outside. The block heater should do the trick and also switching to a thinner witer oil will solve my problem.

Cheers.

 

[jclyman]

Good thought. When the engine is at operating temperature or hotter, isn't it also radiating a lot of heat toward the plastic belly pan?

Actually, true ... good point ... I'm not sure it is as hot as a 250w bulb, though.

 

[DouglasABaker]

They key point is that for anyone north of the Mason-Dixon line, there is NO oil made that is thin enough for cold weather starts - they are all too thick. Anything that helps to increase the temperature of the oil will do wonders to aid the longevity of our vehicles...

d-

 

[sor118]

Really? It is only 4"x5"? Wow, that's small!

How long is the cord?

Please be sure to post pics of where you run the cord and the overall installation!!

d-

I think the cord is something like 48" long. I emailed the company and am awaiting their response. I ordered it last night and it should be here in a week. I plan on changing my oil, installing my magnetic oil drain plug and installing the pad heater all at the same time. I'll definitely take pictures and post everything once complete.

 

[sor118]

I just found out that the cord is 5' long which should be plenty of length to neatly route the cord for a clean install.

 

[2strokecoldsmoke]

Now that all the southerners have chimed in with their opinions, heres the real scoop from 65 degress north latitude:

Silicone pad heaters work great on any engine. You plug the heater in a couple hours before starting to warm the engine oil to reduce its viscosity. They have been used for decades. There is no reason why you could not install one on the M5 engine. I have two 75 watt heaters installed on my 4.4 liter in my X5 (two heaters due to space limitations, couldn't put on one big one.
The pad heaters are a good idea iuf you are driving in cold weather. However, I can by a 150 W heater for $15 at my local NAPA store, the heaters on that website you posted are WAY overpriced.

 

[sor118]

Now that all the southerners have chimed in with their opinions, heres the real scoop from 65 degress north latitude:

Silicone pad heaters work great on any engine. You plug the heater in a couple hours before starting to warm the engine oil to reduce its viscosity. They have been used for decades. There is no reason why you could not install one on the M5 engine. I have two 75 watt heaters installed on my 4.4 liter in my X5 (two heaters due to space limitations, couldn't put on one big one.
The pad heaters are a good idea iuf you are driving in cold weather. However, I can by a 150 W heater for $15 at my local NAPA store, the heaters on that website you posted are WAY overpriced.

None of the stores around here have those pad heaters so that is why I just went ahead with it. Nice price though! The other option around here (inline radiator/water heater) are right around the same price of what I bought. Because of your location, they are probably better stocked? The one I bought is a 250W and compact in size too, just 4" x 4.5/5" so it will be easy to find a good place on the oil pan. It also has a 3 year warranty which is more than enough time to run it through its paces. I'll let you know how it works out. Chances are, once I get it installed, things will warm up around here!!!

 

[Winnipeg M5]

Don't be worried about the "something's burning" smell when you plug it in - it goes away after the first time it's used. Must be the glue that holds the pad onto the block.

Mine works great.

 

[sor118]

Don't be worried about the "something's burning" smell when you plug it in - it goes away after the first time it's used. Must be the glue that holds the pad onto the block.

Mine works great.

Where is your cord coming out from the bottom of your car so you can easily plug it in?

Mine just arrived and I was just pondering how I will route the 5' cord.

 

[Winnipeg M5]

Mine comes up ahead of the radiator and I've wound it around some of the bits, with 2 in. of the plug then fitting in the gap between the hood and the top of the bumper. The hood opens and closes fine with the cord in the gap.

 

[sor118]

Mine comes up ahead of the radiator and I've wound it around some of the bits, with 2 in. of the plug then fitting in the gap between the hood and the top of the bumper. The hood opens and closes fine with the cord in the gap.

Any chance you cold snap a photo or two of what cord you can see?

 

[Winnipeg M5]

I've never tried to post a photo before - I'll see what I can do.

The cord is right at the join between the pass. side headlamp, the top of the bumper and the hood.

 

[DouglasABaker]

So you have the end of the cord bouncing around on your bumper when you drive?

d-

 

[Winnipeg M5]

No - the only part that sticks out is the plug itself - nothing to bounce. Plus it goes back under the hood for the parts of the year it's not in use...

 

[sor118]

I've never tried to post a photo before - I'll see what I can do.

The cord is right at the join between the pass. side headlamp, the top of the bumper and the hood.

Perhaps you could email me the pictures? I'll PM you my email addy okay?