I have an 545i with the 6 speed Manual Tranny. One thing I really miss from my Lexus is the remote start, especially during those long cold Ohio winters! Mind you, my Lexus was an automatic, which makes those things easier.

I know it can technically be done, but the issue of throwing my nice new car through the garage wall because I left it in gear (which I normally do when I park it) is an issue of concern.

Can this issue be overcome? Perhaps engaging the clutch automatically or something? I have heard that there was a package for the Audi A6 which overcame this... anyone have an idea?

 

I have always been schooled that warming up an engine that way was bad for it - dilutes the oil. On 15,000 mi. oil changes, that could be significant.

 

Yes, it can be done. My 97 S-10 had a manuel transmission and remote start. to do it the legal way I had to push in the brake with the gear in neutral and press the button while it was cranked. Took out the key while the engine was running and then set the alarm, truck was off. The next day I pressed the button and the truck cranked itself. I took it back and had the alarm programed as an automatic.

Worked great.

 

BMW has an external heater as an option. This not only warms the interior, it also warms the engine. There is also a remote available as an option for it...

 

Do you know the price? Not an option for US guys.

 

Do you know the price? Not an option for US guys. [/quote]
SA 536, 1400,- Euro incl German sales tax and one remote, factory option - not aftermarket.
Don't know about possible retrofit.

 

Besides.. I believe it isn't good for the engine to be heated through idling..? From what I've heard driving it hot or using some independent heater is way more healthy for the engine.

Man is it good to be outside again (currently a recruit in the airforce )

-paasan

 

Many years ago, around 1985, we imported a grey market M-B S-class and had an auxiliary heater installed in Germany before bringing it over.

It had it's own gas powered motor, pump, and heater element that would basically run off the car's fuel supply and would circulate coolant through it's heating system to get it hot. It would also run the blower for the heater and circulate the hot air inside the cabin.

It was made by a German company called Webasto. Webasto was a suppler to many German marques (maybe still is?) making other things like sunroofs, etc.

I did a quick search and found this link to a heater that they make currently.

Here is a link to Webasto's home page.

 

Almost all external heaters in German cars are Webasto.

 

Thanks for the tip Rudy, I found them and a local installed of Webasto products. I will check it out and let everyone know how it works out.