I have this problem too, heating is not good. Takes too long to heat-up and is never that hot, takes about 20 miles to get properly hot.

My other E90 (3 series touring) with the same engine heats up really quickly and blows real hot.

I think this is because the 3 has 'efficient dynamics' that closes the radiator vents to get the engine hot quick, whereas the 5 does not have this. Also, the 3 was designed approx 2006 so they learned lessons from the
2004 designed 5 series, which definately improved the 3 dynamics.

 

Talked to the SA on Wednesday. She said the car was ready and they replaced the water valve (which had been replaced last year) . Since it was cold out and I was not going to pick up the car that night I suggested that she take my car home for the night to see how the heater worked. Talked to her Thursday morning and she said she never made it home, the car was not throwing heat and it was too cold to drive it so she went back and got her car. They are still working on it.

 

Technically your heater doesn't suck; it blows.

Hey, good luck with this issue. I hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction.

 

So, i changed my thermostat and before changing.. my engine temp was running at a max of 48 degrees Celsius.. changed the t-stat and now engine runs approx 95 degrees Celsius and heater blows nice and hot.

one thing i realized was there is a grinding noise coming from water pump area.. i'm going to remove the belt and spin the water pump to see if that's actually making the noise.. if it is, then i'll make a diy for that as well.. going to be posting a DIY for the t-stat within the next couple of days.. wasn't bad at all except for all the coolant that spilled out.. was able to catch 90% of it into 4 16oz cups

 

My indy mech that was once a BMW tech did a quick software upgrade/re flash on the climate control system somehow and the heater on mine kicks ass now. It was miserable before. He said BMW's climate control system is brilliant when all systems are working together. But worthless when there is an issue with any one of the controls. I can't remember how he reprogrammed the system, but he didn't charge me much, an hour of shop labor.

 

After almost a month at the dealer, my 2007 525xi finally has heat. They replaced the thermostat, (second time in less then a year), water valve (second time in less then a year), center vent ativator, and flushed "crystalized" coolant from the heater core. For some reason they also replaced the dark poplar dash cap. I had two road trips for work in the last month. so I didn't mind putting 1600 miles on the 09 535 loaner. Nice to have my car back and it was actually a warm ride to work today. It took awhile but the dealer stuck to it and seems to have fixed it.

 

Nice to see you finally have the car back and that everything worked out. Just out of curiosity, did you ask the dealer why the coolant was "crystallized?" Could this be an indication that your heater core may be defective?

 

Yes I did ask. The answer was that sometimes is the collant/water mix ratio is off it happens. The car had original factory coolant as far as I know. Beeen doing a little research online and have not found anything definite yet. There was some info about Mazda's having a similar issue.
If I find anything I will post it.