BMW: heat is goot!

[goof2]

Originally Posted by pauldun170

I don't think they just seal it off. I believe they said that they have flaps that open and close based on whether the engine is running or not.

Sealing off the bay and actually controlling airflow through the engine bay should result in more efficient cooling vs traditional methods.

You may be right, but I find it hard to believe that an engine surrounded by heat retaining insulation with some flaps that open for airflow results in an improvement. I guess we will see how effective the system is if or when it is introduced.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by pauldun170

This is BMW we are talking about. Most owners have never cracked the hood.
Toss in the free maintenance and loaner cars, it becomes a non issue until that BMW goes out into the world second hand ownership.

True. The BMWs I would own now are the E46 M3, the Z4 based M Roadster/Coupe, or the E39 M5. I don't think the M5 is as bad but the 3.2 liter six from the M3 and M Roadster/Coupe (S54) is a maintenance hog. It requires a special Castrol full synthetic 10W-60 oil designed specifically for that engine. You aren't going to find it at the local Jiffy Lube. The engine also requires valve adjustments every 30k miles. From what I have read on owners forums that service costs $2,500 or more. If I were to buy one it would be maintained by me only.

[101lifts2]

Originally Posted by Tmall

This would reduce wear in the engine.

That's the greatest benefit I can see.

Less expansion and contraction of components is always good.

The main benefit is the reduction of emission gases.

Components are designed to expand and contract, so if you want to reduce wear, use a full syn. oil. The oil will stick to metal much better using full syn. then natural dino oil.

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by goof2

True. The BMWs I would own now are the E46 M3, the Z4 based M Roadster/Coupe, or the E39 M5. I don't think the M5 is as bad but the 3.2 liter six from the M3 and M Roadster/Coupe (S54) is a maintenance hog. It requires a special Castrol full synthetic 10W-60 oil designed specifically for that engine. You aren't going to find it at the local Jiffy Lube. The engine also requires valve adjustments every 30k miles. From what I have read on owners forums that service costs $2,500 or more. If I were to buy one it would be maintained by me only.

The only reason they say Castrol is "required" is because Castrol did something for BMW that will never be disclosed. And 10W-60? That's going to result in a lot of deposit-causing additives being used in the formula, because additives are the only way they can achieve such a big spread between the 10W and the 60.

[goof2]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

The only reason they say Castrol is "required" is because Castrol did something for BMW that will never be disclosed. And 10W-60? That's going to result in a lot of deposit-causing additives being used in the formula, because additives are the only way they can achieve such a big spread between the 10W and the 60.

That oil wasn't originally spec'd for the engine. If I remember correctly BMW had some VANOS system failures due to oiling issues. They asked Castrol to develop the oil to meet the specific requirements of that engine. The VANOS system operates partially off oil pressure. I'm guessing the lower viscosity oil didn't create enough oil pressure to properly actuate the VANOS system which resulted in failures.

[pauldun170]

There are two M BMW's I'd consider. The newer M3's are nice but not my cup o tea

[karl_1052]

Originally Posted by Tmall

This would reduce wear in the engine.

That's the greatest benefit I can see.

Less expansion and contraction of components is always good.

But how will it work when it is parked outside for 12 hours in -30 temps?

[Tmall]

It will probably work the same as any other..

But, reduced wear 50% of the time is better than not at all.

[CasterTroy]

Originally Posted by karl_1052

But how will it work when it is parked outside for 12 hours in -30 temps?

That was my thought as well