Minimum environment temp for BMW

[t_marat]

Hi!
Today it is about -32C (-25.6F). The car did not start. Everything was completely frozen. Back door did not close after openning, the lubricating oil seems to have frozen. Clutch pedal very heavy; comes very slowly to its original place after releasing.
Starter turned the engine very slowly at start, but then got faster. There were some signs of engine coming alive, but after trying for about 6 mins I gave up.


Does anybody know the minimum temperature e34s were tested to operate?

[winfred]

sounds like time for a block heater and a battery blanket

[Dave M]

In temps like that I have had luck with an oil pan heater. As I'm not partial to starting it routinely in temps that low, I just bought a cheap magnetic one that must be rigged to attach to the aluminum oil pan of the M50. Of course, ensure your battery is up to snuff as well.

I have started it successfully in -40 C. Mind you, I cringed while turning it over. Better than draining the oil and with it (as seasoned bush pilots will attest to doing when overnighting in the north).

Good Luck, let us know how it goes, or doesn't

Dave M

[t_marat]

Several hours ago I went and tried to start it again, but it didn't. Starter in the end started to sound like the battery is low on power.

I think I will not use the car for the coming 3-4 days. The weather is forecast to be not better than this, even worse.

[ryan roopnarine]

what did you do to winterise the vehicle? (ill say this politely), but that isn't cold enough to not allow your car to start with some regularity. where are you located?

[t_marat]

Atyrau/Kazakhstan.
http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/KZ...?force_units=1

I did not do anything. Engine oil is Mobil Super 10W-40. Too heavy for winter?

[632 Regal]

Thud Thud Thud...

go get yourself some mobil one 0w-40 and go to work.

Atyrau/Kazakhstan.
http://weather.yahoo.com/forecast/KZ...?force_units=1

I did not do anything. Engine oil is Mobil Super 10W-40. Too heavy for winter?

[angrypancake]

jesus. high of -25. i would never get out of bed.

[MBXB]

In addition to using 0W40, pull the battery before you retry starting, bring it into a warm area and charge it up if you can.
Install it right before you restart.

[t_marat]

I read that freezing temp for Mobil Super 10W-40 is -33C. Is it dangerous to start the engine at about -30C with that oil?

This temps aren't usual. Usually it is about -20C to -15C max. Police is putting roadblocks on roads leaving the city.