Inline antifreeze heater for a E90?

[sunnyblueskies]

2011 328 xi
Question, is it possible to put a inline heater into the cooling system and will it actually work?

I've read somewhere that in some cars these inline water heaters don't make any sense because of way the cooling circulation is set up, it wouldn't allow the heated antifreeze to actually circulate to where it is needed most.

I'm not a fan of oilpan heaters, thus my question of inline heaters. We are in Canada and our 328 xi does not like to start when it get's colder then -25C. Pain in the ass not to be able to use the car when it's cold.

Hope anyone can help me out here. Thanks. Stay warm.

[White94RX]

What's wrong with the oil pan heaters?

[sunnyblueskies]

What's wrong with the oil pan heaters?

Nothing wrong with oil pan heaters. But in my opinion they will not be able to do a good enough job in -40C since they are applied externally and only heat the oilpan. Oil still has to travel to the pistons etc. to aid at a cold start. Heated antifreeze circulates ( if cooling system allows) through and hopefully accumulates enough warmth IN the block to make a cold start easier.
You may have a different opinion and that is fine, we farm, our tractors are running with block/inline heaters. Substantially bigger engines, running on diesel, which is even trickier to start in cold, thus my preference for this type of cold aid. That's all.

But, if the cooling system can't circulate freely when the engine is off........ an inline heater won't do any good.
Thus my question if anyone knows if this would work for a 2011 328 xi.

Our BMW's are parked outside, they either run........or won't survive for long. =) No pampering here. Love them lot's though.