is it just me or do bmw's suck in the cold?

campbelly · 01-04-2010, 01:11 AM

thought id ask everyone (who lives in a cold climate) to share their problems they have had throughout the cold weather and snow...i dont mean to complain, but coming from a toyota i am not used to all of these problems in the winter, or at all to be honest lol...so complain away!

so far this is what i have experienced with my '06 e90:

1. Slow Cranks
2. terrible squeaking and crackling (both in cabin and through heating vents
3. every single window (and sunroof) being frozen shut
4. heating issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337013
5. headlights randomly turn on sometimes when car in unlocked
6. slow revs - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332222
7.doors/door handles being almost frozen solid and unable to open
8. unable to close hood sometimes when very cold

ps: once i hit that DTC button and drive the car in the snow it definitely makes up for most of these problems because i am having so much fun driving it..the car is amazing to drive in the snow and (safely) drift around corners

but some of these issues seem pretty "amateur" for a "not so cheap" bmw brand car to be having

SHARE AWAY!!

VTECaddict · 01-04-2010, 01:13 AM

I think a lot of those are pretty universal problems.

MurderedOut'10 · 01-04-2010, 01:18 AM

I agree, most of the frozen issues are the weather and not the car.

deletedelete · 01-04-2010, 01:26 AM

Alot of those are typical winter cold problems, not really bmw problems. My awd 335, with heated seats and heated steering wheel performs perfectly in the winter.

XPO186 · 01-04-2010, 01:29 AM

FI loves the cold

gos · 01-04-2010, 01:41 AM

I haven't had any of the issues you describe except for the frozen windows, but that is a problem you'll get with very cold, wet winters with any car. Not much you can do about it where you are located near that lake effect.

I've had my car parked outside as low as -22F (-30C), and it never had a problem starting right up.

JerzeySux · 01-04-2010, 01:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XPO186

FI loves the cold

+1

ianbiz · 01-04-2010, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by XPO186

FI loves the cold

so does NA.

raj55 · 01-04-2010, 02:18 AM

My E91 LCI 2009 has behaved perfectly in winter so far and we have minus 10 degrees centigrade (12 deg F). I use non studded snow tyres (Nokia Hakkapelita RSi). I have also moved from two legendry reliable Toyota (older corolla and RAV4) to BMW lately and am very satisfied so far. It has managed icy and snow covered slopes without problem. This could be due to Nokia Tyres rather than BMW but their DSC/DTC is definitely a boon while driving on icy roads. I have not experienced any of the problems that you mentioned. But you are right about Toyotas; they are really very reliable and even BMW would have trouble reaching that level if studied over a time period, I guess.

stylin20 · 01-04-2010, 05:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campbelly

thought id ask everyone (who lives in a cold climate) to share their problems they have had throughout the cold weather and snow...i dont mean to complain, but coming from a toyota i am not used to all of these problems in the winter, or at all to be honest lol...so complain away!

so far this is what i have experienced with my '06 e90:

1. Slow Cranks
2. terrible squeaking and crackling (both in cabin and through heating vents
3. every single window (and sunroof) being frozen shut
4. heating issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337013
5. headlights randomly turn on sometimes when car in unlocked
6. slow revs - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332222
7.doors/door handles being almost frozen solid and unable to open
8. unable to close hood sometimes when very cold

ps: once i hit that DTC button and drive the car in the snow it definitely makes up for most of these problems because i am having so much fun driving it..the car is amazing to drive in the snow and (safely) drift around corners

but some of these issues seem pretty "amateur" for a "not so cheap" bmw brand car to be having

SHARE AWAY!!

For one thing, you're in TO and it's freezing there (for the most part) not like balmy VCR. j/k But yes as stated, these are sometimes just regular things that happen when it drops well below freezing. I can't tell you much because I just got my CPO 2 months ago. Though your car is an 06' and being through some of your winters does take a toll.

As for point #8. Why do you have to open the hood for anyways??

BKV122 · 01-04-2010, 06:09 AM

I except most of these problems with any car in the winter/cold weather

SpmnE9zero · 01-04-2010, 06:49 AM

I can not complain too much but I will say, of all the cars I have ever owned, most of the problems op has stated are common of all vehicles, however they do seem to be a lil more dramatic in the BMW.
In the end, as long as I never find myself walking in the cold, I guess the issues are able to be lived with in order to drive a great car!
I can not wait til spring!

Ryan323i · 01-04-2010, 06:59 AM

The only things I've noticed so far is a slightly longer crank, creaking from the rear windshield until the car warms up, and frozen windshield washer jets. Although I'm sure it's not nearly as cold here as where you are.

campbelly · 01-04-2010, 09:04 AM

i can see how most of those issues are the weather and not the car..never thought id say this; but maybe im just spoiled coming from a toyota to bmw in weather like this cause i NEVER experienced any of these problems in my last toyota except for maybe the squeaking part..i just wonder how toyota has no problem solving/preventing these issues yet you (now me) BMW guys seem all too familiar with these issues (enough to call them normal)

MrDummy · 01-04-2010, 09:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by campbelly

thought id ask everyone (who lives in a cold climate) to share their problems they have had throughout the cold weather and snow...i dont mean to complain, but coming from a toyota i am not used to all of these problems in the winter, or at all to be honest lol...so complain away!

so far this is what i have experienced with my '06 e90:

1. Slow Cranks
2. terrible squeaking and crackling (both in cabin and through heating vents
3. every single window (and sunroof) being frozen shut
4. heating issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337013
5. headlights randomly turn on sometimes when car in unlocked
6. slow revs - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332222
7.doors/door handles being almost frozen solid and unable to open
8. unable to close hood sometimes when very cold

ps: once i hit that DTC button and drive the car in the snow it definitely makes up for most of these problems because i am having so much fun driving it..the car is amazing to drive in the snow and (safely) drift around corners

but some of these issues seem pretty "amateur" for a "not so cheap" bmw brand car to be having

SHARE AWAY!!

Yeah I have same car as you and had / have a lot of the same issues, just had my blower motor replaced, I dont have any cranking issues though or wierd headlights?

2kaccordocoupe · 01-04-2010, 10:53 AM

ah the joys of living in climate where the winters are cold - it's normal and to be expected

aspiring335 · 01-04-2010, 11:07 AM

Could just be the nostalgia talking, but my E46 wagon performed light years better in the snow than my E90. Could have been the non-run-flat tires, and perhaps the extra weight over the rear axle. Also, I prefer driving MT in snow, whereas my E90 is automatic.

My heater has been making a horrible noise in this latest cold snap. It never used to do that.

DASHOCKER · 01-04-2010, 11:56 AM

My BMW's are flawless in the cold whereas my lexus squeals like a pig once the temperatures dip below 35.

BMWinNorthdakota · 01-04-2010, 12:03 PM

In comparison to my family's cars..... (Mainly GM/Nissan), the Bimmer runs DECENT!

Cold is a subjective term, for me its some place around -15... In that kind of weather the interior does indeed creek, engine makes odd sounds, and yes, the windows are frozen shut.

As far as starting goes... just the regular slow cranks.

This e90 that I currently own is running better in the cold than my e46 that I had.

asus389 · 01-04-2010, 12:08 PM

1. Slow Cranks

Check battery

2. terrible squeaking and crackling (both in cabin and through heating vents

Dunno about that one, maybe have the dealer check it out

3. every single window (and sunroof) being frozen shut

Normal when it gets really cold in most any car

4. heating issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337013

Maybe have the dealer check it, it sounds like the blower fan isn't working right - might have something to do with 2) as well

5. headlights randomly turn on sometimes when car in unlocked

Not sure about this one, but I think this behavior can be programmed - might check into it

6. slow revs - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332222

Take it in...

7.doors/door handles being almost frozen solid and unable to open

Pretty normal for winter if its really cold, my honda did this too..

8. unable to close hood sometimes when very cold

As in the electronic/mechanical latch doesn't work? Or as in its just iced up and won't close cleanly? If the former have it checked out, the later its probably just normal winter BS

mmm def · 01-04-2010, 12:17 PM

i find my 335 is a lot more moody in the cold than my Honda Fit is. So I just drive the Fit on cold days

BOSSBMW · 01-04-2010, 04:42 PM

I had my windows frozen shut twice... but never had any of those other issues...

01-04-2010, 01:11 AM	#1
campbelly AC Schnitzel 85 Rep 546 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	is it just me or do bmw's suck in the cold? thought id ask everyone (who lives in a cold climate) to share their problems they have had throughout the cold weather and snow...i dont mean to complain, but coming from a toyota i am not used to all of these problems in the winter, or at all to be honest lol...so complain away! so far this is what i have experienced with my '06 e90: 1. Slow Cranks 2. terrible squeaking and crackling (both in cabin and through heating vents 3. every single window (and sunroof) being frozen shut 4. heating issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337013 5. headlights randomly turn on sometimes when car in unlocked 6. slow revs - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332222 7.doors/door handles being almost frozen solid and unable to open 8. unable to close hood sometimes when very cold ps: once i hit that DTC button and drive the car in the snow it definitely makes up for most of these problems because i am having so much fun driving it..the car is amazing to drive in the snow and (safely) drift around corners but some of these issues seem pretty "amateur" for a "not so cheap" bmw brand car to be having SHARE AWAY!! __________________
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01-04-2010, 01:13 AM	#2
VTECaddict Where'd my VTEC go? 481 Rep 6,067 Posts Drives: 06 330i 6MT Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Seattle, WA iTrader: (4)	I think a lot of those are pretty universal problems. __________________ AW/Terra \| ZSP \| ZPP \| ZCW \| iDrive \| CA Mods: BC BR coilovers \| Blacklines \| M-tech rear \| dual exhaust \| M3 steering wheel \| BMW SSK \| ZHP shift knob \| High-kick CF spoiler \| NBT Retrofit M3 front control arms \| M3 rear guide rods \| Manzo rear toe and camber links \| Monroe rear shock mounts \| Varrstoen ES1 19x9.5+20 Front, 19x11+25 rear
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01-04-2010, 01:18 AM	#3
MurderedOut'10 New Member 0 Rep 22 Posts Drives: 2010 328xi Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Rochester, NY iTrader: (0)	I agree, most of the frozen issues are the weather and not the car.
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01-04-2010, 01:26 AM	#4
deletedelete Major General 363 Rep 5,873 Posts Drives: m Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: usa iTrader: (14) Garage List 2013 e92 M3 [0.00] 2011 e93 M3 (sold) [0.00] 2009 335xi (sold) [0.00]	Alot of those are typical winter cold problems, not really bmw problems. My awd 335, with heated seats and heated steering wheel performs perfectly in the winter. __________________ ---> Click For xi/xDrive Suspension Compatibility List <---
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01-04-2010, 01:29 AM	#5
XPO186 Colonel 128 Rep 2,740 Posts Drives: E92 335i Join Date: May 2007 Location: Albany, NY iTrader: (19)	FI loves the cold
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01-04-2010, 01:41 AM	#6
gos Captain 27 Rep 959 Posts Drives: E90 330xi Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Colorado iTrader: (0)	I haven't had any of the issues you describe except for the frozen windows, but that is a problem you'll get with very cold, wet winters with any car. Not much you can do about it where you are located near that lake effect. I've had my car parked outside as low as -22F (-30C), and it never had a problem starting right up. __________________ -- 330xi SG/Terra/Burl -- ZPP, ZSP, ZCW, CA, Sirius, PDC
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01-04-2010, 02:18 AM	#9
raj55 First Lieutenant 28 Rep 303 Posts Drives: E91 2009, 320i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: SWEDEN iTrader: (0)	My E91 LCI 2009 has behaved perfectly in winter so far and we have minus 10 degrees centigrade (12 deg F). I use non studded snow tyres (Nokia Hakkapelita RSi). I have also moved from two legendry reliable Toyota (older corolla and RAV4) to BMW lately and am very satisfied so far. It has managed icy and snow covered slopes without problem. This could be due to Nokia Tyres rather than BMW but their DSC/DTC is definitely a boon while driving on icy roads. I have not experienced any of the problems that you mentioned. But you are right about Toyotas; they are really very reliable and even BMW would have trouble reaching that level if studied over a time period, I guess.
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01-04-2010, 06:09 AM	#11
BKV122 Major 47 Rep 1,160 Posts Drives: E90 Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: NY iTrader: (1) Garage List 2006 330xi [9.50]	I except most of these problems with any car in the winter/cold weather __________________ Monaco Blue 330xi - Terra Interior/6-MT/Sport/Premium/Cold/CSL's/M3 Spoiler Lip/Black Kidney's
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01-04-2010, 06:49 AM	#12
SpmnE9zero DENY THE WORLD THAT SURROUNDS YOU 505 Rep 35,580 Posts Drives: JB 33ZERO Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: City of Champions iTrader: (14) Garage List 2006 330xi [0.00]	I can not complain too much but I will say, of all the cars I have ever owned, most of the problems op has stated are common of all vehicles, however they do seem to be a lil more dramatic in the BMW. In the end, as long as I never find myself walking in the cold, I guess the issues are able to be lived with in order to drive a great car! I can not wait til spring! __________________ Eurocharged V5 \| ROW's / CC Delete \| K&N's \| H&R Springs \| Single Fin G.B. Grill \| Mode Carbon Diffuser \| JBSpeed CF Spoiler \| Arkym Style CF Splitter \| CF Mirror Caps \| 5% Tints \| 12mm Spacers \|
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01-04-2010, 06:59 AM	#13
Ryan323i Captain 22 Rep 844 Posts Drives: 2015 320i xDrive Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Columbus, OH iTrader: (0)	The only things I've noticed so far is a slightly longer crank, creaking from the rear windshield until the car warms up, and frozen windshield washer jets. Although I'm sure it's not nearly as cold here as where you are. __________________ 2015 320i xDrive \| Imperial Blue Metallic/Black SensaTec \| Sport Package \| Lighting Package \| Moonroof \| Heated front seats Past BMWs: 2006 330i, 2000 323i
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01-04-2010, 09:04 AM	#14
campbelly AC Schnitzel 85 Rep 546 Posts Drives: 2006 325xi Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Toronto iTrader: (3)	i can see how most of those issues are the weather and not the car..never thought id say this; but maybe im just spoiled coming from a toyota to bmw in weather like this cause i NEVER experienced any of these problems in my last toyota except for maybe the squeaking part..i just wonder how toyota has no problem solving/preventing these issues yet you (now me) BMW guys seem all too familiar with these issues (enough to call them normal) __________________
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01-04-2010, 10:53 AM	#16
2kaccordocoupe Brigadier General 1274 Rep 4,703 Posts Drives: Former ///M Driver Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The 6ix iTrader: (2)	ah the joys of living in climate where the winters are cold - it's normal and to be expected
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01-04-2010, 11:07 AM	#17
aspiring335 Lieutenant Colonel 95 Rep 1,614 Posts Drives: 2019 G05 40i Join Date: May 2006 Location: Toronto, Canada iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 330i [0.00]	Could just be the nostalgia talking, but my E46 wagon performed light years better in the snow than my E90. Could have been the non-run-flat tires, and perhaps the extra weight over the rear axle. Also, I prefer driving MT in snow, whereas my E90 is automatic. My heater has been making a horrible noise in this latest cold snap. It never used to do that. __________________ 2019 G05 40i (premium excellence, m-sport, 2VR), Tesla Model S 100D, Nissan Leaf SL Volvo XC90 T8, Subaru Outback, E84 X1 28i, E91 328i xdrive, 6MT, VW Touareg TDI, E90 330i, E46 325iT, MINI Cooper S (all retired)
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01-04-2010, 11:56 AM	#18
DASHOCKER The power of V! 99 Rep 1,971 Posts Drives: 2007 335i coupe steptronic Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: NYC iTrader: (0) Garage List 1998 Lexus Gs400 [0.00] 2010 ebony & ivory [0.00] 2006 BMW X3 [0.00] 2009 pics [0.00] 2009 e92 335 xdrive [0.00]	My BMW's are flawless in the cold whereas my lexus squeals like a pig once the temperatures dip below 35. __________________ 2007 335 coupe Alpine white, steptronic, sportpack, etc. (gone) 2006 X3 3.0 steptronic Titanium Silver, 2009 E92 335xdrive, next.... Caddy CTS_V! 13 Lincoln MKZ? hmmm.
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01-04-2010, 12:03 PM	#19
BMWinNorthdakota Banned 246 Rep 1,106 Posts Drives: 2007 bmw 335i e90 Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Fargo ND iTrader: (0)	In comparison to my family's cars..... (Mainly GM/Nissan), the Bimmer runs DECENT! Cold is a subjective term, for me its some place around -15... In that kind of weather the interior does indeed creek, engine makes odd sounds, and yes, the windows are frozen shut. As far as starting goes... just the regular slow cranks. This e90 that I currently own is running better in the cold than my e46 that I had.
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01-04-2010, 12:08 PM	#20
asus389 Captain 68 Rep 639 Posts Drives: 11 E90 328i Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Michigan iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 328i [0.00]	1. Slow Cranks Check battery 2. terrible squeaking and crackling (both in cabin and through heating vents Dunno about that one, maybe have the dealer check it out 3. every single window (and sunroof) being frozen shut Normal when it gets really cold in most any car 4. heating issues - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=337013 Maybe have the dealer check it, it sounds like the blower fan isn't working right - might have something to do with 2) as well 5. headlights randomly turn on sometimes when car in unlocked Not sure about this one, but I think this behavior can be programmed - might check into it 6. slow revs - http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=332222 Take it in... 7.doors/door handles being almost frozen solid and unable to open Pretty normal for winter if its really cold, my honda did this too.. 8. unable to close hood sometimes when very cold As in the electronic/mechanical latch doesn't work? Or as in its just iced up and won't close cleanly? If the former have it checked out, the later its probably just normal winter BS
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01-04-2010, 12:17 PM	#21
mmm def Colonel 144 Rep 2,610 Posts Drives: 21 330, 19 ND2 RF, 11 RX350 Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: NJ iTrader: (0)	i find my 335 is a lot more moody in the cold than my Honda Fit is. So I just drive the Fit on cold days
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01-04-2010, 04:42 PM	#22
BOSSBMW Captain 81 Rep 741 Posts Drives: 2013 X3 35i Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Upstate NY iTrader: (0)	I had my windows frozen shut twice... but never had any of those other issues...
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