Engine block heaters

[M Paul Lloyd]

Hi all, I am thinking of fitting my W202 C class with an engine block heater, to give me a better start up temperature on cold and frosty mornings. I have tracked down a company that makes them at http://www.defa.com/finn_dok_h.php3?merke=MERCEDES+BENZ&modell=C&type=2&lang=3&ndid= the website is very good offering all sorts of advice but I can't find a price nor anyone who might supply me with the kit. So I'm a bit stuck really.:-(
I did a search on here but couldn't find anything relevant. So I'm hoping that some of you, with wider experience of such matters, might be able to offer a h'penth of advice please.

 

[television]

I have used them and they are very good. Defa parts are available from car from motor factors and will get on in for you. In Sweden we used to mount the electrical socket on the edge of the bumper,,I had that on my 123, but on my 124 I had a fly lead.

Defa will tell you who sells their goods,,its a huge outfit

 

[M Paul Lloyd]

Many thanks for that Malcolm, I am well impressed and will get in touch with them directly. I have been told block heaters are of limited use in the British climate, but to be perfectly honest I am getting old and soft and just cannot abide waiting for the heater to warm up, besides I am interested to learn if they help with fuel economy, given that a wrm engine is more efficient than a cold one.

 

[television]

They do make a huge difference to the fuel economy, and they comfort angle is well worth it. they are very low wattage and will soon pay for its self

 

[rf065]

I'd be interested too, let us know how you get on.

Russ

 

[M Paul Lloyd]

Well so far I have contacted both Motor Factors and Defa and have received no reply as yet, and its been nearly a week already!! Which I have to say is a bit disappointing. However I am not easily put off so I plan to take this further and will let you know as soon as I find out anything.

 

[rf065]

Well so far I have contacted both Motor Factors and Defa and have received no reply as yet, and its been nearly a week already!! Which I have to say is a bit disappointing. However I am not easily put off so I plan to take this further and will let you know as soon as I find out anything.

I contacted Kenlowe fans a week ago after another thread on the same subject and have had no response either. That might explain why they are not popular over here.

Russ

 

[M Paul Lloyd]

A lack of demand so no-one bothers to stock them eh?
I can see their point, but you would think a quick 'sorry we don't stock them' would be polite than silence. I will not give up though, I have been doing some research and am thinking of going for the hose fitting type over the freeze plug mounting as they seem to be less prone to problems and are easier to fit. Any thoughts anyone??

 

[colechelle]

I'd be interested too, let us know how you get on.

Russ

You already have one fitted to your car!!!!!

 

[dragon]

It said it fitted in my W211, but how do I use it?

Is it automatic or do I have to plug it to my main before I set off?

 

[rf065]

You already have one fitted to your car!!!!!

I assure you I don't!!!!

Russ

 

[dragon]

Check your VIN against the Russian site.

 

[colechelle]

I assure you I don't!!!!

Russ

No!! you sure?

 

[rf065]

No!! you sure?

Not the same thing, I'm looking for one that plugs into the mains & warms the car up before you leave the house.

Unless the one you've shown can be modified to connect to the mains and a timer fitted?

Russ

 

[M Paul Lloyd]

Hi Dragon, yes you have to plug it into a suitable power supply to make it work, they operate a bit like an electrical element in a water heater. Check the designed voltage and that should give you an idea of where to plug it in and what sort of transformer (if any) you might need.

Some such as those that are factory fitted can run off the car's own battery but they are more effective plugged into the mains, and less of a drain on the old battery too.

 

[television]

There would be no problem in buying one from Sweden,,they are 230 volt I will see what I can find

 

[colechelle]

Hi Dragon, yes you have to plug it into a suitable power supply to make it work, they operate a bit like an electrical element in a water heater. Check the designed voltage and that should give you an idea of where to plug it in and what sort of transformer (if any) you might need.

What dragon is talking about is the same as i posted above which is the water jacket heater! it comes on from cold untill the correct temp is reached!

 

[rf065]

What dragon is talking about is the same as i posted above which is the water jacket heater! it comes on from cold untill the correct temp is reached!

The one you have posted does make a difference in that once you start the engine, warm air comes through the vents a lot quicker than normal, and long before the engine reaches a descent temperature.

The one that we want, plugs into the mains & switches on half an hour before you go to work in the morning meaning you have warm air to the vents as soon as you enter the car.

It is common for me in winter time to find the windscreen frozen inside the car and it is a bit of a pain sitting for 20 minutes using the heater to clear all the windows. Heating the engine block 30 minutes before leaving the house would make winter morning much more bearable. It is a common system used across europe, but like winter tyres, mention it in the UK and the response is usually "what to you need that for?".

Russ

 

[colechelle]

Ok got wires crossed, that must be ****** cold up there!!

 

[dragon]

Ok got wires crossed, that must be ****** cold up there!!

Don't you know it cold in Scotland, they said they got thick blood and it still an Ice Age place with mammonth.

You are lucky on the South Coast. It quite cold last year I was at Brighton area.

It silly to put your car out there in the cold all night and warm it up for half an hour before you start off. What if you forgot and in a hurry and late for work?

A car like that, CLS, sure you can afford a garage to store your car overnight. I have a double garage and never leave my cars outside in the cold and have to scrap ice from windows in the morning. I open the garage door and off I drive off.