Wy is it soo cold inside

agisbmw

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#1
HI can someone tell me why is it so cold inside my 1994 bmw 325is when it reaches -15 and below. I checked the coolant level and it's real low but would that effect low temperture in the car? I live in Toronto and it has been pretty cold here. What can i do to increase the temperture it its' already on max?
 

bmw046series

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#2
I don't know about cooliant level affecting the heater but I do know cooliant can run low in cold weather to my understanding it kind of evaporates.
 

agisbmw

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bmw046series said:
I don't know about cooliant level affecting the heater but I do know cooliant can run low in cold weather to my understanding it kind of evaporates.
ok so i will add some coolant but what about the heater? b/c it does work fine when the temp. is above 0. What esle do you think it could be thta effect the temp inside the car?
 
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#4
One possiblility is that the heater core is somewhat corroded inside, partially blocked, so less hot water flows through it. I have not seen this on BMWs specifically, but I have had this happen on other "senior" cars.
 
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#6
Brrrrrr!!!

Hi there,

I would definitely add coolant or even water to the expansion tank.
I'd recommend you get one of those suction tester thingys and check how strong the coolant is... They only cost a few bucks. If it's around -37 degrees, than you could just add water. If it's less than that, buy some antifreeze (BMW kind) mix half/half with water, and add that instead.
The more air in the expansion tank, the longer it will take your car to get to operating temperature and the longer it'll take to become warmer inside the car.

Hope this helps,
Tiger
 

agisbmw

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#7
I'm not sure where to get a BMW coolant but i heard good things about preston so i added it and the temp goes up faster then before. Thanks for the advice, i also got the measuring thingy and the coolant was at -38 so it's fine now.
 
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#8
agisbmw, just to make sure.
Is your car at full operating temperature while to try to operate the heater? if you only go for short drives, particulary in those low temperatures the cars thermostat probly gets limited chance to fully open preventing the heater core getting any hot coolant.
And what is the real name of the "coolant measuring thingy?" what does it say on the packet it came in?
 
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#9
Coolant tester

Hi there,

The coolant tester a plastic flat oval w/bulb & hose to suck up the antifreeze and test it's boil/freeze levels. Prestone and other coolant mmanufacturers make them. Most automotive stores sell them cheap (under $6).
There are also coolant pH strips (I think these are better because they show a more accurate level of the potentially corrosive fluids).
I've even been told the coolant can also have electrical current too, but I'm not so sure about that.

Hope this helps,
Tiger
 


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