Block heater
01-07-2009, 04:46 PM
#21
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SASKATCHEWAN
Posts: 11
Re: Block heater
I live in Regina where it's -42C today (although I know windchill doesn't apply to vehicles - bit it's still cold..) - so if for no other reason than to protect resale value and peice of mind, I want a block heater.
My 2009 A4 B8 is arriving in February and I just confirmed with the dealer it will not come in with a block heater (as mentioned, Audi doesn't have one yet). Annoying, because the dealer failed to mention the lack of block heater when I ordered back in October. I also recall commenting on the steep dealer PDI ($1800) when ordering and was told part of this cost included a block heater.
I mentioned this today at the dealership and was told that the $1800 does include the block heater........when it arrives. Unfortunately, no guarantees on the delivery dates. The dealer guaranteed that the cost would be included in my vehicle price - I would pay nothing more when the blocker heater did arrive.
I was told that the Audi block heater would be a "recirculating" variety, which I'm told is a much better design than the standard heat patch sitting on the oil pan.
I did see one post which indicated that someone was having an Audi block heater installed shortly. That didn't seem consistant with what I heard today regarding Audi block heater availability - but maybe they're mistaken and it's already available.
It's good to hear from those without block heaters that there vehicles are starting well. Either way....here's hoping for warmer weather.
My 2009 A4 B8 is arriving in February and I just confirmed with the dealer it will not come in with a block heater (as mentioned, Audi doesn't have one yet). Annoying, because the dealer failed to mention the lack of block heater when I ordered back in October. I also recall commenting on the steep dealer PDI ($1800) when ordering and was told part of this cost included a block heater.
I mentioned this today at the dealership and was told that the $1800 does include the block heater........when it arrives. Unfortunately, no guarantees on the delivery dates. The dealer guaranteed that the cost would be included in my vehicle price - I would pay nothing more when the blocker heater did arrive.
I was told that the Audi block heater would be a "recirculating" variety, which I'm told is a much better design than the standard heat patch sitting on the oil pan.
I did see one post which indicated that someone was having an Audi block heater installed shortly. That didn't seem consistant with what I heard today regarding Audi block heater availability - but maybe they're mistaken and it's already available.
It's good to hear from those without block heaters that there vehicles are starting well. Either way....here's hoping for warmer weather.
During this Christmas while in Winnipeg the temperature was near -30, the car was fine, I however still will want the block heater.
01-07-2009, 06:14 PM
#22
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 69
Re: Block heater
Gilles, could you find out from your audi dealer (I assume in Sask.) what kind of heater they are installing in your car? What engine does your '09 have? Maybe I could talk to your service guy to get an idea of what type of heater they are using and installation location along with which coolant lines they are tapping into. Thanks.
01-07-2009, 07:18 PM
#23
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Canada
Posts: 94
Re: Block heater
I also recall commenting on the steep dealer PDI ($1800) when ordering and was told part of this cost included a block heater.
I just ordered an A3 on Monday from a dealer in Calgary, they won't even consider putting a pan heater on for $2545 PDI. Who says there's a recession in Alberta?
I just ordered an A3 on Monday from a dealer in Calgary, they won't even consider putting a pan heater on for $2545 PDI. Who says there's a recession in Alberta?
01-08-2009, 09:58 AM
#25
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SASKATCHEWAN
Posts: 11
Re: Block heater
Gilles, could you find out from your audi dealer (I assume in Sask.) what kind of heater they are installing in your car? What engine does your '09 have? Maybe I could talk to your service guy to get an idea of what type of heater they are using and installation location along with which coolant lines they are tapping into. Thanks.
They are installing a recirculating block heater Sometimes next week.
Hopefully this will help.
02-02-2009, 06:00 PM
#27
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Regina
Posts: 25
Re: Block heater
Hi Gilles - you're kidding - at can't be done. Did they say why? Did they refund some of your PDI charge - they told me that the PDI included the block heater charge?
Were they going to try any other options?
Were they going to try any other options?
02-02-2009, 06:31 PM
#28
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 69
Re: Block heater
It can most certainly be done, just a matter of putting the time and effort into finding an area to mount and plumbing. If I could put my car on the hoist and had time to tinker with it I am sure I could figure something out. Also, having the 4 cyl, i would expect there to be more room then with the V6.
02-03-2009, 09:11 AM
#29
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: SASKATCHEWAN
Posts: 11
Re: Block heater
They said that there was no place to put it.
I did get some refund back.
Basically, there is no solution according to the dealer.
You are right the block heater was supposed to be included.
I did get some refund back.
Basically, there is no solution according to the dealer.
You are right the block heater was supposed to be included.
02-03-2009, 10:21 AM
#30
Audi Forum - Posts like an A3
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: Winnipeg
Posts: 69
Re: Block heater
At the very least you should be getting a pan heater. Definitely a last resort, but I have been using mine the last few months and it does make a huge difference compared to cold starts. Key is to plug the car in as soon as you shut it off so that the pan just has to try and sustain some heat, not actually try to warm things up from freezing cold. -30 this morning and just started the car and the temp gauge did move up to just about 50.
