Last winter was my first time using a TDi ... and while some aspects were fun, (winter tyres), others were not. In particular I didn't like finding the windscreen misted up on the inside making it impossible to see out, yet the engine would only warm up if it was driven. Too much catch-22 for me ...

Since then I've been looking for block heaters. I already knew that Kenlowe sell block heaters consisting of, I think, an electric heater and water pump powered by mains electricity. The other easily found options are fuel powered water heaters from Eberspächer or Webasto, with the advantage of working anywhere but the distinct disadvantages of being significantly more expensive and, apparently, quite noisy when running. It might also be difficult to find space for them in some crowded engine bays.

I read about an alternative, DEFA WarmUp, which is another main electric powered heater like the Kenlowe but using convection instead of a water pump and which has optional modules such as a PTC heater to warm the passenger compartment, and a control system which can be set for a departure time and which then starts the heaters depending on the outside temperature. It was reassuring to find their website included fitment guides for a huge range of vehicles.

The DEFA system seemed to be the best compromise for me - cheaper than the fuel powered heaters, yet more comprehensive than the Kenlowe offering. The problem I've had is trying to buy the components. From the DEFA website there didn't appear to be a UK distributor so I contacted various distributors across Europe. I recently had an email from the UK arm of the German distributor suggesting I contact IPU in Birmingham. That's as far as the story goes ... more as I have something to report.

I'm curious whether others have had found alternative solutions, and whether any of the possibilities I've already found have worked out well for anyone else.

Edited 22 September, 201015 yr by AnotherGareth

I've used a DEFA type system on a car in Norway. They are good.

Only downside is having to run a powercable to the car. In Norway, many residential parking bays and spaces have a handy socket.

Its very nice getting into a nice warm car on a winters morning.

Like the temp control unit - if you've got one fitted, may as well pre-heat the engine throughout the year - recon it would save wear throughout the life of the vehicle.

My parents Subaru Forestor lives in the Alps, and only has the aid of a battery conditioner, starts everytime. Thats in < -20 temps.

Cann't help thinking that the sudden heat of combustion in an engine solidly frozen at -20 odd cann't be good for it.

Edited 22 September, 201015 yr by snow_muncher

Last winter was my first time using a TDi ... and while some aspects were fun, (winter tyres), others were not. In particular I didn't like finding the windscreen misted up on the inside making it impossible to see out, yet the engine would only warm up if it was driven. Too much catch-22 for me ...

Since then I've been looking for block heaters. I already knew that Kenlowe sell block heaters consisting of, I think, an electric heater and water pump powered by mains electricity. The other easily found options are fuel powered water heaters from Eberspächer or Webasto, with the advantage of working anywhere but the distinct disadvantages of being significantly more expensive and, apparently, quite noisy when running. It might also be difficult to find space for them in some crowded engine bays.

I read about an alternative, DEFA WarmUp, which is another main electric powered heater like the Kenlowe but using convection instead of a water pump and which has optional modules such as a PTC heater to warm the passenger compartment, and a control system which can be set for a departure time and which then starts the heaters depending on the outside temperature. It was reassuring to find their website included fitment guides for a huge range of vehicles.

The DEFA system seemed to be the best compromise for me - cheaper than the fuel powered heaters, yet more comprehensive than the Kenlowe offering. The problem I've had is trying to buy the components. From the DEFA website there didn't appear to be a UK distributor so I contacted various distributors across Europe. I recently had an email from the UK arm of the German distributor suggesting I contact IPU in Birmingham. That's as far as the story goes ... more as I have something to report.

I'm curious whether others have had found alternative solutions, and whether any of the possibilities I've already found have worked out well for anyone else.

if you arn't fussed about pre heating I used a heater from a scrap Citroen diesel I fitted in the line to the oil heat exchanger it takes about 2-3 miles to get warm - it has 4 plugs and uses as far as I can remember approx 42 amps and so needs relays and switching in pairs not good to idle with all those on and a heater/rear screen on too I have a volt meter which helps it's on an ASZ 130 p.s.it cost a fiver plus relays wire and music system fuses from Maplins

Here a cheaper option for the UK: ALPINA WINDOW HEATER

Haven't been able to find one yet though ...

There are some cheap alternatives on flea-bay, but not as good :(

...

then I came across this: Carpoint In Car Heater With Timer

Came across this two, which could be hooked upto one of the cheap/simple flea-bay heaters: =uk_insert&cookie_v[1]=8V&cookie_d[1]=&cookie_p[1]=%2f&cookie_e[1]=Sun%2c+19-Dec-2010+09%3a42%3a20+GMT&scrwidth=1280"]12v Car Clock Timer

.

Hoping to buy DEFA parts from CARandCAMP.de.

The definitions for the German market seem slightly different from DEFA's generic English language pages:

- SafeStart - just an engine heater kit without the actual engine heater

- Komfort - an interior heater kit

- Komfort Plus - engine & interior heater kit without a controller, (could just use a 24-hour timer)

- de Luxe - engine & interior heater kit with battery charger and also without a controller

Interior heaters appear to be 1350 or 1850/2000 watts.

If you want a more sophisticated control system, then add either of:

- SmartStart - remote

- Futura - in-car with optional external temperature sensor

I'm planning to choose from:

A470050: Komfort Plus 1350

A470052: de Luxe 1350

plus

A440010: Futura w/o relay box (for de Luxe)

A440011: Futura w/ relay box (for SafeStart, Komfort, Komfort Plus)

A418071: temperature sensor for Futura

plus the engine heater for my engine.