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Subject: Re: For Mr. Cash Author: jimcash : member since July, 2005 : 1895 posts Posted on: 2009-08-01 23:34:26

I have never heard of any North American car with either the "Latent Heat" or the "Auxiliary Heat" systems.

The Latent heat system uses a brine filled reservoir under the floor in front of the passenger foot well. It is able to store heat and then provide heat to a cold car with a few seconds of starting.

It actually requires the uses of a different body to accommodate the reservoir.

I tried to get this option when I was planing my order back in early 96. BMW Canada asked me what I would consider paying and when I said about $600 I think they made their decision because they said it would probably be at least $3000 if they ever did bring it in.


The Auxiliary Heat system is a burner that uses fuel and has its own exhaust system. It is located in the space with the brake booster. It also has a remote control feature for preheating. Again I don't think it is in NA.

AND - for clarity - neither of these is to be confused with the "REST" feature which simply uses "Residual" heat from the engine to provide cabin heating for 15 minutes after a hot car is shut off (but only when ambient temp is below 10C).

Cheers
Jim Cash

• Bleeding cooling system question. Pros please read. - sidneyj 2009-08-01 16:08:38 (461 views)
  • Most likely you don't have a latent heat pump (m) - JimLev 2009-08-01 16:35:15 (459 views)
    • Agree with Jim - from what I've heard not on US cars (nt) - Roderick 2009-08-01 19:34:51 (336 views)
    • For Mr. Cash - sidneyj 2009-08-01 17:09:15 (315 views)
      • Re: For Mr. Cash - jimcash 2009-08-01 23:34:26 (403 views)
        • That is one of the BEST descriptions I've read about the latent/aux heat systems - Q 2009-08-03 11:38:29 (270 views)
        • Thanks - sidneyj 2009-08-02 13:02:17 (294 views)
  • Re: Bleeding cooling system question. Pros please read. - sidneyj 2009-08-01 16:12:55 (406 views)