Aux heater not running

[Cefixen]

Hey,

I recently bought an X5 and now that it's gotten cold outside I've tried using the aux heater, but it doesn't seem to work.
When I try to start it via direct operation or timer, it tries to start heating inside the car for few seconds and then shuts off. I don't think the heater itself is even actually starting.
Any ideas what could be the problem?

[X5Sport]

Could be the burner, electronics or a number of other issues.  There are a couple of threads on here about fixing them, buried somewhere in the E53 section.

Depending upon how good you are DIY you can do it yourself, or it needs to come out and go to a specialist.

BMW will offer you a new one, for a mortgage!

If you can find a Webasto agent locally they may be able to offer a repair.

Oh and to the Forum

[sprintman]

make sure that the battery is fully charged-if not it wont work - i think from memory there needs to be above a certain level of fuel in the tank and the battery needs to be above a certain percentage of charge in order for the aux heater to work- i would check both these first before looking elsewhere!

[Huxsta]

Does the e70 have one? I've got the 4.0d but never heard the little jet noise they produce...... I know my e39 530d one works with power to pin 1, but as has been said, certain fuel level, battery condition, outside temp etc etc also play a factor. My e39 heater failed when I first got the car as did the one on my old ford Galaxy, both suffering from kaput glow plugs!!!!!!!

[X5Sport]

E70 and newer they were a cost option rather than standard.  They were about £1,200 at new order.  Much more as a retrofit.

[Dessie]

Hi, I have just posted on the E53 forum as I have the same problem. Does your heater work when the engine is running?

Made me think about battery charge as there is plenty of fuel in the tank.

Can anyone tell me what the minimum battery voltage / state of charge needs to be.

[X5Sport]

Answered on your main thread.  At least 12.2V I believe, certainly not much below that.