For those unfamiliar with BlueHeat, please check out the following links:
http://www.webastoshowroom.com/blueheat/
http://www.webastoshowroom.com/blueheat/blueheat_faq.htm
This is a parking heater that runs off the car's fuel. It is far more efficient than idling the car and emits less emissions. For those who have endured a cold winter with a TDI, you know that idling doesn't generate any heat when it's *really* cold. With this system, cold starts would be a thing of the past, minimizing wear and tear on your engine. In stop and go traffic, I've personally seen my temp gauge go down to the minimum. The BlueHeat can be on while the car is running to maintain the optimum coolant temperature. No more explaining to my 5 year old daughter why the car is so cold!
Many TDI owners swear by their Frostheaters (I love mine), but the times when I can actually plug in my car are infrequent. I can't run a 27-mile extension cord to work, and they certainly aren't going to install an outlet for me in the parking lot. Not to mention the mall trips, road trips, and all the holiday traveling I tend to do. The BlueHeat system would certainly make winter travel much more enjoyable for me and my family.
While researching local installers, I found that there aren't any in CT, western MA or eastern upstate NY. This has led me to consider becoming an authorized installer for Webasto. I have been in contact with Chris Donovan, who oversees the northeast installers. Lucky for us, Chris drives a TDI and does lurk on TDIClub from time to time. He understands that we're a different demographic than what would be considered typical and is willing to work with us by letting an enthusiast/part-time wrencher go through the training program.
Becoming an authorized installer takes a significant time and financial investment on my part. Before I undertake this, I would like to know who would seriously consider buying one of these systems. If the demand is there, I'll do it. I need 5 definites to kick this into motion.
The cost of the system is normally $1695 installed. As if never having a cold car again isn't enough incentive, I will offer these to the first 5 people for $1450 installed. If there is continued interest, I will find out what ongoing discount I would be allowed to give.
Your feedback on this is appreciated.
http://www.webastoshowroom.com/blueheat/
http://www.webastoshowroom.com/blueheat/blueheat_faq.htm
This is a parking heater that runs off the car's fuel. It is far more efficient than idling the car and emits less emissions. For those who have endured a cold winter with a TDI, you know that idling doesn't generate any heat when it's *really* cold. With this system, cold starts would be a thing of the past, minimizing wear and tear on your engine. In stop and go traffic, I've personally seen my temp gauge go down to the minimum. The BlueHeat can be on while the car is running to maintain the optimum coolant temperature. No more explaining to my 5 year old daughter why the car is so cold!
Many TDI owners swear by their Frostheaters (I love mine), but the times when I can actually plug in my car are infrequent. I can't run a 27-mile extension cord to work, and they certainly aren't going to install an outlet for me in the parking lot. Not to mention the mall trips, road trips, and all the holiday traveling I tend to do. The BlueHeat system would certainly make winter travel much more enjoyable for me and my family.
While researching local installers, I found that there aren't any in CT, western MA or eastern upstate NY. This has led me to consider becoming an authorized installer for Webasto. I have been in contact with Chris Donovan, who oversees the northeast installers. Lucky for us, Chris drives a TDI and does lurk on TDIClub from time to time. He understands that we're a different demographic than what would be considered typical and is willing to work with us by letting an enthusiast/part-time wrencher go through the training program.
Becoming an authorized installer takes a significant time and financial investment on my part. Before I undertake this, I would like to know who would seriously consider buying one of these systems. If the demand is there, I'll do it. I need 5 definites to kick this into motion.
The cost of the system is normally $1695 installed. As if never having a cold car again isn't enough incentive, I will offer these to the first 5 people for $1450 installed. If there is continued interest, I will find out what ongoing discount I would be allowed to give.
Your feedback on this is appreciated.