For sure, technology has changed our way of life. Think about the latest security features in automobiles. Many popular car manufacturers like BMW are greatly concerned regarding this matter. Due to this, often the drivers think, “Why does BMW alert at 37 degrees?” Is there any relationship between this alert and temperature?
As I said, the alert you get from BMW cars at 37°F is a safety feature. When you get it, it means the temperature is below 37°F outside the vehicle. At this temperature, ice starts to form, and the icy road conditions make it slippery (1). Well, your car may skid or slip on the slippery surface and possibly have an accident.
Now, if you get icy roads, will you prevent yourself from driving due to the risks? I guess you will not! Anyway, I will explain why BMW cars beep at 37°F outside elaboratively. You will also learn about if you can turn it off in this blog.
BMW & Its Temperature Alert System
Bayerische Motoren Werke GmbH – I feel this is too hard to remember. However, the acronym BMW is easy to remember; thus, people know this brand by this shortened form. Yet, I will not talk about this brand’s fame.
What people praise about BMW is the skills of its engineers. They input a great touch of exceptional design and a commitment to safety besides engineering. As a good example, the alert systems of BMW cars notify distinct signals to make driving smooth, safe, and enjoyable.
By alert, it means getting beeps or warning lights while you meet certain driving conditions. You may also get these alerts when something is wrong with your car. The 37-degree alert is an excellent example of these alerts.
Well, the temperature alert system monitors the engine temperature. It alerts the driver if it becomes too hot. Again, it is a part of BMW’s broader safety measures. It includes advanced features like night vision, parking assist, and stability control systems (2). These features pay for the high safety ratings of several BMW models (3).
If you see the dashboard, you will get the temperature gauge. It provides readings about the internal conditions of the car, including the engine’s temperature (4). It may indicate an issue with the coolant system when you get a high reading on the gauge.
The coolant system is crucial in regulating the temperature of the engine. It is more critical during warmer seasons when the engine must work harder (5). BMW’s warning lights tail a traffic light color system. For example, if it shows red, it indicates a severe and possibly dangerous problem like engine overheating (6).
The 37-Degree Alert: Definition & Its Significance
As you have the basic ideas of the temperature alert of BMW, I am introducing a more unique thing: the 37°F alert. It is indeed an innovative feature to prioritize driver safety. Besides, it has been a part of all BMW models for many years.
At 37 degrees Fahrenheit, the environment meets a critical point when ice forms on the road. But you cannot see it. Scientifically, it is known as “Black Ice.” It is a thin layer of ice on the road surface that is transparent and thus difficult to see (7). When a vehicle hits a patch of black ice, it can easily skid or slide. It creates a chance of meeting potential accidents.
Let me clarify one thing: the 37-degree alert is not an arbitrary feature. It has a well-thought-out rationale. Suppose the road surface is about to freeze or is already frozen (black ice). This 37°F alert will warn you about potentially slick and hazardous roads (8).
The alarm is also associated with a heating element in the engine air intake system. It activates when the vehicle recognizes a temperature drop (1).
Significance of 37°F Alert
Now, consider you are crossing a bridge in winter. The temperature is so low that ice has covered the bridge’s surface. If you cross it without noticing the layers of ice, the tires may not grip on the surface. Your car may lose traction. And then, boom! Your BMW crashes on the road or, in other ways, it may fall off the bridge.
I am giving you another example. You start the BMW engine and happily put pressure on the gas pedals. Suddenly, after crossing a few miles, the temperature starts falling. As you are inside, keeping the windows closed, you have no idea about the temperature or black ice outside. Then, you hear a warning signal from the vehicle.
In both situations, the 37-degree alert is handy. It keeps you focused on your driving even if you do not know the outside conditions. In fact, it is a timely reminder for drivers to adjust their driving accordingly (9).
Overall, BMW’s alert at 37 degrees proves this technology is not just a luxurious enhancement and performance boost. Additionally, it ensures the safety and comfort of their drivers.
Turning Off 37-Degree Alert: How to Do It
Some (precisely, a few) drivers or owners of BMW do not want the alert as they feel it is obnoxious. They think the “audible ding” and “visual warning” are unnecessary (10). It is not even a lie if you say that you do not like to hear the irritating alarm, right?
In this case, you may look for “how to turn off the cold-temperature warning in BMW.” Unfortunately, I must say, you cannot turn off this safety features alias 37°F alert. As I mentioned earlier, it has alliance with the engine air intake system. It will automatically go off after a couple of seconds of beeping.
Impact of Temperature on Vehicle Performance
Temperature significantly impacts car performance, particularly engine oil viscosity and overall performance. Heat can reduce the thickness of engine oil. It makes the oil thinner and affects the engine’s operation.
However, engineers design cars to manage temperature fluctuations. It can also take a toll on the vehicle (11).
For electric vehicles, temperature can affect the driving range. In the case of driving in cold weather, it gets reduced by 10-12%. Also, charging time increases significantly (12). Alternatively, higher temperatures can increase vehicle performance. Also, it can enhance the storage capacity of lithium-ion batteries (13).
Suppose you get an alert of 37 degrees in BMW. Then, the lower temperature may impact your driving. As a result, your driving range will reduce.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the temperature warning in BMW?
- It is an indicator that the engine is overheating. You will see the warning light on the dashboard gauge cluster of BMW cars. Hence, it may contain the words “temp” or “engine overheating” or show a thermometer picture.
- What is the safe temperature for driving a BMW car?
- Safe temperature depends on what type of temperature you refer to. In the case of engine coolant, the normal temperature should be 194°-212°F (90°C-100°C) degrees depending on ambient temperature and driving conditions (14). For oil, it should be 190°-236°F, depending on the model and driving conditions (15).
- How do I check my BMW coolant temperature?
- Check the coolant temperature digitally through the car’s onboard computer (OBC) by accessing the hidden menu. Another way is through the scan cable attached to the vehicle. It can display the coolant temperature as a parameter (16).
Conclusion: Why Does BMW Alert at 37 Degrees?
In my childhood, I wondered about luxury cars. I had an idea that these cars may fly like a magic. But as time passes, I have learned about the awesomeness of cars like BMW. And the 37-degree alert is one of its incredible features.
Indeed, this BMW alert is helpful for drivers and passengers. In this blog, I have talked about it, how it works, and its significance in driving in cold weather conditions.
In short, it signals that the temperature outside the vehicle is falling below 37 degrees. It can cause black ice, which is dangerous for driving. Besides, it connects with a heating element in the engine air intake system. It will cause BMW to beep or signal when it recognizes a temperature drop.
I hope you have understood the reasons for the BMW alert at 37 degrees. If anything sounds harsh, I welcome you to leave your question in the comment box. It would be a pleasure for me to assist you. Thank you for reading this blog
