How do you warm up your car?

frolf · Dec 5, 2003

rev limiters do protect the car from damage, but not from cold start damage. the M3 SMG's shift lights come on at like 3500 until the engine is warm.

btw - there is absolutely nothing wrong with exercising your car once it is warm, for those of you who don't bring the tach above 4000, please do your bmw a favor and shift at redline once in a while.

Wadula · Dec 5, 2003

many people said that they wait till the water has reached its temp and then let go. well guys that is exactly what can kill the engine. water heates up way quicker then oil. when the water gauge says okay, the oil is still too cold for really letting her fly. to be sure you need a seperate gauge for the oil temp.
a general rule i learned is that it takes about 6-8 miles till the oil has reached it's proper temp. water needs 2 or 3 only.

ato the rev limiter thing. with regular cars the limiter kicks in way before any damage really gets possible. those engines can take way nmore, it is just that the limiter keeps them living longer as any rev en plus stresses but not necessarily kills the piston.so for the temp sensor and limiter in M5 and M3 they are as well still way safe enough to drop your worries.

and always think of it, why shjould bmw engineers include such a goodie when it actually exposes the car to a risk? they are not dumb!

klw325ci · Dec 6, 2003

Here in Germany it's illegal to warm your engine in idle for an extended period of time. My German neighbors left a note on my door telling me this. I thought they were just American "bashing" until I asked around. I would normally start the car, turn the heat on, then go back in the house, just let it run five to ten minutes. My SUV even has has remote start that I can't even use over here...legally anyway.

I found out in the colder regions of Germany they use engine warmers which are legal but very expensive.

sweetbimmer2000 · Dec 6, 2003

I've been doing it all wrong. This is the first time I had a BMW in the winter and thinking I was being real careful, I let it warm up in idel in the morning for several minutes. I will obviously change my ways after reading this thread, but I hope I didn't do any damage so far. One week isn't enough to do significant harm is it? I pray not because I love this car more than my dog!

frolf · Dec 6, 2003

Wadula said:

many people said that they wait till the water has reached its temp and then let go. well guys that is exactly what can kill the engine. water heates up way quicker then oil. when the water gauge says okay, the oil is still too cold for really letting her fly. to be sure you need a seperate gauge for the oil temp.
a general rule i learned is that it takes about 6-8 miles till the oil has reached it's proper temp. water needs 2 or 3 only.

that is a very very good point [thumb]

Average Jae · Dec 7, 2003

klw325ci said:

prolly due to additional pollution this will cause due to inefficient burning. i'm sure you know about the water issues over there.. so there you have it. make germany less brown!! dont' over idle!!! ^^

Average Jae · Dec 7, 2003

and kommendant, what you said makes more sense.. but now i can't even push my car during the 5 mile commute to work..

ignorance sure is a bliss.

MrElussive · Dec 8, 2003

Average Jae said:

Take the long way to work. The really, really, really, long way. [:D]

Sexualwasabi · Dec 22, 2003

well dang I've always warmed up in idle

Guess I'll just have to wait in gear and hold the clutch/brake for 30 secs then drive now...

sieben · Dec 22, 2003

Re: How do you warm up your car? 30 sec at P, N, or D?

frolf said:

Thanks for the excellent information. Since many E46 owners also have combined slipping problem, it seems a very good way to let the car warm up for about 30 sec. However, for an automatic car, where shall we put the trans. (P, N, or D) for this 30-sec. warm-up? I was wondering if D is the best choice?

TSilver330CI · Dec 22, 2003

If your windows are fogged, or have ice on them, I don't care how long you have to let your car warm up. Don't drive without full visibility from your windows!

donmbmw · Dec 22, 2003

I drive immediately after starting unless there is ice to scrape off the windows. Won't drive without being able to see (I'm funny 'bout stuff like that) but if windows are clear, I start and drive using manual mode so sliptronic engages, take it easy till car is good and warmed up then let it flex some muscle.

Average Jae · Dec 23, 2003

TSilver330CI said:

good point

salvo · Dec 23, 2003

Southern California Baby!!!!

LoMo987 · Dec 23, 2003

yeah my dealership emphasized to me that to let the car warm up is a bad idea, just get it in it and go. I don't do any hard acceleration at all, but its better for the car to run!

Pink_Floyd · Jan 16, 2004

Ok, well heres a question that has not yet been addressed... I dont think... I know letting the car idle is bad on a cold start, and I never did that. But how bad is it to let the car idle after driving around for an hour or more? I'm only 16 so if me and my girlfriend want some alone time the easiest thing to do is to go park the car down near the beach, leave it running for the heat and go hang out in the back seat for a little while. Is this just as bad as leaving it idle when the engine is cold?

MrElussive · Jan 16, 2004

Nope, it shouldn't be bad at all. It's the same thing as sitting in traffic.

vyh · Jan 16, 2004

Hi,
What should I do with running the car: My wife uses it to go to work (2 miles away). Should I warm the car by idling or drive it for such a short distance when the temp gauge does not even reach operating temp?

frolf · Jan 16, 2004

drive it dude. [burnout]

MrElussive · Jan 16, 2004

vyh said:

You should just drive it immediately, and gave it a good drive over the week-end.

How do you warm up your car?

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