Hi all,

Probably a silly question here, but how do I tell if the oil/engine temp is up to operating temperature? I enjoy a good punch on the accelerator every now and then, but wouldn't dream of it when the engine is cold. However, my car ('04 530dA) doesn't have an engine/oil temp gauge. So how do we know when the engine is warm?

Just curious, thanks!

 

Sorry, note to self: "search first, THEN post topic". Apologies, I've just seen how much info is available on this topic.

What I couldn't see, however, as there is no gauge available; how long do you guys think it would take the 530d engine to get up to temperature?

 

The engine (materials) and oil tech has improved hugely in the last decades.
IE the transmission and rear diff oils don't have to be changed at all on a modern BMW.

I used to have on my old gas engined E60's ('04 and '05) on the rev meter a white striped max rev indicator (see pic)
that showed when the engine was fully warm. My new '08 diesel don't have it anymore.

For normal driving the oil temps do not matter, but if you will race your car, be sure that the
engine oil is warm.
Depending on outside temp it will take some 10 - 20 mins of driving to get it warm enough for full throttle.

 

it seems on my car that in the pic that Ricracing posted, when I have 2 lines showing the car is at full operating temp.

 

As the engine warms up, the overal red-line value of RPM's (white lines) will show fewer lines. I usually wait for the RPM max red-line indicator to increase before punching it. The manual does state to NOT idle the car and wait for the oil to heat up; rather just get in and drive. Hope this helps.

 

Oil tech HAS improved hugely but not to the terms the BMW states. Why is the lifetime fill in the trans and diff considered since the BMW full service came out.... Because they don't want to pay for it. AND if the trans or Diff does die it will usually happen after 100k which all warranty is gone and BMW is off the hook. In the event which it dies under warranty... well that is what the bean counters are for. Every BMW tech that I know said that Lifetime Oil in trans and diff is CRAZY and recommend paying the money and having it changed around 50-65K.


Anyway.... My car takes about 2-3 miles(summer) 5 miles(winter) at speeds from 25-45mph before my Tach's white bars move from 4k to the two/three bars showing...

 

Hi all, thanks for your speedy and informative replies. I'll definitely check the variable redline on my revcounter to see if it applies to my diesel as well..

I agree about the trans and diff oils, my BMW mechanic said the exact same to me and recommended changing the oils which I'm gonna have done soon..