How long do you warm up your car before driving?
06-18-2008, 06:48 AM
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My Ride: 545i Sport
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
When it is not cold in the morning that I don't need the heater, I just drive at low speed till the engine warms up (4 ticks showing on the tach). What's your take on this forum members?
06-18-2008, 06:51 AM
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My Ride: 545i Sport
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
Also I read:
...cool-down idling for a minute or three (prior to engine shutdown) is necessary on most turbo vehicles, including diesels. The reason is that the turbo bearing has engine oil running through it; at operating temperature it's hot enough to coke (char) the oil but the constant flow of oil prevents this from happening. If you turn the engine off while the turbo is hot, the oil in the bearing will char and cause terrible wear when it next spools up - it's like pouring fine sand in there. If you let it idle for a few minutes, it will cool below the char point of the stationary oil. Purely synthetic oils are a lot more difficult to char.
...cool-down idling for a minute or three (prior to engine shutdown) is necessary on most turbo vehicles, including diesels. The reason is that the turbo bearing has engine oil running through it; at operating temperature it's hot enough to coke (char) the oil but the constant flow of oil prevents this from happening. If you turn the engine off while the turbo is hot, the oil in the bearing will char and cause terrible wear when it next spools up - it's like pouring fine sand in there. If you let it idle for a few minutes, it will cool below the char point of the stationary oil. Purely synthetic oils are a lot more difficult to char.
06-18-2008, 06:57 AM
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My Ride: 545iSMGSilver GrayAuburn Dakota LeatherLogic 7 Premium SoundSports Package
Nope do neither of those... just drive off non-agressivly in the morning and shut down when i reach my destination. BMWs are everyday cars if you dont aggressivly beat on it theres no need to wait for it to idle and cool down. Even for the turbo 535 335 135 X6 etc.
06-18-2008, 07:02 AM
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My Ride: 545i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
I usally let it idle for a few minutes to get the oil circulated and then drive at low speeds until the 4 hash marks are left on the tach. In the winter I will usually let it idle for a little while longer but not much. The key is to drive at low engine speeds until the car hits the optimum engine temperature.
I have owned several turbo cars, my last a Twin Turbo Supra. I always followed the same rule of thumb. I actually had a turbo timer installed. They key is to let the turbo cool down.
I have owned several turbo cars, my last a Twin Turbo Supra. I always followed the same rule of thumb. I actually had a turbo timer installed. They key is to let the turbo cool down.
06-18-2008, 08:23 AM
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My Ride: 545i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
I let it warm up for a few minutes when it is cold out. Nothing drastic. I did hear letting the car idle for long periods of time can cause damage to the Valvetronic system.
06-18-2008, 08:24 AM
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My Ride: 545i
Model Year: 2004
Engine: N62
Originally Posted by RaveD' post='605034' date='Jun 18 2008, 12:17 PM
The user manual specifically states to drive the car immediately without letting it warm up.
06-18-2008, 08:44 AM
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My Ride: My ex-ride: EU '08 LCI 520dA. Space Grey, Sport Seats in Black Leather/Fabric Anthracite, Sport Steering Wheel, A/C with Extended Features, Hi-Fi Speakers, Cup Holders, Cruise with Braking function, Folding Rear Seats, Xenons, Park Distance Control.
No warming up is not needed nor recommendable (for environmental reason) but do not max rev it for some miles.
This is all from the "book", read it!
This is all from the "book", read it!
06-18-2008, 09:11 AM
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My Ride: 2008 BMW 550i Sport
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Recently gone, but never forgotten:
2005 Ford Mustang GT (hence the name)
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2002 Chrysler 300M Special
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I take off as soon as the low idle settles in. I wish we still had the (functioning) variable redline guage. Even though it's useless, it's still cool to look at. Any LCI folks had luck (or eve tried) getting the dealer to program that function back in?