05-02-2014, 04:34 PM | #1 |
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Misinformation from BMW as to Proper Care of your engine????
Is it me, or doesn't this fly in the face as being against EVERYTHING that is usually recommended regarding appropriate techniques for proper vehicle care? I have always been under the impression that you are NOT supposed to drive off immediately with a cold engine, in that you are supposed to wait for a short time to have the proper lubrication take place within the cold engine.
Am I misunderstanding something in what BMW is recommending? Below is the quote from the BMW manual page 170. "Drive away without delay Do not wait for the engine to warm-up while the vehicle remains stationary. Start driving right away, but at moderate engine speeds. This is the fastest way for the cold engine to reach its operating temperature." Please provide some comments. Thanks, |
05-02-2014, 06:27 PM | #2 |
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This has been BMW's recommendation for over 10 years.
It's been the recommendation of virtually all automakers for over 10 years. It's been Consumer Reports' recommendation for over 10 years. Idling doesn't warm up anything but the engine; and diesel engines take forever to warm up. Idling increases emissions, especially of HC and CO, since a cold engine has to run rich. It wastes fuel. The shift to multi-weight, 0/5W-30/40 oils gets the oil through the engine very quickly; unlike the older single-weight oils. If you let the engine warm up, you still have to drive "moderately" to warm up the transmission and other drivetrain components; why not do both at the same time? This is in the 2001 3-series manual, p.63: "Do not allow the engine to warm up by leaving it running while the vehicle remains stationary. Instead, begin driving immediately at a moderate engine speed." Last edited by floydarogers; 05-02-2014 at 06:33 PM.. Reason: add manual ref |
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05-04-2014, 01:02 AM | #5 |
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If your car asks for a quart of oil, which is not unusual for new engines, make sure it is synthetic and the correct viscosity. Can cost up to $9 a quart for the good stuff.
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05-04-2014, 05:10 AM | #6 |
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Tow different things:
- When the "red" oil pressure lamp is off, your engine is fine. Some older engines used to take a few seconds after starting the engine until they had oil pressure. (Especially when the oil was hot and thinner, it could take a few sec.) - Drive off after start, but don't RPM the engine until it has reached normal temp. (Still the same recommendation as always) |
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05-04-2014, 08:43 AM | #7 | |
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Quote:
The time before driving (unless it was <32 F/0C) was closer to 30 sec-->& definitely under a minute. Then it was not aggressive (pushing the pedal to the metal) until the temp gauge was moving towards normal. I do understand the impact of synthetic oil making it acceptable to drive earlier, so it puts it in a slightly different perspective. However, the"RED" oil pressure lamp is only lit when the engine turns over for the initial start. Hopefully, it will never go red while driving~ |
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05-04-2014, 10:20 AM | #8 |
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Synthetic oil is void of organic lipids, like found in lotions. Rather polymer is added to the mix of chemicals or petroleum resulting in more predictability and control of the desired product. For example it has a higher viscosity index.
The engine management system protects the car in various ways against driving styles that would otherwise cause damage to the car. At both the engine level and driver controls. For instance 4th gear to 1st gear will not happen outside the engine envelope. I hope this helps. |
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