New M5...driving question - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

JTinAZ · 23rd January 2006, 18:19

I just ordered a 2000 M5, its on a truck as we speak.

my office is < 2 miles from home, will driving the car such a short distance due any damage to it? I doubt I'll even get past 3rd gear.

Clem · 23rd January 2006, 18:24

Short jaunts can usually cause a build up of carbon and condensation in an engine.

Not sure if this applies to vehicles in climates such as Arizona or not.

All I can suggest is taking the car on hard, high RPM jaunts on the weekend to blow out some of the carbon and condensation.

Ben Carufel · 23rd January 2006, 18:25

I've always heard that short trips are the worst on a car's engine and exhaust systems; though I think the first time I heard that it was in regard to an MGB, so take it with a grain of salt.

JTinAZ · 23rd January 2006, 18:34

my main concern is the carbon build up...it just be an excuse for a Saturday morning w/o kids and wife drive to Flagstaff...115 miles of hills and curves.

It hasnt rained here in 96 days, so condensation isnt a real worry.

thanks.

Beamer_usa · 23rd January 2006, 18:37

Change the oil often and take the car on long trips every so often, that 115 mile drive to flagstaff should do the trick every so often. Good Luck enjoy the ride, it's a trip!

JTinAZ · 23rd January 2006, 18:42

How often do you change the oil? the dealer said I can wait for the Inspection II service, but thats 12K miles away and will be longer then a yr.

wilsodh · 23rd January 2006, 19:53

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTinAZ

I just ordered a 2000 M5, its on a truck as we speak.

my office is < 2 miles from home, will driving the car such a short distance due any damage to it? I doubt I'll even get past 3rd gear.

If you're only two miles from work and live in Arizona, what are you doing driving?? Dust off that bike and get some excercize!!! Save the beast for real driving!!!

Cheers,
Dave

Ben Carufel · 23rd January 2006, 20:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTinAZ

How often do you change the oil? the dealer said I can wait for the Inspection II service, but thats 12K miles away and will be longer then a yr.

I change the oil in my M Coupe, which sees less than 4k miles per year, every six months regardless of mileage.

I also don't take it on short 2-5 mile errands unless it's already well warmed up.

KevinM · 23rd January 2006, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTinAZ

How often do you change the oil? the dealer said I can wait for the Inspection II service, but thats 12K miles away and will be longer then a yr.

Congrats, you will love it! Many opinions on timing of oil changes: 3K, 5K, 7K, sticking with BMW's onboard computer recs (which comes out to every 10-12K miles). BMW will tell you just change it when the computer's dash lights indicate the need for a change. Even if you following this, however, you should have the oil changed every year minimum, even if the computer does not indicate it is time.

akiramats1 · 24th January 2006, 02:42

I also drive pretty short distances... approx. 4-5 miles each way. I try to warm up the car well each morning and make sure I take it on the freeway for a good run at least once a week. In addition, I change the oil pretty often probably in the 3-4K range.

Any board members have any other suggestions in order to keep the car performing at its best and/or keeping it in the best possible condition given the circumstances.

-Akira

Jayson · 24th January 2006, 02:50

The bmw computer acually waits for 14-15k miles depending how hard you drive.

I change mine ever 5k miles.

But at 2 miles to work why not just walk, its good for your health

Ben Carufel · 24th January 2006, 03:10

I forgot to mention this this morning, but...why not buy a cheap daily driver?

palantirion · 24th January 2006, 03:25

Quote:

Originally Posted by JTinAZ

I just ordered a 2000 M5, its on a truck as we speak.

my office is < 2 miles from home, will driving the car such a short distance due any damage to it? I doubt I'll even get past 3rd gear.

Your mileage will suck. Because the engine will never have a chance to warm up. Carbon deposits could be an issue as well. If possible, I'd find an alternate route home that will add 10 minutes or so and let it run warm for a bit. It'll be a nice way to wind down from the day and give your car a chance to blow out some carbon.