BarryC

How many of you notice a significant amount of "hesitancy" prior to the engine reaching operating temp? Since the dealer fixed my misfire problem, I have noticed that the engine is somewhat hesitant for the first 3 or 4 miles. I'm not trying to push the car at all but the lack of go is somewhat noticable. No problems what so ever at operating temp.

Thanks,

Barry

panoply

Never had the problem you describe, though I never ask much from the car until those oil temp warnings on the tach are gone.

c4m5

I think I might have had the same thing, now I let the engine run for a few minutes before I start out and I drive very carefully until the lights on the tach are out. Are the lights on the tach for engine temp or oil temp ? engine is how I have been operating and no hard driving until the oil temp is up to "normal". DG

[This message has been edited by c4m5 (edited 28 January 2001).]

ivory1

I guess ENGINE TEMPERATURE. Based on my observations, the tach lights turn off *before* the oil temp gauge reaches the normal temp range. "Normal" oil temperature is the "real" warm-up indicator, in my opinion.

M5Mad

I've noticed that my 1150 mile 2001 has acted very hesitant in cold weather. I commute about 2-1/2 miles and the engine seems to be acting more and more hesitant as the winter wears on. I live in Atlanta where November (November 2 delivery) and December have been the coldest in history (lots of sub 20 mornings) but January has been average (25 to 35 degrees in the am and 35 to 45 in the afternoon). I left for the airport today (Saturday) in 50 degrees and the engine warmed up quickly, in the first mile. Any suggestions? Will the 1200 mile service improve things? Should I warm the car up for several minutes before driving it?? Just wait for spring?

StuMcR

Barry, I noticed same thing a few times on mine. ('01 Siverstone) Thought it was all in my mind until I read these posts! Not a bad hesitation, but it is there at times. I'm in SF Bay area, so coldest it's been is ~low 30's a few mornings. I just wait until tach lights go out before enjoying life to the fullest!

M5-BEAR

My '01 hesitates too, before the engine is up to operating temp.
I live in South Florida, not very cold here at all, but engine still hesitates for first few miles then runs fine after that!
Must be it's nature!!


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M5 BEAR

'01 M5 Jet Black/Black Luxury
'98 SL 500 Obsidian Black/Sand
'94 325iC Convertible Jet Black/Natur 5 speed

alpywhite

Me too these days. Just let 'er warm up for a few minutes.

greg

I dont' get much hesitation when cold - though I really baby it at first. However I can explain why you are instructed NOT to warm it up by idling- but rather to "drive off" right away.

The enemy of a cold engine, believe it or not, is NOT so much increased friction from thick oil. It is that below a certain temperature, there are acids produced as a byproduct of combustion that are not good to the metals in your engine. Once oeprating temperature has been reached, the chemical reactions diminish this acid production a great deal. So your goal is to let the engine warm up faster - by driving.

Now I still think you should be very gentle when the engine is cold - the metal-to-metal clearances are NOT the same as what they will be once warmed up. But the conventional wisdom (and owner's manual reccomendation) these days is to start 'er up and drive.

I learned this from a web site about automotive lubricants - fascinating - but I don't remember the URL. Might be able to search for it.....

BarryC

Thanks for all the comments. As recommended in the owner's manual, I generally start it up and drive. Based on the input here, I think the hesitancy is just the nature of the beast (pun intended)!

ivory1

I always thought the recommendation is to encourage reduced auto exhaust emissions. It is my understanding that in some European countries it is illegal to let a car idle for this reason. Perhaps our European board members know more about this.

Chase

M5MAD

I also live in Atlanta and took delivery of my car in Dec '00. I have not experienced the problems you've described. However I don't punch the throttle until the lights on the tach are minimized. Currrently I'm at 3000 miles since Dec. 14th '00 and the beast runs like clockwork everytime.

'01 M5 Jet Black/Caramel

alpywhite

I ignore the progressive redline and shift my car cold at 2500-2700 rpm at least until the needle's left the blue...it's a carried over habit from having driven a blown car...you learn to be extra-anal in warming up.

Alps