Curiousity: How long to let car warm up?

ATLANTA M5 · 28th October 2005, 23:41

Just a curiousity question here. When the M5 is cold, first start up in the morning, especially when the weather is cold too...how long do you guys and gals let the car sit and warm up? Just to be on the safe side I have been letting the car sit and warm up for at least one minute before actually driving away...that is recently upon cold start and the weather has also been more chilly in Atlanta and car is left outside.

Also, worth mentioning, my brother in law used to tell me that he needed to let his Ferrari 355 warm up for like 10 minutes! But, I guess that makes sense if the car has just been sitting around for days and you want to take it for a joyride better make sure that thing is well oiled up and warm.

I just can't tell you how much I love this M5. I am starting to wish my five minute drive to work was longer because the car is barely getting to full warm up when I pull into work!

Stickman · 29th October 2005, 00:01

Of course, here in So California, it isn't really "cold". But anyway, I just fire her up and drive off. No idle warm-up. However, I keep the RPMs low until the lights go out on the tach (those that go out that is

).

Anzir · 29th October 2005, 00:22

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stickman

Of course, here in So California, it isn't really "cold". But anyway, I just fire her up and drive off. No idle warm-up. However, I keep the RPMs low until the lights go out on the tach (those that go out that is

).

Ditto

GAS M5 · 29th October 2005, 01:30

I garage my car and drive off right away.

I do wait for the yellow RPM lights to go away (except the last one which always stays on) and also wait for the oil temp to get past the first line before I start pushing the car a little.

CEC · 29th October 2005, 01:36

In the winter I let it idle for a about 5 minutes - not really because I want to, but because 1st and 2nd are so stiff that it isn't easy to drive.

JB_UK · 29th October 2005, 01:40

I always let the car warm up until the oil temperature is right. Never push a cold engine!

10 mmins may seem about right, as I tend not to go aove 3000rpm (unless essential!!) regardless of what the lights on the rev counter say. Just over cautious I guess!

JB

M Macht · 29th October 2005, 02:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Stickman

Of course, here in So California, it isn't really "cold". But anyway, I just fire her up and drive off. No idle warm-up. However, I keep the RPMs low until the lights go out on the tach (those that go out that is

).

Same here in Northern CA. Modern engines are designed not to need a "warm up" period before driving off. Just be gentle with the throttle and keep the revs low until the oil is at operating temperature, i.e. when the yellow tach. lights go out. This is good advice for any modern engine. In effect, you are gently warming up the engine as you are heading toward your destination and saving fuel as a bonus.

BKH · 29th October 2005, 03:02

I've been told by an Audi factory engine designer to just drive off after startup, gently, because oil pressure at idle is sufficiently low that higher engine speeds than idle significantly (and beneficially) increase oil flow.

gsfent · 29th October 2005, 03:29

Quote:

Originally Posted by M Macht

Same here in Northern CA. Modern engines are designed not to need a "warm up" period before driving off. Just be gentle with the throttle and keep the revs low until the oil is at operating temperature, i.e. when the yellow tach. lights go out. This is good advice for any modern engine. In effect, you are gently warming up the engine as you are heading toward your destination and saving fuel as a bonus.

I am with you. In south Florida, not much of an issue. I simply start the car, and in the time it takes to buckle my seat belt and hit the sport button is the time the car gets to warm up. Gentle driving until the oil warms up(tach lights are nice, but I want the oil warmer before I get on it, so I watch the gauge).
In colder climates, if the gearbox is notchy, let it idle a little bit to warm things up a bit, and then, drive gently. It will warm up quicker under load than just sitting in the driveway at idle.
Regards,
Jerry

6spd · 29th October 2005, 03:42

I never knew there was any difference in a engine.
They all need to be warmed so pistons can expand and blowby is reduced.
I wait a few minutes till it is about a 1/4 of the way up then drive easy.
I stop at every stoplight I can at first.
I've already replaced leaky cam cover gaskets from being in a hurry.