Cold Start on x5... idle rpm

[JayX5]

I noticed on my 3.0 that whenever I strart it after it has been sitting for a while, the rpms go right down to the normal idle rpm right away. Shouldn't it first stay at around 1200 rpm as it warms up and then start to level off to the 600-700 rpm area? Sorry but I just noticed this.

[vinuneuro]

It should start off around 1k and within a few seconds (~10) it will drop down to that 600-700 range. At that point just start driving normally keeping the rpm low until it's warmed up. Don't let it warm up idling, all that does it waste fuel. It's going to reach operating temps faster under load.

[xx3]

vinuneuro is right.

Even BMW says, do not let the engine warm up by idling. Just drive off slowly - it will warm quicker and its better for the engine. Something about oil flow...

[benathon]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

It should start off around 1k and within a few seconds (~10) it will drop down to that 600-700 range. At that point just start driving normally keeping the rpm low until it's warmed up. Don't let it warm up idling, all that does it waste fuel. It's going to reach operating temps faster under load.

Love the avatar,

Driving off slow is exactly what the car does when I first pull out the garage, the car has no power.

[xx3]

Originally Posted by benathon

Love the avatar,

Driving off slow is exactly what the car does when I first pull out the garage, the car has no power.

no power? that isn't normal...

if you rev it to high rpm's while its cold it the exhaust note will sound a little like the engine is resisting thats all - all the power is there...