Cold engine start (warming up)
 

Anyone has idea why BMW prohibits to warm up the engine while it remains stationary?

Does everyone compromises with cold saloon, seats etc and starts driving immediately, even when its below 15 Celcius?

How do you live with this - set a Webasto (which is enormous battery consuming), or engine autostart function using some aftermarket autoalarm system, or else?

There are many threads here debating the subject. JCL wrote a good technical post about the damage warming up can cause and suggest you just start her up and go but keep the rpms low until engine warms up.

That's what I always do. Warm it up for 15-30 seconds and then drive off, keeping the rpm lower then 3000rpm.

cmyX5go, noted, thank you.

BMWLOVER, how do you cold start when its below 25 Celcius? Below 40?

I start it and let the rpm's fall down and by then it has been about 30 seconds. Then I wait another 15-30 seconds and drive off. I don't make the x5 work hard at all until it is warmed up.

Forgot to mention the x5 is always in the garage so it isn't as cold if it was not parked in the garage.

Thank you!

cmyX5go, I can not find that post of JCL - can you send the URL pls?

When the temp drops below 20C, there is a high risk of failing to start engine, so it must be run each 2 hours for 15 mins here.

Otherwise, you will have to walk instead of driving :)

Almost the only solution is engine distant (auto) start which is prohibited by BMW.

Are there any alternatives?

i always let my truck warm up when its 32 below. never pass three thousand rpm until all warmed up

My background is as a mechanic and mechanical engineer, lots of years spent working in the engine business, with many of those years spent in the Canadian north (-40 C was common, -52 C was the worst driving conditions I was in).

Here are a few of our previous discussions on this point:

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...ason-why.html?

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e70-forum/...-starter.html?

I am not sure which post of mine was being referenced, but the these threads likely address the same themes.

Essentially, if you want to warm the vehicle you can use an electric interior heater, and an electric battery blanket will make sure that the engine cranks. Using an idling engine as a heat source causes damage to the engine. Without sufficient load on the engine it doesn't warm up, and you consequently run it for an extended period of time at less than operating temperature, which accelerates wear.

When it starts in very cold temperatures, give it a few seconds to settle down to idle, and then drive it gently right away. No heavy throttle. The load you are putting on it will warm it up much more quickly than idling will.

Jeff

I tried searching for it yesterday but had to go out. I knew JCL would be around sooner or later. It's not one of the threads he linked but he's the guy as far as engines go. :thumbup: