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      01-23-2013, 01:56 PM   #1
dbs600
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Cold Weather Startup Q's

I’ve come across conflicting info on best practices when starting cars in cold winter weather. It is best to start up and drive off or to idle and warm up for a few minutes before driving off?

Otherwise, I’ve had my car for two years and don’t recall this in the past, but has anyone else noticed a deeper grunt to the engine / exhaust in cold winter weather and a somewhat ‘heavier’ steering feel?

Thanks.
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      01-23-2013, 02:35 PM   #2
Slow_335i
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Originally Posted by dbs600 View Post
I’ve come across conflicting info on best practices when starting cars in cold winter weather. It is best to start up and drive off or to idle and warm up for a few minutes before driving off?

Otherwise, I’ve had my car for two years and don’t recall this in the past, but has anyone else noticed a deeper grunt to the engine / exhaust in cold winter weather and a somewhat ‘heavier’ steering feel?

Thanks.
I'm no mechanic or professional but from what i've read with most newer cars its fine to drive it right away just avoid high RPM's until it's actually warm.

I personally let my car idle for 20-30 secs. (assuming i'm in no rush) and on really cold morning 1-2mins at least.
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      01-23-2013, 03:04 PM   #3
dbs600
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Thanks for the prompt reply!
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      03-11-2013, 01:42 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by dbs600 View Post
Thanks for the prompt reply!
Newer BMWs are designed to run at multiple temps. Just start up for a few sec, so oil can reach the heads/turbos then drive off. Your engine oil is thicker when cold. Your turbos will not spool up as fast when they're cold. Per advice above, just take it easy until your oil temp reach optimum level (near middle).
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      03-11-2013, 06:02 PM   #5
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When I start my 7 in cold weather, i noticed it revs a bit higher for about 15 seconds and then the rpms lower.

I usually wait for the rpms to lower before driving.
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      03-11-2013, 10:11 PM   #6
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I've always started my car, opened the garage door, put on my seat belt, hit the heated seats, turned on the steering wheel warmer, and started to drive off keeping RPMs below ~1600 rpm, till the temp needle starts to move. Then keep it below 2500 rpm till pretty much up to temperature. If its ludicrously cold, the engine auto revs up to about 1500 rpm at first for a few seconds till it lowers back to normal idle. When its that cold, let it come back down to normal idle - about 10-30 seconds. If its below -50, start it up and come back in about 5 minutes and keep it below 1600 rpm for at least 10-15 minutes and then keep it below 2500 rpm. When its -50, seriously, think about not going wherever you are going its way too cold!
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