Thoughts about engine warm up
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Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Knee deep in bluegrass
2017 GLC300, 2013 C250 Coupe (sold), 2008 CLK 550 Cabrio (sold), 2002 C240 Sedan (sold)
Thoughts about engine warm up
Hello all, I would like to hear and have a discussion on what we feel is best practice for engine warm up on our vehicles. Myself, I have an '02 W203 with M112 engine and auto transmission and for cross reference into the 204 forums, a '13 C204 with M274 engine.
I am of the opinion or rather, I prefer mine to get up to an "operating temperature", which of course is subjective to OAT among other factors. I'm in NC, so as a generalization, I'll run for maybe 20-30 minutes or until the interior is heated in winter and in summer I'll run for 10 minutes or so.
I have used this "warm to operating temperature" methodology on every vehicle I've owned and continue to use it on my bike (air cooled Harley) and my spare vehicle, the trusty old '97 Mazda truck.
Please share your comments, experiences and technical expertise.
I am of the opinion or rather, I prefer mine to get up to an "operating temperature", which of course is subjective to OAT among other factors. I'm in NC, so as a generalization, I'll run for maybe 20-30 minutes or until the interior is heated in winter and in summer I'll run for 10 minutes or so.
I have used this "warm to operating temperature" methodology on every vehicle I've owned and continue to use it on my bike (air cooled Harley) and my spare vehicle, the trusty old '97 Mazda truck.
Please share your comments, experiences and technical expertise.
Last edited by Cntrypckr; Jan 30, 2015 at 05:13 AM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 414
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From: Victoria, Australia
04 E55
I warm mine up in accordance with the recommendation from AMG. Start it, wait till the high idle drops, then don't take it over 3000 RPM until at normal operating temperatures. The manual even says not to let he car sit to warm as the engine and oil aren't under load and apparently isn't good for it.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2014
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From: Jersey City, NJ
2001 C320 w/ Sprt Pkg
I warm mine up in accordance with the recommendation from AMG. Start it, wait till the high idle drops, then don't take it over 3000 RPM until at normal operating temperatures. The manual even says not to let he car sit to warm as the engine and oil aren't under load and apparently isn't good for it.
In other words, I wait 5-10 mins to get going.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
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From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Having a manual, I wait for there to be a fairly large block on the gauge before taking off, about 60 degrees. Any colder, and shifting is much more troublesome than usual. But like has been said, I keep the revs low until fully in range, and then start heating the cabin as well. I don't find a carbon fiber steering wheel much fun on a cold day, but would rather keep all heat doing its original intent before getting toasty.
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Joined: Nov 2007
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From: Southern California
'05 MBZ C230K and '09 MBZ C350
After start up the cold engine, I usually wait for the RPM to go below 1000 RPM at idle (which takes about 1 minute) then start driving at slow to moderate speed, at around 2000 rpm.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2014
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From: Knee deep in bluegrass
2017 GLC300, 2013 C250 Coupe (sold), 2008 CLK 550 Cabrio (sold), 2002 C240 Sedan (sold)
All great answers thank you..The wife just jumps in hers, cold engine and all and just goes. No regard for any methods we've discussed. She has done this in every car she has driven and I've never really noticed any problems with that either. That's what got me thinking about it, at least.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
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From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
OP, your method does nothing but wastes gas and increases engine wear.
Not to mention that although the engine is warm, the transmission and rear end don't really warm up.
I do the same as many people above. Cold start to revs under 1k, then go.
Not to mention that although the engine is warm, the transmission and rear end don't really warm up.
I do the same as many people above. Cold start to revs under 1k, then go.
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Joined: Dec 2013
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From: Greenville, SC
2003 W203 C230K
I do the same. After cold start, wait until it's under 1,000 rpm to put it in gear. I've got a M271 and I think there's a supercharger bypass valve that is opened until after the engine runs for maybe 30-60 secs or so on a cold start which usually coincides with the engine dropping below 1,000 rpm. If I drive before the valve is closed, the supercharger whines much louder than normal and there's no apparent boost. As it engages, the whining subsides and the boost returns 
I never run it hard unless it has reached operating temperature (~85ºC)
I never run it hard unless it has reached operating temperature (~85ºC)
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