Warming up Period
Thread Starter
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 503
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From: Manchester, TN
2004 C320 pewter/charcoal
Warming up Period
Hi,
Did a quick search on the forums and this was partially addressed on a former thread. Just wanted clarification.
I had always thought that in the morning after a cold start, warming up the engine was required. I thought that this was because all the oil would be in the oil pan and therefore needed time to circulate and lubricate the engine before being put in gear. I know in the owners manual it says the engine automatically idles at a higher RPM until it heats itself, but do we have to wait for the idle to return to normal before engaging the gear?
Am I totally wrong on these thoughts? I have a new 2004 C320 and had been having it idle in my garage for about 1-2 minutes before I even throw it into reverse. I don't want to damage anything but if it is totally unnecessary I much prefer just to start and go immediately. I'm in the Northeast (Cleveland OH) and would also like advice if there should be extended warm up period during the winter (heavy snow, cold).
Thanks
Did a quick search on the forums and this was partially addressed on a former thread. Just wanted clarification.
I had always thought that in the morning after a cold start, warming up the engine was required. I thought that this was because all the oil would be in the oil pan and therefore needed time to circulate and lubricate the engine before being put in gear. I know in the owners manual it says the engine automatically idles at a higher RPM until it heats itself, but do we have to wait for the idle to return to normal before engaging the gear?
Am I totally wrong on these thoughts? I have a new 2004 C320 and had been having it idle in my garage for about 1-2 minutes before I even throw it into reverse. I don't want to damage anything but if it is totally unnecessary I much prefer just to start and go immediately. I'm in the Northeast (Cleveland OH) and would also like advice if there should be extended warm up period during the winter (heavy snow, cold).
Thanks
Member
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 113
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From: CA
Boxster987 C230KSS M3
Most of auto makers do NOT recommend heating up engine these days. It does more harm than good. You can start driving the car right away, but drive at moderate speed until the engine temp gets normal.
More importantly, warming up the car INSIDE your garage is VERY DANGEROUS!
More importantly, warming up the car INSIDE your garage is VERY DANGEROUS!
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 460
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From: Left Coast, USA
'05 C230K SS
Originally Posted by CitronC230K_03
little carbon monoxide never hurt anyone! 
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Ashburn, VA
'19 GLC 300, '19 TM3SR+
Originally Posted by Noble C320
Ok this is how I do it.
I turn on the car and wait for RPMs to fall under 1000, which takes about 15-30 secs. Then I drive below 2,000 rpm for the next 3-5 min until the car temp is about right. Then I floor it after that.
I turn on the car and wait for RPMs to fall under 1000, which takes about 15-30 secs. Then I drive below 2,000 rpm for the next 3-5 min until the car temp is about right. Then I floor it after that.
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Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
While it is true that most of the oil is in the pan, since MB is now running synthetic, there is now oil still stuck to the bearings/rings as well.
It's always a good idea to let the car idle for about 15-30 seconds, so that the oil pressure can come up, and you give the engine time to pump the oil up to the camshaft area. After this, drive gently until engine is up to temp. If you're going to really hammer the car, make certain that the car has been up to temp for about 10-15 minutes, as the coolant comes up to temp very quickly, but the lubricants (engine and transmission) take longer.
It's always a good idea to let the car idle for about 15-30 seconds, so that the oil pressure can come up, and you give the engine time to pump the oil up to the camshaft area. After this, drive gently until engine is up to temp. If you're going to really hammer the car, make certain that the car has been up to temp for about 10-15 minutes, as the coolant comes up to temp very quickly, but the lubricants (engine and transmission) take longer.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 570
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From: Montreal, Quebec
2001 C240 Tectite
Thrust me on this, I live in Montreal, and know winter 
Noble is right on this, wait for the engine to drop under 1k rpm and drive your car moderatly, staying under 3,500 rpms until the engine warms up enough . 90% of engine wear comes from starting your engine, so idling this long is not recommended.
Noble is right on this, wait for the engine to drop under 1k rpm and drive your car moderatly, staying under 3,500 rpms until the engine warms up enough . 90% of engine wear comes from starting your engine, so idling this long is not recommended.
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Joined: Apr 2003
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From: Boston
'05 A4 1.8TQM6
quickest and most efficient way to warm up your engine is to drive it gently for a few minutes, don't go over 3k RPM's until the temp gauge reaches the middle (~80c).
Start, wait 10-15 seconds and go. By letting it sit there, it's not warming up very quickly and the oil takes a lot longer to warm up to lubricate more efficiently. By driving it gently after starting, you warm up the oil quicker, therefore lubrication is more efficient
Start, wait 10-15 seconds and go. By letting it sit there, it's not warming up very quickly and the oil takes a lot longer to warm up to lubricate more efficiently. By driving it gently after starting, you warm up the oil quicker, therefore lubrication is more efficient
