C63 AMG (W204) 2008 - 2015
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Proper Warmups

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Rate Thread
 
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 09:24 AM
  #1  
Jiew's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
09c63
Proper Warmups

Anybody driving their 63's in the winter? Was wondering if there is a proper way to warm up the motor. And also how long should be idled until it is actually bad for the motor. I reside in canada with winter tempuratures hovering around -10 degrees.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 09:45 AM
  #2  
chrisridebike8's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2012
Posts: 2,768
Likes: 419
'10 C63
Drive the car gently. I start the car, let the idle settle back to its normal speed and then drive. Just drive part throttle in C mode until the oil temp starts flashing. It's bad to idle a cold motor in your driveway. It's much better to drive at light load to warm it up.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 11:30 AM
  #3  
HBC350's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,075
Likes: 15
'18 C63A Cabriolet
Originally Posted by Jiew
I reside in canada with winter tempuratures hovering around -10 degrees.

That's just not right. I would move.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 11:48 AM
  #4  
realjones88's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 446
Likes: 35
2012 C63 P31 sedan
The best way to warm up the car in winter is to drive it. Avoid high RPMs/full throttle until the oil temp is up to operating temperature. While idling warms up the oil, actually driving will warm the brakes, engine, transmission, tires, etc.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 11:56 AM
  #5  
norb's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 14
From: Houston, Texas - USA
2009 C63 AMG
I use the AMG display and am gentle with the rpms until the oil temp reading stops flashing.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 01:04 PM
  #6  
tfthach13's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 620
Likes: 7
From: Sacramento, CA
'09 C63
Emphasis on NOT letting your car idle in park! Contrary to common belief, this is not a good way to warm up an engine. At cold start up, just wait until the RPM needle settles down to around 900 (you can actually hear the engine quiet down slightly when this happens), and then just drive at lower RPMs until the oil temperature stops blinking.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 01:35 PM
  #7  
g-f's Avatar
g-f
Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 207
Likes: 2
996TT
Originally Posted by tfthach13
Emphasis on NOT letting your car idle in park! Contrary to common belief, this is not a good way to warm up an engine. At cold start up, just wait until the RPM needle settles down to around 900 (you can actually hear the engine quiet down slightly when this happens), and then just drive at lower RPMs until the oil temperature stops blinking.
Yep easy to say when you're living in California.

Tuesday morning, -30c (that's -22f for those still living in the dark ages ) car was completely frozen due to a mix of fine hail and freezing rain we had the day before. I let the C63 idle for a while.

Would I let the car idle for long period of times, all the times? No. But -30c on a completely frozen car, well, even if I wanted to drive away shortly after start up, the car was still covered in ice.

The CAA says to let idle from 1-2min in cold weather before driving off. No hard acceleration before the car is properly warmed up.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 01:43 PM
  #8  
Jasonoff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Originally Posted by tfthach13
Emphasis on NOT letting your car idle in park!
Other than taking longer to warm up and wasting fuel, it won't harm anything if you're going to drive it after it has been idling.

Letting it idle then shutting it off will collect condensation in the exhaust.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 01:51 PM
  #9  
Quadcammer's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 4,949
Likes: 39
From: Clifton, NJ
96 and 08 911 turbos
Originally Posted by Jasonoff
Other than taking longer to warm up and wasting fuel, it won't harm anything if you're going to drive it after it has been idling.

Letting it idle then shutting it off will collect condensation in the exhaust.
also condensation in the oil.

That said, the idea is to get the engine up to temp as quickly as possible and the best way to do that is to drive it.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 05:45 PM
  #10  
Jasonoff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Originally Posted by Quadcammer
also condensation in the oil.

That said, the idea is to get the engine up to temp as quickly as possible and the best way to do that is to drive it.
That's still going to happen if your drives are short.
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 10:54 PM
  #11  
dchl21's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,128
Likes: 37
From: toronto
Gallado Spyder / AMG C63S / Cayenne
I do warm it up for awhile before I start driving it gently .... but im crazy ...
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 11:20 PM
  #12  
deanmc's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Apr 2014
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
2012 C63 Coupe
PreFL oil temps flash when cold? My FL oil temp stays blue until 176F, then turn white.

Jalopnik just had an article on car warm ups: http://jalopnik.com/yes-warm-your-da...old-1678251730
Reply
Old Jan 8, 2015 | 11:31 PM
  #13  
ToXicXxX's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: Sep 2014
Posts: 474
Likes: 0
From: Calgary, AB
2011 C63 AMG P31
I drive mine in the bitter cold of Calgary... I park in a heated garage though!

After work, since it's outside, I turn it on, finish cleaning up, then hop in. Oil is usually at about 50C by then. By the time I'm home oil is at 110C or so.
Reply
Old Jan 9, 2015 | 04:18 AM
  #14  
Jiew's Avatar
Thread Starter
Member
 
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 95
Likes: 0
09c63
thx for comments and replies guys.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 09:26 AM
  #15  
Roswell's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 39
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
Interesting thread.

So starting up the car, rolling out of the garage to warm it up for 10-15 minutes then drive it back in is bad for the car? (for those who store their cars in winter months like me)

I was recommended by AMG instructors at the AMG performance tour to do so to let the fluids circulate, prevent flat spot on tires & charge the battery vs letting the car sits for 5 months in winter w/ battery tender.

Actually, I've been doing this for 4 winters now & not a problem. Keep in mind I flush my oil in the spring time though.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 10:41 AM
  #16  
Merc63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
Roswell, if you are going to start your car in the winter, you want to let it get up to tempature all the way so any moisture will evaporate. Letting it run for a few mins will create moisture in the exhaust, engine etc. you're better off leaving it alone.

If you drive your car in the bitter cold, the best thing you can do is plug the block heater in over night. This warms the coolant and block. Start it up and let it idle for a coupe mins and drive away.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 12:16 PM
  #17  
Jasonoff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Originally Posted by Merc63
If you drive your car in the bitter cold, the best thing you can do is plug the block heater in over night. This warms the coolant and block. Start it up and let it idle for a coupe mins and drive away.
We have one?
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 01:35 PM
  #18  
Roswell's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 7,860
Likes: 39
From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
2010 C63 AMG, 2009 ISF , 2002 L-Tuned IS300, 2011 ML350
Merc63, unfortunately I can't drive the car around to warm it up faster as I don't have collision coverage only fire/theft insurance over the winter.

So is it safer to warm up the car til the oil light stop flashing? Thx for the good infos guys.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 07:13 PM
  #19  
Merc63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
Yes let it idle up. It will take some time but it will.

Best bet is to just leave it sit all winter and change oil in the spring before you fire it up.

Jason, ya there is one, you probably need the cord. It will plug on the block where the element is.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 07:20 PM
  #20  
Jasonoff's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
10 Year Member
Liked
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 3
 
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,351
Likes: 1,677
From: Kitchener, ON
2010 C63 AMG
Originally Posted by Merc63
Jason, ya there is one, you probably need the cord. It will plug on the block where the element is.
Interesting. I have always parked in a garage so I has never been a concern. I'm between homes (yup I'm homeless lol) with only outdoor parking this winter.

Assuming it's in the manual but where on the block is the connector? Can you reach it from the engine bay?
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 08:25 PM
  #21  
Merc63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
Ya you can reach but I am not sure where it is. Dealer would know
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 09:20 PM
  #22  
looney100's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 26
None
Originally Posted by Merc63
Roswell, if you are going to start your car in the winter, you want to let it get up to tempature all the way so any moisture will evaporate. Letting it run for a few mins will create moisture in the exhaust, engine etc. you're better off leaving it alone.

If you drive your car in the bitter cold, the best thing you can do is plug the block heater in over night. This warms the coolant and block. Start it up and let it idle for a coupe mins and drive away.
Heating the block overnight is a tremendous waste of electricity. Set a timer to turn it on 60-90 mins before you leave and it will be as warm as it's going to get.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 09:26 PM
  #23  
looney100's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 26
None
Originally Posted by Roswell
Merc63, unfortunately I can't drive the car around to warm it up faster as I don't have collision coverage only fire/theft insurance over the winter.

So is it safer to warm up the car til the oil light stop flashing? Thx for the good infos guys.
If you can't drive it, don't start it. The car doesn't care that it's cold out when it's not running.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 10:33 PM
  #24  
Merc63's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,563
Likes: 42
C63 AMG
Originally Posted by looney100
Heating the block overnight is a tremendous waste of electricity. Set a timer to turn it on 60-90 mins before you leave and it will be as warm as it's going to get.


False. 60-90 mins is not enough in this weather we have had lately. Heat doesn't just magically stop. The block and fluids will warm up. 3-4 hours are minimum in -20c + weather.
Reply
Old Jan 11, 2015 | 11:43 PM
  #25  
looney100's Avatar
Super Member
 
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 746
Likes: 26
None
NR Can says two hours is plenty...

http://www.nrcan.gc.ca/energy/effici...on/idling/4423
Reply


You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 05:38 PM.

story-0
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE