What is the correct way to warm up a BMW X1?
2 Answers
Here is the correct method to warm up a BMW X1: 1. Start driving 30 seconds to one minute after ignition, but avoid high-speed driving at this time. Maintain a low speed and keep the engine speed below 3000~3500 RPM. In winter, the transmission fluid in an automatic transmission becomes more viscous. Even after warming up for a while, there may still be a delay in gear shifting. If you press the accelerator deeply at this time to quickly increase the engine speed for shifting, it can cause severe wear to the clutch plates, brake plates, and valve structure inside the transmission, thereby shortening its lifespan. 2. Once the engine temperature rises to the normal operating temperature, you can resume your usual driving style.
My BMW X1 has been with me for several years, and every cold start begins with turning the key to fire up the engine, followed by patiently waiting 15 to 20 seconds to let the oil circulate throughout the engine. Then, I shift into gear and hit the road, gently pressing the accelerator to keep revs below 2,000 RPM—like a leisurely stroll—allowing the car to warm up gradually. On colder winter days, I might extend the wait by about 5 seconds, but I never idle beyond 30 seconds. This approach saves fuel while protecting engine components from unnecessary wear. From experience, modern car designs warm up more efficiently while driving, making prolonged idling a waste of time and fuel. Adopting this routine long-term has kept my car in excellent condition.
