Warm up time

[Gaz_E85]

Hello all - I’ve noticed on my E85 2.2i that the oil temp needle is at the half way mark within what seems like 5 mins of driving. Is this normal?

I’ve been more accustomed to diesel engines as of late and my last car, a 335d F21 didn’t reach optimal temp til about 10+ miles into a journey.

I’m also noticing a fair bit of white smoke from the exhaust on the daily, but was hoping this was due to recent outside temps.

[Rsipad]

Pretty sure all Z4 non M's only display water temp on the gauge. 5 minutes seems normal for the gauge to reach center, although it is quite misleading. It reaches the middle at around 70-75C, but the temp it reaches when fully warm is around 95-100C.

As there's no oil temp reading, I mainly go off of when the e-dipstick clock symbol has gone away, as in order for the car to display it, the oil has to be up to temp. For me (N52 engine) this is normally after 5-6 miles of city driving or 3-4 miles of highway driving.

The white smoke could just be condensation, but if it is, it should go away when the car is up to temp. If it doesn't, and it smells sweet, coolant is likely being burnt.

[Zedebee]

The heating up part - normal. The temperature needle in my 3.0i will have made tangible progress towards halfway round the dial within a mile.

The white smoke - not normal. You should expect clouds of vapour on a cold day, but not smoke. Are you sure / does it smell?

[Gaz_E85]

Clouds of vapour possibly a more accurate description now that I’ve sobered up a bit

[raymond.harper]

You don't have an oil temperature gauge unless the previous owner retrofitted one. The car will produce quite a bit of vapour from cold, especially in Scotland! One gallon of petrol produces just under one gallon of water so it has to go out the exhaust pipe. Check you have no sludge built up under the oil filler cap or on the valve gear

[Gaz_E85]

So that needle on the dash is coolant temp? Oh dear that’s embarrassing

[raymond.harper]

You need an owner's manual. Knock yersel oot pal, this one is free! https://www.bmwsections.com/docs/z4/

[Gaz_E85]

I do! Thank you!

[raymond.harper]

Nae problem! Rust is becoming a problem with the rear subframe so have a read of this. https://zroadster.org/threads/nessie-ro ... 2-5.49539/

[brillomaster]

a 2ish litre petrol engine will warm up way way quicker than a 3 litre diesel... my petrol cars have warmed up enough to start producing good heat out the vents within about a mile of driving. my 3 litre diesel on the other hand, can do the entire 15mile drive to work on the motorway before it starts heating the cabin.