Is it okay to just run my BMW E46 M3 on 1 mile journeys only

[christiantroy]

Hi people...

I have finely been in a position to buy the dream car the BMW E46 M3, but im an estate agent and im only doing short half mile to one mile journeys and commute to work is only 1 mile, will this knacker the engine or will it cope?!

Thanks for any advice.

[MissChief]

This would be better in a different forum, either General Gassing or M power. I can't imagine it would do any harm as long as you don't rev the nuts off it. Keep to the limits on the Rev counter while it's warming up and I would also recommend taking it for a decent run once a week to let the oil heat up correctly and to then run it through the engine. And then rev the nuts off it. Italian tune up it's called.

If it's only a mile then get a bicycle. Free transport and gets you fit too!

[E30M3SE]

Buy one, just start taking the scenic route to work to warm the car up fully. Constant cold sart enrichment won't do the engine any favours.

[Smuler]

walk, it's summer, then save the car for weekends.

your sanity won't stand these short journeys and you will find yourself forgetting appointments and just driving out of the city for miles and miles.

but, still, congratulations on getting your dream car.

[monamimate]

Short journeys are to be avoided as they damage the oil.

As you know, oil does more than just lubricate, it also absorbs all kind of stuff, among others moisture. If the oil is not heated properly, the moisture stays in the oil, slowly reducing its abilities.

Pretty sure your owner's manual will tell you that if you drive mainly short journeys, you should change the oil more frequently...


(I'm not an oil technician, but did work for BP Lubricants for several years...)

[gruffalo]

It is the quickest way to kill an engine, nothing will get up to temperature.

[nick1275]

I would get the m3, use it as a toy, then get a snotter to run around in. As others have said it won't do the engine much good.

[crazy about cars]

That distance won't give the engine chance to warm up properly but should be ok if you keep within safe revs. You also might want to buy a battery charger/conditioner (like CTEK). A long drive during weekends would be recommended too

[ady702]

Buy it and use it properly on the weekends, bike/walk to work.

[mark.c]

You will do more damage if you beat the car whilst it's cold. Using it for such short journeys means you should change the oil more often as fuel ( cold enrichment as stated above) will be washing the bores a bit and getting into the oil. ,my advice would be to drive it IF you really have to ( gently), change the oil much more frequently than the car tells you to and finally take it out at the weekend and clear it's throat

I know plenty of people who have been doing exactly this on many high performance cars ( including M3's) over many years and not one has worn out or imploded.

Edited by mark.c on Sunday 8th June 20:49

[Yanto]

Enjoy on long drives at the weekend and walk to work !

[Schermerhorn]

Let it idle for 5 minutes before setting off. At least anncilaries will be upto temperature.

[0836whimper]

Absolutely no chance I would use an M3 for this.

Or any car. Get a bike.

[ecain63]

Eh?? For the love of god, just walk and keep the car for longer drives and weekends. You can walk a mile in under 15 mins. It'd take you that long to get in, drive and park the car wouldn't it?

[MitchT]

Smuler said:

walk, it's summer, then save the car for weekends.

If he's an estate agent he'll need a car for nipping out to appointments, so walking won't really be an option I guess. I'd get the M3 for weekends and something boring, economical and reliable for work.

[M3CS]

I thought it was the law for you guys to drive minis?

[Janesy B]

Schermerhorn said:

Let it idle for 5 minutes before setting off. At least anncilaries will be upto temperature.

That's an even worse idea.

[Schermerhorn]

Janesy B said:

Schermerhorn said:

Let it idle for 5 minutes before setting off. At least anncilaries will be upto temperature.

That's an even worse idea.

Why? In case someone nicks it?

[joema]

How lazy are you!

I wouldnt do it regularly. I do 5 mile commute a few times a week (try to ride a bike twice a week) and oil temp only just gets hot.

[mark.c]

Schermerhorn said:

Janesy B said:

Schermerhorn said:

Let it idle for 5 minutes before setting off. At least anncilaries will be upto temperature.

That's an even worse idea.

Why? In case someone nicks it?

It will take longer to warm up than actually driving it and thus increase wear.

The owners manual will tell you not to do this.